As we enter the holiday season in Washington, D.C., the bar scene has definitely taken notice! From some of D.C.’s favorite bars decking the halls and revamping their menus to holiday pop-up bars magically appearing all over the District, with their festive decor and holiday-themed drinks, Secret D.C. has rounded up the holiday-themed bars you don’t want to miss:
1. Holiday Bar at Colada Shop 14th
Colada Shop at 14th has brought back its Holiday Bar pop-up, and it’s better and more festive than ever! Strands of holiday lights, Santa Claus mugs, tinsel, and garland galore make for the perfect Christmas ambiance, while themed cocktails like “Rudolph’s Tipsy Tonic” and the “Jingle Bell Jungle Bird” make for a fun holiday indulgence! Learn more here.
Where: 1405 T St NW
2. Sippin’ Santa at Archipelago
Christmas with a tropical twist! Tiki bar Archipelago is hosting a Sippin’ Santa pop-up bar this year! Rum drinks and Santa Claus in a lei? Count us in!
Where: 1201 U St. NW
3. Krampus at Side Door
Even the holidays have their dark side, and that’s the core of the Krampus pop-up bar at Side Door (Pub and the People’s speakeasy). Beneath the holiday lights, with an inflatable Krampus eerily watching your every move, you can sip on cocktails, such as “Elf Around and Find Out” and “Krampus Baby.” Just don’t end up on the naughty list!
Where: 1648 North Capitol St NW
4. Ciel Chalet at Ciel Social Club
Looking for the wintery charm of a ski chalet without the hassle of traveling and hitting the slopes? Then you’re in luck! Ciel Social Club’s Ciel Chalet pop-up is a rooftop wonder. Styled after a Scandinavian cottage, featuring a snow mobile and serving signature cocktails like “Getting Figgy Wit’ It,” you won’t miss the slopes one bit!
Where: 601 K St NW
5. Miracle at Death Punch Bar
Miracle at Death Punch Bar is giving off some truly holly jolly vibes! Whether you want to drink from a Santa mug, chat beneath holiday lights, or rock around the Christmas tree, this Christmas pop-up makes all of this possible. Plus, who wouldn’t want to drink a specialty cocktail called, “Grandma Got Run Over By A T-Rex”?! Learn more here.
Where: 2321 18th St NW
6. Urban Roast
Known for going all out for most holidays, Urban Roast has truly decked the halls in honor of Christmas: a ceiling of presents, “Kiss me under the mistletoe” neon, Christmas trees, candy canes, and bows galore! If you’re looking for an Instagrammable hot spot, this is the place! Just grab a S’mores Martini and sit by the firepit. Learn more here.
Where: 916 G Street Northwest, Suite C-2
7. The Watergate Hotel’s Next Whisky Bar’s Winter Igloos
The Watergate Hotel’s Next Whisky Bar kicked off the winter season by installing enchanting outdoor igloos for drinking and dining! Donning presents, stockings, poinsettias, and garland, each igloo is stunning and gives you the chance to order craft cocktails, wine by the stem, and, of course, the bar’s popular Whisky Flight trios. Reservations are required and can be made here.
Where: 2650 Virginia Ave NW
8. Bejeweled Christmas at Maxwell Park in Navy Yard
There’s a reason Taylor Swift was ranked as D.C.’s favorite artist in 2022. Now, Maxwell Park in Navy Yard is hyping up this love by partnering with Pop-Up Bae to bring us Bejeweled Christmas. This holiday pop-up draws inspiration from Taylor Swift and “A Christmas Prince,” with gorgeous strands of jewels and gems glittering from ceiling, allowing patrons to sip cocktails like the “Midnight Rain”espresso martini and taking in the ultimate playlist of holiday hits Swiftie favorites. Learn more here.
Where: 1346 4th Street SE