In DC, December isn’t just a month reserved for holiday cheer; it’s the time of year when restaurants and bars all over town trade their tried-and-true offerings for tinsel, spirited cocktails, and festive bites. Whether you’re looking to sample a new holiday destination every day or have yet to check one off your advent calendar, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t miss your chance to try as many as possible before time runs out on 2022!

#1 Death Punch: For the 3rd year running, Miracle at Death Punch fully immerses guests with holiday cheer via floor-to-ceiling decorations (think: a big green Grinch) and drinks served in all sorts of Santa-shaped and Christmas mugs that are also for sale. Reservations are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome for standing room only. The bar is open from Friday, November 25 to Wednesday, December 30. Returning cocktails like the “Christmapolitan” and “Snowball Old Fashioned” join newcomers like the “Christmas Cricket” and “Holiday Spiked Chai.”

#2 Side Door: Pub and the People’s year-old cellar speakeasy Side Door shows off Santa’s naughty side with a Krampus cocktail pop-up that’s in full force this week. The potent 18-count cocktail list includes a “Flipping Biscottis” (grappa, biscotti liquor, creme de cacao, cold brew coffee liquor, whole egg), “Elf Around and Find Out” (dark rums, spiced raspberry, absinthe), and “Krampus Baby” (Oaxacan hot chocolate with mezcal and cacao).

➤ Looking for more holiday cheer in DC? Read these blogs next:

• Best Holiday Light Displays in and Around DC
• Where to Get Your Christmas Tree in DC
• How to Spend the Holiday Season in DC

#3 El Cielo: The team behind Michelin-rated Elcielo brings a Caribbean-styled Christmas to La Cosecha until the 24th (no reservations required). The “El Caribeño by Elcielo” pop-up features five cocktails and one mocktail (horchata) alongside Colombian street foods. Options include an Elvis-themed “Hunka Hunka” (peanut butter whiskey sour) and San Andrés (rum, white Curacao, pineapple juice). Bites include perrito de camaron, carimañola, aborrajado, avocado tempura, and arepa de chocolo with cheese.

#4 Stable DC: This year, Stable co-owner and beverage manager Silvan Kraemer whipped up a winter drink menu that features hot cocktails with origins connected to his native Switzerland. Sip on those and savor comforting winter fare inside a private ski chalet all season long.

#5 Urban Roast: The all-day Penn Quarter cafe goes all out every holiday, and this Christmas marks its biggest display yet. Neon “Kiss Me Under the Mistletoe” signage up front leads the way to a sea of garland, tinsel, faux snow, evergreen trees dotted with glittery ornaments, and life-sized Santas at every turn. Toast s’mores around its fire pits up front while sipping newly released winter cocktails.

#6 Dirty Habit: It’s official: An Alpine-centric pop-up has taken over the Dirty Habit courtyard this holiday season. Venture over to Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco to sip après ski cocktails and warm up in cozy blankets by outdoor fire pits. A snow cannon is also on hand for Instagram-worthy snaps. Offerings include the “Spiked Ponche,” a Mexican Christmas punch along with elegant European dishes by chef Edgar Escalante like warm gougères (French cheese puffs) and smoked cassoulet with black winter truffles.

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