A number of restaurants break out the twinkling lights, wreaths and Christmas trees during the holidays. We've selected a few that really get into the holiday spirit, with oversized nutcrackers, carolers and even a Harley-riding Santa. Here's a look at 10 really festive DC-area restaurants. —Julekha Dash
Commissary (1443 P St. NW). Coffee shop and bar Commissary has decorated the whole restaurant with oversized wreaths and nutcrackers. The Logan Circle joint promises that there will be lots of Hanukkah decorations, including large metallic dreidels, starting Dec. 22 for Latke-Palooza. The event features bottomless latkes and donuts for $15.
Hill Country Barbecue Market (410 7th St. NW). Hill Country Barbecue Market is decorated throughout the two-floor restaurant with garland, twinkling lights and oversized snowflakes and holiday balls hanging from the ceilings. The festive soundtrack is rocking with a range of country and not-so-traditional carols, such as Robert Earl Keen's subversive "Christmas with the Family."
The Fainting Goat (1330 U St. NW). At U Street's The Fainting Goat, you'll find mistletoe hung from sparkly chandeliers, wrapped gifts in every window, Poinsettia-topped tables, and wreaths and nutcrackers throughout.
Vinoteca (1940 11th St NW). In addition to a real, live Christmas tree in the dining room, Vinoteca has put up twinkly string lights, vases and bowls of glittery ornaments.
Le Diplomate (1601 14th St. NW). Logan Circle's Le Diplomate boasts a striking holiday display with a tinsel-strung, floor-to-ceiling high Christmas tree with in the middle of the restaurant near the bread station. There's also twinkly lights and garland throughout the restaurant, along with string lights wrapped around trees on the terrace.
Mari Vanna (1141 Connecticut Ave NW). The chandeliers at the Russian eatery are decked in tinsel and ornaments while the walls are covered with stockings and winter decorations. The railings at the Dupont Circle restaurant are also wrapped in garland and Christmas lights.
Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery (1515 N Courthouse Road, Arlington). David Guas has decorated his restaurant Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery with festive holiday decorations with a New Orleans twist. The Arlington, Va., restaurant features a Harley-riding Santa, a wreath wrapped around a Louisiana alligator head and hand-made paper garlands.
Gypsy Soul (8296 Glass Alley, Fairfax). Gypsy Soul has a life-size nutcracker in the entry way and an eight-foot tall Christmas tree with three lit reindeer and gift boxes outside.
1789 (1226 36th St. NW). Upscale Georgetown restaurant 1789 features antiques toys, custom floral displays, trees, garlands and wreaths. Grapevines entwined with white lights decorate the ceilings of the Middleburg Room. Live caroling through the restaurant continues now through Christmas.
Old Ebbitt Grill (675 15th St. NW). At Old Ebbitt Grill, guests are welcomed by two 15-foot-tall nutcrackers flanking the front door, which were custom made for Clyde's Restaurant Group. Hundreds of poinsettias, garlands, twinkling white lights and wreaths also decorate the oyster bar and grill.
