12 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.
Most Christmas bars are near other festive activities, so you can plan a whole afternoon or evening of holiday fun.
Dirty Habit
The Dirty Habit patio, located in the Kimpton Hotel in Gallery Place, 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 starting at 5 p.m., so sneak out of work early to get a spot.
Pair it with: Head to Dirty Habit after shopping at the nearby Downtown Holiday Market or take a 20-minute walk to see the National Christmas Tree near the White House.
Colada Shop
Colada Shop near 14th Street has a cute rooftop decorated for the holiday season every year. This is a great spot to work with coffee during the day or unwind after hours with a cocktail. They offer warm Cuban-inspired bites and festive cocktails.
Pair it with: The 14th and U Street area is a little far from other holiday events, so plan this event as an after-work happy hour or take a cab from the National Christmas Tree.
Tiki TNT
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.
Pair it with: During a visit to The Wharf, get some holiday gifts at Shop Made DC or Politics and Prose.
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.
Pair it with: During a visit to The Wharf, get some holiday gifts at Shop Made DC or Politics and Prose.
Martin’s Tavern
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!
Pair it with: Visit Martin’s Tavern for dinner after a day of holiday shopping or after strolling the streets for Georgetown Glow.
Wunder Garten
Wunder Garten in NoMa celebrates Winterfest in December with holiday decor and warm drinks. Check their special events for a Christmas market and other special holiday events. After the new year, the fun continues with an Apres Ski theme with cozy fire pits, live music, drink specials, and more.
Pair it with: Wunder Garten is not very close to any of the main holiday fun but pair it with a visit to Union Market for warm snacks or a winter stroll along the Metropolitan Beer Trail.
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.
Pair it with: A date in an igloo is a great outing by itself, but you’ll also be close to shopping in Georgetown and Georgetown Glow.
Urban Roast
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.
Pair it with: After visiting the DC Holiday Market in Gallery Place, enjoy dinner or festive drinks at Urban Roast.
Tap99
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.
Pair it with: Make it a double header of holiday pop-up bars by also visiting Chicken and Whiskey.
Chicken and Whiskey
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. This is a great spot for a friend night out to get in the holiday spirit.
Pair it with: Make it a double header of holiday pop-up bars by also visiting Tapp99.
DC Vegan
DC Vegan offers an amazing plant-based menu with holiday decor during the month of December. Order an entree with a cocktail or make a meal out of a few appetizers. My favorites are the calamari and the meatballs.
Pair it with: DC Vegan is about a half-hour walk or a short Uber ride from the National Christmas Tree.
Death Punch
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. Walks are welcome but Adams Morgan can get busy Thursday to Saturday night. Festive drink glasses are available for sale if you need a funky holiday gift.
Pair it with: Adams Morgan is about a 20-minute walk from ZooLights at the National Zoo for a full evening of holiday fun. Grab a cab if it’s a particularly cold night – the bridge between neighborhoods can get cold!