Whether it’s Winterfest at Wunder Garten or a holiday feast package from Baker’s Daughter, check out DCist’s list of 22 holiday happenings from DC area restaurants and bars.
Whether you’re looking for a Festivus safe haven, a takeout meal package, or a prix fixe experience at one of D.C.’s top restaurants, there’s something for everyone this holiday season.
Here are 22 ways you can celebrate this holiday season at restaurants and bars across the District.
HOLIDAY SPIRITS
THE PASSENGER: Now through Festivus (Dec. 23), the “no bullshit cocktail bar” Passenger is hosting its grievance-airing Seinfeld-inspired non-celebration. Expect an opportunity to show off “feats of strength,” cut-outs of the Seinfeld cast, and of course the aluminum pole.
The Passenger. Through Dec. 23.
MIRACLE AT DEATH PUNCH: It’s back. This year, Death Punch in Adams Morgan is once again hosting Miracle, a holiday-themed pop-up. Expect “nostalgic energy” with festive decor, cocktails, and spirits. The bar is open noon to 2 a.m. every Tuesday through Sunday (3 a.m. on weekends).
Death Punch. Through Dec. 31.
COLADA 14TH: Head to Colada Shop through Jan. 2 for holiday-themed cocktails by four local guest bartenders. The featured drinks include Andra “AJ” Johnson’s Gaitero, Lauren Paylor’s Hot Buttered Yum, David Ponce de Leon’s Elder & Sage, and Frank Mills’ Winter Island.
Colada 14th. Through Jan. 2.
ON TAP: Pour your fill at Tap 99 DC, with plenty of cheer to go around. The bar is decked out in holiday spirit (including with a 14-foot Christmas tree) — the perfect backdrop for some of their seasonal features including Tidings Ale by Port City Brew, The Mad Elf by Tröegs Beer, and 2XMAS by Southern Tier Brewing Company.
Tap 99.
ARCHIPELAGO: Celebrate a tropical holiday season at Archipelago this winter. The U Street bar is welcomed “Sippin Santa” pop-up bar in late November, and the celebrations will continue through Dec. 30.
Archipelago. Through Dec. 30.
WUNDER GARTEN: This month, Wunder Garten in NoMa is hosting Winterfest — with new activities and celebrations on different dates throughout the month. We’re talking about an Après Ski Party on Dec. 12, Christmas Trivia on Dec. 15, a Holi-gay Party! on Dec. 17, and more.
Wunder Garten. Through Dec. 20.
FEASTS OF THE SEVEN FISHES
NINA MAY: On Christmas Eve, the Shaw/Logan Circle restaurant is hosting its own version of the Feasts of the Seven Fishes. Highlights from the menu include Candy Smoked Rainbow Trout, Smoked PEI Mussels Gratin, and Poor Man’s Lobster. The spot is offering both dine-in and take-home options, so you can dive in wherever you plan to eat.
Nina May. Dec. 24. $80 per person.
STELLINA PIZZERIA: It’s the feast of the Seven Fishes, but with ‘za. This year, the local pizzeria (with Union Market and Arlington locations) is offering “four different pizzas topped with seven delicious seafoods.” The spread is made to feed eight people, and is available both dine-in or take-out.
Stellina Pizzeria. Dec. 20-24. $120 (feeds eight)
FIOLA: The Michelin star restaurant is hosting a Feast of the Seven Fishes feast on Christmas Eve. Their menu this year features Shigoku Oyster, Crudo Di Tonna Alla Isolana, Lobster Alla Livornese, and Acquerello Risotto.
Fiola. Dec. 24. $250 per person.
OFFICINA: Officina is continuing its tradition by offering the Feast of the Seven Fishes at their Wharf location. The four-course menu promises to “honor the Italian tradition through a seafood-forward menu with festive accompaniments.”
Officina. Dec. 24. $95 per person.
TAKE OUT SPECIALITIES
BAKER’S DAUGHTER: From Dec. 15-31, Baker’s Daughter is hosting holiday feast packages, ready to eat upon arrival. The offerings include a Classic Christmas Dinner for $210 (serves 4-8), and Chef’s Holiday Dinner Menu $320 (serves 6-10).
Baker’s Daughter. Dec. 15-31. Prices vary by package.
LEBANESE TAVERNA: On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, Lebanese Taverna is hosting “a selection of the Abi-Najm family’s holiday favorites for guests to enjoy in their own homes.” The menu includes fan-favorites including Buche de Noël (holiday yule log), Arnabeet (fried cauliflower, tahini-pomegranate sauce), and Pure Bred American Leg of Lamb (spiced rice and toasted nuts, three-herb sauce).
Lebanese Taverna. Dec. 24 & Dec. 31.
MITA: On Christmas Eve, the Japanese-Ethiopian restaurant in Brightwood Park is offering a take-home vegetable feast “with a latin flair and also classic flavors.” The menu includes vegetable pot pie, mashed potato gratin, and apple strudel.
MITA. Dec. 24. $85 per person.
FARMERS AND DISTILLERS: This winter, Farmers & Distillers has your whole Christmas weekend handled. The customizable kits (with “light cooking required”) features everything from herb-crusted prime rib, maple-apricot glazed salmon, to apple, pecan, and pumpkin pies.
Farmers And Distillers. Dec. 24. Prices Vary.
TEDDY & THE BULLY BAR: This Christmas, Teddy & The Bully Bar is offering a take-home menu to eat at home. Expect everything from mustard BBQ glazed salmon, to apple bourbon monkey bread, to Colorado lamb chops.
Teddy And the Bully Bar. Dec. 25. $62+.
SMOKECRAFT BBQ: Order in a barbecue spread for Christmas from Smokecraft BBQ in Arlington. Choose from a smoked whole duck (with house-made chipotle-coca rub), Meyer angus beef brisket, a whole smoked turkey, and more.
Smokecraft. Pre-order by Dec. 21 for pickup on Dec. 24. Prices Vary.
MORE MULTI-COURSE MEALS
Via Sophia: This holiday season, Via Sophia is offering a range of prix fixe holiday menus. On Dec. 24 and 25, head to the restaurant for a three-course lobster or prime rib dinner. And head back on New Years for a five-course feast.
Via Sophia. Dec. 24-25, & Dec. 31. $60-$80 per person.
MICHELE’S: On Christmas, Michele’s is hosting a four-course menu “featuring new twists on holiday classics.” The dine-in experience is located within Eaton DC from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Michele’s. Dec. 25. $95 per person.
Lyle’s Washington DC: On Dec. 25, Lyle’s in Dupont Circle is hosting a feast fit for the holidays. The prix fixe menu features Virginia Ham, whole roasted branzino, or mushroom and spinach cannelloni. And for dessert? The favorite apple pie with vanilla ice cream.
Lyle’s. December 25. $55 per person.
CORDUROY: On Dec. 24 and 25, Corduroy is hosting a three-course menu “including prime beef strip loin with Lyonnnaise potatoes.” The menu is available dine-in and offers a discounted price for children under 12.
Corduroy. Dec. 24 and 25. $45-$75 per person.
ANGOLO: On both Christmas and Christmas Eve, Angolo is hosting its holiday prix fixe menu. Some features of the menu include carrot ginger soup, baked Virginia ham, roast turkey, and pecan pie.
Angolo DC. Dec. 24-25. $30 per person.
AMBAR: This Christmas, Ambar in Capitol Hill is offering a tapas-style meal so you can get a taste of everything. The packed menu includes slow roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, Cevapi ‘Balkan kebab’, and stuffed portobello mushroom.
Ambar. Dec. 25. $69.99 per person (+ $19.99 per person for unlimited drinks)