All Articles Escape to Washington D.C. for the holidays

Escape to Washington D.C. for the holidays

By Laura Begley Bloom21 Dec 2022 8 minutes read
Huge National Christmas Tree in gold  and silver decorations with National Monument to the left in the distance
National Christmas Tree; Photo: Tripadvisor

In the last issue of The WeekEnder, we kicked off the holidays in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Now we’re continuing the festivities in Washington D.C. Whatever you celebrate—Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa—and whatever you want to do, this city delivers.

“You can see Handel’s Messiah at the Kennedy Center, join the lighting of the National Menorah, experience Step Afrika!’s magical musical holiday show, buy a handmade ornament, and eat a five-course meal of only desserts—all within a short stroll,” says Kate Gibbs, the director of public relations at the Hirshhorn Museum, which is currently home to an epic Yayoi Kusama show. “Plus, there’s a lot to do for free here, too.”

Left: Gibbs in front of artwork in yellow with black polka dots; Left center: Liao smiling in blue blazer; Right center: Price smiling next to shop's shelves with artwork and other goods; Right: Smith smiling and crossing his arms wearing "taxation demands representation" shirt
Kate Gibbs (L), Abe Liao (LC), Stacey Price (RC), JC Smith (R)

The nation’s capital is a city of neighborhoods. For this WeekEnder escape, we’re zeroing in on central D.C., which encompasses several areas, stretching from Downtown to the National Mall to The Wharf. “I love how bustling it is—everything from dining and nightlife to museums, sports, and performing arts are all condensed into a very accessible area,” says Abe Liao, general manager of the Riggs Washington DC, which has one of the most Instagrammable trees in town, created by jewelry designer Alexis Bittar.

Another great thing about D.C.: “You get all the perks of an international city with a ton of small-town charm,” says Stacey Price, cofounder of Shop Made in DC, which has a range of stylish boutiques selling more than 5,000 products sourced from the best local makers. “And, D.C. really comes to life during the holidays: All of our hotels and restaurants are decorated and it’s an ideal location for shopping, thanks to so many independent stores and pop-up markets.”

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One of our favorite seasonal pop-ups is the Downtown Holiday Market, an annual outdoor village filled with shopping, food, and live entertainment. There, you’ll see the work of JC Smith, an entrepreneur who celebrates everything D.C. with Bailiwick Clothing. This next-level T-shirt company makes cutting-edge District-themed apparel that has gained a cult following. What JC loves about his adopted hometown: “It’s the most powerful city in the world. There’s so much going on, with so many people doing really cool, creative things.”

Say no more. We’re heading to D.C.—the capital of holiday cheer.

Where to stay

If you want to stay in the center of all the power and the action, here are a few of our top picks.

Lobby with L-shaped wooden front desk, Art Deco styling, and red-velvet key holder
Riggs Washington DC

For Instagrammers: Riggs Washington DC

This 1891 landmark used to be known as the Bank of Presidents. These days, Riggs has chic rooms, a bar in the original bank vault from the trailblazing bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana (a.k.a. Mr Lyan), and—perfect for the season—plenty of holiday brunches and dinners.

For social justice warriors: Eaton DC

This mission-focused property is all about diversity and inclusion, with a proudly multicultural staff, community-engaged art exhibitions, wellness programming, coworking spaces, and more.

For a stylish stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington D.C.

This boutique hotel, set in an 1841 post office, is bringing on the yuletide magic in its courtyard with outdoor fire pits and an outdoor pop-up bar from Dirty Habit, the in-house restaurant.

Left: Hallway with upscale old-fashioned furnishings like red-and-gold patterned carpet and window treatments; Right: Two-story guest room with navy blue walls and gold accents
InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C (L), Waldorf Astoria Washington DC (R)

For history buffs: InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C.

The history at The Willard is legendary: Martin Luther King Jr. finished his “I Have a Dream” speech here, and the phrase “lobbying” came from the Willard. This season, don’t miss the Holiday Afternoon Tea in Peacock Alley (through December 30).

For the luxe life: The St. Regis Washington D.C.

Steps from the White House, you’ll find this grand address. At its Holiday Afternoon Tea (through January 8), each guest receives an official 2022 White House Christmas Ornament.

For the luxe life: Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

One of DC’s most iconic buildings—the 1899 Old Post Office—has been transformed into a glamorous hotel set between the White House and the U.S. Capitol.

For waterfront views: Pendry Washington D.C.

The Wharf - Set right on the water in The Wharf district, this hotel has spectacular Potomac views. “It’s so well-designed and it’s magical right now with all the holiday decorations,” says Stacey Price.

Where to eat

D.C. has been called the most exciting food city in America. Here’s our central D.C. shortlist. For more restaurant ideas, check out The WeekEnder’s Washington foodie guide.

Best breakfasts

Brussels sprouts dish topped with a fried egg
Unconventional Diner

A Baked Joint - “A great place to pick up coffee or a pastry. They have a line out the door during the holidays,” says Stacey Price.

Unconventional Diner - Creative twists on diner classics. Think fried eggs with Brussels sprouts, masala, and caramelized onions.

Coffee break

Left: Hand holding up white "Compass Coffee" cup in front of tree with silver ornaments; Right: Coffee bar with espresso machine and other equipment
Compass Coffee (L), Swing’s Coffee Roasters (R)

Compass Coffee - Founded by two Marines, this coffee roaster has 12 brick-and-mortar locations around the Washington metro area.

Swing’s Coffee Roasters - A coffee bar and roastery in the shadow of the White House that serves up ethically-sourced craft beans.

Lunchtime

Sandwich with meat, cheese, and broccoli rabe
Piccolina

Piccolina - Wood-fired dishes (from pizza to Sicilian street bites) inspired by chef-owner Amy Brandwein’s travels through Italy.

Capo Italian Deli - “One of the best Italian delis in D.C. by day transforms into a speakeasy at night with some of the best cocktails in town,” says JC Smith.

Teaism - An Asian-inspired teahouse with healthy bowls and more.

Global flavors

Left: Aerial view of table with open-faced sandwich, bao buns, and other dishes; Right: Tray of three tacos, including one with chicken, fried fish, and pork
Immigrant Food (L), Oyamel (R)

Causa - Chef Carlos Delgado takes diners on a tour of Peruvian Coastal and Andes cuisine with six-course tasting experiences. “Great food and a cool rooftop called the Amazonia,” says JC.

Great Wall Szechuan House - A secret favorite hidden away in Chinatown. “We’ve done unconventional friends’ Christmas dinners here,” says Abe Liao.

Immigrant Food - This innovative restaurant concept spotlights food from cultures of color around the world.

Oyamel - Renowned chef and philanthropist José Andrés has a number of restaurants across D.C., including this modern Mexican featuring antojitos (small plates) and unique cocktails like a salt-air margarita. “It’s pretty awesome,” says JC.

Tonari - “Italian-style Japanese cuisine where you can have an amazing bowl of ramen with noodles flown in from Tokyo or a five-course dessert tasting menu paired with cocktails,” says Kate Gibbs. “It’s a super funky spot.”

Casual bites

Dark wooden saloon with booths, a painted ceiling, and gold-framed artwork
Old Ebbitt Grill

Cafe Riggs - Modeled after Europe’s grand brasseries, this cafe is committed to sourcing fresh, sustainable local ingredients.

Old Ebbitt Grill - Around since 1856, Washington’s oldest saloon is a who’s who of American history, just steps from the White House.

Date night

Left: Stew topped with blackened fish; Right: Restaurant with mix of booth and table seating, and partly mirrored walls
Dauphine’s (L), Michele’s (R)

Dauphine’s - “A New Orleans-themed fine dining restaurant where you can sit outside under heat lamps and order all kinds of oysters,” says Kate.

Estuary - This sleek restaurant at the Conrad hotel celebrates the flavors of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Michele’s - The in-house restaurant at the Eaton DC hotel is not just any hotel dining room: It’s a lauded French-American spot from Michelin-starred chef, Matt Baker.

Sweets

Box of 12 holiday-decorated doughnuts featuring a reindeer, ornament, Santa, tree, and snowman
Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken

Dolcezza - Daily-made gelato and craft coffee drinks.

Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken - “They do Christmas cookie donuts, Hanukkah jelly donuts, s’mores donuts, and more,” says Kate.

Drinks

Left: Stylish bar with patterned tile floor and gold accents in light fixture and furniture; Right: Bar with black-and-white patterned tile floors, black booths, and dark brick walls
Ciel Social Club (L), Denson Liquor (R)

Ciel Social Club - This craft cocktail bar is home to a seasonal rooftop pop-up. “They have completely transformed into an Aspen-style ski chalet with Aspen-style prices,” says Kate.

Denson Liquor - A sultry art deco bar with a speakeasy vibe.

What to do

Outdoor holiday events

The beauty of Washington D.C. during this season: “December temperatures are really mild,” says Kate Gibbs. That means that you can comfortably enjoy all these exciting outdoor events.

Lit-up fake pink flamingos at night
National Zoo

Menorah Lighting - On December 18, the first night of Hanukkah, the annual lighting ceremony of the National Menorah takes place on the Ellipse across from the White House.

National Christmas Tree - During the Christmas season, there’s a huge live tree, plus 58 smaller trees representing the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories—all decorated with ornaments designed by students.

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink - You can skate in the shadow of the National Gallery of Art through March 5. “A tip: On Friday and Saturday nights, the rink is open until 11 p.m., and they have mulled wine,” says Kate.

National Zoo - “The National Zoo is something we're really proud of here in D.C., and it has its own kind of winter festival,” says JC Smith. Environmentally friendly LED lights and glowing animal lanterns transform the zoo into a winter wonderland during ZooLights (through December 30), which includes live music, shopping, and more.

Nationals Park - During the holidays, the baseball stadium hosts Enchant, the world's largest illuminated winter wonderland (through January 1), complete with ice skating and a Christmas light maze.

United States Botanic Garden - There’s so much to see in the annual Seasons Greetings show (through January 2), from model trains to a display of D.C. landmarks made from plants. You can also spot the spectacular U.S. Capitol tree from here.

Arts and culture

From museums to musicals, D.C.’s cultural offerings are endless. Here are a few highlights, including new spots and places that are doing it up for the holidays.

Left: Two people holding hands and looking at massive jingle bells; Right: Person standing in front of statue of 1968 Olympics Black Power salute
Artechouse (L), National Museum of African American History and Culture (R)

Arena Stage - This theater center is hosting a musical holiday show about the African American art of stepping (through December 18). “The building itself is intriguing, made out of rippled glass walls. And this show is a dance-forward, holiday spectacular that really speaks to D.C. as a cultural crossroads,” says Kate Gibbs.

Artechouse - Witness the intersection of art, science, and technology. Through January 8, Artechouse is home to Spectacular Factory, an experiential holiday event that invites visitors inside an enchanting multiverse of candy canes and nutcrackers.

Ford’s Theatre - An historic spot that is both somber (President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated here in 1865) and celebratory. Through December 31, you can see A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ beloved story of transformation and redemption.

Hirshhorn Museum - This contemporary art museum in the heart of D.C. is currently home to one of the hottest exhibitions in the nation: One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama, which invites viewers to engage with the colorful installations. “It’s dazzling and after the pandemic, everyone has been delighted to see these joyful views,” says Kate.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - A collection of theaters and other performing arts spaces. This season, the big show is Handel’s Messiah, performed the way it was when it premiered in Dublin in 1742.

Museum of Illusions - Located in CityCenterDC, this just-opened museum showcases amusing interactive experiences that will make you question what’s real and what’s an illusion.

National Air and Space Museum - The world’s largest collection of historic air and spacecraft has reopened after an extensive renovation and is better than ever.

National Museum of African American History and Culture - There’s no better place to kick off Kwanzaa than at this museum that celebrates African American culture.

Planet Word - “This interactive museum of literacy and language arts in a 19th century school building looks at how words are made,” says Kate. “It’s a real sleeper hit.”

Rubell Museum DC - Brand-new to the scene is this edgy art museum. “What makes it unique is the architecture—the building is adapted from a school and maintains its original bones. The opening installation is a beautiful combination of artists from D.C. and all over, with a focus on African American talent,” says Stacey Price.

Shopping

Wooden gift boxes filled with chocolate, stationary, and cocktail makings
Shop Made in DC

CityCenterDC - This retail and restaurant development goes all out for the holidays, with the highlight: a 75-foot tree decked with more than 155,000 lights and ornaments. “A great option near the Riggs,” says Abe Liao. “It's so beautiful, which makes shopping an enjoyable experience.”

Downtown Holiday Market - Local vendors, light bites, and festive décor in the Penn Quarter (through December 23). Be sure to swing by DC Pop-Up, a collective of women and minority makers, and check out our insider JC Smith’s work at Bailiwick Clothing.

Shop Made in DC - Looking for gift ideas? This innovative initiative with locations throughout D.C.—including The Wharf—is on a mission to spotlight the best makers and artists in the area. Plus, you can take classes like Wine + Watercolors (that’s our kind of education).

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Laura Begley Bloom
Laura Begley Bloom is a travel expert and content strategist who writes for a wide range of magazines and websites and appears regularly on television outlets ranging from the Weather Channel to CNN. Journalism is part of Laura's heritage. Her great great grandfather was a Civil War correspondent for the Chicago Tribune. You can learn more about Laura on laurabegleybloom.com.