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Miracle returns to Adams Morgan with a “Grandma Got Run Over by a T-Rex” cocktail that doubles as an ornament.
Melissa Hom

A Running Map of D.C.’s Most Festive Holiday Pop-Ups

‘Tis the season to gulp spiked eggnog while soaking up wintery decor

by Vinciane Ngomsi and Tierney Plumb
View as Map
Miracle returns to Adams Morgan with a “Grandma Got Run Over by a T-Rex” cocktail that doubles as an ornament.
| Melissa Hom
by Vinciane Ngomsi and Tierney Plumb

It’s that time of the year again where bars and restaurants across the D.C. area temporarily forgo or augment year-round offerings in favor of holiday cocktails, themed bites, and over-the-top decor like life-sized Santas and tinsel-strewn trees.

The list is still growing, but here are some already-announced activations in the form of pop-up bars, restaurants, and markets to stock up on gifts. And for Taylor Swift-centric holiday pop-ups, parties, and cocktails menus around town, go here.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Rec Pier Chop House

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Up for a Baltimore trip? Count down to Christmas at the Sagamore Pendry Hotel’s Rec Pier Chophouse with a special off-menu cocktail to celebrate the 12 nights leading up to Noël. And starting this weekend, Inner Harbor’s West Shore Park comes with twinkling lights, themed weekends, rides, stalls for European and German sweet and savory treats, gooey Swiss raclette, and mulled wine.

The Sagamore Pendry Hotel, 1715 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231
(443) 552-1300
(443) 552-1300
The Christmas Village pop-up is back at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
Christmas Village

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Death Punch

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Miracle at Death Punch, now in its third year in D.C., fully immerses guests with holiday cheer via floor-to-ceiling decorations (think: a big green Grinch) and drinks served in all sorts of Santa-shaped and Christmas mugs that are also for sale. Reservations are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome for standing room only. The bar is open from Friday, November 25 to Wednesday, December 30. Returning cocktails like the “Christmapolitan” and “Snowball Old Fashioned” join newcomers like the “Christmas Cricket” and “Holiday Spiked Chai.” An ugly Christmas sweater party is scheduled for December 1.

2321 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 450-2151
(202) 450-2151
“Jingle Balls Nog” at Death Punch.
Melissa Hom

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Archipelago

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Sippin’ Santa’s nationwide pop-up takes over the D.C. tiki bar with a sea of festive rum drinks and beachy decor starting Friday, November 25.

1201 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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Side Door

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Pub and the People’s year-old cellar speakeasy Side Door shows off Santa’s naughty side with a Krampus cocktail pop-up starting Friday, December 2. The potent 18-count cocktail list includes a “Flipping Biscottis” (grappa, biscotti liquor, creme de cacao, cold brew coffee liquor, whole egg), “Elf Around and Find Out” (dark rums, spiced raspberry, absinthe), and “Krampus Baby” (Oaxacan hot chocolate with mezcal and cacao). Open Thursday to Saturday nights until as late as 1 a.m.

1648 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Side Door gets into the Krampus holiday spirit.
Side Door

El Cielo

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The team at Michelin-rated Elcielo brings a Caribbean-styled Christmas to La Cosecha from December 1 to 24 (no reservations required). The “El Caribeño by Elcielo” pop-up features five cocktails and one mocktail (horchata) alongside Colombian street foods. Options include an Elvis-themed “Hunka Hunka” (peanut butter whiskey sour) and San Andrés (rum, white Curacao, pineapple juice). Bites include perrito de camaron, carimañola, aborrajado, avocado tempura, and arepa de chocolo with cheese. Each cocktail with accompanying snacks is $20. Located at La Cosecha’s centrally located culinary studio.

1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 569-9855
(202) 569-9855
Elcielo hosts a no-reservations Christmas cocktail pop-up at La Cosecha.
Elcielo

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Bourbon Steak

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Head to Bourbon Steak’s stone patio and dine in one of the custom-made wooden chalet suites designed after an iconic Four Seasons ski resort. Plates inspired by each location are also on hand, like a hot miso-buttered shellfish platter at the Whistler suite or a dry-aged, bone-in New York steak weighing in at 18 ounces in the Jackson Hole suite. 

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 944-2026
(202) 944-2026

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Ciel Social Club

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Starting Friday, December 2, the stylish rooftop bar in Mt. Vernon Triangle channels chic Aspen vibes all winter with pinecones, dried oranges, and a Veuve Clicquot-orange snowmobile. Along with lots of bubbly pours, the Ciel Chalet pop-up slings “Under the Mistletoe” (Mt. Gay Eclipse Rum, cranberry elderberry cordial, lime, cinnamon Cointreau, Angostura) and “Getting Figgy Wit’ It” (fig-infused Botanist Gin, homemade tonic, pine, peppermint, soda water). The pop-up runs through February 28.

601 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(855) 243-5762
(855) 243-5762
Ciel Chalet runs through February.
Ciel Social Club

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Estuary

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From November 16 to December 23, visitors can take in the Winter at Bay Experience at the Conrad Washington DC. The chic hotel’s South Terrace is turned into a welcoming urban escape, outfitted with fire pits, hot cocktails, and warm bites from the Chesapeake-inspired menu. Try “The Wood Stove” — mezcal, hot chocolate, and marshmallows — and roasted oysters for a seasonally appropriate duo.

950 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 844-5895
(202) 844-5895

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Stable DC

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Stable co-owner and beverage manager Silvan Kraemer whipped up a winter drink menu that features hot cocktails with origins connected to his native Switzerland. Sip on those and comforting winter fare inside a private ski chalet all season long. The Swiss staple will also do a fondue pop-up called Little Stable at Nationals Park’s Enchant DC starting November 25. 

1324 H St NE, Washinton, DC 20002
(202) 733-4604
(202) 733-4604

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LYDIA ON H

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H Street’s lively Afro-Caribbean restaurant rolls out a Motown-themed pop-up bar for the holidays from November 25 to December 29. A festive set of drinks come from Lydia’s Malawian owner Victor Chizinga.

1427 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 601-7913
(202) 601-7913

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The Watergate Hotel

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The iconic igloos inside The Watergate Hotel are back for the season, and this year’s activation draw inspiration from the Swiss Alps. Guests can enjoy a cozy, private get together on The Next Whisky Bar’s terrace while savoring specialty cocktails. Call for reservations.

2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
(844) 617-1972
(844) 617-1972

Tonari

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Hole in the Wall, a holiday pop-up dessert bar, opens in Tonari on Friday, November 18. Diners can enjoy a multi-course feast of sweets (and spirit-free drink options) that replaces the normal savory dinner selection. Daikaya Group’s pastry chef Mary Mendoza is best known for inventing the doffle and for her decadent, chicken-fat chocolate cakes at Bantam King.

707 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 289-8900
(202) 289-8900

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Urban Roast

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The all-day Penn Quarter cafe goes all out every holiday, and this Christmas marks its biggest pop-up yet. Neon “Kiss Me Under the Mistletoe” signage up front leads the way to a sea of garland, tinsel, faux snow, evergreen trees dotted with glittery ornaments, and life-sized Santas at every turn. Toast s’mores around its fire pits up front while sipping newly released winter cocktails.

916 G St NW suite c-2, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 519-4629
(202) 519-4629

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Dirty Habit

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An Alpine-centric pop-up takes over the Dirty Habit courtyard for the holiday season. Located inside Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco, sip après ski cocktails and warm up in cozy blankets by outdoor fire pits. A snow cannon is also on hand for Instagram-worthy snaps. Offerings include the “Spiked Ponche,” a Mexican Christmas punch and elegant European dishes by chef Edgar Escalante like warm gougères (French cheese puffs) and smoked cassoulet with black winter truffles.

555 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 449-7095
(202) 449-7095

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Hotel Washington

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Hotel Washington’s holiday suite is making its highly anticipated return this year. Decked out with festive decor, handmade cookies, family-friendly books and classics films on DVD, take in picturesque views while sipping hot cocoa and spiked eggnog upon request. The suite is available for guests to book during the duration of December.

515 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 661-2400
(202) 661-2400

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B Live

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Jingle Bell Rock, an over-the-top Christmas pop-up bar inside B Live, opens to the public on Tuesday, November 29. Clarendon’s new live music venue temporarily transforms into a holiday oasis adorned with oversized ornaments, colorful lights, swathes of shimmering garland, giant candy canes, and life-size nutcrackers. Warm up with festive cocktails served in holiday glassware and Christmas cookies. Timely events include an ugly sweater party, toy drive, a mistletoe photo booth, and karaoke (calling all “All I Want for Christmas Is You” fans).

2854 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
(571) 312-7094
(571) 312-7094

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Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company

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The three-story rum emporium along the Southwest Waterfront kicks off “Once Upon a Tiki Christmas” on Monday, November 21. The Polynesian-themed tiki bar transforms into a wintery retreat, complete with a colorful bonanza of Christmas lights, snow machines, and Santas sporting beachwear. S’mores served on a vintage party platter can be toasted around a mini grill. Mixologist Todd Thrasher also debuts a pop-up gift shop upon entry selling limited batches of Thrasher’s Jamaican Rum and Chief Lapu Lapu cocktail mixes with a branded rum glass.   

1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 900-4786
(202) 900-4786
Tiki TNT serves seasonal cocktails in Santa mugs.
Mack Ordaya

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Tap99

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The self-pour tap house across from Nationals Park flips into a garland-filled holiday bar starting on Black Friday. Tap99 offers 99 taps of beer, cider, wine, seltzer, hard kombucha and kegged cocktails alongside new holiday cocktails and seasonal beers. Tap99 also decorates its streatery with an 18-foot Christmas tree for the season.

1250 Half St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 481-4190
(202) 481-4190
Tap99 hangs wrapped presents from the ceiling.
Tap99

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Enchant Washington DC

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From Black Friday until New Year’s Day, Nationals Park gets a holiday makeover in the form of a 100-foot-tall Christmas tree and impressive lights display that depicts a story about Santa’s magic timepiece. Search for stars in the midst of lighted tunnels and a family-friendly maze. Snag last-minute gifts, ice skate, and finish the evening with samplings of sandwiches, s’mores, homemade doughnuts, and more. Tickets here.

1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(276) 262-4268
(276) 262-4268

National Landing Market

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Complete holiday shopping at National Landing while enjoying refreshments from local eateries. Over 13 merchants — from Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique to Commonwealth Joe — are confirmed, but expect that number to rise as it gets closer to the Saturday, December 3 event. Event details here.

556 22nd St S, Arlington, VA 22202

Trummer's Restaurant

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Starting Thursday, December 8 at this polished Clifton, Virginia restaurant, a different holiday beverage flies on and off the menu for 12 days straight. The lineup hasn’t been revealed yet, but last year’s offerings included flights of eggnog, clarified cookie milk spiked with brandy and vanilla, and a “Christmas Morning” cocktail made with rum, gingerbread, coconut, and hot cocoa foam.

7134 Main St, Clifton, VA 20124
(703) 266-1623
(703) 266-1623

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Rec Pier Chop House

The Sagamore Pendry Hotel, 1715 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231

Up for a Baltimore trip? Count down to Christmas at the Sagamore Pendry Hotel’s Rec Pier Chophouse with a special off-menu cocktail to celebrate the 12 nights leading up to Noël. And starting this weekend, Inner Harbor’s West Shore Park comes with twinkling lights, themed weekends, rides, stalls for European and German sweet and savory treats, gooey Swiss raclette, and mulled wine.

The Sagamore Pendry Hotel, 1715 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231
(443) 552-1300
(443) 552-1300
The Christmas Village pop-up is back at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
Christmas Village

Death Punch

2321 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Miracle at Death Punch, now in its third year in D.C., fully immerses guests with holiday cheer via floor-to-ceiling decorations (think: a big green Grinch) and drinks served in all sorts of Santa-shaped and Christmas mugs that are also for sale. Reservations are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome for standing room only. The bar is open from Friday, November 25 to Wednesday, December 30. Returning cocktails like the “Christmapolitan” and “Snowball Old Fashioned” join newcomers like the “Christmas Cricket” and “Holiday Spiked Chai.” An ugly Christmas sweater party is scheduled for December 1.

2321 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 450-2151
(202) 450-2151
“Jingle Balls Nog” at Death Punch.
Melissa Hom

Archipelago

1201 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Sippin’ Santa’s nationwide pop-up takes over the D.C. tiki bar with a sea of festive rum drinks and beachy decor starting Friday, November 25.

1201 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Side Door

1648 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Pub and the People’s year-old cellar speakeasy Side Door shows off Santa’s naughty side with a Krampus cocktail pop-up starting Friday, December 2. The potent 18-count cocktail list includes a “Flipping Biscottis” (grappa, biscotti liquor, creme de cacao, cold brew coffee liquor, whole egg), “Elf Around and Find Out” (dark rums, spiced raspberry, absinthe), and “Krampus Baby” (Oaxacan hot chocolate with mezcal and cacao). Open Thursday to Saturday nights until as late as 1 a.m.

1648 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Side Door gets into the Krampus holiday spirit.
Side Door

El Cielo

1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

The team at Michelin-rated Elcielo brings a Caribbean-styled Christmas to La Cosecha from December 1 to 24 (no reservations required). The “El Caribeño by Elcielo” pop-up features five cocktails and one mocktail (horchata) alongside Colombian street foods. Options include an Elvis-themed “Hunka Hunka” (peanut butter whiskey sour) and San Andrés (rum, white Curacao, pineapple juice). Bites include perrito de camaron, carimañola, aborrajado, avocado tempura, and arepa de chocolo with cheese. Each cocktail with accompanying snacks is $20. Located at La Cosecha’s centrally located culinary studio.

1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 569-9855
(202) 569-9855
Elcielo hosts a no-reservations Christmas cocktail pop-up at La Cosecha.
Elcielo

Bourbon Steak

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

Head to Bourbon Steak’s stone patio and dine in one of the custom-made wooden chalet suites designed after an iconic Four Seasons ski resort. Plates inspired by each location are also on hand, like a hot miso-buttered shellfish platter at the Whistler suite or a dry-aged, bone-in New York steak weighing in at 18 ounces in the Jackson Hole suite. 

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 944-2026
(202) 944-2026

Ciel Social Club

601 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Starting Friday, December 2, the stylish rooftop bar in Mt. Vernon Triangle channels chic Aspen vibes all winter with pinecones, dried oranges, and a Veuve Clicquot-orange snowmobile. Along with lots of bubbly pours, the Ciel Chalet pop-up slings “Under the Mistletoe” (Mt. Gay Eclipse Rum, cranberry elderberry cordial, lime, cinnamon Cointreau, Angostura) and “Getting Figgy Wit’ It” (fig-infused Botanist Gin, homemade tonic, pine, peppermint, soda water). The pop-up runs through February 28.

601 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(855) 243-5762
(855) 243-5762
Ciel Chalet runs through February.
Ciel Social Club

Estuary

950 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

From November 16 to December 23, visitors can take in the Winter at Bay Experience at the Conrad Washington DC. The chic hotel’s South Terrace is turned into a welcoming urban escape, outfitted with fire pits, hot cocktails, and warm bites from the Chesapeake-inspired menu. Try “The Wood Stove” — mezcal, hot chocolate, and marshmallows — and roasted oysters for a seasonally appropriate duo.

950 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 844-5895
(202) 844-5895

Stable DC

1324 H St NE, Washinton, DC 20002

Stable co-owner and beverage manager Silvan Kraemer whipped up a winter drink menu that features hot cocktails with origins connected to his native Switzerland. Sip on those and comforting winter fare inside a private ski chalet all season long. The Swiss staple will also do a fondue pop-up called Little Stable at Nationals Park’s Enchant DC starting November 25. 

1324 H St NE, Washinton, DC 20002
(202) 733-4604
(202) 733-4604

LYDIA ON H

1427 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

H Street’s lively Afro-Caribbean restaurant rolls out a Motown-themed pop-up bar for the holidays from November 25 to December 29. A festive set of drinks come from Lydia’s Malawian owner Victor Chizinga.

1427 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 601-7913
(202) 601-7913

The Watergate Hotel

2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037

The iconic igloos inside The Watergate Hotel are back for the season, and this year’s activation draw inspiration from the Swiss Alps. Guests can enjoy a cozy, private get together on The Next Whisky Bar’s terrace while savoring specialty cocktails. Call for reservations.

2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
(844) 617-1972
(844) 617-1972

Tonari

707 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Hole in the Wall, a holiday pop-up dessert bar, opens in Tonari on Friday, November 18. Diners can enjoy a multi-course feast of sweets (and spirit-free drink options) that replaces the normal savory dinner selection. Daikaya Group’s pastry chef Mary Mendoza is best known for inventing the doffle and for her decadent, chicken-fat chocolate cakes at Bantam King.

707 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 289-8900
(202) 289-8900

Urban Roast

916 G St NW suite c-2, Washington, DC 20001

The all-day Penn Quarter cafe goes all out every holiday, and this Christmas marks its biggest pop-up yet. Neon “Kiss Me Under the Mistletoe” signage up front leads the way to a sea of garland, tinsel, faux snow, evergreen trees dotted with glittery ornaments, and life-sized Santas at every turn. Toast s’mores around its fire pits up front while sipping newly released winter cocktails.

916 G St NW suite c-2, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 519-4629
(202) 519-4629

Dirty Habit

555 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

An Alpine-centric pop-up takes over the Dirty Habit courtyard for the holiday season. Located inside Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco, sip après ski cocktails and warm up in cozy blankets by outdoor fire pits. A snow cannon is also on hand for Instagram-worthy snaps. Offerings include the “Spiked Ponche,” a Mexican Christmas punch and elegant European dishes by chef Edgar Escalante like warm gougères (French cheese puffs) and smoked cassoulet with black winter truffles.

555 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 449-7095
(202) 449-7095

Hotel Washington

515 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Hotel Washington’s holiday suite is making its highly anticipated return this year. Decked out with festive decor, handmade cookies, family-friendly books and classics films on DVD, take in picturesque views while sipping hot cocoa and spiked eggnog upon request. The suite is available for guests to book during the duration of December.

515 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 661-2400
(202) 661-2400

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B Live

2854 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Jingle Bell Rock, an over-the-top Christmas pop-up bar inside B Live, opens to the public on Tuesday, November 29. Clarendon’s new live music venue temporarily transforms into a holiday oasis adorned with oversized ornaments, colorful lights, swathes of shimmering garland, giant candy canes, and life-size nutcrackers. Warm up with festive cocktails served in holiday glassware and Christmas cookies. Timely events include an ugly sweater party, toy drive, a mistletoe photo booth, and karaoke (calling all “All I Want for Christmas Is You” fans).

2854 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
(571) 312-7094
(571) 312-7094

Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company

1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

The three-story rum emporium along the Southwest Waterfront kicks off “Once Upon a Tiki Christmas” on Monday, November 21. The Polynesian-themed tiki bar transforms into a wintery retreat, complete with a colorful bonanza of Christmas lights, snow machines, and Santas sporting beachwear. S’mores served on a vintage party platter can be toasted around a mini grill. Mixologist Todd Thrasher also debuts a pop-up gift shop upon entry selling limited batches of Thrasher’s Jamaican Rum and Chief Lapu Lapu cocktail mixes with a branded rum glass.   

1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 900-4786
(202) 900-4786
Tiki TNT serves seasonal cocktails in Santa mugs.
Mack Ordaya

Tap99

1250 Half St SE, Washington, DC 20003

The self-pour tap house across from Nationals Park flips into a garland-filled holiday bar starting on Black Friday. Tap99 offers 99 taps of beer, cider, wine, seltzer, hard kombucha and kegged cocktails alongside new holiday cocktails and seasonal beers. Tap99 also decorates its streatery with an 18-foot Christmas tree for the season.

1250 Half St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 481-4190
(202) 481-4190
Tap99 hangs wrapped presents from the ceiling.
Tap99

Enchant Washington DC

1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003

From Black Friday until New Year’s Day, Nationals Park gets a holiday makeover in the form of a 100-foot-tall Christmas tree and impressive lights display that depicts a story about Santa’s magic timepiece. Search for stars in the midst of lighted tunnels and a family-friendly maze. Snag last-minute gifts, ice skate, and finish the evening with samplings of sandwiches, s’mores, homemade doughnuts, and more. Tickets here.

1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(276) 262-4268
(276) 262-4268

National Landing Market

556 22nd St S, Arlington, VA 22202

Complete holiday shopping at National Landing while enjoying refreshments from local eateries. Over 13 merchants — from Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique to Commonwealth Joe — are confirmed, but expect that number to rise as it gets closer to the Saturday, December 3 event. Event details here.

556 22nd St S, Arlington, VA 22202

Trummer's Restaurant

7134 Main St, Clifton, VA 20124

Starting Thursday, December 8 at this polished Clifton, Virginia restaurant, a different holiday beverage flies on and off the menu for 12 days straight. The lineup hasn’t been revealed yet, but last year’s offerings included flights of eggnog, clarified cookie milk spiked with brandy and vanilla, and a “Christmas Morning” cocktail made with rum, gingerbread, coconut, and hot cocoa foam.

7134 Main St, Clifton, VA 20124
(703) 266-1623
(703) 266-1623

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