When the holiday season arrives, Washington, D.C. comes alive with the glow of warm lights illuminating the city's streets and historic landmarks. As part of the season's magic, numerous venues offer opportunities to soak in the holiday spirit and enjoy festive culinary experiences. Here are 12 spots in D.C. where you should celebrate the holidays with food and drink.
For the fifth consecutive year, Death Punch has delighted patrons by ushering in the holiday season with a lively Christmas pop-up. The bar's creative cocktails include the Snowball Old-Fashioned, a blend of rye whiskey, gingerbread and aromatic bitters, and the Hot Buttered Rum, a warming concoction made with aged Jamaican rum, oat milk, nutmeg, velvet falernum and mixed spiced butter. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Honoring Theodore Roosevelt's affection for classic American comfort food, Teddy & the Bully Bar presents a decadent Christmas feast with unique dishes ranging from shrimp gumbo beignets to orange-glazed Virginia ham. Guests can enjoy endless hand-carved stations and an array of desserts, including an unlimited sundae bar.
To welcome the new year in style, the restaurant is hosting an electrifying disco party featuring DJ Zanz. Patrons can enjoy an open cocktail bar and gourmet hors d'oeuvres as they dance the night away. The festivities will culminate in a New York-style ball drop.
At the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, guests can get in the holiday spirit with "25 Days of Cocktails." This "spirited" countdown to Christmas features a rotating selection of holiday-themed cocktails. A new drink is showcased in The Living Room between 5 pm and midnight each day. The hotel also offers kid-friendly events, including fireside s'mores, a gingerbread house workshop and a Letters to Santa event.
Eclairons in Arlington, VA, is known for its assortment of holiday treats. Menu highlights include holiday eclairs infused with rich vanilla cream and macarons made with peppermint, eggnog and gingerbread. The bakery's classic Christmas stollen -- a traditional German fruitcake with marzipan and powdered sugar -- is another crowd favorite. For those cold winter days, their hot cocoa bombs melt into a rich, chocolatey treat. The bakery also offers a selection of holiday tarts, with flavors such as apricot-blueberry and pumpkin.
Returning for its second year, Lulu's Wine(ter)garden transports guests to a desert holiday oasis accented by whimsical cactus Christmas trees. Guests can partake of a seasonal winter menu with comforting dishes and beverages, including Santa's Cookies & Cream -- a gingerbread-rimmed espresso martini -- and St. Nick's Nogchata, served in a Santa glass.
Every Friday and Saturday evening in December, the Pendry Washington, DC - The Wharf offers "Cookies & Cocoa," inviting guests to savor a warm combination of hot cocoa and cookies. Additionally, the hotel presents a seasonal twist on its traditional tea service, aptly named "Boozy Tea." This special tea service includes festive flavors such as peppermint, gingerbread and cocoa. Noteworthy options include the dirty chai, made with vanilla vodka, housemade chai and oat milk, and the Harvest Moon, which blends bourbon, spiced apple cider, cinnamon-infused black tea, honey and lemon juice.
Through January 5, head to the Lodge at the Cut Above rooftop lounge at Rosewood DC in Georgetown. Guests can cozy up with fur blankets, warm lanterns, and an assortment of wintery beverages, including the lounge's signature winter mule. A variety of snacks like pretzels and braised short-rib grilled cheese sandwiches are also available.
Celebrate this holiday season with à la carte Christmas specials at Olio e Più DC. On Christmas Day, treat the whole family to mouthwatering dishes such as lasagna alla bolognese and a Christmas log dessert made with citrus fromage blanc mousse, berry compote and crispy milk chocolate popcorn. Every Sunday through Thursday, all bottles of wine are 50 percent off, including sparkling wines for toasting and a selection of whites, rosés, and reds to complement your meal.
Experience a unique dining atmosphere at the Watergate Hotel's cozy, private igloos with seasonal libations like ornament cocktails and specialty bites like fondue and poutine. Situated on the terrace of The Next Whisky Bar, each igloo can accommodate up to six guests for a rental charge and minimum per-person food and beverage fees. The hotel's Kingbird restaurant offers prix fixe menus for Christmas and New Year's Eve, with enticing items such as brioche-crusted turbot and roasted beet salad.
Zooz offers a holiday-themed menu that includes seasonal cocktails, such as the peppermint espresso martini and merry mojito. The cocktail bar also hosts a series of holiday events, including Christmas karaoke nights, an ugly sweater contest and a New Year's Eve countdown bash with live DJ performances and a midnight champagne toast.
Urban Roast is known for its extravagant holiday decorations; this year is no exception. The venue is decked with Christmas trees, candy canes and a ceiling draped with presents. It also has an extensive seasonal drink list that includes Christmas café flights, s'mores martinis, Mrs. Clausmopolitans and hot toddies.
At Ambar's three D.C.-area locations, you'll find special Christmas Eve and Day menus for takeout, brunch and dinner. The restaurant offers holiday brunch and dinner menus that feature unlimited small plates such as meatball sliders, salmon tartare, and Balkan pork ribs.