The countdown is on, the bubbles are chilling, and we’re ready to shimmy into a shiny new year. 2025 had its triumphs, its twists, and—if we’re being honest—its fair share of “did-that-just-happen?” moments. But through every toast and table shared, we found reasons to celebrate. And now? It’s time to trade last year’s confetti for a fresh sprinkle of glitter and dive fork-first into the future. As we welcome 2026, TheListAreYouOnIt team is raising a glass to you, our fellow food lovers, party people, and “I-just-want-a-fabulous-dinner-and-to-be-home-by-12:01” crowd.Whether you plan to clink champagne coupes till sunrise or indulge in a decadent tasting menu, we’ve gathered every tasty way to ring in the new year right here. Scroll, plan, and prepare to sparkle — and be sure to check back often as we keep adding fresh festivities. May your new year be filled with joy, good health, exquisite bites, and all the delicious discoveries our region never stops serving up. Check it out here!

Khao Kala, also known as Coconut Shell Hill, hosts a two-night-only Thai dinner party inspired by the hilltop’s legendary UFO lore. On December 30th and 31st, guests are invited to experience an endorphin-fueled northern and northeastern Thai set dinner, featuring bold flavors and the return of Mekhong whiskey–marinated pork ribs. Dinner is priced at $90 per person, with an optional $60 wine pairing available, exclusive of tax. Ticket prices include service. Reservations are for in-person dining for groups of three or fewer, with communal standing-room seating inside the shop. Guests may add the wine pairing in advance or order beverages at the counter upon arrival. More info here.

Song Dog Farm Distillery, Montgomery County’s newest destination for spirits lovers, is turning up the heat for winter with new fire pits on the farm and a three-day Winter Fest, December 19–21. Guests can warm up around the fire pits with Hot Toddies and cocktails, enjoy the heated porch, or head inside to the cocktail bar and distillery.

Lincoln restaurant will bid a heartfelt farewell with a final night of service, inviting you to celebrate the memories, meals, and milestones of the past 15 years. The send-off takes place from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Lincoln, with passed hors d’oeuvres and the debut of “The Final Penny Mule” cocktail offered from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Dinner reservations are available for both small and large groups, and guests are encouraged to reconnect with old friends, share favorite Lincoln memories, snap a photo on the iconic Lincoln chair, and take home a penny from the restaurant’s original floor as a keepsake. Lincoln’s final meals will be served from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. RSVP is requested by emailing [email protected].

ChurchKey welcomes Cellarmaker Brewing Company to the DMV debuting the celebrated San Francisco brewery with a special lineup of 12 drafts and bottles. Guests can explore Cellarmaker’s hop-forward, experimental style, including rare barrel-aged pours and exclusive selections, available à la carte with no admission fee.

Boundary Stone hosts its annual Atlas Toy Drive Fundraiser, welcoming Santa to the pub on December 17. Adults who bring an unwrapped toy donation will receive a free Atlas Brew Works beer. Santa will be available for photos from 5 to 8 p.m., with tickets priced at $10 each; all proceeds benefit St. Baldrick's Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to pediatric cancer research. More info here.

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC hosts its Holiday Spectacular, transforming the historic hotel into an elegant, festive escape for a late-afternoon holiday outing with the family. Guests can enjoy seasonal bites inspired by the hotel’s signature afternoon tea, sip on drinks from the holiday mimosa bar, and warm up with decadent hot chocolate from the specialty station. The event features live entertainment, lavish holiday décor, and complimentary professional portraits by the tree, printed onsite as keepsakes. Santa will also make an appearance, adding a classic touch to family portraits. More info here.

The 2026 DC Travel & Adventure Show returns to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center January 17–18, bringing nearly 300 destinations and travel suppliers together under one roof. This year’s event features celebrated travel personalities Rick Steves and Samantha Brown, alongside an expansive array of exhibitors representing Italy, South Africa, the Caribbean, and top North American getaways. Attendees can explore the new Dive and Water Sports Pavilion, meet one-on-one with global travel experts, and enjoy dozens of educational sessions covering everything from solo travel and packing tips to local immersion and budget-friendly planning. With exclusive show-only deals, expert insights, and opportunities to personalize future trips, the DC Travel & Adventure Show offers an immersive weekend designed to inspire every type of traveler. Tickets start at $16, with free admission for children 16 and under and complimentary entry for active-duty military plus four family members. Click HERE to grab your tickets.

Medium Rare rings in 2026 with its beloved New Year’s Day Pajama Brunch, returning on Thursday, January 1st, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at all DMV-area locations. Guests are invited to start the new year in comfort and style by arriving in their coziest, classiest, or most creative pajamas for a chance to win $100 Medium Rare gift cards in four categories: Best Family Jammies, Most Creative Pajamas, Best Group Theme, and Most Festive PJs.While judges discreetly circulate the dining room, brunchgoers can enjoy Medium Rare’s signature prix fixe offerings, including Steak & Eggs, the Famous Benedict, overnight-soaked French Toast, and bottomless mimosas.A festive, cozy, and crowd-favorite tradition, the Pajama Brunch offers a cheerful start to the year at one of the region’s most beloved brunch destinations.

Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique has announced the launch of Grape School, a new monthly wine education series debuting in January 2026 in National Landing, VA. Held on the first Monday of each month from 6:30–7:30 PM, the program offers an approachable and engaging way for guests to explore a different grape variety through curated wine tastings, paired bites, take-home notes, special guests, and the boutique’s signature playful atmosphere. “Each month we spotlight a single grape so guests can truly taste its personality, its history and its range,” says owner Zena Polin. Designed for everyone from curious newcomers to seasoned sippers, the series fosters connection through wine, learning, and community. The January–May lineup features expert-guided sessions on Malbec, Nebbiolo, women-led wineries, Grüner Veltliner, and Sagrantino—complete with a May the Fourth twist. Tickets are $35 per person, with extremely limited seating. Email Zena at [email protected] to pay and reserve your spot.