Ho Ho Holiday Activations
Photo: Jacqui Photo for Fairmont Washington, DC
Just like that, there's more than just a chill in the air and the puffy coat has made its appearance. Heavy coats aren't the only addition to the seasonal change look around! Light shows, skating rinks, holiday markets, and pop-ups all the cinnamon, sugar, and spice of the season for all your senses:
**REMINDER - Please call ahead to confirm status of event or offer**
Sippin’ Santa Pops Up
A holiday oasis with over-the-top kitschy, festive décor and a themed cocktail menu, the Sippin’ Santa pops up at Archipelago. New drinks like the White Russian Christmas, Azul Navidad, Yule Log Grog, The Regifter, and Mistletoe-to-Toe. Popular tropical staples returning include Kris Kringle Kolada, Sippin’ Santa, and Christmas Eve of Destruction. For more information, visit archipelagobardc.com
Bayou Bakery Holiday Market
Get ready to stock up with decorative, custom-designed boxes to make gift-giving easy, festive, and oh so sweet! The holiday is where the heart is and that means - hand-crafted by locally owned, James Beard Award Finalist Chef David Guas and his team. From Peppermint Bark to Sugar Dusted Chocolate Crack Cookies, Bayou Bakery’s Holiday Market - coming December 10, 2021- has something for everyone! 1515 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington, VA
NEW: Chalets in Georgetown
Discover the new chalet suites on the Bourbon Steak terrace at the Four Seasons DC. The new chalet suites are inspired by Four Seasons ski resort featuring custom-made wooden chalets, furnished with an apres-ski aesthetic. Snuggle in with a variety of creative cocktails and a special menu cooked up by Executive Chef Robert Curtis. Reservations are suggested and you can find out more info here: exploretock.com/bourbonsteakwashingtondc
It takes A Christmas Village
Christmas Village will sail back into Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in 2021. West Shore Park will be transformed into a traditional indoor and outdoor German Christmas Market. Opening on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25 through Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24, 2021, enjoy big holiday vibes with the return of the 30 foot tall Christmas Pyramid from the Ore Mountains, the 65 foot tall illuminated ferris wheel and the addition of a brand-new Christmas Village Carousel with horses and festive reindeer. 50+ local small businesses, makers, and international vendors, thousands of twinkling lights, photos with Santa Claus, appearances by Gingy the Gingerbread Man, and theme weekends with live entertainment. West Shore Park, between the Maryland Science Center and the former Baltimore Visitor Center. For more information, visit baltimore-christmas.com
Clarendon Pop-up Bar Winter Wonderland
The Winter Wonderland theme will go through January, and the team has added more decorations, instagrammable walls, and new holiday cocktails to the menu like the "Polar Express" (Grey goose, blueberry vodka, blueberry redbull, with a white shimmer) and Christmas Cookie flavored "Ornament Shooters." They're also bringing back their beloved "Jingle Juice Punch" which is a secret recipe, but includes White Claw seltzers. The Winter Wonderland will be open Friday and Saturday nights, and you can expect a lineup of live DJ performances. There is no cover to enter. 3185 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA
NEW: DC Holiday Lights Scavenger Hunt
This year, the District has a little extra sparkle for the holiday season. Until January 6, you are invited to explore fourteen different commercial corridors to experience a dazzling array of lights and participate in a citywide DC Holiday Lights Scavenger Hunt. Participants earn entries for each participating commercial corridor they visit, as well as by completing other scavenger hunt tasks such as locating answers to trivia questions on the corridors and finding secret codes at businesses across DC. The more entries they earn, the more likely they are to win one of the $5,000 in prizes available from local businesses all across the District. Participating corridors include: Adams Morgan, Chevy Chase Main Street, Cleveland Park Main Street, Columbia Heights Main Street, Eastern Market Main Street, Georgetown Main Street, The Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, Logan Circle Main Street, Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street (Petworth, Park View, Pleasant Plains), Mount Pleasant Main Street, The Parks Main Street (Riggs Park & Manor Park), Uptown Main Street & Petworth Main Street (Brightwood Park, Columbia Heights & Petworth), U Street Main Street, and Woodley Park Main Street. Each participating corridor has its own holiday events, specials, and promotions taking place throughout the month. dcholidaylights.org
We're Going Downtown (Holiday Market)
The Downtown Holiday Market returns to the nation’s capital for its 17th year now through Thursday, December 23. The spacious, open-air market will take place in Penn Quarter, filling up two entire blocks of F Street NW, from 7th to 9th Streets, NW—steps away from the Capital One Arena and Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Expect a range of family-friendly offerings including emerging artisan makers & crafters, returning favorite vendors, festive decor and lights, authentic German treats and local bites, and live entertainment on the main stage for over five weeks. Admission to the Downtown Holiday Market is free and open to the public with hours from 12:00 to 8:00 PM. (Downtown Holiday Market is closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 25 and Monday, December 6). For more information, visit downtownholidaymarket.com
Nationals Get Enchant-ed
The baseball diamond at Nationals Park will be transformed into a Christmas light maze and village. Enchant is back at Nationals Stadium through January 2nd. Embark on an unforgettable journey of Christmas awe and wonder at Enchant — a world where Christmas comes to life... and to light. Enchant Christmas, the “World’s Most Magical Christmas Light Maze & Village”, is a whimsical and heartfelt event for the holiday season. Cherish time with family and friends as you glide down the Ice Skating Trail. Sample gourmet holiday treats from around the world, visit the artisan Christmas market, and meet the Big Man himself to whisper your most heartfelt Christmas wish. Then, step into an all-original, fully-immersive light maze experience. To purchase tickets, visit tickets.enchantchristmas.com
Gingerbread Village at Fairmont
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown’s festively decorated lobby to is proud to display this year’s magical gingerbread village. Executive Pastry Chef A.J. Thalakkat designed it just in time for Santa’s visits. Some of his culinary elves assisted him with the assembly of the enchanting sugar-filled community. Guests of all ages are welcome to stop by for a peek. Afterward, enjoy a cup of
hot cocoa or a holiday cocktail in the lobby, or by a toasty fire pit in the hotel’s courtyard.
Fairmont’s gingerbread village will be on display throughout the month of December. fairmont.com/washington
Light It Up
The team at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC proudly continues Light Up The Season with holiday programming to bring light and joy to the children and their families who need it most. Patients at Children’s National collaborated with local designers to make unique trees and decorations that glow bright with a child’s imagination. View these incredible designs in the Hotel lobby through January 2, 2022. While viewing the trees, do not miss the vibrant holiday market on the front courtyard of Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC with market stalls featuring unique gifts and culinary offerings created by the Hotel craftspeople and local artisans. Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, through December 19, the Hotel becomes an outdoor holiday shopping destination with musical entertainment, light and snow displays. For more information, visit fourseasons.com/washington
Georgetown Ice Skating Rink
It's just like riding a bike, if that were just like a baby deer trying to walk for the first time. Regain your ice legs at DC’s largest outdoor ice skating rink at The Washington Harbour, which in now for the 2021 - 2022 season! Skating rentals are available every day until as late as 11 pm for both general admission and private events, including the holidays. Equipment will be disinfected after each 1.5-hour skating session, which won't improve your skills but will offer some peace of mind. Time to tee up those triple axels along the Potomac. thewashingtonharbour.com/ice-skating
Merriment in Georgetown
Georgetown is celebrating the holiday season with Merriment in Georgetown – featuring gift guides, a holiday market, neighborhood bonfire, DC’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, holiday lights competition, cookie tour, and more, all season long. Highlights include the Holiday Market Fridays-Sundays through December 19 in the Four Seasons Hotel courtyard. The European-inspired outdoor stalls will feature gifts and culinary offerings created by local artisans, benefiting Children’s National Hospital; DC Holiday Lights, through January 6, where more than 25 businesses along Wisconsin Avenue will be decorating their storefronts for the holidays, competing for awards for Most Creative Use of Lights, Most Colorful Display, Best Window Display, and Most Georgetown; Grace Street Bonfire on Friday, December 10 from 5 pm – 8 pm: stop by the lot at 1044 Wisconsin Ave and enjoy free food, drinks and treats from nearby restaurants and bakeries, live music, and a cozy fire to make s’mores; Georgetown Cookie Tour: On Saturday, Dec. 11 from 10 am – 2 pm, support Georgetown’s local businesses and build their own holiday cookie box as they go, with treats from local bakeries; Holiday Streateries: Georgetown’s holiday streateries and decked-out restaurants feature everything from heated patios, to fire pits, festive dining chalets, and 25 days of holiday cocktails, and Georgetown’s Calendar of Events includes even more holiday happenings and promotions. georgetowndc.com/holiday
NEW: Popping Up On The Roof
Hi-Lawn has launched “Mount Hi-Lawn” a winter aprés ski-inspired pop-up complete with fire pits, hot cocktails, live music, DJ day parties, game nights, shotskis and more. The retro-inspired bar has installed a 2500 sq. ft. heated tent and is serving as an alpine lodge-style getaway for the cold season. Located on the Rooftop at Union Market, the sprawling space is ideal. Ian Fletcher has debuted a selection of hot cocktails including the Mariachi Fever Dream (tequila, agua de jamaica, cinnamon, citrus) and the Winter Rules (mulled wine, rum, blueberry, orange). Lastly, do not miss the ShotSki, a group activity of drinking shots off of an actual ski. For more information, please visit hilawndc.com
Holiday Road in Virginia
The Holiday Road experience will expand to Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia from November 26th through January 2nd. The enchanting walking trail is illuminated with larger-than-life holiday light displays providing a safe and festive outing for guests of all ages. Guests will be transported into a winter wonderland complete with everything from the North Pole, Elf Village, Gingerbread Lane, light tunnels, Christmas tree forests, and more. Tickets available at holidayroadusa.com
Light it Up
The larger-than-life light installation of Light Yards 2021 will feature illuminated, 22 feet tall trees trimmed top to bottom in holiday decor and festooned with lights that cast The Yards’ Sun Deck with beautiful, colored patterns. This light-filled wonderland is the perfect place for the whole family to get in the holiday spirit. The installation was designed by Australian artist studio Amigo & Amigo Wednesday, December 1 – Saturday, January 1. Every night from 6:00 – 10:00 PM. For more information, visit theyardsdc.com
Maker's Made
Village at Leesburg opened a unique new retail experience for the holiday season, MADE Market. Opened until January 2 The MADE Market is an indoor artisan market that features local artists of many mediums including oil paintings, watercolor, and pastel. Some fine jewelers will have their creations available in the market. Ceramic and wood artisans, textile artists, fine crafters who make unique gift sets, handmade body care, and much more will also be available. Most of the artists are local to Loudoun County but there is also curated work from artists as far away as Utah and Michigan. Most of our artists will be available in the store so shoppers can meet the maker and create something with many of them. For a complete holiday schedule, visit, villageatleesburg.com/events
NEW: Gingerbread as Big As Santa
Children of all ages should tour Santa’s life-size gingerbread house and take a bite of his delicious home. Open during the entire month of December at the Mandarin Oriental Washington, DC. Anyone visiting can experience the best of the hotel's offerings including afternoon teas, spa services and a luxury shopping opportunity, Holiday Shop and Play. (Adults should enjoy worry-free shopping, dining, or spa time while the little ones live it up and are well looked after at the Panda Club. For reservations and more details, visit mandarinoriental.com
The Conservatory at MGM
MGM National Harbor’s holiday display explores the childlike wonder and excitement of the season with grand decor for a timeless and magical experience, now through January 9. The Conservatory display is comprised of nearly 1,500 poinsettias, includes a 26-foot-tall toy soldier, a 20-foot-tall snowman, with a little girl adding a carrot nose atop a 12-foot wooden ladder, displays nine overhead, oversized ornaments, each featuring 10,000 small ornaments, and features a 7-foot-tall and 22-foot-long train. Don't miss Cirque Dreams Holidaze – This awe-inspiring, eye-popping family holiday spectacular wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family. The show will run from December 16-19 at The Theater. mgmresorts.com
It's a Miracle
Miracle at Death Punch Bar brings back fan favorites such as Christmapolitan, Christmas Carol Barrel, Snowball Old-Fashioned, Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r!, Jingle Balls Nog, Nice Shot, and Naughty Shot. New this year is the Elfing Around cocktail as well as freshly updated and renewed recipes for the Jolly Koala, On Dasher, and SanTaRex.
NEW: Not Another Holiday Pop-Up Bar, Honest
In wintertime, the short days and lack of sun cause a drop in serotonin production. This contributes to emotional disturbances like sadness and irritability. To provide an alternative experience for you to enjoy during this time, that doesn't entirely revolve around drinking, Not Another Holiday Pop-Up Bar spans across all the majors - the December Holiday Season, New Year's and Valentine's Day. A place of respite for attendees to positively impact their mental and physical health immediately through guided and sound meditation, experiential space immersion, interactive epsom bath bar, and a functional market & apothecary. Yes Please. Your ticket includes: Build Your Own Pouch from Floral & Herbal Tea Bath Bar, Themed Inner Glow Meditation, Crystal Alchemy Singing Bowls Sound Bath and so much more. For tickets and more info, visit eventbrite.com
Private Dining Holiday-Style
The Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square is offering a very unique way to enjoy the holidays. Dine in the privacy of one of the hotel’s festively decorated Père Noël Suites. Enjoy a French-inspired holiday dining menu and whimsical Christmas decor in the comfort of your private suite. A perfect evening for a dinner for two, a family celebration or a dinner party for up to six people. Available Tuesday through Saturday, from 4 pm until 9 pm. For reservations please call 202.730.8800
Once Upon a Tiki Christmas
Todd Thrasher throws an all out blow out decorative holiday gathering spot at his Tiki TNT, inspired by the parade of rum-soaked days Thrasher spent island-hopping as a scuba dive instructor - transforming this rum emporium into an exotic escape. A colorful bonanza of Christmas lights will project on every wall, snow machines will blast throughout, and two-foot-tall Santas sporting beachwear will stand perched at the bars and entryway. Imbibers are invited to toast to the holidays over the Tiki TNT Holiday Spectacular Punch and Hot Pineapple Cider served in decorative Santa Mugs. “Once Upon a Tiki Christmas” will be spreading holiday cheer through January 2, 2022. For more information, visit tikitnt.com
Get Tinseled
Loudoun County’s newest, fully interactive winter destination, Tinsel, is a unique collection of light displays, entertainment and fun activities that appeal to one and all, along with amazing food and drink from popular area food trucks and Loudoun County’s wineries and breweries. Dance through the one hundred and twenty-foot tinsel tunnel decked out with twinkling lights and festive music. Stop in at the #gettinseled tent for a warm drink and Insta-worthy dress-up moments before strolling by #Allcaps Corner into Stargazer Square. From selfies with Santa, VIP entertainment, craft demonstrations and more, For Tinsel tickets, visit tinselva.com
