Hanukkah begins this Sunday at sundown and runs for eight nights, and there’s no shortage of family-friendly ways to celebrate across the DMV. Nycci Nellis of TheListAreYouOnIt.com shares highlights including the National Menorah Lighting at the Ellipse on December 14, Westfield Montgomery Mall’s menorah lighting and festival on December 15, Old Town Alexandria’s six-foot menorah lighting the same day, and the Mosaic District’s glow-and-dance menorah lighting on December 17. Favorites throughout the week include Hanukkah in the Dark at Theater J, a kid-friendly musical, Hanukkah Story Time at the Capital Jewish Museum, the festive “Fried & Festive” party at Sixth & I, and the beloved Hanukkah Story Trail with a Giant Gelt Drop in Lincoln Park, where chocolate coins rain down from a fire truck.

WTOP’s Mark Lewis welcomed listeners into a festive Friday morning as the region gears up for Hanukkah, beginning at sunset this Sunday and running through December 22, with Nycci Nellis of TheListAreYouOnIt.com sharing a delicious roundup of what’s cooking across DC. From latkes at Baked by Yael and menorah cake pops to mini sufganiyot at All Day by Capitol Hill, DIY holiday kits from Vanessa Shabbat, creative dishes and even a sufganiyot cocktail at Baba, and Silver & Sons’ elevated Hanukkah menu, the city is full of flavor. Add in pop-up bar fun like Ivy & Coney’s life-size “Shot-nora,” Hanukkah happy hours at Hook Hall, and plenty of food-and-drink traditions, and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate.

DC Cocktail Week is back, celebrating the anniversary of the end of Prohibition with a weeklong showcase of the region’s top bartenders, chefs, and beverage teams. Featuring more than 130 participating bars and restaurants across the DMV, the event offers exclusive cocktail and bite pairings at a set price through Sunday. Highlights this year range from decadent wagyu-infused cocktails to nostalgic mini martini pairings, along with special events like tastings, classes, pairing dinners, rooftop parties, and the grand finale—the DC Bartenders Guild’s 16th Annual Repeal Day Ball. Full details and participating locations can be found at dccocktailweek.com.

During a Tuesday mid-morning WTOP news update, host Mark Lewis shares an alternative to hours in the kitchen for Thanksgiving with expert recommendations from Nycci Nellis of TheListAreYouOnIt.com. The segment highlights a wide range of Thanksgiving takeout and pickup options, from smoked turkey at 2Fifty Barbecue and Mexican-inspired brined turkeys with mole to Persian feasts at June and Peking duck packages from Peter Chang’s restaurants. Listeners are also guided to standout pies, desserts, and full holiday meal kits from beloved neighborhood favorites and acclaimed restaurant groups. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, families are encouraged to place orders immediately before spots sell out.

During a WTOP market update, host Denise Pellegrino highlights a festive Thanksgiving dining guide with expert Nycci Nellis of TheListAreYouOnIt.com. The segment features a curated roundup of top Washington, DC–area restaurants offering unique Thanksgiving experiences, from Italian-American feasts at Michael Mina’s new Aqua Pescara to refined Michelin-starred tastings at Bresca and traditional favorites like Blue Duck Tavern. Options range from French bistro family-style dinners at Josephine to waterfront buffets with views at The Point. With many restaurants nearing capacity, listeners are urged to make reservations as soon as possible for a stress-free Turkey Day.

Join Nycci Nellis as she brings her signature energy and insider expertise to WTOP for this Halloween 2025 segment! From spooky sips and creative culinary treats to the hottest happenings around the DMV, Nycci breaks down everything you need to make your Halloween weekend delicious, festive, and unforgettable. Perfect for food lovers, event seekers, and anyone looking to celebrate the season in style.

In this Halloween 2025 WTOP segment, Nycci Nellis dishes on the best ways to celebrate the spooky season across the DMV. From festive food and drink recommendations to can’t-miss events, parties, and local happenings, Nycci brings her insider knowledge and signature flair to help listeners plan the ultimate Halloween weekend. Perfect for anyone craving seasonal bites, creative cocktails, and all things festive.

Support the DC dining scene during Restaurant Week 2025! Listen in for the James Beard nominees and finalists, as well as Nycci's do's and don'ts during Restaurant Week!

Nycci knows oysters! Whether a seasoned shucker or first-time taster, listen in to Nycci's oyster guide in honor of National Oyster Day!

Late to celebrate National Fried Chicken Day? Not to fear, Nycci has all sorts of recommendations for chicken in the DMV! Listen now.