15+ Christmas Bars in Washington, DC to Try this Holiday Season
There are so many different kinds of Christmas bars in Washington, DC, that it’s easy to find one that matches your vibe. From upscale igloos and patios to more casual pop-up bars, there is something for everyone. Make reservations when you can! Holiday bars in Washington, DC can get busy, even on weekdays.
14th Street and Shaw
Colada Shop near 14th Street (and Clarendon!) has a cute rooftop decorated for the holiday season every day after 4 pm. They offer creative cocktails in festive glasses with Cuban-inspired bites. Check them out before 4 pm for coffee and a cozy work space.
WHI-SKI Lodge at Chicken & Whiskey: Don’t miss the WHI-SKI Lodge at Chicken & Whiskey with beautiful decor, creative cocktails in fun glasses, plus DJs and special themes on select nights. The whiskey part of Chicken & Whiskey is in the back through the freezer door.
American Ice is a no-fuss, neighborhood bar near U Street with both indoor and heated outdoor space. They aren’t technically a holiday pop-up bar, but they decorate every year for the holidays and have festive hot drinks. They are best known for their beloved swachos (pork nachos) but have recently expanded their BBQ menu.
Lulu’s Wine Garden: Lulu’s always feels fancy with cute indoor and outdoor seating and warm bites. But they are especially festive for a holiday. Enjoy a wine night at Lulu’s and their iconic whipped feta in December for some holiday tree. Try to visit during Golden Hour for deals on Tuesday to Friday and Sunday.
Shaw’s Tavern: Shaw’s Tavern is dressed up for the holiday season! It’s not technically a holiday bar but enjoy the decor with warm snacks like their famous pizzas, wings, and burgers. They have a pretty extensive bar menu and great happy hour deals.
Adams Morgan and Woodley Park
Blitzen’s at Omni Shoreham Hotel: Plan a festive night out at Blitzen’s Holiday Pop-Up Bar in the iconic Omni Shoreham with festive cocktails and Santa worthy cookies. The cocktails are beautifully designed with extra special attention to details. The Blitzen is my favorite which comes in an ornament ball to pour in your glass. The hotel has partnered with Julie Reiner, co-founder of NYC’s Clover Club, Milady’s, and Leyenda, and a judge on Netflix’s Drink Masters. This is a great stop before or after ZooLights!
Death Punch in Adams Morgan transforms into a holiday wonderland the day after Thanksgiving. Join them for wall-to-wall festive decor, holiday drinks, and warm bites. Death Punch has a bar space upstairs and a restaurant downstairs so you can have a full meal or just pop in for a drink.
Logan Circle
Black Whiskey: Warm up at Black Whiskey on 14th Street with festive drinks all season long. Enjoy decorations and holiday drinks until December 31. Cocktails come in fun mugs that are perfect for holiday photos. Plus, you can buy Santa head mugs as gifts for friends.
NoMa and the Metropolitan Beer Trail
Wunder Garten in NoMa celebrates Winterfest each December with holiday decor, photo opportunities, lights, and warm drinks. This bar is outside so dress warm, order warm drinks, and stay cozy by a fire pit.
Metrobar always has fun, seasonal events but don’t miss them during December for warm drinks, special holiday events, and movie nights. They are also hosting a New Year’s Eve party for kids in the afternoon and adults in the evening. Metrobar has a wide variety of festive drinks and non-alcoholic options so this is a great spot for a group.
Downtown DC
These bars are located near the bustling Downtown Holiday market and within walking distance of the White House Christmas Tree.
Dirty Habit: Located in the Kimpton Hotel in Gallery Place, Dirty Habit is open year-round. In the winter, it becomes a winter wonderland with fire pits, warm bites, and festive drinks. Seating is first come, first served, so get there early to get a spot. This year, it will be open from November 14 to January 31 after 3 pm Monday to Friday and at noon on Saturday and Sunday.
Urban Roast leans into seasonal fun year-round, but is especially festive during the winter holidays. There are plenty of great spots for photos and amazing festive cocktails. Enjoy their food for lunch, dinner, breakfast, and brunch with happy hour specials from 11 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. They also have specialty coffees, hot chocolate, and s’mores. Enjoy the decor inside or sit by a cozy fire pit outside.
The Wharf
Tiki TNT is a rum bar on The Wharf with holiday specials and plenty of decorations. Some of the seats even overlook the Christmas tree on the boardwalk. This spot can get busy on the weekend so catch them during the week for happy hour specials from 3 to 6 pm from Monday to Friday. They also offer brunch and an all-day food menu.
Cantina Bambina: The rooftop seating at Cantina Bambina on The Wharf transforms into The Snowglobe during December. Head upstairs for fun holiday decor, festive drinks, and light bites.
Georgetown
Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown is an iconic spot year-round. The tavern has been around since 1933, and you can even sit in the booth where JFK proposed to Jackie. During the holiday season, the tavern is decked out with holiday decor and features a variety of winter cocktails. Make reservations no matter when you visit. I visited on a Monday last year, and the place was packed!
Igloos at the Watergate: For an extra special winter date, reserve an igloo at the Watergate Hotel for up to 6 guests all winter long. Enjoy cozy seating, holiday decor, and a Swiss-inspired menu. The igloos are part of The Next Whiskey Bar, which you can visit at the Watergate Hotel year-round. There are food and beverage minimums that vary by day of the week so bring your friends!
Navy Yard
Tap99 on Half Street in Navy Yard has 99 taps of pour-your-own so you can sample a huge variety of beers. In December, join them for a holiday pop-up with festival cocktails, holiday decor, and warm pizza. Don’t miss their Holly Jolly Happy Hour for special discounts.
Chicken and Whiskey in Navy Yard is decked out for the holiday season with lots of decor, holiday drinks, and special events like holiday karaoke on Wednesdays. This is a great spot for a friend night out to get in the holiday spirit. This locations is similar to the 14th Street location but with more seating and less of a speakeasy vibe.