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.
Tips for Visiting DC’s Christmas Bars
- Go early in the week. Visit early in the week for fewer crowds.
- Go early in the season or the week of Christmas. Late November and the first week of December are calmer than mid-season. While the Christmas season is busy in DC, many locals will leave town for the actual holiday. Many holiday bars, especially those away from Downtown, can be calmer than week of Christmas.
- Make a night of it. Pair a bar with a light show or holiday market. See 20 Christmas things to do in DC.
Downtown Holiday Bars near the Downtown Holiday Market and Dupont Circle
The Downtown Holiday Market on 7th and F Street NW near the Portrait Gallery is surrounding by holiday fun. Make a day out of it and try a few drinks while you are downtown.
Dirty Habit
Where: 555 8th Street NW (Inside the Hotel Monaco)
When: November 11 to December 31 | Monday to Friday 3 pm, Saturday to Sunday, 5 pm
Reservations: no
Order this: Festive cocktails like Cabin Coco, The Perfect Pear, and Mistle Toddy
The Vibe: Dirty Habit transforms into 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. Happy hours is offered Monday to Friday from 3 to 7. It doesn’t include the festive drinks but get a lower priced wine before indulging in that Cabin Coco. Dirty Habit will also be selling drinks and treats inside the holiday market.
Urban Roast
Where: 916 G Street Northwest
When: Open mid-November
Reservations: highly recommended
Order this: a festive cocktail + an app to share
The Vibe: 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. Catch them for happy hour Monday to Friday from 1 to 6 pm for $12 select cocktails. They also have specialty coffees, hot chocolate, and s’mores. Enjoy the decor inside or sit by a cozy fire pit outside. It can get busy so go mid-day on the weekend or early evening during the week for a more relaxed vibe.
Holiday Bars to Visit After ZooLights: Woodley Park and Adams Morgan
Blitzen’s at Omni Shoreham Hotel
Where: 2500 Calvert St NW
When: November 20 through December | Daily from 4 pm to 12 am
Reservations: recommended
Order this: The Blitzen
The Vibe: Creative cocktails with Santa worthy cookies. The cocktails are beautifully designed with extra special attention to details. Last year, my favorite was The Blitzen which came 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. Plus, enjoy a walk around the lobby to take in the hotel’s beautiful decor!
Duke’s Counter
Where: 3000 Connecticut Ave NW
When: Late-November through December
Reservations: highly recommended especially on ZooLights nights
Order this: burgers
The Vibe: Duke’s Counter across the street from the National Zoo is a great spot to end your night. Holiday drinks have yet to be announced but last year, they offered neon drinks that glowed like ZooLights! Make reservations in advance – this spot filled up fast after a night enjoying the lights.
Neighborhood Holiday Bars: Shaw, Logan Circle, 14th Street
Colada Shop
Where: 1405 T St NW
When: November 5 through the holiday season
Reservations: walk-in.
Order this: a holiday drink + empanadas
The Vibe: Colada Shop near 14th Street has a cute rooftop decorated for the holiday season every day after 4 pm. This year, the concept is La Casita, with warm, spice drinks inspired by the Caribbean. The 14th Street location is my favorite because of the rooftop but this concept can also be found at their other locations: Dupont, The Wharf, Clarendon, National Landing, and Mosaic District.
Chicken and Whiskey
Where: 1738 14th St NW
When: TBD for 2026
Reservations: no
Order this:
The Vibe: Chicken and Whiskey hasn’t announced a holiday bar yet but last year, they featured a WHI-SKI Lodge theme 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. Stay tuned!
American Ice
Where: 917 V St NW
When: December – all month
Reservations: walk-in. Check their Instagram for private party closures.
Order this: Swatchos and a hot toddy
The Vibe: American Ice, a no-frills, neighborhood watering hole, isn’t technically a holiday pop-up bar, but they decorate every year for the holidays, offer warm drinks, a put heaters on their outdoor patio. They are best known for their beloved swachos (pork nachos) but have recently expanded their BBQ menu. The patio is dog friendly and vegetarian nachos are available.
Lulu’s Wine Garden
Where: 1940 11th Street NW
When: November 18 through early January
Reservations: recommended
Order this: a festive drink + whipped feta
The Vibe: Lulu’s Wine Garden knows how to dress things up for the holidays. Join them this year for a southwest themed holiday bar with cocktails in beautiful glasses or order the shot-mas-tree with hanging ornaments with jungle juice shooters. Pair drinks with the iconic whipped feta. The festive drinks are not on happy hour but you can get deals on wine and some food items during Golden Hour on Tuesday to Thursday from 5 to 7 pm, Friday from 4 to 6 pm, and Sunday from 3 to 8 pm
Shaw’s Tavern
Where: 520 Florida Ave NW
When: December
Reservations: recommended during busy times like brunch and Thursday to Saturday.
Order this: best for pizza, tacos, and burgers
The Vibe: 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 Monday to Friday from 4 to 7 pm. Go on Tuesday for specials on tacos.
Holiday Bars Along the Metropolitan Beer Trail
Wunder Garten
Where: 1101 1st St NE
When: November 28 to December 19
Reservations: no
Order this: a warm drink and a CaliBurger
The Vibe: Wunder Garten 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. Holiday venders will be selling gifts Friday to Sunday.
Metrobar
Where: 640 Rhode Island Ave NE
When: December 1 to 31
Reservations: no
Order this: a hot toddy or the newly added “Reflecting Pool”
The Vibe: 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. Check them out on Firepit Fridays for half price cabana rentals. This is an outdoor venue so dress for the weather!
Holiday Bars near the Waterfront (The Wharf, Navy Yard, Georgetown)
Tiki TNT
Where: 1130 Maine Ave SW
When: all December
Reservations: no
Order this: a classic tiki cocktail
The Vibe: 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. Get a tiki themed cocktail and pretend you are somewhere warm on a cold December evening. 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
Where: 960 Wharf Street SW
When: TBD for 2026 but usually all of December
Reservations: no
Order this: TBD for 2026
The Vibe: 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.
Martin’s Tavern
Where: 1264 Wisconsin Ave NW
When: December through the first week of January
Reservations: highly recommended
Order this: visit for a group dinner and get the bread pudding
The Vibe: 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!
