Light the candles, flip the latkes, pass the sufganiyot! Hanukkah 2025 begins at sundown on Sunday, December 14 and runs through Monday, December 22. The DMV’s got celebratory menus, pop-ups, and take-home spreads to keep every night glowing. Think brisket and kugel, modern spins, and plenty of jelly-filled joy.We’re updating as details roll in, check hours, pre-order deadlines, and availability before you go.Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken: Ring in the holidays with Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken’s Holiday Mini Boxes. The Hanukkah Mini Box features four Jelly-filled, three Sugar Cookie, three Vanilla Glazed, and two Crème Brûlée doughnuts decorated with dreidel accents and chocolate coins.Baked by Yael: Baked by Yael is sweetening the season with a festive Black & White Menorah Cookie - a soft, cake-like shortbread topped with vanilla icing on one side and rich chocolate on the other, finished with a beautifully decorated menorah. The bakery’s full Chanukah collection also includes Menorah Jumbo Cakepops, a Chanukah Cakepop Gift Box, and handcrafted dreidels, menorahs, and challah boards, offering plenty of ways to add joy (and dessert) to the holiday; Click here for more info.Ivy and Coney: Beginning Monday, December 1st through the end of the month, the Manischewitz shall flow, the dreidels shall spin, and fun will be had by most. Mercifully, Hanukkah arrives fashionably late this year (starting 12/14), giving us a solid two weeks to pregame and mentally prepare for the miracle of oil lasting eight days (or the miracle of us lasting eight shots).I Egg You: I Egg You is celebrating Hanukkah with mini sufganiyot filled with housemade strawberry jam, priced at 3 for $9. The holiday special will be served December 15 to 19; Click here for more info.Manischewitz: Manischewitz is helping families celebrate Chanukah with festive, hands-on treats and classic holiday staples that make it easy to build traditions and prepare “lots of latkes.” This year’s popular lineup includes the Chanukah House Cookie Kit, Ugly Sweater Chanukah Sugar Cookie Kit, Ready-to-Decorate Pre-Baked Cookie Kit, and Donut Making Kit, alongside timeless favorites like the Gluten-Free Potato Pancake Mix. Designed to spark creativity and togetherness, these products offer fun decorating experiences, delicious desserts, and thoughtful holiday gifts for all ages; Click here for more info.SABABA: SABABA is celebrating Hanukkah with a lineup of festive specials offered alongside its full dinner menu, featuring dishes such as Sumac-Crusted Salmon roasted on a cedar plank and Braised Brisket with harissa and pickled onion. Guests can also enjoy a variety of creative latke preparations, from the classic sour cream-applesauce pairing to options topped with lamb, roasted eggplant, or smoked salmon with za’atar cream cheese. To round out the celebration, SABABA will pour a Sufganiyot Cocktail made with vodka, raspberry liqueur, leavened syrup, and lemon; Click here for more info.Silver and Sons: Silver and Sons is now accepting Hanukkah pre-orders with an à la carte menu that blends beloved holiday classics with the restaurant’s signature flavors. Highlights include delicately poached cod wrapped in Swiss chard with spiced tomato sauce and slow-smoked lamb shanks glazed with pomegranate jus, alongside traditional favorites like latkes, matzo ball soup, challah, and inventive appetizers such as brisket bourekas, truffle arancini, and feta tarts. For dessert, guests can enjoy sufganiyot filled with huckleberry or strawberry jam, plus rugelach, chocolate babka, and a bright kumquat tart. Orders are available for pickup on December 14 & December 19 (2:00 to 5:00 p.m.) from locations in Bethesda, Rockville& DC; Click here for more info.Westfield Montgomery: As Hanukkah approaches, join Westfield Montgomery on December 15th at 4:00 p.m. for a Menorah Lighting Celebration in partnership with Potomac Chabad. Gather with friends and family for a joyful event as we light the candles on the Menorah.

Ready for all the twinkle lights and cocoa cravings? Holiday season is officially on. There’s dazzling light festivals and Santa sightings, all the  pop-up bars, merry markets, winter wonderlands, and ice skating too!  The DMV is packed with ways to feel festive (and work up an appetite). Dive into our round-up below, sort by what you’re in the mood for —> Light Shows, Santa Stops, Holiday Markets & Pop-Ups, Winter Wonderlands & Skating, or Tree Lightings <— and check back often; we’ll keep adding the sparkle as new info rolls in.Looking for holiday afternoon teas? We've got you, here.Stay tuned for our holiday gift guide, coming soon. Santa Sightings: Breakfast with Santa at Mia’s Italian Kitchen & Theismann’s Restaurant: Families can enjoy a festive morning with Santa from 8–10 AM on December 13–14, and 20–21, 2025, featuring a hearty holiday breakfast, take-home treats for kids, photos with Santa, and Prosecco Bellinis for adults (bottomless mimosas available for an additional $15). Pricing varies by location: Mia’s Italian Kitchen ($49+ adults, $29+ children) and Theismann’s Restaurant ($45+ adults, $25+ children), with reservations required. Info here and here.Photos with Santa at Tysons Corner Center: Capture the joy of the season with professional photos with Santa Claus at his Chalet. Guests can enjoy a festive, family-friendly setting complete with craft station to write letters to Santa, cheerful holiday décor, and photo experience. Visits with Santa are always free, and professional photo packages are available for purchase, offering a variety of digital and print options. November 7 through December 24, Lower Level near Wasabi. Book appointments in advance and receive a complimentary personalized digital message from Santa, powered by Portable North Pole. tysonscornercenter.com/SantaPhotos.Santa’s Suite at the Fairmont: Sleigh bells will be ringing at Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown   when Santa is checks into his D.C. residence. All children and adults who stop by to visit Santa in his Suite will enjoy gingerbread displays created by the hotel's pastry team, hot chocolate, and holiday treats. In preparation for Santa’s arrival, Fairmont’s official elves have been busy transforming his suite into a stunningly whimsical winter wonderland. Exquisitely decorated trees will twinkle along with a host of enchanting details, from an elegant dining table, set with places for Santa and his special guests.  (Garfield, Winnie the Pooh, Elsa, Skye, Peppa Pig, Sponge Bob, Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter are just a few of his friends.) A letter-writing station for leaving Christmas wish lists is available for all visitors. Those writing a letter to Santa, and posting in his special red mailbox, will receive a letter back from him.  Due to his busy schedule, he will depend on the postal service, rather than his sleigh, to deliver his response. Santa’s Suite is available for 15-minute visits for up to 10 people at $10 per adult and $10 per child, 100% of the proceeds go directly to Horton’s Kids*. Families touring his suite can share their Christmas wishes with Santa, and take their own photos with him. Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30am to 3:30pm, December 6 through December 21. Reservations for Santa Suite visits in December are available starting November 1. fairmontwashingtondc.ticketspice.com/santa-suiteWestfield Montgomery Mall - Photos & Brunches with Santa: Create lasting memories with photos with Santa from November 21 through December 24. Enjoy special photo opportunities such as Santa Paws photos with your fur-babies on December 8 (4:00-7:00 p.m.) or Santa Cares, where families with special needs are invited to a sensory-friendly Santa experience on December 14 (10:00-11:00 a.m.) Santa will be located on Level 1 in front of Macy’s. Due to high demand, we recommend reserving your spot in advance — book your appointment here. Brunch with Santa will be available on November 30, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Frank Pepe Pizzeria and December 14, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at California Pizza Kitchen. Add a touch of magic with a festive dining experience where children can  enjoy breakfast with the season's jolliest guest! Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are strongly encouraged. Let There be LightsMaryland Holiday Light Spectacular: The 2nd Annual Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular features over a million spectacular lights, larger-than-life holiday scenes, including Mistletoe Marina, Jinglebell Junction Farm, the Symphony of Illumination, a Winter Wonderland Carnival complete with a Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, and other rides plus many more attractions.  New this year, guests can enjoy new scenes on the ½ mile walking trail along with the Cosmic Heat Zone and Buddy’s Holiday Bar in VIP. Pathways will be safe and accessible, making them suitable for scooters, strollers, and wheelchairs. The charming Holiday Village will be bustling with boutiques, shops, and rotating food trucks, offering seasonal treats and unique gifts. Little ones will have plenty to enjoy with activities and other fun attractions, such as the Carnival rides and seesaws.  And, of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa, who will be making nightly appearances through December 23rd. Enjoy special performances every night from ballerinas, entertainers, and Elves (from the North Pole, natch). For more excitement to the experience, add-ons are available for purchase, including an interactive snowflake wand element and the Winter Carnival area. The magical snowflake wand can be used throughout event – look for the illuminated snowflakes and with a wave of your wand, your Interactive Snowflake Wand will create amazing magical experiences.  The Winter Carnival will host fun rides, like a Ferris Wheel, the Magical Carousel, the Santa Train and a slide. December 5 through 30, 5:30 to 10:00 p.m., with variations on select dates. Please refer to mdholidaylights.com  for specific times and holiday closures. General admission, $10-25; VIP admission, $39, includes a souvenir hot chocolate mug with bottomless hot chocolate, access to VIP Lodge & Bar, VIP washrooms, and VIP entrance. For more information, visit mdholidaylights.com Light Yards: The Yards is getting into the holiday spirit with the return of Light Yards for another season of daily holiday magic. Fan-favorite Swinging Bells will return, and to kick off the installation, The Yards is hosting the third annual Light Yards Express. The interactive light installation is free to the public every night throughout the holiday season. Swinging Bells offers a perfect holiday stop with friends and family with 13-foot-tall illuminated bells that jingle as you swing! The Bells will be open every day from 5:00-10:00 p.m. starting November 25th, free for all. Light Yards Express promises a festive family-friendly event. Guests can enjoy holiday giveaways, like jingle bells, reindeer ears, and light-up necklaces, a DJ playing seasonal favorites and can even hop on a magical train ride through the captivating light show. Keep an eye out for a special appearance from Santa, who’ll be stopping by to add an extra dose of cheer. Light Yards Express will be Wednesday, December 10, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Light Yards installation runs from nightly from November 25 to January 6, 2026, 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. 355 Water Street SE; For more information and to register for Light Yards Express, please visit theyardsdc.com.  Enchant Light Experience: Returning this season, the Enchant Light Experience on PenFed Plaza will illuminate the holidays with 14 interactive light sculptures through February 2026, transforming the space into a magical, immersive environment. One of the nation’s top-performing shopping centers, the 2 million square-foot Tysons Corner Center is anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and a 16-screen AMC Theatres. The shopping center offers more than 300 specialty stores, including popular digitally native brands, plus restaurants, and attracts more than 25 million visitors annually. To learn more, visit tysonscornercenter.com.48th Annual Washington DC Temple Visitors' Center Festival of Lights: Celebrate the season at the beloved Festival of Lights, returning December 4, 2025, through January 1, 2026, at the Washington, DC Temple Visitors’ Center in Kensington, MD. Each night from 4:30 to 8:45 p.m., guests can stroll through more than 500,000 Christmas lights, explore an international crèche display, and enjoy beautifully decorated Christmas trees inside the Visitors’ Center, which is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. From December 4–24, the auditorium will also host festive holiday performances beginning at 6:30 p.m. Timed parking passes are required for every car, and visitors are encouraged to reserve theirs in advance. Info here.Winter City Lights: Winter City Lights transforms 10 acres near Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia into a dazzling holiday wonderland with over 1 million twinkling lights and guaranteed snowfall every night. Guests can explore towering displays, wander through the Ice Palace and Candy Cane Lane, and experience one of the country’s most advanced light shows featuring a 52-foot programmable tree and a 200-foot dancing light canopy synced to classic holiday songs. The festival also offers an 8-lane Penguin Plunge snow-tubing ride, festive adult beverages, and plenty of seasonal treats, including s’mores, hot chocolate, funnel cakes, fried Oreos, BBQ, pizza, and warm pretzels, making it a magical holiday outing for all ages. Info here.Bull Run Festival of Lights & Holiday Village: The Bull Run Festival of Lights runs through January 4, offering a 2.5-mile drive-through of glowing holiday displays followed by the Holiday Village with a Christmas Carnival, ice skating, festive treats, and cozy firepits for s’mores. Tickets start at $30 per vehicle online ($40 at the door), with extended weekend hours and select weeknight discounts, making this Northern Virginia tradition a bright, family-friendly way to celebrate the season. Info here.Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights: Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights returns through January 4, offering a magical half-mile stroll through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens illuminated with nature-themed and animated displays along a fully accessible paved trail. Guests can enjoy hot drinks, s’mores by the fire pit, and even bring their pups on select pet-friendly nights. Tickets are $18 online ($22 at the door), with free admission for children under two, making this sparkling walk an ideal holiday outing for families, friends, and date nights alike. Info here.DMV Winter Lantern Festival (Tysons): The DMV Winter Lantern Festival returns to Tysons through January 20, transforming the evenings into a glowing celebration of Chinese culture with larger-than-life lantern displays, award-winning acrobatic performances, and festive food and drink from local vendors. Running nightly from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., this outdoor experience offers a magical seasonal escape perfect for families, date nights, and anyone looking to brighten up the winter season. Tickets are available now. Info here.Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon: Mount Vernon celebrates the season December 20–21 with its beloved Christmas Illuminations, a festive evening event featuring mansion tours, illuminated historic spaces, 18th-century holiday activities, and a spectacular fireworks display over the Potomac at 8:00 p.m. Running from 5:30–8:30 p.m., the experience includes holiday greetings from General Washington, artisan vendors, seasonal food and drinks, music, games, and even a visit with Aladdin the Camel. Tickets are $58 for adults, $36 for children, with members receiving a 20% discount and kids 5 and under admitted free. Info here.Holiday Markets Downtown DC Holiday Market: The DowntownDC Holiday Market will once again transform F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW into a vibrant winter village. Back and better than ever, this year’s market celebrates over two decades of holiday magic with new vendor offerings, and exciting activations that provide something for everyone. Enjoy more than 115 curated vendors bring the magic of the season to life, with everything from handcrafted art and home décor to gourmet treats and festive fashion; 15 festive food vendors, like S’mores N’ More’s viral hot chocolate topped with toasted marshmallows and candy, and authentic German-inspired fare from The Taste of Germany; The Winter Chalet by Dirty Habit returns as the Market’s official bar - serving up artisan cocktails and holiday classics such as spiked hot cocoa and mulled wine; printed gift guide will spotlight maker stories, product highlights, and more to help shoppers buy local and meaningful gifts; memorialize your dreams on the DC Dream Wall, an oversized chalkboard installation celebrating community hopes and creativity; the Dov Co. Craft Café will feature creative craft workshops for children and adults, and live entertainment will grace the main stage.  Open daily from November 21 through December 23. The market is free to the public and open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit downtowndcholidaymarket.com DC Holiday Market: The beloved DC Holiday Market is back in Dupont Circle this season, in a new location - the 1500 block of New Hampshire Avenue NW. The market runs through Tuesday, December 23, 2025, inviting visitors to experience one-of-a-kind shopping, festive decor, and seasonal treats, all in the heart of Dupont Circle. The DC Holiday Market will feature 40 plus small businesses with artisans, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gifts. Guests can expect the market's signature style, bright festive décor, premier exhibitors, and popular holiday treats, such as Migue’s Mini Donuts and the Capital Candy Jar’s hot roasted nuts, along with newcomer Drizzle To Go. dcholidaymarket.net 30th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market: This holiday market is open for the first three weekends in December (December 5-7, 12-14, 19-21). The market offers unique handmade fine arts and fine crafts from local artists presenting a variety of media, including fiber/textiles, glass, jewelry, mixed media, polymer clay, ornaments, mosaics, painting, prints, paper crafting, photography, pottery/ceramics, sculpture, watercolor, wood, and more. Different artists are featured each weekend. In addition, 2026 wall calendars featuring art by Del Ray Artisans members will be available for purchase with proceeds supporting their 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Holiday market hours are Fridays 6:00-9:00 p.m., Saturdays 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and Sundays 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Del Ray Artisans gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA. The gallery is free, open to the public and accessible. For more information, click here.  Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show: Old Town Alexandria’s biggest holiday market returns on Saturday, December 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at John Carlyle Square, offering a festive, family-friendly day of shopping, music, and holiday cheer. Browse a huge selection of handmade gifts, ornaments, and seasonal décor from local artisans while enjoying carolers and a DJ spinning holiday classics. Kids can create their own ornaments, Santa will be on-site for photos, and festive food and drinks will be available throughout the day. Admission is free, and the event takes place rain or shine. Info here.Artisan Alley Holiday Market at The Stacks: From November 24 to December 21, The Stacks transforms into a festive marketplace with 30+ DMV makers, artists, and small brands curated by Neighbors DC. Browse art, paper goods, plants, candles, home items, vintage finds, treats, pantry staples, and more, with new vendors each weekend. Swing by Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM–5 PM (Nov. 29–30; Dec. 6–7, 13–14, 20–21) to shop local and soak up the holiday cheer. Info here. PLUS: Holiday Pop-Up Shop at The Stacks: From November 24 to December 31, The Stacks hosts A Contemporary Market, a festive retail pop-up curated by Neighbors DC and featuring 40+ local DMV brands. Browse apparel, accessories, art, paper goods, candles, body care, plants, florals, vintage finds, vinyl, and more—all in one cheerful holiday marketplace. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM–7 PM. Info here. Winter WonderlandsResplendent Joy: Holiday Concerts with Folger Consort: Through Sunday, December 14, 2025, experience an elegant evening of festive music at the Folger Theatre (201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC) as the Folger Consort presents a vibrant program of Spanish and Portuguese holiday works. Featuring choral compositions by 16th-century composer Vicente Lusitano alongside joyful villancicos and instrumental selections for vihuela, organ, and ensemble, the concert celebrates the season with music by Cristóbal de Morales, Tomás Luis de Victoria, and Francisco Guerrero; tickets range from $20–$65. Info here.MGM National Harbor Holiday Conservatory Display: Now through January 24, 2026, MGM National Harbor (101 MGM National Ave, National Harbor, MD 20745) invites guests to experience its enchanting winter Conservatory filled with larger-than-life holiday décor, including a 20-foot toy snowman, towering Christmas trees, a 25-foot toy train, and whimsical seasonal installations that capture the magic of the season. The festive celebration is enhanced by the Veuve Clicquot In the Snow pop-up bar, open Fridays and Saturdays from December 5–26, 5–10 PM in The District, offering champagne and charcuterie in a cozy après-ski setting, along with live entertainment highlights like Cirque Dreams Holidaze on December 19–20 for a full family-friendly holiday experience. Info here.The Roost Gingerbread Village & Holiday Extravaganza: Through December 27, The Roost (1401 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003) transforms into a festive holiday destination with a 100-square-foot gingerbread village created by Guinness World Record–holding artist Jon Lovitch, free to view daily from 8 AM–10 PM. Guests can join hands-on gingerbread house–making classes with Chef Jon and enjoy a full lineup of seasonal programming throughout the month, including Santa visits, wreath workshops, a makers market, Nordic cocktails, hot cocoa bars, tastings, s’mores by the fire, and more, with special highlights like the Holiday Donation Drive on December 13 and a Gingerbread Giveaway on January 11. Info here.Après Springs at Balian Springs: Running through January, Balian Springs — the 100,000-square-foot luxury spa destination just outside Washington, DC — debuts Après Springs, a ski lodge–inspired, spa-wide winter pop-up featuring holiday cocktails like winter sangria and spiked hot cocoa, charcuterie boards and s’mores packages, cozy poolside igloos, festive activations, and photo-worthy seasonal décor, creating the ultimate cold-weather retreat to relax, recharge, and indulge in wellness all winter long. Info here.Snowglow at The Dome: Inspired by The Dome’s spherical space, the visuals will evoke a swirling snowglobe, “shaking up” snow and cascading down in magical patterns between scenes. Projected above and 360 degrees around the walls of The Dome, the awe-inspiring visual experience by artist Laura Alice will transport the viewer to a world of winter scenes. Holiday food and beverage menus take inspiration from fancy neighborhood holiday parties of decades past. Think: festive shindigs from the 1960s, 70s and 80s, a little bougie, a lot fun, and full of holiday spirit. Chefs Nathan Beauchamp and Sam George will serve an a la carte menu of festive, shareable, throwback eats such as fondue, ham boards, brie en croute, wagyu party meatballs, rum balls and more. Expect punchbowls of spiced eggnog and tropical Swedish punsch, walnut Manhattans and Snowgronis, and hot drinks such as torched marshmallow-topped cherry hot chocolates and soothing applejack toddies (also available N/A). The 60-seat heated dome will feature reservable dining areas where ticketed guests can eat, drink and take in the overhead projected experience. For those who aren’t able to secure tickets to the Dome, there will also be a heated and tented Snowglow bar open to non-ticket holders with additional seating for up to 75, a dedicated bar, and the same Snowglow food and drink menu as inside The Dome. Open through January 4, 2026. 1309 5th Street NE; hilawndc.com/thedomedc Folger Frost Fair: The Folger Shakespeare Library welcomes visitors to step into a world of winter wonder during the holidays as the Folger Frost Fair returns for a second winter season. The Folger will be decked in seasonal splendor and offer an array of holiday programming and activities that bring Shakespeare, the arts, and poetry to life, including the annual Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute, Folger Consort’s Resplendent Joy series of holiday concerts, printing press demonstrations, building tours, craft stations, and special events, including a holiday sing-along, from November 28, 2025–January 4, 2026.  Inspired by the historic Frost Fairs that took place when the river Thames in London froze solid during sporadic winters between the 1600s and the 1800s, the Folger Frost Fair brings a sense of Shakespearean merriment and discovery to Washington, DC.Winter Wonderfest at Nat’s Park: Nats Park is already gearing up for winter and just announced the first-ever Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park, transforming the ballpark into a magical, multi-sensory winter playground on select days through December 24. Celebrate the season, racing down a snow tubing hill, roasting marshmallows with friends, and sipping seasonal cocktails in a hidden speakeasy—all on a Major League Baseball field. Expect sports-inspired thrills, art and play for all ages, Apres-ski vibes for 21+ (including a hidden speakeasy inside the Nationals’ batting cage), and festive eats and treats. More than a festival, Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park highlights how the venue has become a true year-round community destination. For more information, visit mlb.com/nationals/tickets/winterfestBethesda Winter Wonderland: Celebrate the holiday season Saturday, December 6th on Norfolk and Cordell Avenues in downtown Bethesda with Santa Claus, live ice sculpting, activities, food, and more. Please bring a new toy for Toys for Tots. And don’t miss the Holiday Market with URBN Market and 50 artisans. Activities include a live ice sculpting demo (12:30-2:00 p.m.), visit with Santa Claus (2:00-4:00 p.m.), student concert, face painting, and arts & craft activities with Bach to Rock, Imagination Stage, Mathnasium, and Round House Theatre. Plus, Bethesda restaurants Olazzo, The Red Bandana and Smoke BBQ will be onsite. For more information, visit bethesda.org/winter-wonderlandNational Kiss Under the National Mistletoe: On Saturday, December 13, the DowntownDC BID hosts a free community celebration at Anthem Row (800 K St NW) as couples attempt to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most couples kissing under the mistletoe. From 3–6 PM, enjoy live music, photo ops, food and drinks, and festive fun before gathering beneath the breathtaking 10-foot-wide mistletoe for the official record attempt at 5 PM. Registration on Eventbrite is required. Info here. Jingle Bell Bars & Pop-UpsLulu’s Wine(ter)garden at Lulu’s Winegarden: Now through January 11, the U Street winegarden returns with its third annual Southwest-inspired holiday pop-up, transforming the space into a desert winter wonderland complete with luminarias, cactus Christmas trees, tinsel, and glowing chimineas. Guests can sip festive seasonal cocktails (plus a zero-proof option), enjoy cozy comfort foods like soups, grilled cheese, and holiday enchiladas, and soak up the warm, wintry vibes under the heated patio and twinkling lights. Located at 1940 11th Street NW. Info here.Chai-vy & Cohen-y: 5786 Reasons to Drink: Through the month of December, Ivy and Coney (1537 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001) brings back its beloved over-the-top Hanukkah celebration with flowing Manischewitz, house-made latkes, playful sufgani-shots, and the return of the legendary “Shotnorah,” serving group shots in true festive fashion. Guests are invited to nightly Hanukiyah lightings at approximately 7 PM from December 14–21, with proceeds from kosher wine benefiting Bread for the City—making this month-long party equal parts spirited, nostalgic, and charitable. Info here.Holiday at Barca Pier & Wine Bar: Through January 17, nightly from 5:30–8:00 PM, Barca Pier & Wine Bar (2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314) transforms into a festive waterfront escape filled with seasonal décor, cozy ambiance, and cheerful holiday tunes, offering guests the perfect spot to sip, unwind, and celebrate the season dockside along the Potomac. Info here.Après Ski at Casamara Rooftop: Casamara Rooftop, the glamorous rooftop atop the SIXTY DC hotel, is channeling Alpine ski-lodge vibes this winter. A new, limited series featuring seasonal warm drinks, an exclusive menu of elevated hygge favorites from fondue to mini croque monsieur, and curated DJs every Thursday-Saturday, Après Ski begins this season. Glowy lighting and fuzzy, warm textures have been added to set a slope-side scene for lively gatherings and groups to share gooey emmental-gruyere Fondue or dishes such as Sausage en Croute and Beef Tartare on toasted brioche. Cozy up over Casamara’s ginger-infused, signature Toddy, Mulled Wine, or Chamonix Old Fashioned with spiced banana rum, and vibe with DJs every Thursday through Saturday. In keeping with the theme, the menu features several seasonal, only-on-the-slopes favorites including a special selection of soul-warming schnapps, chilled Toffee Vodka and selection of beers including Stiegl and Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc, and a decadent Valrhona Hot Chocolate with Toasted Marshmallow, served with fresh chantilly whipped cream (and your favorite spirit, if you prefer it spiked). Après Ski at Casamara Rooftop culminates with a New Year’s Eve bash before the Rooftop closes for the season. 1320 18th St. NW. For reservations, visit casamaradc.com/rooftopHoliday Coquito Bar: Serenata will transform into the Holiday Coquito Bar, a festive Puerto Rican and Latin American–inspired pop-up serving Coquitos and other seasonal cocktails. Guests can enjoy the warm, celebratory spirit of the holidays with creative drinks and lively ambiance before the space evolves into an all-new concept in early 2026. Led by Beverage Director and Managing Partner Andra “AJ” Johnson, the pop-up continues Serenata’s legacy of community and creativity, offering the perfect spot to toast the season in style. 1280 4th Street NE; available through January 20, 2026. For more information, click here.  Sippin’ Santa: Through December 31st, Sippin’ Santa at Hank’s Oyster Bar (Dupont Circle) will feature a holiday oasis with over the top kitschy, festive décor and a themed cocktail menu. At Sippin’ Santa, this year’s roster of cocktails features new creations like the Coco Ho Ho, Frost Bite, and Wreck The Halls. Beloved returning favorites include Jingle Bird, Sugar Plum Mai Tai, and the original Sippin' Santa. Sunday-Thursday: 4:00-10:00p.m., Friday-Saturday 4:00-11:00 p.m.; 1624 Q Street, NW; https://hanksoysterbar.com/dupont-circle/Colada Shop Holiday Bar: Colada Shop’s Holiday Bar returns to its Clarendon location this season, transforming the space into a vibrant winter escape filled with twinkling lights, tropical flair, and the cozy warmth of Cuban hospitality. Enjoy a festive lineup of handcrafted holiday cocktails that blend nostalgic flavors with Colada Shop’s signature Caribbean twist — such as Candy Cane Colada, MoHoHojito, and Churro Manhattan, along with returning favorites like the Coquito Shooter and Rum Cider. Open daily during regular business hours, November 21 through January 1, 2026. 2920 Clarendon Boulevard, Arlington, VA. Miracle at Black Whiskey: The famed Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up Miracle is returning to Washington, D.C. for the 2025 holiday season, taking over Black Whiskey with its signature over-the-top décor, festive vibes, and beloved collectible glassware. Running through December, Miracle will once again transform the space into a holiday oasis complete with fan-favorite cocktails like the Christmapolitan and Snowball Old-Fashioned, plus new additions including Candy Cane Lane, Dancing Sugarplums, Blitzen Barrel, and Miracle Mouse. Guests can sip, celebrate, and shop the iconic mugs and glassware available for purchase throughout the season. Info here. Chestnuts & Cheers: Step into the spirit of the season with a cozy, fireside tradition at Dovetail Bar & Restaurant. Every Wednesday evening from November through December, join in roasting chestnuts - a nostalgic and delicious nod to a classic holiday charm. As dinner service begins, Chef will be roasting chestnuts al fresco, creating a warm and festive atmosphere right at Dovetail. Whether before a hearty meal, sipping seasonal cocktails at the bar, or just stopping in for a quick bite, this midweek celebration is the perfect excuse to slow down and savor the moment. 1430 Rhode Island Avenue NW; More info here.The Tinsel Tavern at TAP99: TAP99 in Navy Yard has launched The Tinsel Tavern, a festive holiday pop-up featuring nostalgic décor, wreath-covered ceilings, hanging ornaments, and a sleigh photo opportunity. Guests can sample seasonal beers and holiday cocktails from the bar’s 99 self-pour taps, including the Fa La La Latte-tini and Santa’s Night Cap. Thursdays feature Cheer Pong at 7 p.m. with Tröegs Brewing. Open through the holiday season, it’s a cheerful spot for festive nights out. Located on 1250 Half Street SE, Washington, DC 20003. Info here. The Lodge at CUT Above: Rosewood Washington, D.C. transforms its rooftop into The Lodge at CUT Above, a cozy ski-inspired holiday pop-up filled with alpine décor, festive cocktails, and seasonal bites. Guests can relax in the signature red ski-lift chair surrounded by twinkling lights and stunning views of Georgetown, the Washington Monument, and the Kennedy Center—an ideal holiday photo spot. Open November 21, 2025–January 4, 2026 at CUT Above (1050 31st St NW). Info here.Caroled at The Commodore: Caroled returns to Dupont Circle’s “Five-Star Dive Bar” on December 2, taking over the entire space with a festive, A Christmas Carol–themed transformation. The main bar becomes Fezziwig’s, a cheerful Victorian tavern, while the upstairs features immersive rooms inspired by Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come. Expect nostalgic décor, atmospheric holiday scenes, and a full menu of Dickens-inspired cocktails. Find it at 1636 17th Street NW. Info here.Home Alone Holiday Pop-Up at Francis Hall: Starting Friday, November 28, Francis Hall at Hotel Heron turns into a mischievously merry, Home Alone–inspired bar packed with ’90s nostalgia and cheeky themed cocktails like Filthy Animal!, Rockin’ Round Xmas, Kevin’s Wake Up Call, and The Wet Bandit. With over-the-top décor celebrating the film’s 35th anniversary, it’s the perfect festive escape for grown-up kids who still love a little holiday chaos. Located at 699 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Info here. Cheers from the Shelf at Morris American Bar: December 5–30, Morris American Bar becomes the nation’s first official The Elf on the Shelf® pop-up, transforming into a North Pole dreamland filled with Scout elves, glowing Northern Lights, and a playful “Shrinking Tunnel” photo moment. Enjoy “Naughty” and “Nice” holiday cocktails, festive snacks, and weekend family hours (noon–5:00 p.m.) with kid-friendly drinks before the bar switches to 21+ in the evenings. Info here. Lace Up Your SkatesIce & Lights: Enjoy ice skating amidst a winter wonderland at Cameron Run Regional Park. Ice & Lights offers a fun, unstructured outdoor family experience to explore new, stunning light displays, snap family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays, and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink. Open weekends starting November 15, and open daily December 1-30. Capacity is limited; reservations are required to ensure access on a specific date. Alexandria, VA; For more information, click here. Color Burst Ice Rink: The Color Burst Ice Rink is back for the season from November 21 through January 31, inviting skaters of all ages to lace up and make winter memories. Whether you’re stepping onto the ice for the first time or returning for another year of festive fun, the rink offers the perfect cold-weather escape. Skip the line by purchasing tickets or a season pass online, and enjoy convenient hours all week long: Monday through Thursday from 4:00–9:00 PM, Friday from 4:00–10:00 PM, Saturday from 12:00–10:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00–8:00 PM. Info here.~More Rinks~National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden: Open through March 1, 2026Washington Harbor Ice Rink: Open through March 1, 2026 The Wharf Ice Rink: Open November 26, 2025 through February 22, 2026 Metro Park at Capital One Center: Open through February 2026 

Presents: opened. Wrapping: everywhere. Dishes? Absolutely not. Time to eat. Whether you’re after pajama-friendly brunch, a leisurely lunch, or a dressed-up dinner, the DMV has options! From prime rib dinner with figgy pudding and the classic dim sum + a movie combo, as long as you book early, someone else will do the cooking (and the cleaning). We’re updating listings as they come in—always check hours, menus, and availability before you go, and confirm your reservation. Merry munching!2Fifty Texas BBQ: 2Fifty Texas BBQ will offer Christmas takeout combos available for groups of 4, 6, or 12 people. Each package features their best-selling smoked meats, including signature Beef Brisket, Pork Ribs, and the holiday favorite, a show-stopping Tomahawk. Perfect for effortless at-home celebrations, these curated combos make it easy to bring award-winning Texas-style barbecue to your holiday table.Ada’s on the River: On Christmas Day, a 3-course holiday menu is available for $79 per person, with a Young Diners holiday menu for $29, perfect for family gatherings with spectacular river views. Seasonal cocktails like the Winter Nightcap and Mistletoe Mulled Wine add an extra touch of holiday cheer.Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken: Ring in the holidays with Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken’s Holiday Mini Boxes. Returning for another year, the gourmet doughnut shop will offer an assortment of limited-edition mini doughnuts, available now through the end of the month for $35 per box. The Christmas Mini Box includes three Red Velvet, three Sugar Cookie, two Crème Brûlée, two S’mores, and two Jelly-filled doughnuts topped with holiday trees, ornaments, and more. Barbouzard: This holiday season, Barbouzard head Chef, Cedric Maupillier, is sharing a festive French favorite, with his made-to-order Buche de Noel. This holiday dessert features light hazelnut mousse with a soft pear center, layered on a delicate génoise biscuit, and finished with a rich dark chocolate glaze. Available in 6-inch ($56) and 12-inch ($98) sizes, it will be offered December 15th through Christmas Eve, perfect for holiday gatherings and seasonal menus. Barca Pier & Wine Bar: Celebrate Christmas on the waterfront at BARCA, where Mediterranean flavors and festive cheer set the scene for a cozy holiday meal by the river. On Christmas Day delight in featured seasonal specials including Crispy Pork Belly Porchetta with roasted sweet potato-ginger sauce and sherry gastrique, and Seared Duck Breast served with harissa Brussels sprouts, pomegranate molasses, and spiced pecans. Holiday cocktails such as the Gingerbread Toddy and Mistletoe Mulled Wine add a warm and spirited finish to the celebration.Blue Duck Tavern: On Christmas Day, Blue Duck Tavern will serve an à la carte breakfast (6:30 to 10:00 a.m.), brunch (11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.), and dinner (12:00 to 8:30 p.m.) with menu highlights such as cured fluke, scallops with andouille marmalade, dry aged beef tenderloin, and a signature whole duck with honey pomegranate gastrique (advance orders recommended). For a more intimate gathering, the restaurant’s Chef’s Table, just off the open kitchen, offers a customizable 4-course, family-style menu for up to 20 guests, priced at $165 per person.Cafe Riggs: Penn Quarter’s iconic former bank vault opens its doors on Christmas day for a classic Café style brunch featuring a bottomless Laurent-Perrier Champagne cart with seasonal infusions and flowing espresso martinis. Holiday highlights include a chilled raw bar, quiche Lorraine, and Riggs’ signature buttermilk pancakes with maple butter. A roaming dessert cart completes the celebration with créme brûlee, fruit tarts, and a traditional bûche de Noël. Capital Jewish Museum: The Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum will welcome visitors of all ages and backgrounds on Christmas Day with the holiday program, Wrapped in Tradition, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  Tickets to the day are $5. Whether your Christmas Day traditions involve Chinese food, holiday movies, or service projects, they have it all and more. Enjoy classic traditions and make new ones with drop-in activities and projects for visitors looking to learn, play, and give back.  Casa Teresa: Guests can bring Spain home for the holidays by ordering a traditional feast online for pickup just before Christmas.Chang Chang & NiHao: Chef Peter Chang is offering a special holiday menu centered on his award-winning Peking duck. New this year, the package is available for pickup any day through January 1st. There are two holiday packages available at NiHao and Chang Chang, both centered on the famed chef's Peking Duck. NiHao's dinner package also includes Dry-Fried Brussels Sprouts, Sauteed Cauliflower, Black Pepper Beef, Vegetable Fried Rice, and Passion Fruit Pie. Chang Chang's dinner package features Dry-Fried Brussels Sprouts, Green Beans with Yacai, Black Pepper Beef, Duck Fried Rice, and Passion Fruit Pie. The duck is also available for preorder à la carte.CUT by Wolfgang Puck: CUT elevates the art of entertaining with an exceptional three-course prix-fixe menu. Available Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Chef Wolfgang showcases the season’s finest flavors from Maine lobster bisque and chestnut tortelloni to roasted prime ribeye and ora king salmon wellington. Elevate the experience with curated wine pairings and enjoy classic pastries like buche de noël for a festive finish.Barbouzard: This holiday season, Barbouzard head Chef, Cedric Maupillier, is sharing a festive French favorite, with his made-to-order Buche de Noel. This holiday dessert features light hazelnut mousse with a soft pear center, layered on a delicate génoise biscuit, and finished with a rich dark chocolate glaze. Available in 6-inch ($56) and 12-inch ($98) sizes, it will be offered December 15th through Christmas Eve, perfect for holiday gatherings and seasonal menus.The Duck & The Peach: The Duck & The Peach is bringing back its festive Christmas Dinner Feast To-Go, available for pickup on December 23 at its Capitol Hill location. The feast is $300 and serves 5-6 people, featuring Roasted Lavender Herb Prime Rib with red wine demi-glace, green beans with garlic and lemon, a frisée salad with Calvados pears and Blu di Bufala, goat butter mashed potatoes, and Parker House rolls. Guests can also add a la carte holiday treats, including a Bûche de Noël ($70), Cranberry Tart ($45), and Cinnamon Rolls (6 for $35.); Click here for more info.Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown: Fairmont is hosting its beloved Christmas Day Buffet Brunch with Santa on December 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the iconic Colonnade. Now in its 40th year, this festive tradition features visits from Santa, live electric violin performances, and an abundant holiday spread. Executive Pastry Chef Lyndsey Barton will present a decadent dessert display with seasonal creations like gingerbread reindeer cake, holiday macarons, and ornament tartlets. Guests can also enjoy Fairmont’s massive walk-through gingerbread house in the lobby, plus complimentary valet, coat check, sodas, coffee, and tea, with festive cocktails available for purchase. The brunch is $169 per adult, $39 for children ages 5-12, and free for children under 5; Click here for more info.Hell’s Kitchen: Chef Gordon Ramsay brings a touch of London to The Wharf for the holidays. The festive three-course feast features pan-seared scallops with celery root purée, bacon lardons, and pickled granny smith apples, grilled branzino served with crushed potatoes, baby spinach, and caviar sauce, and Chef’s signature beef wellington accompanied by potato purée, glazed root vegetables, and a rich red-wine demi-glace. Finish with a proper English sweet – warm sticky toffee pudding or apple butterscotch cheesecake with caramelized apples, candied pecans, and butterscotch sauce. Joe Theismann’s Restaurant: On Christmas Day, the celebrate with a buffet-style feast priced at $59 per personand $19 for young diners, complete with a carving station offering prime rib, spiral ham, and roasted turkey, alongside holiday sides and desserts. A dedicated Christmas Bar Menu featuring starters, sandwiches, and fan-favorite game-day plates will also be available throughout the day for those looking for a more casual celebration.Kingbird: Make this Christmas truly magical at Kingbird with a festive feast the whole family will love. Gather around for a celebratory brunch and dinner service wrapped in sparkle and seasonal delights, featuring indulgent dishes like Bananas Foster French Toast, blueberry pancakes with gingerbread syrup, made-to-order omelets, a Prime Rib and ham carving station, tempting sides, and raw bar favorites. End on a sweet note with desserts guaranteed to make everyone smile. Priced at $115 per adult and $75 per child.La Grande Boucherie DC: Enjoy an elegant three-course holiday meal at La Grande Boucherie DC, where festive flavors meet classic French technique. Begin with a decadent Duck & Foie Gras Terrine paired with pickled plums and crisp crostini, followed by a beautifully Slow-Roasted Rib of Beef served with Comté-crusted carrots and horseradish crème fraîche. For dessert, indulge in Jour de Fêtes, a luxurious Valrhona dark chocolate mousse brightened with citrus and a playful touch of colorful pop rocks.Lyle’s: Lyle’s sets the table for a celebration of the seasons with an elegant three-course dinner. Highlights include wild mushroom bisque with aged sherry and brown butter crouton, smoked duck breast with caramelized shallot and green apple, truffle gnocchi with mushroom and squash ragout. What’s Christmas dinner without dessert–end the evening with a decadent chocolate budino topped with espresso cream or a seasonal fruit tartlet with vanilla custard and pomegranate gelato. The Majestic: On Christmas Day, The Majestic will feature a 4-course prix fixe menu for $79 per person, including dishes such as Lobster Bisque, Roasted Lamb Shank with preserved lemon, and Prime Rib with peppercorn-horseradish cream, plus festive sides to share at the table. For dessert, choose from indulgent favorites like Majestic Coconut Cake or Cranberry Crumb Cake to complete the celebration.Mia’s Italian Kitchen: On Christmas Day, Mia’s will offer both its regular menu and a 3-course holiday meal for $49 per person, featuring a selection of Italian favorites and decadent desserts like Cranberry Cheesecake and Vanilla & Pumpkin Panna Cotta. Mia’s is also offering a Take & Bake Lasagna Dinner for six, perfect for at-home celebrations with no preorder required.Nobu: Nobu will celebrate the holidays with an expanded festive spread for its signature all-you-can-eat brunch. Expect an expanded selection of Japanese and Western Dishes, sushi, salads, pastries, desserts, and live Chef stations—including a festive carving station for the occasion. Christmas Day brunch is $90 per person.Olio E Più: Celebrate the season with a festive Italian holiday feast crafted by Executive Chef Danilo Galati at Olio e Più. This special menu highlights the comforting flavors and traditions of an Italian Christmas, beginning with a warm Minestra di Lenticchie lentil soup and a delicate Bombolone di Mozzarella appetizer. Guests will enjoy handmade Panzerotti Ricotta e Spinaci before savoring the star of the evening, Stinco di Agnello—a tender braised lamb shank served with mashed potatoes and sautéed broccolini. The meal concludes on a sweet note with Un Giorno di Fiesta, a luscious chocolate mousse.Palette 22: On Christmas Day, Palette 22 will offer its popular holiday bottomless brunch from11:30 AM–4 PM featuring carving stations, bold seasonal sides, and sweet treats — followed by dinner service with the full dinner menu available into the evening.The Pembroke: Guests can enjoy a festive raw bar and antipasti spread followed by entrées like herb-crusted prime rib, smoked duck breast, sea scallops, or house-made agnolotti, ending with indulgent holiday desserts including sticky toffee pudding and lemon ricotta torta.The Royal: On Christmas Day, a 3-course holiday menu for $39 per person will be offered — featuring comforting favorites like Honeynut Squash Dip, Braised Lamb Shank, and Prime Rib with horseradish labneh — along with a regular menu for even more options. Young diners can enjoy a turkey plate priced at $15, making The Royal ideal for family gatherings that feel effortless and festive.Salamander Middleburg: Salamander Middleburg is hosting a grand brunch on Christmas Day. Enjoy holiday favorites including an omelet and Belgian waffle action stations, carving stations, and an extravagant offering of sweet treats and much more. A children's buffet is also available.Teddy & The Bully Bar: On Christmas Day, celebrate at Teddy & The Bully Bar with a feast. They will donate 10% of our proceeds (after covering food and beverage costs) to Martha’s Table to help provide meals for those in need DC. The restaurant will be beautifully decorated with red poinsettias, garland, and staff-trimmed Christmas trees. Santa will also make a special visit in the early afternoon, handing out small gifts to children. The menu is priced at $75 per adult and $40 per child.Vola’s Dockside Grill: On Christmas Day, Vola’s will offer both its regular menu and a 3-course holiday menu for $49, featuring starters such as Baked Camembert or Clams Casino, entrées like Halibut Piccata or Prime Rib, and sweet finishes including Raspberry-Chocolate Mousse or Apple Tart.

Here comes Santa Claus… for real this time.  Christmas Eve 2025 is on the doorstep, and the DMV’s chefs, restaurants, bars, and caterers are set to make your night easy and delicious. Whether you’re picking up a feast for home or sliding into a cozy table out on the town. Browse our running list for prix fixes, festive sips, sweet treats, and last-minute take-home menus.We’ll keep adding new options as they roll in, so check back often. And friendly PSA: menus sell out, hours vary, and pickup windows are tight—call ahead to confirm details and availability - keep it merry and bright. Find Your Feast of Seven Fish Celebrations Here!Acqua Bistecca: A special $125 per person holiday menu featuring festive Italian dishes, premium seafood, slow-roasted meats, and indulgent desserts. Guests can enjoy a curated series of appetizers, entrée selections, shareable sides, and an optional pasta course.Ada’s on the River: Celebrate the magic of the holiday season on Alexandria’s waterfront at Ada’s on the River. On Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy the full regular menu along with festive chef-crafted selections, including Spice-Crusted Chilean Sea Bass with citrus-caviar butter, Seared Duck Breast with cornbread-plum dressing, and a show-stopping 12oz Prime Rib with horseradish labneh.Annabelle: At Annabelle, guests can celebrate Christmas Eve with a special 3-course prix fixe menu from Chef Michael Fusano, showcasing locally inspired dishes that highlight regional growers and producers. Priced at $95 per person and served on Wednesday, December 24 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., the menu features elegant starters, refined entrées such as black cod, lamb stew, chateaubriand, and wild mushroom risotto, and festive desserts like Bûche de Noël and panettone bread puddingBarca Pier & Wine Bar: Celebrate Christmas on the waterfront at BARCA, where Mediterranean flavors and festive cheer set the scene for a cozy holiday meal by the river. Guests can enjoy the regular a la carte menu on Christmas Eve.Blue Duck Tavern: On Christmas Eve, Blue Duck Tavern at Park Hyatt. will offer its seasonal à la carte dinner menu from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m., featuring festive, wood-fired American dishes with a market-driven twist, including seafood crudos, roasted fish, and beautifully executed meats that highlight the restaurant’s farm-sourced philosophy.The Bombay Club: The Bombay Club will offer a festive seasonal à la carte menu on Christmas Eve from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., featuring refined Indian holiday specials from Executive Chef Nilesh Singhvi such as Turbot Gassi with coconut and curry leaves, Nihari Ghost with braised lamb shank and warm spices, and a rich steamed Christmas pudding with vanilla custard and maple pecan gelato for dessert.Brasero Atlantico: Brasero invites guests to experience a warm and celebratory Christmas Dinner on December 24th, inspired by Argentine holiday traditions. Featuring a family-style appetizer spread, choice of three exquisite entrées crafted by the culinary team behind Florería Atlántico, and seasonal desserts to share, this special evening will bring loved ones together around the table—just like home. Guests will enjoy dishes such as Vitel Toné, Lengua a la Vinagreta, Salpicón de Pavo, and Palmitos con Salsa Golf, followed by entrée selections including Lobster & Crab Creamy Rice, Argentine Tenderloin with Truffled Papas a la Crema, or Catch of the Day with brown butter and capers. A festive Copa Melba de Manzana, mini panettone, and turrón complete the holiday indulgence.  Priced at $125 per personBresca: Celebrate the magic of Christmas Eve with an intimate and indulgent four-course tasting menu ($150 per person) at Bresca. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated progression of winter-inspired dishes, luxurious seasonal vegetables, richly layered entrées, and decadent holiday desserts. Reserve here.JINYA Ramen Bar: Celebrate Christmas Eve with a cozy bowl of ramen and festive cocktails like the Ringo Mule (Hennessy, dissaronno, cinnamon demerara, apple, lemon, ginger beer, angostura bitters)! All JINYA locations will be open for dine-in and takeout service of their regular menu on Christmas Eve until 10 PM.Joe Theismann’s Restaurant: On Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy the full a la carte menu, featuring crowd-pleasing signatures like wings, burgers, blackened salmon, and the 45-day aged filet mignon.Karravaan: This Christmas Eve, Karravaan invites you to gather by the glow of candlelight and celebrate the season with a three-course dining experience crafted to delight the senses. Their chefs have created a menu that blends winter’s bounty with refined culinary artistry. Each plate is a moment of indulgence, and each flavor offers a subtle nod to the holidays with inspiration drawn from the Silk Road. Priced at $65 per person.Kingbird: Make this Christmas truly magical at Kingbird with a festive feast the whole family will love. Gather around for a celebratory brunch and dinner service wrapped in sparkle and seasonal delights, featuring indulgent dishes like Bananas Foster French Toast, blueberry pancakes with gingerbread syrup, made-to-order omelets, a Prime Rib and ham carving station, tempting sides, and raw bar favorites. End on a sweet note with desserts guaranteed to make everyone smile. Priced at $115 per adult and $75 per child.Little Blackbird: Little Blackbird will celebrate Christmas Eve with seasonal specials served alongside its full à la carte menu from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy dishes such as stuffed branzino with seafood mousse and beurre blanc, roasted Maple Leaf duck breast with cranberry–orange gastrique and sweet potato, and lamb chops with garlic scalloped potatoes and a candy cane lamb demi-glace.Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen and Bar: Matt & Tony’s will offer a festive Prix Fixe Christmas Eve Dinner for 2, available both in-house and for takeout. Pre-orders for the take-home option open in early December, and the final seating in the restaurant will be at 8:00 p.m.; Click here for more info.Mia’s Italian Kitchen: On Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy the full regular menu along with festive specials such as Lobster Ravioli, Short Rib Lasagna, and Grilled Stuffed Calamari, plus seasonal cocktails to toast the night.Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen: At Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, Chef David Guas celebrates the season with a 5-Course Southern Coastal Holiday Menu ($95 per person), blending modern American dishes with the cultural influences that shaped his upbringing. Available December 18 to 24 alongside the regular menu, the dinner captures the warmth and connection of true holiday tradition. Guests can elevate the evening with expert wine pairings from Chain Bridge Cellars (+$45) or toast with festive cocktails like the Campfire Espresso Martini.Palette 22: Christmas meets creativity at Palette 22, where globally inspired dishes and vibrant energy make for a festive holiday celebration. On Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy extended hours with the restaurant’s full regular menu.Paraiso: Paraíso will be open for dine-in & take out on Christmas Eve until 9:30 p.m. Enjoy traditional Mexican dishes like the Enchiladas Verdes (chicken enchiladas, gratinated Mexican cheese, creamy salsa verde, crema, romaine lettuce, and queso cotija) and Chicken Mole (half-roasted chicken, cole slaw, plantains, and house made mole negro) before indulging in Tres Leches with merengue and dulce de leche. Celebrate the occasion with Paraíso’s Christmas Eve cocktail menu, including a toast with their Cheerful Margarita (tequila, lime, cranberry pomegranate syrup, maraschino cherry and rosemary).Perry’s: On Christmas Eve, Perry’s will serve a collection of specials in addition to their standard menu. Guests visiting the restaurant on Christmas Eve will be able to enjoy Chef Masako Morishita’s Waygu Roast Beef & Grilled Eel Donburi Platter ($55), served with house-made silken tofu, cured salmon caviar, chrysanthemum ohitashi (a dish of boiled edible chrysanthemums), iburigakko potato salad, and miso soup. SABABA: SABABA will lean into playful Jewish-and-Chinese-inspired flavors on Christmas Eve, offering a slate of specials from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. alongside its full à la carte menu for dine-in and carryout. Highlights include Wonton Matzo Ball Soup, Lamb Rangoon with sweet chili sauce, Moo Shu Brisket with shiitake and cabbage served with pancakes and hoisin, and a bright, crispy Kumquat “Orange Chicken” with rice.Vola’s Dockside Grill: On Christmas Eve, enjoy the full regular menu plus holiday specials including Grilled Bronzino with roasted pattypan squash and salsa verde and Prime Rib with horseradish cream, paired with seasonal cocktails like the Gingerbread Toddy and Sleigh Bells.

Hello, fall. The DMV is sliding into cozy season. You know, tailgates, steins, sweater-weather patios, and menus swapping sweet corn for squash and figs. At TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve rounded up the can’t-miss bites and sips of the season. Get game-day ready with our NFL roundup (here). Tea lover? We got you. Terrific teas, here.Holiday happenings: Every igloo, market, wonderland & more, here. Plus your Thanksgiving plans, made here.Looking for this week's best sips? Go here.So much more below: MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Winter Coat Drive at Lapis: The Popal Group (Lapis, Lapop, Lutèce, Maison, Pascual) is bringing back its Winter Coat & Accessories Drive for a second year to support Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA). From now until December 14, the team will collect new or like-new coats, hats, scarves, and gloves for refugees, immigrants, and local neighbors in need. Donations can be dropped off daily at Lapis (1847 Columbia Road NW) between 11 AM - 3 PM and 5 PM - 9 PM. In December, the Lapis team will deliver the items and volunteer at LSSNCA’s Resource Center in Alexandria. 1010 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20037-2347; tickets here. Georgetown Cookie Tour: Join Georgetown Main Street for our annual Cookie Tour this holiday season. There are two cookie tour weekends: Saturday, December 6th and Saturday, December 13th from 1:00 - 4:30pm. Retail partners and Georgetown bakeries are still to be announced, but rest assured that we'll have delicious cookies and excellent holiday shopping spots per usual. georgetownmainstreet.comNEW & NOTEWORTHY: Tasting Menu Debut: Kayu has a new tasting menu. Kayu’s tasting menu reflects the timeless flavors of the Philippines, reimagined through a modern lens. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to celebrate depth, diversity, and cultural resonance: Pampagana – buchi with foie gras and chestnut; tuna tartare with calamansi kosho and nori; Cassava; Cake – crabfat xo, lardo, ikura; Kinilaw – hamachi, granny smith apple, coconut; Octopus Pancit – glass noodles, squid ink, piquillo peppers; Aged Squab Kaldereta – breast & leg confit, marble potato, green olives; Kinaskas – mango, chèvre, honey; and Taho – silken tofu, tapioca, kaluga caviar. 1633 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20009; kayudc.comGet Slayed: JINYA’s winter specials are here, this time as a collab with the recently released Demon Slayer movie! Full of authentic flavor, the Tokyo Yatai Classic features a clear chicken broth layered with thin noodles, tender pork chashu, a seasoned egg, Naruto fish cake, and a crisp sheet of nori. From now until the end of February, order the Tokyo Yatai Classic and collect one of three limited-edition ramen spoons featuring your favorite characters from the Demon Slayer movie (dine-in only). Other new cozy winter specials include the Crispy Chicken Wings, tossed in a signature Asian sweet & sour glaze, and topped with fresh cabbage, cilantro and chili slices. 1336 14th street; jinyaramenbar.comCaribbean Traditions: St. James is serving traditional Pastelles ($10), a staple on every Christmas table in Trinidad. Food historians believe the dish to be shaped by the island’s indigenous Taino and African food traditions. They are corn flour "parcels," similar to tamales, traditionally stuffed with a savory beef filling and steamed in banana leaves. At St. James, pastelles are prepared with a special twist; rather than the ground beef commonly used, the kitchen braises chuck in Trinidadian green seasoning until tender. The meat is finely chopped for a more delicate texture then flavored with chilies, raisins and capers, and paired with a non-traditional mole made with Trinidadian chocolate and jerk seasonings. A mushroom version will also be available for a lighter, vegetarian alternative. Pastelles are available for dine-in and fans can also pre-order here. How About a Little Heat: Bar Chinois has some new menu additions. You can go for a sweet and savory option with the Walnut Shrimp, consisting of crispy fried shrimp, honey walnut sauce and crushed walnut. Enjoy the warm Brussel Sprouts with spinach, cashews, pickled onion and a Yuzu-soy vinaigrette, or feel the heat with the Spicy Eggplant, with wok-fried purple Chinese eggplant, tobanjang chili paste, fresh basil and pickled peppers. For a hearty meal, the Zha Jiang Mian is the perfect choice; Chinese udon noodles with spicy Szechuan beef sauce, tobanjang, fresh cucumber and pickled onion & scallions. 455 Eye Street; barchinoisdc.comA Change is Afoot: Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj of Knightsbridge Restaurant Group announces the mid-December closing of the year-old restaurant, Rosedale, to be replaced by Malabar in mid-January 2026. Malabar, will bring modern Indian fare, with a culinary team led by Group Executive Chef Vikram Sunderam.  4465 Connecticut Avenue, NW; .knightsbridgerestaurantgroup.comA Soft Serve Alert: Dolcezza is sweetening up the holidays with its seasonal flavors made with the freshest ingredients.  Throughout December, all six DC-area locations are rolling out limited-edition gelato flavors, decadent soft-serve sundaes, and festive hot drinks that taste like holiday spirit. Try gelato flavors like hot chocolate or drinks like a holiday latte. goldbelly.com20 Years of Rasika: Rasika Penn Quarter, is celebrating 20 years as a destination restaurant in the nation’s capital. To celebrate the milestone anniversary, guests dining at Rasika Penn Quarter will be treated to featured “Best of Rasika” tasting menu created by Chef Sunderam.  The five-course menu changes each month. The Non-Vegetarian Tasting Menu is priced at $90 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity, and the Vegetarian Tasting Menu is priced at $80. Wine Pairings can be enjoyed for an additional $55 per person. 633 D Street, NW, 20004; rasikarestaurant.comHot To Go: Laud Shawarma, the Nigerian-style shawarma eatery formerly located in the Solaire Social food hall, has launched a new take-out and delivery menu featuring holiday to-go meal options, game day platters, and a curated value meal option known as “The Laud Box”. laudshawarma.comYou Had Us at Brisket Shakshouka (Brunch Alert): Silver and Sons, chef Jarrad Silver's regional barbecue restaurant with a Jewish/Mediterranean twist, is now offering brunch at its Bethesda brick-and-mortar location. The brand-new brunch menu features breakfast sandwiches made with smoked salmon and pastrami, brisket shakshouka, flaky pastries like sausage, egg, and cheese phyllo pies, and breads such as chocolate babka, donuts, monkey bread, and other pull-aparts. 627 Lofstrand Lane, Unit 627B, Rockville, Md. 20850; silverandsonsbbq.comNOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:Wicked Pop-Up: Barrel House Café & Bar is having a WICKED WEEK, an immersive Broadway-themed celebration inspired by the hit musical Wicked. A weeklong Broadway-themed takeover celebrating Wicked, complete with themed cabarets, trivia nights, and late-night dance parties. Each night brings a new adventure—from musical brunches to high-energy club remixes—featuring live performances, DJs, acrobats, and creative cocktails. 1341 14th St. NW; .barrelhousedc.comPasta, Pasta: Gigi's Pasta has opened at Western Market DC and invites Washingtonians to step away from the rush and into a space where every bowl tells a story.  You can craft their own pasta experience, selecting from an array of fresh sauces, proteins, and seasonal ingredients, or choose from hot-and-ready signature dishes that capture the bright, clean flavors of coastal Italian cooking.2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington DC 20006; eatgigispasta.comWicked, For Good: Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken has a new Wicked Mini Box in celebration of the movie release this week. The mini doughnut box features four Strawberry Glaze topped with a Glinda-inspired crown; four Green Vanilla Glaze topped with Elphaba’s signature hat; two Pumpkin Pie, and two Apple Honey Bun doughnuts. 1308 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005; astrodoughnuts.comPeppermint Season: Van Leeuwen is kicking off the season with the return of its cult-favorite Peppermint Stick Ice Cream, plus two new peppermint-packed creations—and a limited-time holiday pint promotion perfect for gifting, gatherings, and stocking the freezer. Try the Peppermint Stick Ice Cream (Seasonal LTO): Pink, minty, iconic. A festive classic that always sells out fast; Peppermint Fudge Sundae: Peppermint Stick Ice Cream topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, and peppermint crunch; Peppermint Mocha Milkshake: Coffee Affogato Ice Cream + Peppermint Stick Ice Cream blended with vegan chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and peppermint crunch. vanleeuwenicecream.comTail Up Goat Makes Way for Rye Bunny:  At the end of the year, Jill Tyler and Jon Sybert will close their critically acclaimed restaurant, Tail Up Goat, to make way for Rye Bunny, a new rigorously seasonal and hospitality-forward counter-service restaurant opening in Spring 2026. 1827 Adams Mill Road NW; ryebunny.comA Flower Blooms in Navy Yard: Taquería Xochi began as a pandemic-born ghost kitchen on U Street. The new Navy Yard outpost debuts an expanded culinary program featuring a new Steak Trompo featuring shaved, slow-cooked sirloin and ribeye from a traditional trompo, along with the cheesy, seared Steak Costra, and a lineup of vibrant house-made paletas. Fans will also find Xochi favorites such as Esquites, Pork Belly Chicharron, tlayudas with birria or chorizo, a wide taco selection including vegan options, signature Cemitas, Tortas on telera bread, Mulitas, and desserts like tres leches and churros. taqueriaxochi.comSplendid Holidays: The holidays have arrived at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, and there’s plenty to celebrate! The Splendid Holiday Collection: A celebration of nostalgic, joy-filled flavors—available now online and in scoop shops across the DMV and includes flavors like eggnog, panettone and more. jenis.comNeighborhood Tavern: Juneberry Garage, a neighborhood restaurant and bar housed in what was  once Walter Reed’s mechanic and hobby auto shop is set to open their (original) garage doors  to the brand-new indoor dining room and Mid-Western-inspired bar, overlooking the Great Lawn.  Signature tavern pizzas anchor the food lineup, with a cracker-thin crust and robust sauce and cheese all the way to the edge. Standout  pizzas include the caramelized mushroom topped with mushroom “bacon”, balsamic caramelized onions  and arugula and a classic sausage & peppers pie. 6810 Cameron Drive NW, Washington, DC; juneberrygarage.comWalk-Ins Welcome: Maison Bar à Vins saves close to 30 seats for walk-ins for guests without a reservation, plus another 8-10 drink rails. The entire menu, including their growing late-night menu, is available throughout the bar + restaurant for walks-in or reservations alike. Spring for new Fall dishes from Chef Matt Conroy like a Campanelle Pasta w/ Pumpkin, Black Truffle, & Parmesan or a Carrot salad with Carrots, Apple, Nduja, D’Ambert Blue, Apple. 1834 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009; maisondc.comCaruso’s at Home: Caruso’s Grocery is bringing its signature comfort dishes straight to your table with the launch of Caruso’s at Home, a new catering program designed for effortless entertaining. From hearty classics like braised meatballs and truffle butter pasta alfredo to veal or chicken parmesan, linguine with white clam sauce, crisp salads, and decadent desserts — Caruso’s at Home delivers warmth, flavor, and nostalgia for every occasion. 2920 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201; carusosgrocery.com

Sweater weather, meet shaker season. The DMV’s bars are trading beachy spritzes for cider highballs, smoky mezcal riffs, and hot-toddy cozies all made for crisp nights. We’ve rounded up the most sip-worthy fall beverages that are shaking (and stirring) the season.Thirsty for more outdoors? Patio Pleasure and Up On The Roof (here, and here).Martini mood? Our Martini Guide is here.Need something snug? Slip into our Underground Bars roundup, here.Holiday happenings and pop-ups are here. Plus your Thanksgiving plans, made here.Want this week's best food? Go here.MARK YOUR CALENDAR  NEW & NOTEWORTHY: Canned Cocktail Magic: Social Hour Applejack Crisp is a limited-release, ready-to-drink canned cocktail made with Laird's Applejack, sparkling New York apple cider, and a blend of baking spices like cinnamon, clove, allspice, and cardamom. The cocktail is described as crisp, cozy, and refreshing, with an ABV of 11.5%. Learn more here.This Hour is Happy (Happy Hour Alert): This holiday season, both Cane and St. James are serving up traditional Caribbean food and drink. Starting with Trinidad’s answer to eggnog, Ponche de Crème is a Caribbean milk and rum punch made with Angostura 7-year rum, egg yolks, milk, lime zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and Angostura bitters, which will be available for $16 at both St. James and Cane. What sets this version apart is its bright lift of fresh lime oil, which cuts through the creaminess and gives a signature citrus note not found in American or Latin egg-based holiday punches. 403 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002; cane-dc.comKicking Down the Barn Door:  SILO Distillery in Windsor has relaunched under the helm of former head distiller Erin Bell. From spirits to cider, the distillery aims to serve up barn-to-bottle bevs that showcase the best of what local growers have to offer. This includes 100% Vermont-grown corn vodka, russet apples from nearby Keene, New Hampshire, and more. Coming soon are fan-favorite varieties, including Cacao Vodka, made in partnership with Embue cacao of Brattleboro, Lemon Vodka, Maple Manhattan and Aisling tank-aged Wheat Whiskey. silodistillery.comA Queen’s Tasting: La Boheme has created a new series called The Show Must Go On: A Queen-Inspired Tasting Experience. Step into the spotlight with a four- or six-course tasting menu inspired by the drama, decadence, and defiance of Queen. Optional wine and cocktail pairings await, each as dazzling as a guitar solo and as layered as a Freddie Mercury lyric. Sip with Killer Queen, toast to Bohemian Rhapsody, and let the flavors crescendo like a rock opera. Book it here. Grape School: Sip Smarter: Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique has started Grape School, a new monthly program designed to make wine education approachable, fun and community-centered. Beginning January 2026, Grape School will take place on the first Monday of every month from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique. The first event is January 5 – Malbec with Andrew Stover. 576 S 23rd Street in Arlington; beautychampagneandsugar.comThis Will Wake You Up (Brunch Alert): Corso Italian in Shirlington just launched a new $29 brunch, now featuring a full Espresso Martini Menu and new bubbly flights. Try different martinis like the Classic – Vodka, espresso, Kahlua, Baileys; Pinkie – Strawberries & Cream Baileys; Tiramisu – Amaretto + ladyfinger; Nutella – Frangelico + hazelnut; Affogato – Classic topped with vanilla gelato. corsoitalian.comCozy Classics: Tiffany’s Bar & Bistro is celebrating the holiday season with a special holiday movie cocktail menu. Inspired by classic holiday movies such as The Grinch, Home Alone, and White Christmas, you can enjoy a selection of $19 themed cocktails alongside festive Christmas decorations throughout the restaurant. Try the Sisters Sisters made with pisco, curacao, fresh lemon juice, vanilla syrup, and egg whites;The Grinch served with Belvedere, fresh pineapple juice, and sour apple schnapps; and more. 709 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002; tiffanysbistrobar.com Mexican Favorites: Pascual just launched a new lineup of cocktails at the hearth-focused Mexican favorite. Highlights include the “Si Whey” (palo santo sotol, whey, blood orange, lemon), “Mole Old Fashioned” (mole negro infused mezcal, empirical pasilla chile, plum wine, cacao bitters), “Falling Empire” (Mexican play on a Roman highball with Abasolo whiskey, Fernet Vallet, Xila Amaro, ginger-honey, lime), and “Oro de Senora” (Mezcal, sweet corn, apple, burnt canela, nutmeg, lime). Every Monday, Pascual fires up a new take on the trompo to serve as a reminder of how fun and limitless their Mexican kitchen can be. The base of the taco is always Pascual’s masa tortillas made in house with a switched up protein combo every week. 732 Maryland Ave NE; pascualdc.comNOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY: Vin Voyage: Josephine has a new Vin Voyage Club: two, four, or six bottles of varying sophistication, right at your door. Each month, you’ll take an educational journey through the landscape of France without ever leaving home. Join here. Wicked-Inspired: Just in time for the return of Wicked to sweep the nation, Thompson Restaurants is serving up two spellbinding, limited-time cocktails inspired by everyone’s favorite witches - one good, one wicked. From November 15 through November 30, guests can toast to friendship, rivalry, and everything in between with Glinda’s Toss Toss and Elphaba’s Elixir, each glittering with edible shimmer and served with a sugar-rimmed finish. The Glinda’s Toss Toss is made with Tito’s Vodka, lemonade, grenadine, and edible glitter, topped with a sugar rim that shines as bright as her crown.The Elphaba’s Elixir is made with Patrón Silver Tequila, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and orange juice, with a swirl of edible glitter and a sugar rim worthy of the Emerald City. Thompsonrestaurants.comBird is the Word: Service Bar’s Bird Menu takes you on a global journey through imaginative cocktails inspired by avian species and the story of “SB,” a grounded bird in search of flight. Each cocktail was crafted by a member of the Service Bar team, who chose a bird as their muse to guide the drink’s flavor, origin, and narrative. From the Barn Owl’s midnight party to the Penguin’s rescue in an oil spill, the Satanic Nightjar’s survival amid destruction, and the Kiwi’s humble sacrifice, SB’s story is a whimsical migration celebrating curiosity and the bonds that make flight possible — in every sense. 926 U St NW; servicebardc.comStay Smooth: South Block is kicking off the holiday season with two brand-new, limited-time smoothies launching Dec. 2, both crafted with real ingredients and signature no-shortcut blends — no sorbet, no syrups, no ice. Try the S’more Gains Smoothie — A campfire classic, but make it protein-packed or the Mint Chip Smoothie — Your favorite winter mint meets better-for-you fuel. southblock.comMartinis & Weenies: The Dabney Cellar’s new “Martinis & Weenies” special is here! Spring for a fun Martinis & Weenies combo with selections like the Gibson (neversink dry gin, mancino secco, onion) and the “Autumn Olive Boudin Blanc” (sweet potato brioche, yellow dijon, purple sauerkraut, relish, & onion). To keep the “weenie” theme going, guests can also opt for their “Pig in a Blanket” (morcilla, brandied apple, five spicejus). 1222 9th St NW; thedabneycellar.comLet’s Snug:  The Snug with The Macallan at The Ritz-Carlton has recently opened. This intimate venue is D.C.'s newest must-visit luxury destination, built around a curated, bespoke experience. The space features one of the largest regional collections of The Macallan, including limited-edition expressions like Art is the Flower and TIME : SPACE Mastery. It also offers specialized small plates from Chef Enrique Limardo and upcoming premium Macallan tasting experiences. The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. | 1150 22nd St NW Washington, DC 20037; sevenreasonsgroup.comA New Liquid Time Capsule: District Still & Supply Co., the capital’s newest underground speakeasy, has opened. Inside, District Still & Supply’s “liquid time capsule” cocktail program resurrects pre-Prohibition classics and recasts them as journeys through time and taste, where the familiar meets the unexpected. 918 F Street NW; districtstillandsupply.com 

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.801: Ring in 2026 at the 801 NYE Bash, one of DC’s most energetic celebrations. Early Bird Tickets start at $60 and include a 5-hour premium open bar, a late-night buffet, NYE party favors, DJs, live entertainment, and access to 3 floors plus a heated rooftop with skyline views. The festivities begin December 31 at 9:00 p.m.; Click here for more info.Acqua Bistecca: Acqua Bistecca at City Ridge presents an elevated New Year’s Eve Dinner — a luxurious, chef-driven celebration featuring a $135 multi-course menu crafted for a night of indulgence. Guests will enjoy a progressive culinary journey highlighting winter truffles, caviar, pristine seafood, and elegant handmade pastas. An optional half-dozen oysters with limoncello granita is available as a festive supplement.Ada’s On The River: Celebrate with sweeping waterfront views and a luxury holiday feast — from Miso-Glazed Arctic Char to an elegant Surf & Turf and a stunning 14 oz American Wagyu Ribeye aged 65 days. Close out 2025 with caviar-level sparkle thanks to Cricova Pinot Meunier Extra-Sec and Domaine Carneros Brut as the clock strikes midnight. On New Year’s Day, guests can enjoy brunch from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and dinner during regular business hours. The Admiral: The Admiral invites guests to sail into the new year with no cover charge and no tickets required. The Dupont Circle favorite will open at 4:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, serving its full menu plus all-night happy hour, with the kitchen open until 2:00 a.m. All 25 TVs will show football throughout the night, and the celebration culminates with a champagne countdown at midnight.Albi: Albi is closing out a landmark year with a special New Year’s Eve Sofra. Guests are invited to dress to the nines and ring in 2026 with Albi’s signature warmth, generosity, and Levantine flair. Tickets are live, and the celebration promises an unforgettable feast to welcome the new year. For an elevated experience, groups of 10-14 can reserve the Garden Table, a heated private outdoor spaceAlfreda: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at home with Alfreda’s NYE catering menu, featuring New York–style sourdough pizzas, fresh salads, and crowd-pleasing sides. Whether hosting a small gathering or a full party, Alfreda makes at-home celebrations delicious and effortless so you can focus on toasting to 2026. Alma Cocina Latina: Alma Cocina Latina invites guests to ring in the New Year with an exceptional four-course tasting menu ($110) crafted by Executive Chef Héctor Romero, celebrating Venezuelan flavors through elegant, modern technique. Guests may enhance their experience with an optional curated wine pairing ($40).ART DC: Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2026 at ART DC’s highly anticipated “One Night Only” party. Starting at 9:00 p.m., the rooftop transforms into a lively mix of music, cocktails and sky-high energy. Guests will enjoy sets from live DJs, signature drinks and light bites, all framed by panoramic views of the Capitol Building and the DC skyline. With fireworks visible from every corner, the experience blends artful ambiance with a true city-top party vibe.Tickets start at $24.Atlas Brew Works: Atlas Brew Works is celebrating New Year’s Eve with $6 pints all day at both its Bridge District and Alexandria taprooms, alongside a family-friendly celebration featuring festive music, Andy’s Pizza, and an 8:00 p.m. countdown perfect for getting little ones to bed before adults ring in the new year from home. Guests seeking a more laid-back NYE can head to the Navy Yard taproom for a 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. happy hour offering 2 slices of Andy’s Pizza and a pint for $11.00, plus $6 select onsite-brewed pints. All 3 locations close at 9:00 p.m., and guests are encouraged to stock up on 6-packs ahead of the holidayBarbouzard: Barbouzard, Washington D.C.’s newest French-Mediterranean destination, invites guests to ring in the New Year in style. The restaurant’s full à la carte menu—along with a few special New Year’s Eve additions—will be available throughout the evening. For guests joining at 9:30 p.m., a $200 per-person minimum ensures a night of sparkling celebration and indulgence. The soirée continues with live music, entertainment, and flowing champagne, leading up to the midnight ball drop. With its lively atmosphere, festive décor, and buzzing energy, Barbouzard provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening.Barca Pier & Wine Bar: Ring in 2026 along the waterfront at BARCA, where Mediterranean style sets the tone for the night. Enjoy Surf & Turf Skewers with za’atar scallops and aleppo-spiced shrimp or Seared Branzino with caponata — paired perfectly with Balerìn Prosecco or Nicholas Feuillatte Brut Champagne for a dockside toast under the stars. On New Year’s Day, guests can enjoy brunch from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and dinner during regular business hours. Blue Duck Tavern: Blue Duck Tavern will offer a seasonal à la carte dinner menu from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, featuring refined winter dishes from Chef Andrew Cleverdon. Guests seeking a more elevated celebration can book the restaurant’s Chef’s Table, an intimate 4-course, family-style experience for up to 20 guests, priced at $185 per person. Next door, Blue Duck Lounge will host a sophisticated NYE celebration with an à la carte holiday menu, a special Caviar & Champagne selection, live jazz from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., and a midnight Champagne toastBluejacket: Kick off 2026 with one of DC’s most exciting New Year’s Eve celebrations! Bluejacket invites guests to a fully ALL-INCLUSIVE night of exceptional craft beverages, festive food, and nonstop entertainment. From unlimited Bluejacket drafts and casks to premium wines, spirits, and specialty cocktails—plus a midnight sparkling toast—the evening promises an unforgettable start to the new year. A full spread of bites will be available throughout the night, with a live DJ and dancing to keep the party vibes high until 2:00 a.m.The Bombay Club: The Bombay Club will serve a 4-course prix fixe New Year’s Eve dinner from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., priced at $90 per person or $140 with wine pairings. Highlights include Lobster Cheela, Plantain Pepper Roast, Crusted Halibut Karwari, Shrimp Allepey, and Duck Patia, with vegetable pulao, masala naan, and a festive dessert sampler to complete the meal.Brasero Atlantico: Brasero Atlántico invites guests to celebrate Año Nuevo with an indulgent, Argentine-inspired feast perfect for ringing in 2026. The multi-course, family-style dinner will showcase rich holiday traditions and luxurious seasonal ingredients — from grilled new york steak on the bone to whole fish, langostinos al ajillo, and a show-stopping lobster linguini with black truffle (option to upgrade to white truffle). Festive desserts and holiday sweets complete this unforgettable night in the heart of Georgetown.Bresca: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Bresca with a festive four-course tasting experience designed around the energy and anticipation of the night. As the evening builds toward a spirited midnight countdown and champagne toast, guests can elevate their celebration with luxurious enhancements including caviar, truffles, and premium champagne.Cafe Riggs: Café Riggs bids farewell to 2025 with an indulgent caviar service served alongside Laurent-Perrer La Cuvée, followed by a three-course New Year’s Eve feast. Begin the evening with osetra with pavé potato and steak tartare, deviled eggs adorned with salmon roe, and kaluga paired with West Coast oysters, all served with Champagne. Dinner highlights include seared diver scallops with truffle and brown butter meunière, agnolotti with pumpkin, ricotta, and maitake, and braised short rib with root vegetable pavé. End the year on a sweet note with warm chocolate soufflé or passionfruit pavlova. Caruso’s Grocery: Celebrate New Year’s Eve the Italian American way at Caruso’s Grocery in Washington, DC. Guests will enjoy a special prix-fixe dinner featuring Caruso’s most beloved dishes — from Chicken Parm to Penne alla Vodka — along with a warm, festive dining room perfect for your final meal of 2025. Each reservation includes a complimentary glass of sparkling (or non-alcoholic) wine to kick off the celebration. The multi-course menu offers a customizable dining experience with a range of appetizers, entrées, and desserts that honor timeless flavors and cherished comfort classics.Casamara: Celebrate New Years Eve with A Night of Coastal Indulgence, a prix fixe dinner highlighting Casamara’s menu that can be customized with optional wine pairing ($45), luxe supplements and more. Guests can pick from two seatings, one beginning at 5 pm ($125 per person), and one beginning at 7:45 pm ($175 per person, including champagne toast and party favors). Dinner guests also have the option of adding in access to the separate rooftop party at Reynold’s Bar and Casamara Rooftop for just $50 per person.Casa Teresa: Ring in the new year like the Spanish do — with tradition, delicious food, and joyful community! From the classic “uvas de la suerte” ritual to live music and Chef Rubén García’s extraordinary flavors, Casa Teresa promises an unforgettable celebration that sends 2025 out with style and welcomes 2026 with salud and suerte.Casta’s at Bodega: Casta’s at Bodega, the hideaway Havana-inspired club in the back of taco shop Bodega, celebrates with Maldito Año Nuevo, an event featuring a DJ, champagne toast and projection of the ball drop, all for a steal: Tickets start at just $20 for the bash beginning at 9:00 p.m.Casta’s Rum Bar: Celebrate the New Year at Casta's now-legendary Año Nuevo en Havana bash, which transforms Casta’s into a scene straight from the Cuban capital, replete with soul-shaking sounds and Casta's Latin vibes – plus, it’s completely free. The party starts at 9:00 p.m.Causa: Ring in 2026 at Causa with an exclusive New Year’s Eve tasting menu from James Beard Award–winning Chef Carlos Delgado. For one night only, he will showcase rare and exceptional Peruvian ingredients in a celebratory, elevated dining experience. CHĪKO: CHĪKO will be open for regular hours on New Year’s Eve, offering its signature bold Chinese-Korean comfort classics for those celebrating at home or dining out casually before midnight festivities. ChurchKey: ChurchKey invites guests to ring in 2026 with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. From 9:00 p.m. - 1:30 a.m., the beloved beer destination transforms into a lively, all-inclusive party featuring unlimited craft drafts, wines, curated cocktails, and a generous spread of bites from the culinary team. With a DJ spinning crowd favorites, a live stream of the Times Square ball drop, and a midnight sparkling toast, the evening promises nonstop energy and celebration. General Admission tickets are priced at $150. With food, beverages, and gratuity included, ChurchKey ensures a seamless night of flavor, festivity, and merriment as guests bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026 in style.Ciel Social Club: Ciel Downtown celebrates with An Enchanted New Year's 2026, with passed heavy apps, open bar from 9-11 pm, champagne toast and DJ. Tickets start at $150 per person.CUT by Wolfgang Puck: Dance into 2026 with an unforgettable post-dinner dance party. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city with unlimited champagne, a classic CUT seafood tower, and curated assortments of cheese, charcuterie, and housemade churros.The Dabney: Chef Jeremiah Langhorne and the MICHELIN-starred The Dabney team are offering two NYE menus rooted in Mid-Atlantic ingredients and prepared over their roaring hearth this year: a 6 course tasting for $245 per person and an 8 course extended tasting for $425 per person with premium seasonal ingredients, including caviar, white and black truffles, and Wagyu beef. Sommelier Cristian Urbina will also be pouring wine pairings for the evening (price TBD). Guests will get to watch Chef Jeremiah and team in action with a view of the open kitchen from the dining room. Plus, this is your last chance to get their signature “Dabnog” before the season ends.Desert 5 Spot: All night long, Desert 5 Spot will be sticking to what they know best: live music, flowing out from both floors of the venue, featuring live band performers and a DJ spinning the best country beats. The good times are sure to keep flowing with a 5-hour open (premium label!) bar, a midnight tequila toast, and passed Hors D'oeuvres – all included with your entry ticket. dLeña: dLeña is offering a celebratory five-course prix fixe menu on New Year’s Eve, designed to please every palate. For $159 per person, with an optional $100 coursed beverage pairing, guests can enjoy a selection of decadent starters, entrees, and desserts. Below is the original press release with more details on the prix fixe experience, live music in dLeña ROJA that evening, and an extended bottomless brunch to celebrate New Year’s Day.Dovetail: Ring in the New Year with an elevated dining experience at Dovetail, featuring a festive four-course prix-fixe New Year’s Eve dinner offered from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.for $99 per person. Guests will enjoy a seasonally inspired menu showcasing stand-out dishes such as Shrimp Bisque and Roasted Beef Carpaccio to start; an optional Caviar Course; main courses including Solstice Pasta, Seared Flounder, and Rack of Lamb; and indulgent desserts like Mimosa Panna Cotta and Valrhona Chocolate Cake. Specially priced wine selections by the bottle will also be available to toast to 2026 in true style. Reservations can be made here.Echostage: Like the ball dropping and champagne at midnight, Echostage’s annual marathon of amazing shows, night after night, is a New Year’s Week tradition. This year, check out Australian house superstar Fisher on Dec. 29 and DJ Snake on Dec. 30, but get tickets now for current EDM It Boy Mau P’s sure-to-be-legendary (and sure-to-sell-out) New Year’s Eve set.  Era Wine Bar: Era Wine Bar invites guests to “Midnight in a Perfect World,” a stylish New Year’s Eve celebration. The evening begins with a decadent 3-course dinner for $109 per person, complete with the option to explore Era’s reserve wine pairing list. Beginning at 10:00 p.m., the space transforms into a late-night celebration with à la carte bites, $75 endless champagne, and sophisticated house sounds from DJ Duchess, carrying the party through a sparkling countdown into 2026. Dinner is served from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. with endless champagne from 10:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.Evening Star Cafe: Evening Star Cafe invites guests to celebrate the arrival of 2026 with an ALL-INCLUSIVE New Year’s Eve bash packed with delicious food, premium drinks, and high-energy entertainment! Tickets include open bar access featuring craft drafts, premium wines, spirits, and specialty cocktails, plus a full spread of flavorful bites from Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ. As the clock strikes midnight, partygoers will toast with complimentary sparkling wine before dancing into the new year with a live DJ.The Green Zone: The Green Zone is hosting an Arab Reggaeton Event this New Years Event. The event will have DJ Basbousa doing a curated live Arab Reggaeton set, cocktail pairings by Don Q Rum including the famous Mint Lemonade & More, TGZ food favorites throughout the night, Champagne toast, and a parting gift bag designed for the night. We’ll also have non-alcoholic cocktail pairings available and can accommodate allergies.Harriman’s: Cheers to an elegant evening featuring a specially curated four-course chef’s dinner highlighting the finest seasonal flavors. Each course is designed to delight, creating a dining experience worthy of the year’s grand finale.Hell’s Kitchen: Chef Gordon Ramsay brings a touch of London to The Wharf for the holidays. The festive three-course feast features pan-seared scallops with celery root purée, bacon lardons, and pickled granny smith apples, grilled branzino served with crushed potatoes, baby spinach, and caviar sauce, and Chef’s signature beef wellington accompanied by potato purée, glazed root vegetables, and a rich red-wine demi-glace. Finish with a proper English sweet – warm sticky toffee pudding or apple butterscotch cheesecake with caramelized apples, candied pecans, and butterscotch sauce. I Egg You: Celebrate both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day at I Egg You with festive specials including Hoppin’ Johns ($13) and Deviled Eggs with Caviar ($10)—with the option to add caviar to any egg dish. First come, first served.Iron Gate: Ring in 2026 with an intimate and enchanting New Year’s Eve dining experience at Iron Gate! Enjoy a decadent 4-course, family-style feast featuring standout dishes such as Maine lobster tortellini with Sicilian pistachios and spiced shellfish broth, oak-grilled trumpet mushrooms with winter truffle, caramelized bay scallops with Kristal caviar, and your choice of Roseda Farm bone-in strip loin with traditional béarnaise or grape leaf roasted snapper with charred lemon for the table. Each reservation includes a celebratory glass of bubbles to toast the new year in true Iron Gate fashion.Isla + Goodlove: Isla + Goodlove is open New Year’s Eve for a lush, four-course pre-celebration dinner, with two seatings: a 5 pm seating for $160 per person; and a seating block beginning at 8:15 with DJ and celebratory toast priced at $195. Music-driven bar Goodlove, just around the corner from Isla, is perfect for those looking for a low-key affair this New Year’s, champagne, curated cocktails, and live DJ sets. Admission is just $40.Joe Theismann’s Restaurant: Joe Theismann’s kicks off 2026 with hearty comfort like a 14 oz Drunken Ribeye marinated in whiskey-soy and finished with garlic butter, plus a Seared Ahi Tuna Salad for a lighter celebration. La Marca Prosecco and Beau Joie Brut Champagne keep glasses clinking well past midnight. On New Year’s Day, guests can enjoy brunch from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and dinner during regular business hours. Jônt: Celebrate the year’s final evening with an unforgettable tasting experience at JÔNT. The team will present a refined and festive menu featuring exceptional ingredients, elegant pairings, and a few playful touches to mark the occasion (6:00 p.m. $995 per person; 9:00 p.m. $1250 per person). L’Ardente: L’Ardente is celebrating the holidays with a New Year’s Eve Night of Magic Penthouse Party. The event will run from 10:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. and will include passed hors d’oeuvres, surprise entertainers, a DJ and two open bars featuring beer, wine and signature cocktails all capped by a balloon drop and bubbly toast at midnight. Tickets cost $250 per person.La Grande Boucherie: La Grande Boucherie invites guests to welcome the New Year with an elegant three-course prix fixe dinner ($145)featuring signature French classics, elevated steakhouse favorites, and indulgent desserts. La Grande Boucherie is also offering a special Kids’ Prix Fixe Menu ($65), featuring approachable French-inspired favorites.La’ Shukran: La’ Shukran is sending off the year the Shukran way with a festive $225 New Year’s Eve set-menu feast crafted by Chef Rafidi. The celebratory dinner highlights the Levantine flavors guests know and love, plus a few special surprises designed exclusively for the night.La Vie: Step into a night of elegance, intrigue, and elevated celebration as La Vie transforms into a dazzling masquerade ballroom for New Year’s Eve 2026. Guests will enjoy breathtaking waterfront views, vibrant entertainment, dancing across multiple party areas, and a spectacular midnight celebration. With multiple open bars, live music and DJs, captivating photo moments, and surprise activations throughout the evening, Masquerade Royale promises a New Year’s Eve unlike any other in the District.Le Diplomate: Everyone’s favorite French-inspired soiree, Fête Parisienne du Nouvel An, returns to Le Diplomate with more glitz and glamour than ever: Expect an abundant display of lobster, snow crab, shrimp cocktail, clams, and oysters shucked to order, as well as a showstopping caviar presentation, and stations set for traditional Swiss fondue, made-to-order crêpes, and charcuterie. Starting at 10 pm and going till 2:00 a.m., this blowout cocktail party gives you reason to break out your prettiest gowns and finest tuxes, with live jazz, a DJ, sketch artist, roaming photo booth, midnight Réveillon and more. Tickets are priced at $275 per person.Little Blackbird: Little Blackbird rings in the new year with festive à la carte specials from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m., including caviar blini, ceviche, and a lamb chop with garlic scalloped potatoes. Guests can toast the evening with whimsical sparkling wine and candy pairings, along with select sparkling bottles for $40Lutèce: Chefs Matt Conroy, Bruno Enciso, and Executive Pastry Chef Ana Pino have created a 1-night-only 6-course Chef's Tasting to ring in 2026 at Lutèce! The neo-bistro offerings for the night will highlight luxury and locally-sourced ingredients including caviar, champagne, truffles, and lobster. Complete the experience with Advanced Sommelier Chris Ray's Wine Pairing. The restaurant will also be decorated for the occasion with festive lights. Early seating ($270 per person), late seating ($330 per person).Lyle’s: Toast to 2026 with an elegant evening at Lyle’s. Highlights include crab bisque with crispy leek and pear, pumpkin risotto with pesto and pomegranate, and cioppino with crab, clams, saffron, and fennel. End the year on a sweet note–enjoy crème brûlée infused with espresso and berries or chocolate mousse with blood orange and peanuts. Madhatter: Madhatter transforms into a high-energy NYE party starting at 9 p.m. with a 5-hour premium open bar, gourmet buffet, DJ and live entertainment, masquerade favors, and a midnight champagne toast with balloon drop. On New Year’s Day, the celebration continues with bottomless brunch. Maison Bar a Vins: Join DC’s hottest new wine bar for a night of mingling, elevated French raw bar bites, music, and champagne! For $150 per person, guests will get access to an open raw bar, butter & crudites station, complimentary passed hors d'oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight. Guests will be able to mingle throughout the main and second (not yet open to the public) floor of the historic brownstone while sipping on award-winning wine and cocktails.The Majestic: Celebrate the arrival of 2026 in the heart of Old Town at The Majestic, where timeless hospitality and elevated American comforts set the tone for a festive night out. Guests can enjoy delicious dishes and classic cocktails late into the evening before welcoming the new year with ease. Keep the celebration going the next morning with a special New Year’s Day brunch from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., followed by a relaxed dinner service to kick off 2026 deliciously. Mallard: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Mallard with a refined 4-course menu by Chef Hamilton Johnson, inspired by his Southern heritage and crafted for an unforgettable send-off to 2025. Dinner includes a complimentary glass of sparkling wine to toast the occasion, plus optional wine pairings curated by our Wine Director — $50 for Standard Pairings or $75 for Deluxe Pairings.Marcus DC: Chef Marcus Samuelson’s foodie trifecta in the heart of NoMA closes out 2025 with a series of celebrations, from an all-day rooftop happy hour at SLY and five-course dinner at Marcus DC, to a luxe Masquerade Ball at Goodie Lounge to toast to 2026 in style.Matt & Tony’s: Celebrate at Matt & Tony’s with normal brunch and dinner service on New Year’s Eve, plus the option to pre-order Morning After Brunch Kits for January 1. The restaurant will also be open normal hours on New Year’s Day for brunch and dinner.Merriweather Lakehouse: Enjoy a prix fixe dinner for two at LAK, our signature lakefront restaurant, featuring a specially curated New Year’s Eve menu served from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. As the night unfolds, the heart of the celebration begins in our stylish lobby bar with a live acoustic set by Tom Starr from 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. When the clock strikes twelve, your room is just steps away—no need to rush anywhere after the celebration.Mia’s Italian Kitchen: Celebrate like the Italians do — with comfort, warmth, and bubbles. Mia’s features special entrées including the decadent Veal Chop Parmigiana and Maine Lobster Ravioli in preserved lemon–caviar butter sauce. Raise a celebratory flute of Canella Prosecco Superiore or Pinot Noir Brut Rosé as you welcome 2026 with flair. On New Year’s Day, guests can enjoy brunch from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and dinner during regular business hours. Moon Rabbit: Chef Kevin Tien and North America’s Best Pastry Chef Susan Bae cordially invite you to a sparkling celebration to bid adieu to 2025 with a four course+ tasting menu ($125 per person) and special treats from the kitchen.Nobu: Nobu will offer a special omakase experience for New Year's Eve, featuring six courses for $210 per person.The Occidental: Reserve your big night out in the upstairs Mural Room at the Occidental, and the restaurant will make it easy to indulge, offering an upgraded New Year’s Eve package ($195 per person) that makes for a perfect pairing for the Occidental’s famed pork chop and pink Champagne cake (not included in ticket price). Expect free-flowing premium wines and Champagne, passed canapes, caviar service and more. For those who want the full Occidental experience, a $200 prix fixe dinner is also available.Osteria Mozza: Osteria Mozza celebrates with a fun-filled cocktail party ($225) featuring open bar, champagne toast at midnight, photo booth, and Mozza favorites served cocktail-style as passed bites. Expect live music from Oh He Dead!, a dance floor and more. Dinner reservations are available from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.; the party starts at 10:00 p.m.Owen’s Tavern & Garden: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a lively, all-inclusive bash at Owen’s Tavern & Garden! Enjoy a festive evening packed with unlimited beers, wines, cocktails, and a full spread of delicious bites — all included in your ticket, along with gratuity. Raise a sparkling toast at midnight as they welcome 2026, and dance the night away to the perfect party soundtrack.Palette 22: Arlington’s most artistic celebration awaits at Palette 22, where NYE gets a pop of color, creativity, and sparkle. Sip into 2026 with La Marca Prosecco or upgrade your midnight toast with Beau Joie Brut Champagne, perfect for pairing with a lively night of bites, beats, and festive fun. On New Year’s Day, guests can enjoy brunch from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and dinner during regular business hours. Pascual: Ring in the new year at Pascual with Chef Isabel Coss’s 4 course hearth-focused Mexican tasting menu. Guests will enjoy a champagne toast upon arrival, and expect a few surprises along the way including an optional cocktail pairing from Bar Manager Tracy Eustaquio and Beverage Director Suzy Critchlow. Priced at $180 per person.The Pembroke: Along with a live DJ, the evening features a lavish first-course display with a variety of salad choices, beef carpaccio, and a raw bar display, followed by entrées such as poached lobster risotto, veal saltimbocca, smoked lamb rack, or local bass with brodetto sauce. Desserts include mille-feuille, chocolate hazelnut torta, and upside-down orange cake. Seasonal cocktails and an extensive wine list round out the celebration. Priced at $145 per adult and $65 per child.Perry’s: On New Years Eve, Chef Morishita will serve Kamo Nanban “Toshikoshi” Soba ($29), a reimagined take on the traditional Japanese dish enjoyed on New Year’s Eve. Morishita’s version is made with duck breast, naganegi leeks, fried mochi, kintoki carrots, and yuzu. The restaurant will also serve a Wagyu Sukiyaki Stew ($33) and Dashi Poached Japanese Amberjack with Crispy Rice ($31). The restaurant’s sushi team will serve a Mirin–Soy–Sake Scallop with Asparagus-Wrapped Squid and Seared Saba Hako, both available for $19. On New Year’s Day, Perry’s will host a special Japanese Breakfast service to ring in 2026. The menu will feature traditional dishes eaten during the holiday in Japan with unique twists. Reservations for the special breakfast service are available now. Philippe Chow: Celebrate with Philippe Chow's Imperial NYE, a four-course dining experience with Philippe Chow favorites such as chicken satay, salt-and-pepper lobster and more. Guests can choose from three seatings ranging from $150-$250 per person, with family-friendly environs early in the night and a more jubilant late seating to ring in the New Year, with one bottle of Moët & Chandon per two guests, four-course Imperial menu, NYE party favors, DJ and more. Piccolina da Centrolina: Piccolina invites guests to ring in the New Year with an unforgettable celebration at its exclusive NYE bash in CityCenterDC. The ticketed event, will run from 10:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. and feature a live DJ providing entertainment throughout the night. Attendees can enjoy all-you-can-eat Italian bites and an open bar offering beer, wine, specialty drinks, and prizes. The celebration is open to guests 21 and over, and parties of six or more are encouraged to contact [email protected]. General admission tickets are priced at $125, with an early bird special available for $100. To purchase tickets, click (here).Pop Fizz Bar: What better way to ring in 2026 than popping some bottles with them all night long. They are bringing the 90’s back with a bangin playlist and specials.Primrose: Primrose hosts a chic “New Year’s in Paris” celebration on December 31 from 5:00 - 9:30 p.m., featuring passed snacks, a raw bar, unlimited drinks, and a 6 PM live ball drop streamed from Paris. Guests are encouraged to dress in festive cocktail attire and arrive by rideshare. Tickets are $150 per person. Prost: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Prost with a German-inspired party featuring a 4-hour open bar, 3-hour German buffet, traditional Glühwein with fire sugar cone, party favors, brand swag, and a midnight champagne toast. On New Year’s Day, Prost opens at 11 AM with its regular menu and Bowl Game viewings. Rasika West End: Rasika West End will serve a 3-course prix fixe NYE dinner from 5:00 to 10:15 p.m., priced at $95 per person or $145 with wine pairings. The menu from Chefs Vikram Sunderam and Rakesh Singh features dishes such as Venchina Mamsam Dosa, Shrimp Mulga Podi Fry, Goan Lobster Curry, Duck Chettinad, and a trio of sweets to finish.Reynolds Bar & Casamara Rooftop: Access two parties with one ticket as Reynold’s Bar and Casamara Rooftop team up for “Midnight Rendezvous," a two-venue bash with gourmet canapés, DJs, featured NYE champagne cocktails, toast at midnightparty favors ($130 per person). Flit from Casamara Rooftop Après Ski to Reynold’s cozy “house” party and back again, and at the end of the night, grab a late-night goodbye snack and next-day recovery kit on your way out.Royal Restaurant: Ring in the New Year with timeless indulgence at The Royal, featuring elevated classics like Lobster Thermidor with cognac sauce and Cast Iron NY Strip Au Poivre with rosemary butter and crispy Brussels sprouts. Champagne is a must, with pours like Benvolio Prosecco and Banshee “Ten of Cups” Brut to toast to 2026 in delicious style. On New Year’s Day, The Royal will open during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. SABABA: SABABA in Cleveland Park will offer festive à la carte specials from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, including a zucchini cake with salmon roe, Lamb Chop al Haesh, and Duck Leg Confit with spaetzle paprikash. Guests can pair their celebration with $40 bottles of sparkling wine offered exclusively for the holiday.Service Bar: Service Bar will operate with limited NYE hours, with the kitchen open until 1:00 a.m. and the bar open 8:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m., first come, first served. Perfect for a laid-back, cocktail-loving countdown into 2026. Shaw’s Tavern: Shaw’s Tavern hosts a lively NYE celebration beginning at 9:00 p.m. with a 4-hour open bar, dinner buffet, midnight breakfast buffet, DJ, dancing, party favors, and a champagne toast. On New Year’s Day, Shaw’s is open for normal brunch and dinner service.Soundcheck: There’s only a couple of months left to take in the sounds at one of DC’s most intimate and beloved EDM venues before it shutters for good. Celebrate the end of an era this New Year’s Eve with rising Belgian melodic house DJ Jerro.The Sovereign: Celebrate New Year’s Eve the Belgian way — with an ALL-INCLUSIVE night of rollicking revelry at The Sovereign! Enjoy unlimited access to 50 Belgian drafts, premium wines, spirits, and specialty cocktails, plus a full spread of delicious Belgian-inspired bites. As the clock strikes midnight, raise a glass of sparkling wine and toast to a bold and brilliant 2026! With a live DJ, festive energy, and dancing late into the night, we’ve got everything you need for an unforgettable start to the new year.SYN Rooftop Bar & Lounge: SYN Rooftop Bar & Lounge Reston will host a New Year's Eve rooftop countdown party from 4:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.,with the main festivities between 9:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.. The NYE Celebration features a live DJ, party favors closer to midnight, and a complimentary midnight toast. Guests will also be able to purchase exclusive bottles and glasses of Laurent Perrier Brut to celebrate the end of 2025 and the start of 2026.Tony & Joe’s: Join Tony & Joe’s this New Years Eve at their Riverbash 2026 celebration. This amazing party will have an open to shelf bar all night, heated party tents, heavy appetizer buffets, DJs spinning at both Tony & Joe’s and Riverside Grill. The Josh Burgess Band will be playing all of your favorite covers live in the main tent. Vagabond: Vagabond throws a massive three-level NYE celebration featuring 4.5 hours of premium open bar, a gourmet hors d’oeuvres buffet, heated rooftop, and dueling DJs on multiple floors, running 9:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. The party continues the next day with New Year’s Day brunch and dinner. Vera Cocina & بار : The beloved New Year’s Eve celebration, Desert Disco, returns to Vera Cocina & بار.  Desert Disco Vol. III, a special collaboration with sister venue Culture DC known for curating experiences that go beyond the plate, will transform Vera into a golden desert oasis with candlelights, mirrors, an amber glow and a touch of disco shimmer.  Doors open at 9:00 p.m. and guests kick off the night with light bites starting at 9:15 p.m. in Vera’s cocktail bar. Guests will ring in the New Year with a classic Vamos Habibi shot-sized cocktail or mocktail for a midnight toast.Vermilion: Enjoy an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration at Vermilion, where intimate charm meets exceptional flavor on historic King Street. Chef Anthony Chittum presents a festive dining experience featuring vibrant, seasonal Mid-Atlantic ingredients and inventive contemporary American dishes — the perfect blend of elegance and comfort to welcome the new year.Vola’s Dockside Grill: Ring in the New Year with a waterfront celebration at Vola's Dockside Grill! Start your New Year's Eve with style at their special NYE Brunch from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., featuring delectable dishes and a festive atmosphere. As the day unfolds, transition into a night of excitement with a Dinner service that lasts until 2:00 a.m., accompanied by a lively NYE event featuring a DJ to keep the party going until the early hours. Embrace the first day of the year with a delightful New Year's Day Brunch from 10:00 am to 3:00 p.m., setting the stage for a day of relaxation. The celebration continues into the evening with an à la carte Dinner menu available until 11:00 p.m.The Watergate Hotel: Ring in 2026 with signature Watergate glamour as The Watergate Hotel and Moët Champagne host their annual New Year’s Eve gala. This year’s celebration transforms the hotel into an immersive cabaret experience—complete with high-energy DJ sets in Kingbird, sultry live entertainment and cabaret dancers in The Next Whisky Bar, specialty cocktails, and premium cigars available for purchase. Guests will enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight as we welcome 2026 in iconic style. For those looking to begin the night with an elevated culinary moment, Kingbird will offer a special prix-fixe holiday dinner, with all dinner guests receiving entry to the main celebration.Whitlow’s: Celebrate NYE at Whitlow’s on U Street, hosting a high-energy celebration from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Tickets are $85 per person and include all-you-can-drink rail spirits, Champagne, and select draft beers, plus a Champagne toast at midnight. Entertainment includes a live performance by Turtle Recall on the second floor starting at 10:00 p.m. and DJ Killabeats24 on the rooftop from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Guests can enjoy a heavy appetizer buffet on the first floor from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m., along with free party favors to keep the celebration going.The Yards: The Yards invites families to welcome 2026 at Noon Yards Eve. This joyful daytime celebration is designed especially for little revelers, featuring a variety of hands-on activities and festive entertainment. Guests are invited to gatherfor a sparkling countdown and balloon drop at noon—the perfect way for kids to ring in the New Year.

Lights up, DMV! TheListAreYouOnIt’s latest Theatre Guide rounds up what’s on stage across the region. Broadway favorites, touring productions, and bold originals — and you know we have smart pre-theatre dining picks near each venue. From black box gems to big-house blockbusters, the talent here is the real deal.Pro tip: Chasing post-show bites? Old Ebbitt Grill’s kitchen serves until 1 AM. Curtain down, forks up, people!Arena StageFremont Ave: Now playing through December 7Step Afrika!: December 5–21, 2025Chez Joey: January 30–March 15, 2026Where to EatDel Mar by Fabio TrabocchiLimaniMoonraker at the PendryPhilippe ChowDupont UndergroundThe Swallow: Now playing through December 14Folger TheatreAs You Like It: March 10–April 12, 2026Where to EatChikoThe Duck and the PeachParaisoQuill and CrumbFord’s TheatreA Christmas Carol - through December 31, 2025Where to EatJaleoMoon RabbitSuccotash PrimeThe Riggs HotelNational TheatreSome Like It Hot — November 25–December 7, 2025Water for Elephants — December 9–14, 2025Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Musical — December 30, 2025–January 4, 2026Where to EatCafé du ParcOld Ebbitt GrillThe OccidentalVue Rooftop at Hotel WashingtonOlney TheatreHello, Dolly! — November 6, 2025–January 4, 2026A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas — November 28–December 28, 2025Where to EatBrew BellyOlney StationSalt and VineScratch KitchenRound House TheatreRules for Living — December 3, 2025–January 4, 2026Where to EatAventinoBlack’s Bar and KitchenCubano’sThe Salt LineSignature TheatreFiddler on the Roof — November 4–January 25, 2026Where to EatCarlyleCorso ItalianOur Mom EugeniaStellina Pizzeria ShirlingtonStudio TheatreThe Mother Play: A Play in Five Evictions — November 12–December 21, 2025Where to EatAcqua BisteccaKing Street Oyster Bar City RidgeShinwa IzakayaTaco BambaShakespeare Theatre Co.Guys & Dolls at Harman Hall — December 2, 2025–January 4, 2026Eddie Izzards's Hamlet - March 22-April 5, 2026Where to EatOyamelTonariRasikaZaytinyaSynetic TheaterNo shows at this timeWhere to EatBar CollineBeauty Champagne and Sugar BoutiqueNi HaoWater BarTheatre JDC Theater Talk with Holly Twyford — December 8, 2025–May 4, 2026 (Mondays)Where to EatEttoIron GateHank’s Oyster BarMallardWarner TheatreWashington Ballet Nutcracker — November 29–December 28, 2025Where to EatCentral Michel RichardOlio e PiùThe HamiltonThe HenriWoolly MammothHo Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha — November 13–December 21, 2025The World to Come — February 2–March 1, 2026Where to EatCranesCentrolinaLucky DangerRasika

We at TheListAreYouOnIt.com are unabashed tea lovers. Give us a posh setting, a silver pot of something steeped and fragrant, a few towers of sweets and savories, and of course, a generous dollop of clotted cream, and we’re in our happy place. If you know us, you know we love a long, leisurely afternoon tea with friends, luxuriating in all the delicious ceremony. And the DMV takes its tea seriously. From grand hotels to hidden gems, there are plenty of ways to sip in style this season. Here’s where to indulge this fall and holiday season: NEW & NOTEWORTHY TEASThe Darcy’s “Wicked Witches” Afternoon Tea: The Darcy is taking us somewhere over the rainbow with an Oz-inspired experience. In partnership with the Northern Virginia LEGO User Group, the hotel’s lobby has transformed into a whimsical Emerald City built from over 13,000 LEGO pieces. Alongside the spectacle, guests can enjoy a themed “Wicked Witches Afternoon Tea” featuring savory bites like Glinda’s Goodness, Emerald City Greens, and Bewitching Smoke, plus a bewitching lineup of pastries and assorted hot teas. $56 per person; reservations required.Fairmont Washington, D.C. Georgetown – Nutcracker Afternoon Tea: Back by popular demand, Fairmont has expanded dates for its beloved Nutcracker Afternoon Tea. Set within the beautifully decorated Loggia overlooking the courtyard’s twinkling lights, this tea is a visual and culinary feast. Expect savory delights like Gulf Shrimp & Mango Chutney Brioche and White Truffle Chicken Salad Croissant, followed by whimsical sweets — Gingerbread Reindeer Cake, Pistachio Cherry Craquelin Choux, and Chocolate Peppermint Swiss Roll. Adults enjoy a glass of Domaine Chandon; little ones sip sparkling cider and leave with a keepsake Nutcracker. $110 adults / $65 children (under 12) | Available throughout December | 1–3 PM. For more information or reservations, email [email protected] or call 202.457.5020.The Willard InterContinental – Winter Holiday Tea: This cherished tradition is served five times weekly through December 28 — Thursday through Sunday in Willard’s Peacock Alley, and Wednesday through Sunday in the Willard Tea Room. Sip tea while serenaded by the holiday melodies of resident harpist Kristen Jepperson, set amid the grandeur of the hotel’s spectacular seasonal décor. The seasonal menu will feature long-time favorites and new tastes of the season. $105 per adult or $120 with a glass of champagne | $65 per child (3-12 years of age) | Additional champagne is available starting at $27 per glass. Seatings are available at noon and 2:30 p.m. More information here.Pendry Washington DC – Holiday Tea: Every Saturday in December, Pendry DC will offer a holiday-themed Boozy Tea menu. The menu will be served in their European-inspired lobby bar, Bar Pendry, which will be decorated festively for the season. The $80/pp experience is inclusive of three tea-infused cocktails paired with tiered sweet and savory teatime bites. New cocktails include a Bergamot Toddy with Italicus, gin, Earl Grey, spiced honey, and lemon; the Ember & Oak with Amaretto, bourbon, chai, brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon; and the Winter Bloom with vodka, St. Germaine, peppermint tea, and honey.  655 Water Street SW.| Seatings at 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM. Reservations can be booked here.Waldorf Astoria Washington DC – Holiday Afternoon Tea: Back for the season, the Waldorf’s Holiday Afternoon Tea is the picture of luxury. Served beneath the soaring atrium, surrounded by live harp music and a glittering tree, guests are treated to Pomegranate Fig Tart with Brûléed Brie, Cranberry Brie Thyme Scones, and a Caramel Banana Petit Gâteaux. Sip Chocolate Peppermint Truffle or Sugar Plum Fairy tea blends and savor the elegance. $120 per person | $200 premium service | Thurs–Sun | 12 PM & 3:30 PM. Reservations via OpenTable or call 202.868.5042Folger Shakespeare Library – Frost Fair & Holiday Teas: Afternoon tea takes a literary turn at the Folger Shakespeare Library, with monthly teas and themed experiences like An Austen Afternoon (December 20) and a special Family Tea on December 26 featuring storytelling and kids’ activities in the Reading Room. Details can be found here. Jasmine & Jubilee Tea Ceremony: British chef Daniel Green brings his favorite holiday tradition to Flore Café Tysons with the launch of a one-of-a-kind festive experience: The Jasmine & Jubilee Tea Ceremony - British High Tea with a Thai Twist, celebrating the release of his latest cookbook, "Take Home Thailand." This elegant afternoon service, curated by Chef Green in collaboration with Flore Café's acclaimed Pastry Chef Oksana Chepoy, blends two rich culinary traditions—Britain's beloved high tea and Thailand's bold, tropical flavors. Available on weekends throughout winter 2025, guests will enjoy more than a dozen different bites in the high tea set with Thai-inspired surprises. Each high tea service includes: More than a dozen exquisite bites blending British and Thai culinary traditions, a complimentary signed cookbook, "Take Home Thailand" (while supplies last), and elegant tea selections. Perfect for the festive season, the British High Tea with a Thai Twist makes an exceptional gift experience for foodies, friends, and family members. The signed cookbook adds a special touch to this memorable afternoon. Flore Café Tysons; $120 per person, includes one signed cookbook; Book exclusively via Resy. Limited seating. Advance reservations required. ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA: WHERE ELSE TO GET YOUR TEA ONThese tea spots are always steeping something wonderful:The Park HyattThe Fairmont HotelHillwood Estate, Museum & GardensLaduréeLady CamelliaQuadrant at The Ritz-CarltonSt. Regis HotelSeasons at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DCThe Tavern at The Henley ParkZinnia

When you step into DCANTER, you immediately feel it: this isn’t just a wine shop, it’s a whole new way of discovering what you love to drink. At the helm is Michelle Lim-Warner, Co-Founder and CEO, and the force behind this innovative wine experience here in DC. Michelle has reimagined the world of wine retail by pairing boutique hospitality with smart technology. Through DCANTER’s online shop and its wine concierge subscription service, she and her team make exploring artisanal and organic wines not just easy, but personal, easily curating bottles that reflect each customer’s taste, curiosity, and budget.  Beyond the shop, Michelle is committed to shaping a more inclusive and joyful wine community. As Mentorship Director for Vin. Vitalité, she champions women in the DC wine world, helping build pathways for connection, confidence, and career growth. Recently, Michelle joined David and me on Foodie & The Beast to pour and chat, and we’re thrilled to feature her here on TheListAreYouOnIt.com. With Michelle leading the charge, the future of wine feels more approachable, more exciting, and definitely more personal. Read more here. The Future of Wine Is Personal: How DCANTER Blends Boutique Hospitality with Technology DCANTER feels both deeply personal and innovative. How do you balance technology with hospitality?MLW: Two of our core values at DCANTER are Partners in Wine and Game Changers, and those (along with our other core values) guide everything we do. At our core, we’re about connection: people coming together through wine, through community, and through moments of joy. So for us, hospitality always comes first. Technology simply helps us deliver that hospitality with more consistency and a more personal touch. It’s a tool that deepens human connection, not a replacement for it.When someone walks into our Capitol Hill shop, they’re greeted warmly and welcomed into an experience that’s intentionally personal and joyful. Our team builds real relationships, shares the stories behind the bottles, and inspires people with food pairings and discoveries they may not have found on their own.Behind the scenes, our technology supports that human work. Our Concierge by DCANTER service is supported by proprietary software that captures taste preferences, tracks feedback, and helps our wine concierges curate selections that truly feel tailored. When we taste through wines, we’re constantly thinking about our customers---who will love this bottle, what occasion it fits, whose palate it matches. It’s never about what we like; it’s about meeting our clients where they are.So the balance is intentional: hospitality first---always: the warm, neighborhood boutique, the conversations, the tastings, the approachable vibe. And then tech is the quiet enabler that helps us scale that hospitality with consistency, insight, and the personal sommelier experience people come to us for. Tell us about the “Personal Sommelier” technology — how did it come to be? What inspired you to bring technology into a traditional boutique wine model?MLW: The idea actually came from a simple question a customer asked me years ago: “Do you deliver?” At the time, we didn’t. But that question opened up a much bigger conversation in my mind about how people really shop for wine. Compared to almost any other retail category, wine is uniquely risky---you usually can’t taste before you buy, you can’t return it if you don’t like it, and the difference between a $15 bottle and a $50 bottle can feel mysterious and intimidating.Most people end up choosing based on the label, the price, or a mix of both. What they really want is guidance…someone to translate their preferences into a bottle they’ll love, even if they don’t have the perfect wine vocabulary to describe it. That’s what we do every day at the shop. We ask questions: Are you pairing this with dinner? What flavors speak to you? What do you not like? What have you enjoyed before? Is this for a celebration, a gift, or just to unwind with friends?At the same time, I watched the rise of food and alcohol delivery and saw a clear demand---and a clear opportunity. I realized we could take the trusted, personal experience customers have with us in-store and combine it with the convenience of delivery and the intelligence of technology. And that’s how Concierge by DCANTER was born.Instead of a traditional wine club (where everyone gets the same bottles at a tiered price point), we created a true “personal sommelier” service. Clients receive wines that are handpicked to their taste, their budget, and their lifestyle, chosen by a dedicated wine expert who gets to know them over time. They can message their Wine Concierge the same way they’d ask us at the counter:“I’m making this meal this week. What should I open?”“I had a wine on vacation---can you help me find something similar?”“I need a gift for someone important.”It started very simply: a questionnaire, a conversation, and a follow-up. But over the years, we’ve built it into a proprietary technology platform that tracks taste preferences, customer feedback, and buying patterns. It helps us remember your palate better than your best friend can, while keeping the service very human-driven. The tech doesn’t replace the relationship; it supports it.Clients also get access to exclusive benefits: free tastings, winemaker events, early access to limited releases and high-end experiences, and even priority on our global wine trips. Concierge by DCANTER is really about supporting a joyful wine lifestyle and integrating wine seamlessly into people’s lives.It’s a hard service to explain at first because no one else is doing it quite the way we are. But once people experience it, they absolutely love it. It feels effortless, personalized, and fun---exactly what wine discovery should be.How does DCANTER stay competitive in a market dominated by big online retailers?MLW: We don’t pay too much attention to big online retailers. We’re focused on our customers, our community, and our team. We just try to do what we can to be good humans and help create moments of joy for our customers through wine. I think it would be tough for big retailers to replicate what we do. A focus on:Deep relationships with small organic and sustainable producersA concierge service rooted in true personalizationHyper-local delivery that supports last-minute needs and keeps us part of our customers’ daily livesClasses, events, and global wine tours that bring wine culture to life in meaningful ways.And because we’re tech-enabled, we’re able to provide the convenience people expect from big online retailers without losing the warmth and soul of a boutique wine shop. At the end of the day, people want to connect with people, and wine is our medium, bringing people together.How has DCANTER evolved since opening on Capitol Hill?MLW: When we first opened our doors in 2013, Michael, my husband and co-founder, and I simply wanted to create the kind of wine shop we wished existed in our neighborhood. We lived on Capitol Hill at the time, and our vision was a boutique focused on organic and sustainable small producers, with an emphasis on lesser-known regions and grape varieties because we loved to discover these! And because wine felt confusing and intimidating to us when we were learning, we paired the shop with accessible wine education--- something you didn’t have to spend thousands of dollars on or go through formal certification programs to enjoy. As we grew, we paid attention to how people actually shopped for wine and what they needed beyond the bottle. Over time, DCANTER evolved from a neighborhood wine boutique into a true one-stop destination for wine and the wine lifestyle. We added our personalized Concierge by DCANTER service, which has since become a core part of our identity. We introduced private and corporate tasting events and eventually launched a global wine tours component that allows our customers to connect directly with the stories and places behind the wines they love. We believe our producers can tell their stories way better than we can---though we try our best!We also began directly importing wines from wineries, building meaningful relationships with small producers who care about the same things we do---environmental stewardship, artisanal craftmanship, and creating joy through wine. We may have evolved, but DCANTER remains true to how we started: be a place where people can learn, explore, connect, and feel taken care of. What advice would you give other small business owners integrating tech into hospitality?MLW: As I’ve mentioned before, technology is for supporting human work, not be a replacement for human connection. So it’s there to enhance hospitality, but creating a warm, friendly environment where people can feel welcome is still a job for our team. Technology is amazing if you know what you need. I’m an early adopter of technology, but I always start by defining our business needs:What are we trying to accomplish?Will technology make it more efficient and cost-effective for the team?Will technology improve the customer experience?Before we build it, is there off-the-shelf technology available?If we build it, can we maintain it?Knowing the answers to these questions helps me navigate whether and when to incorporate tech into our work. I would also say, don’t over-invest too early. Test it manually, validate the effectiveness, and then scale with tech.  As you look ahead, what’s next for DCANTER?We’re entering into an exciting chapter at DCANTER. After 12 years, we are looking to expand into new locations with the hope of bringing DCANTER’s joyful, welcoming vibe to more communities. Along with this, we’re scaling our Concierge service with more robust personalization tools, improved customer-facing features, and stronger logistics.  Internally, we’re investing in tools that better support our team. Hospitality is built on details, and we manage what feels like thousands of little tasks every day. We’re looking into project management systems and AI support that can help us optimize our days, reduce friction, and give our team more time to connect with our customers, which is what really matters most.  We’re also growing our direct-import program and exploring new ways to bring wine education and community experiences to life for our customers---through fun events and classes and global tours. Our vision to become the go-to brand for joyful, personalized wine discovery---both in-store and online---while staying true to the boutique spirit and human connection that built DCANTER.