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Happy Hols! |
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We know, we know, you haven’t even had Thanksgiving dinner yet. But with the official start to the holiday season almost upon us, we’re dropping the December issue of the newsletter early before the food coma sets in. Whether you live here or are just calling the District ho-ho-home for the holidays, these holiday attractions — some are well-known, others are off-the-beaten-path — are sure to put you in the highest of holiday spirits. |
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🗓 Awesome things to do this month. |
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'Tis the season for winter fun and festive events that celebrate the holiday season! The District is spectacular any time of the year, but it is especially magical in the winter because of all the Christmas and holiday activities.
From ice skating to igloos, holiday markets to outdoor lighted animations, sing-alongs and spectacular seasonal performances, we've gathered some of the most awesome things to do in DC in December. |
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🎄🍹 Holiday Pop-up Bars + Cocktails. |
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Ho-ho holiday bars! You know it's the holiday season in DC when the bars and restaurants start concocting holiday drinks and get decked out in their over-the-top festive best. Check out our roundup of the most festive pop-ups to sip seasonal cocktails and take in the holiday vibes. |
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🛍Shop Local: Your Guide to DC Holiday Markets. |
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One of our favorite things about the holiday season is visiting holiday markets to support local small businesses and makers. Holiday markets in DC abound and are a fun and festive way to shop for local gifts while celebrating the Christmas season.
There are so many holiday markets out there, where do you even start? The Downtown Holiday Market is the most well-known, but there are plenty of others to explore. From German-themed markets to international gifts, we've compiled a comprehensive list to jump start your holiday shopping. Happy gifting! |
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🎙Podcast: Explore These DC Neighborhoods. |
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Did you know that there are 100+ neighborhoods in DC?! Yep, it’s true. We recently chatted with Trip Hacks DC on their podcast about five of our favorites—Dupont Circle, Wharf/Southwest, Brookland, U Street/Shaw and NoMa. We discussed hidden gems, curious facts and where to eat in each locale. Tune into the episode and get great ideas about where to explore on your next solo adventure or where to take friends and family to see the real DC when they visit. |
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🎉 ‘Tis the season for unexpected holiday fun. |
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Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, 'tis the season to get into the holiday spirit! 🎄🎁 From holiday boat parades, cookie tours and an immersive gift factory, there are tons of ways to have fun this holiday season. We've rounded up some fun and unexpected holiday activities and Christmas events to make the holiday season merry and bright. |
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💫 Shine Bright: Dazzling Holiday Light Displays. |
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There's nothing like dazzling lights and Christmas displays on a chilly winters night to really put you in the mood for the holidays. The District lights up each holiday season with a number of dazzling displays, from traditional to cutting edge, professional to DIY and everything in between.
Whether you’re in the mood for a chilly, romantic date, perfect photos or a family outing, you'll bask in the glow of the season - quite literally! - at these festive light shows and displays. |
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🗺 Hassle-Free Exploring in DC. |
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Washington Memorial? Check. Smithsonians? Been there, done that. There is so much more to discover beyond the monuments and memorials. Quirky museums, obscurely themed attractions, and international cultural connections are all part of the mix. Intrigued? We hope so! 🆓Download our FREE mini guide to spark your curiosity and start to see DC differently. To help you plan a solo adventure or a visit with friends and family, let us create a unique experience, personalized just for you. Use promo code CURIOUSHOLIDAY for 10% off your first booking. |
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👀 Sneak Peek: Artechouse Holiday Experience. |
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A magical Christmas wonderland comes to life at "Spectacular Factory," the latest immersive art experience at Artechouse. Enter this wintry multiverse filled with magic, joy and wonder — it's like walking into a holiday postcard🎄❄️. The skinny: “Spectacular Factory” brings everyone’s favorite holiday themes to life and immerses guests into an imaginative multiverse of holiday digital worlds. Visitors will float among giant swinging jingle bells, crash the party of a thousand nutcrackers, join a thrilling train ride through wreaths, take a spin in the candy cane carousel and more! Getting in: Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for locals; $18 for students and seniors. Family pack for two adults and 2+ kids is $18/per person. but free for D.C. residents. The museum is open daily from 10am - 10pm. Getting there: 📍1238 Maryland Ave., SW Curious Tip: We strongly recommend downloading the Extended Reality app from Google Play or the App Store before your visit so you will be ready to activate special markers and XR drinks. |
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Come on Barbie, let’s go party! Depending on the season or what’s going on in town or the world, a small-pond-bedecked front yard near Logan Circle is decorated with Barbies and Kens in an ever-changing parade of themes and scenarios. Catch them jumping out of pumpkins on Halloween or playing hoops during the NCAA tourney or like now, wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving. Stop by and see their latest, or check them out on their super-popular Instagram page. 📍: 1454 1/2 Q St NW |
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🔗 ICYMI: DC Link Roundup. |
Arts + Entertainment Hirshhorn breaks ground on long-debated sculpture garden redesign (WaPo) Tracking Go-Go Music’s Controversial Past and Present (CityCast) Capitol Hill Books humors followers with beloved Twitter account (GWHatchet)
Food + Bev Italian Restaurant Coming To Georgetown’s Old Dean & DeLuca Spot (DCist) D.C. Mixologists Get The Spotlight On Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ (DCist) A Huge HQ for Levantine Cafe Yellow — With a Cocktail Bar Up Top — Is Coming to Union Market (EaterDC) Where to Eat Like the Bidens in D.C. (EaterDC) 3 Cozy Wineries Near DC to Visit When It Gets Cold Outside (Washingtonian)
Around Town A First Look At The New Metro Map, Featuring Silver Line Extension And Name Changes (DCist) 11 Ways to Give Back in DC This Holiday Season (Thrillist) “Wakanda Forever” Features a Scene in Alexandria (Washingtonian) See Stunning Portraits of Ava DuVernay, José Andrés and the Williams Sisters at National Portrait Gallery (Smithsonian) A New Look for National Air + Space Museum (Smithsonian)
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Whether you’re local or just visiting, your DC adventure awaits. Allons-y! |
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