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.
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, so get there early to get a spot. This year, it will be open from Novemeber 15 to January 31 after 3 pm Monday to Friday and at noon on Saturday and Sunday.
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.
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.
Wunder Garten
Wunder Garten in NoMa celebrates Winterfest from December 6 to 21 with holiday decor, fire pits, and warm drinks. Check their special events including Pride night and DJ nights (Friday and Saturday). 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.
Metrobar
Metrobar always has fun, seasonal events but don’t miss them during December for warm drinks, special holiday events, and movie nights. On Sundays, check them out for hot cocktails and s’mores specials. They are also hosting a New Year’s Eve party for kids in the afternoon and adults in the evening.
Colada Shop
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.
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.
American Ice
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.
Pair it with: Get some shopping done on 14th Street at spots like Solid State Books, Madewell, Sephora, and Salt & Sundry.
Black Whiskey
Tired of the cold? Warm up at Black Whiskey on 14th Street for the tropical-themed Sippin Santa. Enjoy decorations and holiday drinks until December 31 from 5 pm to 2 am. Join them for special theme nights like Santa’s Beach Bash (December 21), Ugly Sweater Party (December 19), and December Birthday Party (December 21) where all December birthdays get a free drink.
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: While visiting 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.
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!
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.
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 on Wednesdays. 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 for 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!