All Access

Washington D.C.

blue

A guide to fun things to do in D.C. this weekend.

Axios D.C. Weekender

Weekender

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Washington, DC. Written by Anna Spiegel and Cuneyt Dil.

Axios D.C. Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios D.C.

Standard

D.C. Alerts

Alert

Washington, DC Members

Membership

fCheers! It's D.C. Cocktail Week now through Dec. 5.

Why it matters: It's a fun time to sip around — over 100 DMV bars and restaurants are participating with pairings, happy hours, and events.

How it works: Similar to Restaurant Week, the promotion draws drinkers into local businesses with a set deal: $15 drinks with a paired snack. Prices may vary, but in the age of $20 cocktails, you'll find deals. 

A bunch of bars are also planning extended happy hours, cocktail classes, live music, and other events.

Between the lines: Cocktail Week leads up to Repeal Day, marking the 90th anniversary of Prohibition's end.

On Sunday, the DC Bartenders' Guild hosts its booziest bash of the year: The Repeal Day Ball at the National Building Museum. Go for four floors of mixology, dueling whiskey bars, tastings, and live music (tickets start at $150).

Medina: Maydan's brand new lounge offers several drinks — we like a spiced old fashioned — with a Tunisian "brick à l'Oeuf" pastry.

Taqueria Xochi: The new Square food hall location of the popular taquería does an extended happy hour, Monday through Saturday, plus a fun pairing: ginger margaritas and pork shoulder tacos ($15).

Makan: Channel warmer temps with a ginger-lemongrass Malaysian gimlet in Columbia Heights, plus chicken satay skewers ($25).

The Wells: Capitol Hill's gin bar serves a nightcap-worthy "banana cocktail" with a dulce de leche brownie, plus they're hosting a holiday punch class Wednesday ($55).

Lulu's Wine Garden: U Street's wine garden goes Christmas in the Southwest with festive decor, a warming gingerbread liqueur-spiked cocktail, and biscochito (New Mexico's state cookie).

5 can't-miss drink deals during D.C. Cocktail Week

Over 100 DMV bars and restaurants are participating with pairings, happy hours and events.

Makan's cocktail pairing: gimlet and satay. Photo courtesy of Makan

Alcohol

fCheers! It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="D.C. Cocktail Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dccocktailweek.com/" data-vars-content-id="266aa5db-dbc3-442a-ba98-c10f3831d714" data-vars-headline="5 can&#x27;t-miss drink deals during D.C. Cocktail Week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dccocktailweek.com/" target="_blank">D.C. Cocktail Week</a> now through Dec. 5.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a fun time to sip around — over 100 DMV bars and restaurants are participating with pairings, happy hours, and events.

Food and Drink

Things to Do

Small towns in the D.C. region are celebrating the season with holiday markets, Christmas parades, and plenty of Main Street charm.

Why it matters: It's a nostalgia-filled year, and nothing says Hallmark Christmas like a big small-town celebration.

Be smart: Book any reservation — especially ticketed events — as soon as you can.

We've mapped our holiday destinations from closest (and Metro accessible!) to farthest afield.

Holiday fireworks over Mt. Vernon. Photo courtesy of Claire Mouledoux

Details: Nearby Old Town feels a world away during the holidays — especially this weekend during the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday. Festivities continue throughout the season: Take in the giant tree at historic city hall, skate through Ice & Lights park, or check out a holiday market.

Our favorites: the Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show (Dec. 9) and Del Ray's fine art and craft market (through Dec. 23).

George Washington's Mt. Vernon, meanwhile, goes all-out for the holiday season with candlelight tours, fireworks displays, and meet-and-greets with Aladdin the Christmas camel, George's favorite.

Distance: Alexandria (8.3 miles); Mt. Vernon (22.8 miles)

Details: Maryland's charming capital hosts holiday events throughout the month, including the fantastic Eastport Yacht Club boat parade (Dec. 9), a downtown holiday market (Dec. 7-10), "midnight madness" shopping, and plenty of waterfront lights.

Sandy Point State Park (a 15-minute drive) is aglow during Lights on the Bay, a two-mile, drive-thru holiday light display inspired by historic Annapolis (through Jan. 1). Online passes start at $20 per vehicle.

Boats in Christmas lights on the Potomac River with the Capitol in the background. 

Decked-out decks in Alexandria. Photo courtesy of Misha Enriquez

Details: Holidays in hunt country aren't complete without Middleburg's famous Christmas parades, which start at 11am Saturday with the must-see procession of mounted sportsmen and their hunting hounds. Throughout the month go for carriage rides, free cocoa, caroling, and a ton of great shopping (don't miss German holiday finds at The Christmas Sleigh).

Details: Christmas in Little Washington, the tiny Rappahannock County town made famous by The Inn, is a big affair. On Sunday, horses and hounds parade with Santa in the streets, kids ride ponies and get face paintings, shoppers can browse a local artisan market, and bonfires keep everyone warm (see the full activity lineup here).

The Inn at Little Washington's gift shop is a personal favorite for stocking up on luxe treats, ornaments and home goods, as is R.H. Ballard Shop & Gallery down the road.

A historic home decorated for Christmas with a tree and ornaments on the mantle above a fire

Bethlehem's Sayre Mansion at Christmastime. Photo: Jumping Rocks/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Details: Charming decorations and maritime shops are always a draw, but the small harbor town's big event is Christmas in St. Michaels (Dec. 8-10). The packed weekend includes ticketed tours of historic homes decorated for the season, parades by boat and land, and church-hosted holiday meals with local fried oysters.

Nearby Easton has chic local shops, light displays and holiday events throughout the month. On Dec. 16, there's a special Christmas concert with football-turned-opera star Morris Robinson — a regular at the Metropolitan Opera — and famed Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero at the Ebenezer Theater ($150 per person).

We also love the decadent Friday afternoon tea at nearby Bonheur, which serves a special holiday tea on Dec. 16 in connection with the concert.

Details: They don't call it "Christmas City" for nothing. You could make a weekend out of the Pennsylvania town's Bavarian Christkindlmarkt, filled with local vendors and warm food and drinks, a new ice rink, and tons of holiday light displays. The historic Sayre Mansion even has a Christmas Suite for overnight guests.

Go deeper: Holiday light displays around D.C.

Small towns near D.C. go big for the holidays

A hunter wearing a red coat on a white horse trots down a street surrounded by hunting dogs

Middleburg's holiday hunt and hound parade. Photo: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

holidays

Small towns in the D.C. region are celebrating the season with holiday markets, Christmas parades, and plenty of Main Street charm.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nostalgia-filled" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/12/mcdonalds-grimace-meal-nostalgia-summer-movies" data-vars-content-id="39e333da-719e-47e0-9038-09df4aac98ea" data-vars-headline="Small towns near D.C. go big for the holidays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/12/mcdonalds-grimace-meal-nostalgia-summer-movies" target="_self">nostalgia-filled</a> year, and nothing says Hallmark Christmas like a big small-town celebration.

You don't have to travel to get the full holiday experience in the city.

We've made a list (and checked it twice) with some of our favorite holiday activities.

🧑‍🎄 Holiday pop-up bars are already pouring spiked cocoa and Christmaspolitans, and they're decked out in full festive decor.

🎁 It's a big weekend for holiday markets like the Heurich Christmas Market in Dupont Circle and Silver Spring's holiday craft fair — with many (many!) more to come.

✨ Lights, camera ... more lights! Instagrammable (or you know, just pretty) holiday illuminations are glowing up the city — our must-see list.

⛸️ You can glide around D.C. all winter long with our ice skating guide, whether you're looking for family fun or a first date.

🕎 Hanukkah is almost here, and we have an enticing list of where to find latkes, brisket, and sufganiyot doughnuts around town.

🍸 No buyer's remorse — Axios' Mimi Montgomery checked out Tysons Corner mall's new "Shopping With a Twist" promo, which allows shoppers to tipple along the way. 

Notes from the field: "As someone who actively tries to avoid malls, I can say that alcohol definitely makes hanging out at a FootLocker way more enjoyable."

Best holiday activities in the D.C. area

The Sculpture Garden ice rink. Photo courtesy of the National Gallery of Art

You don&#x27;t have to travel to get the full holiday experience in the city.We&#x27;ve made a list (and checked it twice) with some of our favorite holiday activities.

Holiday markets are sparking up all over the D.C. area.

Why it matters: Christmas markets are the antithesis of stressful online shopping — local, social, and filled with warm drinks and pretty lights.

D.C.'s biggest holiday market features more than 70 vendors in Penn Quarter selling everything from spices to jewelry and artwork (plus: it's daily!). Visitors can snack on warm donuts, sip cider, and catch live music between stalls.

Del Ray's Fine Art & Fine Craft Market: Through Dec. 23

Now in its 28th year, the Del Ray Artisans host a market over the first four weekends of December. Over 15 local talents attend each session selling jewelry, candles, ceramics, and more.

Fairfax's Norway House hosts a festival with a market chock full of Nordic goods like Dale sweaters, linens, and Freia chocolates. Kids will have fun riding Fjord horses and sipping cocoa in the Norwegian café. Sign up for online reservations.

Find global gifts. Photo courtesy of Downtown Holiday Market 

Dupont Circle's "brewmaster's castle" transforms into a German-style holiday market. Over 50 local vendors display craftworks and art, plus visitors can make ornaments, sip Glühwein, and explore the historic grounds. Tickets are required ($2-$12).

Refugee entrepreneurs and artisans fill this Dupont Circle market that's run ​​in partnership with St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Vendors include Afghan Creative Catering, Tunisian Touch, Anatolian Artists, and more.

Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair: Dec. 3

Over 80 local vendors and artisans set up at Veterans Plaza, where families can also reserve ice skating passes.

Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show: Dec. 9

Shop over 110 artisans, crafters, and other local small businesses at this big holiday market in Old Town. Entertainment includes caroling, light gazing and an "elves shop" for kids to make ornaments.

Unique Markets at Union Market: Dec. 16 - 17

The annual indie market at Dock 5 highlights over 70 creators selling everything from wellness gifts to packaged foods, jewelry, and kids' clothing. Perks include free gift wrapping, a holiday tote, drinks, and more. Tickets start at $12.

Procrastinators have more fun at this annual local market, which heads to the new Kraken Kourts & Skates in Edgewood this year. Visitors can shop local artisans while kids can enjoy free holiday train rides and other activities. Tickets are free.

Crafty Draftsters Holiday Market: Dec. 16

If you can get your significant other to one holiday market, this is it: a festive gathering at DC Brau near Woodridge with 20 local artisans and new beer releases to sip while you shop (kids are also welcome). Reservations are free.

Best holiday markets to shop in the D.C. area

People walk through a holiday market in downtown DC

Downtown Holiday Market. Photo courtesy of Robert Knopes/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Shopping

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Holiday markets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/11/17/holiday-festivals-markets-events-christmas" data-vars-content-id="7ab80908-3bf5-4789-8f6d-f05ab278c1be" data-vars-headline="Best holiday markets to shop in the D.C. area" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/11/17/holiday-festivals-markets-events-christmas" target="_self">Holiday markets</a> are sparking up all over the D.C. area.Why it matters: Christmas markets are the antithesis of stressful online shopping — local, social, and filled with warm drinks and pretty lights.

Latkes, brisket, sufganiyot doughnuts — chefs around D.C. are offering specials for Hanukkah, which starts Dec. 7.

Dine in or takeout, we have festive options.

Sababa: Cleveland Park's chic Middle Eastern restaurant is one of the few to offer a dine-in holiday menu, with à la carte specials like brisket with braised cabbage, raspberry liqueur sufganiyot, and daily latke preparations. Available Dec. 7-14

Founding Farmers: Farmers restaurants across the DMV offer a large holiday menu with all the homey classics for dine-in, pickup, and delivery. Available Dec. 7-15

Silver and Sons BBQ: Chef Jarrad Silver's Hanukkah catering menu blends barbecue and Mediterranean flavors. Order centerpieces like smoked Creekstone brisket with tomato stew, plus latkes, sufganiyot, and a variety of dips, snacks, and treats. Rockville pickup Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 13

Rose's at Home: Rose's Luxury chef Aaron Silverman offers a home menu for two ($185) with upscale dishes like latkes and trout roe or filet with horseradish sauce. Lots of fun extras and sides can make it a bigger (or more extravagant) feast. Available pickup or delivery, Dec. 7-9

Bread Furst: Mark Furstenberg's bakery in Van Ness prepares a holiday menu with traditional latkes, babka, challah, and more. Available Dec. 7-14

Call Your Mother: The local "Jew-ish" deli chain caters holiday latke platters ($30-$65) and raspberry-guava sufganiyot doughnut packs ($20-$35) at its DMV locations. Available Dec. 7-14

The Duck and the Peach: The Capitol Hill restaurant has your sufganiyot covered: a four-pack of jelly doughnuts ($20). Available Dec. 7-15

Baked By Yael: Woodley Park's nut-free, kosher deli offers fun Hanukkah gifts including menorah cake pops, challah (plus pretty challah boards), and wood-carved menorahs.

8 Hanukkah food specials in the D.C. area

Dine in or takeout, you have festive options.

A latke on a blue plate with diced apple on top 

Latke specials at Sababa. Photo courtesy of Ashlie Levy

Latkes, brisket, sufganiyot doughnuts — chefs around D.C. are offering specials for Hanukkah, which starts Dec. 7.Dine in or takeout, we have festive options.

Anna Spiegel

Featured stories

Best holiday activities in the D.C. area

Small towns near D.C. go big for the holidays

8 Hanukkah food specials in the D.C. area

Best holiday markets to shop in the D.C. area

5 can't-miss drink deals during D.C. Cocktail Week