Festive DC Holiday Activities
The Nutcracker at The Kennedy Center or Warner Theater: The Kennedy Center hosts a different ballet company each year (this year it is the Atlanta Ballet) and The Washington Ballet performs throughout the month of December at The Warner Theater.
Live Jazz: If you want to hear some live jazz to the music by Vince Guaraldi, then head to The Hamilton on December 1st to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas with The Eric Byrd Trio playing the festive holiday tunes from the iconic Christmas classic.
Holiday Concerts: This year we are seeing the NSO Pops perform with Leslie Odom Jr. from the original cast of Hamilton. Have you heard his Christmas album yet?!? It is one of my favorites. What a voice!
Afternoon Tea: Treat yourself to a Holiday afternoon tea at one of the local hotels. The Willard, Mandarin Oriental, The Jefferson and The Four Seasons are a few of my favorites. Book early as I have heard the Willard has sold out for the month of December.
Christmas Blooms: If you want to see an amazing display of poinsettias, then head to the US Botanic Garden. Spoiler alert – there are more than just red and white poinsettias. And don’t forget to check out the model train while you are visiting.
Warm Cocktails. Who doesn’t love a hot toddy after a day of holiday shopping? Mulled wine, Spiced Apple Cider or a yummy Eggnog are always favorites on my list. One of my treasured spots to indulge in one of these toddies is at The Living Room at The Ritz Carlton in Georgetown.
Holiday ice cream at Jeni’s: We are so lucky to now have two locations of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream in the DC area. The first is in Logan Circle with the newest addition in Old Town Alexandria. There is a seasonal flavor named Boozy Eggnog – need I say more?! I also love the White Chocolate Peppermint. You can always have pints shipped to your home or pick them up at most Whole Foods locations.
Cocktails at Miracle on Seventh Street. Yes, there is a line but if you go early on prime days or mid-week you’ll get right in. I mean when else can you say you drank a cocktail out of a gnome vessel?! Or had a shot of eggnog? It is so festive inside you’ll forget all about the anticipation and the wait outside.
A Broadway Show: We have a few Broadway shows touring through DC this December. My Fair Lady will be at The Kennedy Center, and Jersey Boys will be at The National Theater.
A Christmas Carol: I have seen it at Ford’s Theater and at The Little Theater of Alexandria. It is such a great way to get into the spirit of giving and Christmas.
Mariah Carey is coming to the MGM in December 9th and 10th - I repeat Mimi will be in town and singing All I Want For Christmas Is You!!
Holiday Manicure: Christmas manis at NIB and Varnish Lane are two of my favorites places to get my hands ready for holding champagne flutes and opening presents.
Sur La Table Cooking Classes: They are offering gingerbread house making classes, cookie decorating and snowflake macaroon classes this December. There are also Parisian bistro and French pastry classes that can’t be missed.
Christmas Walk in Old Town and Parade in Middleburg: Tell me two more towns more decorated and festive for Christmas and I would be shocked. On December 7th in Alexandria, the day is kicked off with the parade (the bagpipes are my favorite part). After the extravaganza, you can shop the boutiques, dine in the restaurants and tour some of the Old Town homes on the holiday home tour. And if you find yourself in Middleburg that weekend, they are also hosting their parade. I tell you, there is nothing like seeing their foxhunt riders and hounds come down Washington Street.
Christmas at Mount Vernon: Mount Vernon is lovely any time of year, but it is especially beautiful around Christmas. It is a great way to see how the Washingtons celebrated the holiday with their friends and family.
Waterskiing Santa: On December 24th at 1:00 PM - head down to see the iconic waterskiing Santa blast down the Potomac River and wave to all the girls and boys. Santa isn’t alone though – he has an entourage of holiday friends with him.
Christmas Carolers at 1789: We love having a delicious dinner at 1789 any time of the year but we make it a tradition to go each December, so we can dine and listen to the Christmas Carolers. They roam from room to room singing all the holiday favorites. It truly is a special evening with remarkable food.
Willard Lobby Carolers: If 1789 doesn’t give you your caroling fill, then head over to the Willard Hotel in the month of December for various singing groups performing holiday music. Head to their website to see the 2019 lineup. The Sound Advice Quartet is my favorite each year.
The Holiday Sights at City Center: Grab a latte at Dolcezza and take in the lights, sounds, and shops at City Center. You haven’t been that naughty, have you? Surely you deserve a scarf from Hermes or some lovelies from Jo Malone. You can finish the night off with a delicious dinner at Centrolina. Don’t forget to ask for the off-menu Cacio e Pepe – my personal favorite. And a nightcap or glass of Veuve will be waiting for you next door at Fig and Olive. Cheers!
Not to be missed is dinner at Filomena! With their extensive holiday decorations. Go for lunch or dinner but just go for a wonderful meal and see the thousands of lights and numerous holiday trees Filomena puts out each season. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert.
Ho ho ho!