DC Holiday Events

Restaurants and shops have already started playing Christmas tunes to ring in that holiday spirit. The Washington, DC area host lots of annual festivals and special events! Here’s our top picks for the month!

Craft Shows and Markets

Photo credit: Rachel Docherty

Downtown DC Holiday Market

When: November 25 – December 23, 2016 / noon – 8 PM

Where: Sidewalk on F Street between 7th and 9th in front of the National Portrait Gallery

What: A unique seasonal shopping marketplace in downtown DC. Look for gift items from more than 180 exhibitors accompanied by live music!

Heurich House Museum Christkindlmarkt

When: December 2 - 4, 2016

Where: Christian Heurich House Museum, New Hampshire Ave NW, 20036

What: Local goods from over 40 vendors at the outdoor holiday market! You can even tour the seasonally decorated home of German brewer, Christian Heurich.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: December 1, 2016 / 4:30 PM

Where: The Ellipse near The White House

What: Nationally known entertainers like Chance the Rapper and Kelly Clarkson, and a military band performs as the President brings a message of peace to the nation and the world!

Holiday Shows 2016

Photo credit: Larry Lamsa

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

When: December 13 – 31, 2016.

Where: National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC.

What: The magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage!

A Christmas Carol

What: The wonderful story of Scrooge and the progression to Christmas past, present, and future! A Charles Dickens’ classic tale, performed at the following venues:

·      Ford’s Theatre: November 17 – December 31

·      Kennedy Center: December 9 – 31, 2016

·      Little Theatre of Alexandria: December 2 – 17, 2016

·      Keegan Theatre – AN IRISH CAROL: December 17, 31, 2016/

The Nutcracker

What: A classic holiday ballet piece, performed at a variety of venues in the Washington DC Area, ranging from dance studios to professional theaters. 

DHM Top Picks: Fall Getaways

Think vacation season is over? Forget about it! Fall is the perfect time of year for a quick weekend getaway with the family. Hot spots are less crowded than during peak summer months, and fall weather will give beautiful scenery a change of pace. Here are our top picks for weekend getaways this season.

Near the Bay

Annapolis, Maryland

32 miles from DC

Enjoy the cool breezes by Chesapeake Bay. Annapolis is known for its naval history, water activities, and tasty treats. Take a water taxi to Eastport and visit farm-to-table pizza at Vin909. Stay on a boat throughout the weekend and learn how to sail!

Fall Foliage

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

75 miles from DC

If you’re into the outdoor scene, Shenandoah National Park is a great place to visit this fall! Witness changing leaves overlooking the whole park. The famous Appalachian Trail runs for 101 miles through the park and other trails lead to amazing views and waterfalls.

Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

180 miles from DC

For a quick adventure, rent a cabin and camp through the weekend! Walk through the woods and view the stunning waterfalls at Swallow Falls State Park. Trails run from 1.25 miles to 5.5

miles and it’s a perfect way to see the beautiful outdoor fall look.

Small Town Charm

Fredericksburg, Virginia

53 miles from DC

Whether it’s shopping for antiques, visiting battlefields, or doing outdoor activities, Fredericksburg has it all! The most famous attraction is visiting the home of George Washington and going to a live theater featuring classic Broadway musicals while enjoying dinner!

Charlottesville, Virginia

120 miles from DC

Serving as a launch point to check out some of Virginia’s best wineries, this cozy town is historical, yet charming. Take a historic tour of downtown Charlottesville and also enjoy the arts and entertainment scene of this town with live music and blues artists!

Urban Getaway

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

130 miles from DC

Known as the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia is notable for its rich history on display at the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Also iconic are the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, also known as the “Rocky Steps” as a result of their appearance in the film Rocky.

New Restaurants to Try This Fall

Fall is for good company, enjoying the cool air, and trying new things! This fall is the perfect time to try these new restaurants. From Asian cuisine to Central American dishes, the District is all about diversity and food from different places! Take a look at the list below:

1.    ANXO Cidery & Pinxtos Bar

300 Florida Ave NW, 20001

(202) 986-3795

Tuesday – Thursday, Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Friday & Saturday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Monday: Closed

What it’s known for: Being the first cider bar and licensed winery in DC.

What will you be expecting: A rustic-chic restaurant with its distinctly Spanish menu.

Menu highlights: Salt cod fritters, tortilla omelets, and gazpacho.

2.    Bantam King

501 G St NW, 20003

(202) 733-2612

Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM

Friday & Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM

What it’s known for: A play on Burger King by the Daikaya Team.

What will you be expecting: A pop-art decorated storefront with a cafeteria-style interior.

Menu highlights: Chicken or vegetable based ramen and a Japanese spin on fried chicken.

3.    Bindaas

3309 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008

(202) 244-6550

Monday – Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM

Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

What it’s known for: Projecting different areas in India capturing the essence of authentic Indian street food.

What will you be expecting: Graffiti painted walls with a street style feel.

Menu highlights: Crab idiyappam, lamb and saffron kebabs, sweet corn rice pancakes.

4.    Casolare

2505 Wisconsin Ave, Washington, DC 20007

(202) 625-5400

Sunday & Monday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM

Tuesday – Thursday: 5:00 – 10 PM

Friday – Saturday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM

What it’s known for: Bringing classic southern dishes.

What will you be expecting: Food and ambiance of Coastal Italy.

Menu highlights: Sicilian swordfish with caponata and Capri-style seafood salad.

5.    District Distilling Co

1414 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

(202) 629-3787

Monday – Sunday: 2:00 – 8:00 PM

What it’s known for: Producing vodka, gin, and whiskey on site.

What will you be expecting: An all-American meal and feel.

Menu highlights: Half roasted chicken, crispy skin suckling pig, smoked brisket tacos.

6.    Haikan

805 V St NW, 20001

202.299.1000

Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM

Tuesday - Thursday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM

Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM

Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM

Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

What it’s known for: Daikaya’s little sister and noodles made in Sapporo, Japan.

What will you be expecting: Sapporo style ramen with noodles that are chewy and chasiu pork that are juicy and thick.

7.    Hazel

808 V St NW, Washington, DC 20001

(202) 847-4980

Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

What it’s known for: Collection of medium-size plates that take their cues from around the globe.

What will you be expecting: New American fare served on artisan tableware in an artful interior & funky patio.

Menu highlights: Gnocchi with kimchi-pork ragu, English muffins with spreadable nduja and yoghurt.

8.    Chaia

3207 Grace St NW, Washington, DC 20007

(202) 333-5222

Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

What it’s known for: Vegetarian farm and taco shop near the Georgetown waterfront.

What will you be expecting: Taqueria feel of Tulum, Mexico.

Menu highlights: Grilled to order corn tortillas stuffed with seasonal produce such as Moroccan spiced carrots and chevre or tomatillo sauced garlicky greens.