The Best Holiday Events in DC:
Our Top Picks
Wondering what the best holiday events in DC are? Well, wonder no more. The Goodhart Group has rounded up our favorites for you. So eat, drink, shop, skate, view, enjoy and be merry this holiday season!
Miracle on 7th Street
1839 to 1843 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
DC bar owner Derek Brown transforms his three adjacent Shaw bars into a true holiday wonderland! Stop in for a festive holiday-themed cocktail like “Brew Dolph the Rein Beer” (made with pilsner, cranberry cordial, and rosemary sugar) or the “Hebrew Hammer” (mulled Manischewitz) in a decked-out holiday space. The pop-up bar’s decor includes a 19th-century sleigh for photo ops, thousands of tree ornaments, and a working toy train. The Miracle on 7th Street is open through December 31.
Ice Skate at The Wharf
735 Water Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
What could be better than gliding over the ice while enjoying amazing Potomac River views? Check out The Wharf’s new ice skating rink, located just outside The Anthem. The rink is open from early December through late February. Bring your own skates or rent them on site. Adult admission is $10; children are $8 each (a military discount is offered). Grab a drink or meal afterwards at one of The Wharf’s many fabulous bars and restaurants (read more on what’s new at The Wharf).
Heurich House’s Christkindlmarkt
1307 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
Visit this traditional German Christmas market in the garden of the Heurich House in Dupont Circle. This unique shopping experience offers goods from over 40 local artisans, including jewelers, ceramicists, chocolatiers, and more. You can also take a self-guided tour of the seasonally-decorated museum. Then grab a bite at the Christkindlmarkt; pizza, barbeque and Traditional German fare from Capitol Hill’s Cafe Berlin, are all offered onsite, along with beer from Right Proper Brewing Company.
ZooLights
3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Every evening from Black Friday to New Year’s Day (except December 24, 25 and 31) the Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers ZooLights (from 5-9pm). ZooLights includes more than 500,000 environmentally-friendly lights that transform the Zoo into a true winter wonderland. The dazzling light display is set to music as well! ZooLights also includes live music, holiday treats, and shopping opportunities. Best of all? ZooLights is free!
Igloos at the Watergate Hotel
2650 Virginia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20037
The Next Whiskey Bar (at The Watergate Hotel) now offers “luxurious igloo experiences” on its outdoor terrace. These four igloos are actually 12-foot heated domes that seat two to eight guests. You can reserve an igloo for an evening starting at $100; food and beverage are extra. You can order from the bar’s menu of whiskeys, cocktails, and bar snacks or choose from three specially designed packages to highlight the igloo experience. The igloos are available daily from 4-10pm.
The Nutcracker
There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than taking in the classic holiday ballet, The Nutcracker. You can see the Washington Ballet’s production at The Warner Theater or see it at the iconic Kennedy Center.
We hope you enjoyed our best holiday events in DC, be sure to check out our article on the best holiday events in Alexandria too!
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