Hot Ways to Embrace the Cold

Brrr, it’s freezing out there. But don’t let the chill get you down, let’s get cozy and make the most of it. You’ll find us snuggled up in posh winter chalets, lounging in luxe igloos, and warming our toes by roaring fires. You know the team here at TheListAreYouOnIt.com has curated the ultimate list of ways to turn up the heat on your winter plans. So grab your coziest scarf, and let’s make these frosty fabulous.

Photo: Headway

Year of the Snake: Lunar New Year

National Harbor Year of the Snake:  National Harbor is a great place to ring in the Year of the Snake with an array of cultural experiences including an authentic Lunar New Year menu at Ginger, traditional lion and dragon dances, and a magnificent Conservatory display featuring a 28-foot-long snake. Book your experience here. 
 

Lace Your Skates

Sculpture Garden: The DC Sculpture Garden ice rink is open.  Enjoy  Pavilion Café and pop-up performances from Team USA and local figure skaters at 7:00 p.m. with a meet-and-greet to follow. To purchase a ticket, click here. 

Washington Harbor: The Washington Harbor Ice Rink is officially open for the holiday season! Enjoy scenic view of the Potomac River, Kennedy Center, Key Bridge, and more while skating. For more information, click here.

Reston Town Center: RTC offers public skating daily with extended hours for the Holidays. The skate shop is stocked with over 500 pairs of skates ranging from size 8 toddler through men’s size 15, in both figure and hockey styles. Adult Admission: $11. Youth (12 and under): $9 Senior (55+): $9 Military: $9 Skate Rentals: Group (10 or more & includes skate rental) $14. $7 Skate Aids: $10 Skate Sharpening: $7 Socks: $4 Gloves: $4 Handwarmers (single): $2. Rent here. 
 

Keeping Cozy

La Vie: Take in the views of the city with igloos on top of La Vie. La Vie offers unique and exclusive outdoor/heated dining experience Igloos with a View, located at the Penthouse level overlooking the Wharf and beyond. Enjoy brunch or dinner in the igloos. More info here. 

The Wharf: Enjoy a campfire over at the wharf.  Outfitted with a cozy wood-burning fire, the vintage Airstream trailer offers all the essentials for the perfect s’more—marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers and roasting sticks. Info here. 

Limani: Experience an unforgettable dining escape over the water in Limani's custom-built, crystal-clear, frameless igloos. Each luxurious igloo sits atop a bespoke platform, fully insulated for warmth and comfort and heated to ensure a cozy atmosphere, plus a Bose sound system, and charging station. With a spacious and elegant interior, each igloo accommodates 4-8 guests. Reserve here. 

Winter Wonderland at Ambar Clarendon: Ambar Clarendon transformed the restaurant’s lower level into a Winter Wonderland. Reminiscent of a walk in the forest after a dusting of fresh snow, this cozy bar and dining room area is transformed for the holiday winter season with a chalet-inspired décor. Ambar’s team worked with designers at Bee Inspired Events, to create this fantasy wonderland setting which will remain in place through January 31st. Ambar is introducing new winter cocktails that are perfect for this cozy environment.

Firepits & S’more at Rooftop Kitchen: Rooftop dining is a rare treat in the Capitol, and Rooftop Kitchen has you covered this winter. Featuring an expansive patio complete with large outdoor fire pits, patio heaters, and cozy blankets, it’s the ultimate spot to snuggle up, enjoy incredible city views, and indulge in delicious drinks and bites. Sip on signature cocktails like the smoky Wahakan Hat Trick, a Rooftop Old Fashioned made with Russell’s Reserve 10-Year, an Espresso Martini crafted with Hanson of Sonoma Espresso Vodka, or a classic Negroni with Ford’s Gin. For something sweet, enjoy dessert wines like Taylor Fladgate 10-Year Port, offering spicy, woody complexity with rich cherry fruit notes. More info here. 

Tabletop Firepit Experience at Calico: Calico is partnering with WhistlePig Whiskey and Solo Stove to offer a tabletop firepit experience this Fall and Winter. The firepit experience includes campfire inspired cocktails and smores kits on their heated patio. The experience is available every Thursday - Sunday for $25 per person. To make a reservation, click here. 

Mercy Me’s Winter El Chalet: For the second year, Mercy Me has been transformed into a charming winter chalet in partnership with IHG. Filled with snow-covered pine, ambient lighting, wood textures, and fireplaces throughout, Mercy Me’s El Chalet brings together a warm ambiance, hearty cuisine, festive cocktails, and the spirit of Patagonian winter celebrations to create an ideal seasonal escape. The chalet patio will open on December 3rd, welcoming guests from Tuesdays through Saturdays and offering Seasonal Sips and Festive Fare. For more information, click here.

Snow Globe Pop Up at Hi-Lawn: Hi-Lawn has unveiled “The Dome” – a spherical, immersive “gastro-gallery under the stars” experience. Snowglow at The Dome is embracing European-inspired comfort foods, with an a la carte menu of shareable small plates from esteemed chef Nathan Beauchamp. Find comfort in dishes such as fondue raclette, luxe lobster bisque, and seasonal smørrebrød, plus a filet-for-two. For more information, click here. 

A Toast to Staying Toasty at Park Hyatt: Park Hyatt has debuted its Fire Garden. The newly created outdoor oasis is reflective of a sunken garden with this Zen-like space which is ideal for unwinding with family and friends to enjoy the crisp temperatures offset by the working firepits and cozy blankets provided on the terrace. The Fire Garden is open seven days a week, from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (weather permitting). Seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. o keep one’s spirits warm, guests can savor handcrafted winter cocktails that will be available exclusively at the Fire Garden. Choices include the Gingerbread Martini with vanilla vodka, Irish cream and ginger; Chai White Russian with chair spiced cream, spiced rum and cinnamon, and Hot Toddy with cognac, rooftop honey, lemon and cloves. For more information, click here.
 

Where Else You'll Find Us

The Olney Theatre: Olney Theatre Center’s production of Sara Bareilles’ beloved musical Waitress in the Roberts Mainstage will reunite star MALINDA in the lead role of Jenna, and director/choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge, when it begins performances on February 13, 2025. Tickets are available here. 

Duke’s Bamboo Bar: Duke's Grocery's sister restaurant, Duke's Counter in Woodley Park, is going all in for the return of pandas to Washington, D.C. with the introduction of "The Bamboo Bar," a panda-themed pop-up. You can enjoy drinks served in an assortment of panda drinkware furnished with edible garnishes and sustainable bamboo straws, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, as well as hot beverages, and kid- friendly offerings. Featured drinks include the “Panda-Colada”, a piña colada riff made with silver rum, coconut, and pineapple, topped with chocolate shavings, served in a tall panda-branded glass with green bamboo straws, the “Bao-zy Hot Chocolate”, a hot chocolate with amaretto, cayenne, and cinnamon, served in a color-changing panda mug, and more. More info here.