Best Christmas Bars/Pop-ups in Washington, DC
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Washington, DC. This is the season when popular bars turn red and green, holiday pop-up bars begin appearing, and people from both sides of the aisle come together to sip spiked eggnog under the glow of twinkling lights. If you’re ready to get caught up in a flurry of excitement, you don’t want to miss this list of the six best Christmas bars and holiday pop-up bars in Washington, DC!
Miracle at Death Punch Bar
2321 18th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
This two-level pop-up experience at everyone’s favorite Adams Morgan bar invites you to get warm and cozy on plush couches while sipping from a decadent drink menu this holiday season. Christmas at this bar looks like a balloon-covered ceiling, fake snow dusting every corner, and televisions playing “The Polar Express” on repeat. The hot buttered rum made with oat milk, spiced butter, nutmeg, and velvet falernum is the signature drink on the holiday menu. The Christmapolitan made with absinthe and spiced cranberry sauce is another must-try cocktail. Reservations are highly recommended.
Snow Globe at Cantina Bambina
960 Wharf Street Southwest, Washington, DC
Cantina Bambina’s two-story open-air bar is transformed into a wonderland called Snow Globe for the holidays! The best part is that you’ll have amazing views of the neighboring ice rink as you sip some cocktails on ice. Of course, you can also warm up with a Mexican hot chocolate made with Altos tequila, spiked hot cider, or easy Irish cream if “cozy” is more your speed. During this amazing experience, you’ll spend time in a life-sized snow globe while nibbling on pimento cheese and crackers. While reservations aren’t needed, things can get crowded here on nights when concerts are on the schedule at Union Stage or Anthem.
Winterfest at Wunder Garten
1101 First Street Northeast, Washington, DC
Running through Dec. 23, Winterfest at Wunder Garten is something that the NoMa neighborhood looks forward to every year. This festive event offers a beautifully curated selection of German beers, liquors, and acclaimed wines. Visitors can also get cozy with fire pits and a hot chocolate bar amid scenery provided by Christmas trees and sparkling lights! Enjoy live DJs, feast on traditional European holiday foods, and dance the night away in an ugly sweater. There’s even a tree lot with a friendly staff waiting to help you tie your fresh-cut Christmas tree to your car!
Joy on the Avenue
2312 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA
Running until the second week of January, this pop-up event is one the best places to indulge in a cute, cozy cocktail! The Rudolph 74 made with gin, cranberry, and lemon brings all the wholesome vibes. The Warm Me Up made with rye whiskey, gingerbread simple syrup, and bitters will make you feel like a kid in a candy store. The Partridge in a Pear Tree that combines ginger and mango brings some much-needed island vibes. While the drinks are great, the real reason why people huddle at Joy on the Avenue each holiday season is the atmosphere decorated with Christmas trees, presents dangling from the ceiling, and animatronic holiday characters.
Tropical Christmas at Tiki TNT
1130 Maine Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC
Don’t sweat it if you can’t swing a tropical getaway for the holidays. Tiki TNT transforms into a holiday wonderland in the tropics right in the middle of Washington, DC during the month of December. This beloved tiki bar that’s adjacent to Thrasher’s Rum Distillery is wrapped in lights and ornaments that make its interior brighter than the tropical sun! Tiki TNT serves its winter-themed cocktails in festive holiday glasses during the Christmas season. Of course, nothing brings warm vibes like the tableside s’mores on the menu.
Sippin’ Santa at Black Whiskey
1410 14th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
Sippin’ Santa events are hosted at bars and venues around the country. Black Whiskey recently became the home of this event in Washington, DC. The fun part is that you’ll be sipping the same cocktails as guests visiting pop-up experiences in other cities every time you make a toast to merriment. The crowd-drawing Sippin’ Santa cocktail menu includes the signature Santa cocktail made with aged Demerara rum, orange, lemon, and gingerbread mix. The Ho Ho Buttered Rum made with spiced honey butter, vanilla, and passion fruit is another one worth trying. When sharing a sip, nothing tops the North Pole Bowl made with rum, black tea, thrice-spiced honey, lime, and vanilla syrup.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Washington, DC page, here!
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