Ice Skating

Where: DC natives’ favorite spots are in Georgetown at the Washington Harbour or in the National Gallery’s Sculpture Garden
When: G-town’s is open daily from 12pm-7pm and the Sculpture Garden from 11pm-9pm, but both have extended hours on weekends (check their respective websites for specifics). You should also know that these rinks are outdoors, meaning they’ll close for extenuating weather circumstances such as extreme cold or precipitation.
Why: It’s -amillion degrees outside, what else are you going to do if you’re craving the open air? And, honestly, no holiday season is complete without a spin – and subsequent fall – on the ice.
How Much: The Harbor’s rink is a bit pricier than the Garden’s ($10 vs $8.50 for adults, $5 vs $3.50 for skate/locker rental), so expect to pay around $30 regardless of where you go. The real difference is in the surroundings you prefer: a panoramic view of the famous harbor with rink-side hot drinks (not included in price), or skating alongside nationally-renowned sculptures by some of history’s famous artists. We say: Why not both?

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ZooLights

Where: The National Zoo of course!
When: November 27 – January 2 from 5pm – 9pm (Except December 24, 25, 31)
Why: It’s the ZOO. With LIGHTS. AND FOOD. Come on. If you aren’t sold yet, their website put the event pretty plainly: “More than 500,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland. New this year will be a dazzling light show set to music!” Wait – A LIGHT SHOW TOO!?
How Much: Unless you go to one of their special ticketed ZooLights events it’s totally free. Because Smithsonian is awesome.

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The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker

Where: Warner Theater at 513 13th St NW
When: December 3-27, and most days there are multiple shows. These ballerinas are kicking ass and taking names with the work they put in.
Why: Seriously? What is more Christmas-y than the freaking Nutcracker? It’s also a good option for you “indoor kids” during the Winter season.
How Much: $30 – $120 depending on seats and show time, check the link for specifics. Orchestra or mezzanine: the show will be great. Image courtesy of washingtonballet.org

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Hot [Cocoa] Date at Coco Sala

Where: 929 F St NW
When: 5pm-10pm during the week, 5pm-midnight on weekends, and brunch hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
Why: Cozying up to Coco Sala’s unbelievable menu of Winter drinks and cocktail pairings is sure to warm you up from the inside out. And we didn’t even mention their decadent food and dessert options.
How Much: We’d go for the Hot CoCo Flight to start off – get their 3 types of insanely delicious hot chocolate drinks (white, dark, milk) for just 9 bucks.

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Renwick Gallery

Where: Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street NW
When: After two long years of renovation and anticipation, Renwick has FINALLY opened it’s doors back up to the public. Now open daily from 10am – 5:30pm (with the exception of December 25).
Why: So many reasons, the aforementioned re-opening being only one. Renwick Gallery is the first building in America built solely for the purpose of being an art museum, so the building itself is already a treat to behold. Inside, however, they’ve premiered an impressive show that can only be described by it’s title: Wonder. They also have an impressive collection of unique handmade items and gifts that you can’t find anywhere else.
How Much: Again, because the Smithsonian is awesome, it’s totally free.

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DC Snowball Fights

Where: Last year they hosted massive battles in Dupont Circle, Meridian Hill, and the Washington Monument.
When: TBD as weather permits, but you can follow the official Facebook page for updates on everything from weather predictions to timing and locations. The best thing to do is keep an eye out for any precipitation that could cause a snow day (a REAL ONE, none of that quarter-inch-of-flurries-but-we’re-too-scared-to-drive bullsh*t).
Why: First off: there’s a DC Snowball Fight Association (or the DCSFA, as they like to be hashtagged) and they mean business when it comes to snowball fights. News crews often cover how many people show up and how much fun they’re all are having and everyone is invited. How can you NOT want to be a part of this?
How Much: Free! Just show up prepped and ready to throw some serious snow.  Image courtesy of DCSFA facebook page

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FREE S’MORES

Where: YOU READ THAT RIGHT. The Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown (3100 South Street NW) has an annual December happy hour tradition that includes “decadent” dessert drinks and Winter cocktails served with the classic fireside treat.
When: Nightly from 6:30-7pm in the Livingroom, and daily on the Terrace.
Why: S’MORES. FREE.
How Much Actually: They’re complimentary with the understanding that you’ll buy a couple drinks. This place is definitely on the swanky side, though, so dress to impress and expect to pay a little extra for the atmosphere.

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Miracle on 7th Street

Where: 7th Street. Duh. JK. But really, it’s 1843 7th Street NW (Mockingbird Hill)
When: Opens every day at 5pm, open until 1:30 am on the weekends. But it’s only happening this month, so get there while it’s still around!
Why: It’s a pop-up holiday cocktail bar! They feature specialty drinks that celebrate everything Christmas and Hanukkah with daily themed specials. BUT THAT’S NOT ALL: they also plan to do holiday movie nights, “lively festivities”, and Manischewitz Pong competitions. Holy moly is this place awesome.
How Much: Drinks are only $12 (unless otherwise specified). But a shot of Baltimore Egg Nog is only $4. Cheers!  Image courtesy of miracleon7thst.com

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NYE at Ultrabar

Where: 911 F Street NW
When: Thursday December 31 at 8pm sharp
Why: Okay, so it’s not necessarily “Christmas-y”, but the annual NYE bash at Ultrabar is tradition. It’s also one of the longest running NYE parties in DC (for good reason). Ultrabar knows how to throw a party: this year they’ve got an open bar, 5 floors of tables and dancing, 4 DJs spinning all night, and bottle specials at the bar – all of which is neatly wrapped in a great price.
How Much: $30 if you’re one of the first 300 people to buy your ticket, but if you’re planning on raging with a group of people then getting a table is the best way to go. It gets you entry and, if you book in advance, a complimentary bottle of champagne to toast with at midnight.

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