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Best Holiday Activities in the DMV This December

Tamara Elshanti — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:01:29 +0000

December in the DMV always shows up big. The lights get brighter, the domes start glowing, the cocktail bars switch to full holiday mode, and every neighborhood pulls out its own version of festive energy.

But this year, the season feels even more social. People aren’t just looking for places to go — they’re looking for places to gather. National behavior trends reflect it too: 94% of diners share food, 97% of Gen Z share meals, and 90% prefer communal tables. People explore in groups now, and the DMV’s holiday scene fits right into that shift.

We pulled highlights from Bhlen’s City of Celebrations guide and sorted them by the vibe you’re actually planning for.

Explore the full December lineup inside our City of Celebrations guide.

Festive Nights Out

Some nights call for the full December rush. Bold décor, holiday cocktails, and that unmistakable end-of-year energy.

Miracle at Death Punch — Adams Morgan

Over-the-top holiday décor and spirited seasonal cocktails anchor the annual Miracle pop-up takeover at Death Punch Bar. It’s loud, cheerful, and fully committed to the theme.

Miracle at Black Whiskey — Logan Circle

Black Whiskey transforms into a festive Miracle pop-up with the same signature décor and holiday cocktails, all inside a tighter, cozier space that fills up fast.

The Coquito Bar at La Cosecha — NoMa

La Cosecha’s holiday cocktail bar brings a Caribbean-inspired winter twist with coquito-based drinks, vibrant décor, and an upbeat, warm atmosphere for festive nights with friends.

Cozy Date-Night December

Soft lights, waterfront views, and warm winter atmosphere, these spots make December feel easy and romantic.

La Vie Igloos — The Wharf

Heated rooftop igloos with sweeping waterfront views and Mediterranean small plates, set on La Vie’s penthouse level.

The Wharf Ice Rink — SW Waterfront

An open-air rink right on the pier, offering river views, boardwalk lights, and plenty of restaurants for a post-skate date.

Reston Town Center Ice Pavilion — Reston

A classic winter date setting surrounded by festive streets, shops, and restaurants, with daily public sessions and rentals for all ages.

Family-Friendly Winter Plans

Wholesome winter energy for families, visiting relatives, and anyone looking for a shared seasonal outing.

Ice & Lights Winter Village — Alexandria

At Cameron Run’s Winter Village you’ll find lights, fire pits, an outdoor rink, and snack stops—designed for groups who want festive and flexible.

Winter City Lights — Olney, MD

This massive open-air light festival features over a million twinkling lights, snow tubing, themed food and drink, and immersive installations across acres of space.

ICE! at Gaylord National — National Harbor

From hand-carved ice sculptures to themed slides and seasonal rooms, this all-ages holiday attraction sets the tone for a full winter experience.

Westpost Outdoor Ice Skating — Arlington

Glide beneath the Northern Virginia sky at the region’s largest outdoor rink, surrounded by dining, shopping, and a dual-sided stone fireplace perfect for post-skate gathering.

Group Hangouts (Friends, Coworkers, Friendmas Plans)

Places that make December plans easy — lounges, visuals, cocktails, and room for everyone.

Snowglow Dome — Union Market

A 50-foot heated dome above Union Market filled with immersive holiday visuals, festive cocktails, and space designed for groups to relax and explore together.

Snowglow Lounge — Union Market

Steps away from the Dome, this heated winter lounge offers seasonal drinks, shareable bites, and a casual social vibe built for bigger groups and low-effort December plans.

Sippin’ Santa at Hank’s Oyster Bar — Dupont Circle

A tropical-themed holiday pop-up with playful décor, bright cocktails, and an upbeat vibe that leans perfectly into group nights and Friendmas plans.

Holly Jolly Bar at Puttery — Penn Quarter

Puttery’s holiday takeover goes all-in on the décor with cheerful, themed cocktails and game-night energy — an easy pick for friends, coworkers, and full-send holiday hangs.

Joy on the Avenue Pop-Up Bar — Del Ray

A festive neighborhood pop-up in Alexandria with rotating décor, seasonal cocktails, and relaxed group energy perfect for Friendmas plans just outside the city.

Winter Skates & Waterfront Views

Fresh air, open ice, and some of the best winter scenery around.

Washington Harbour Ice Rink — Georgetown

The largest ice rink in DC, set right along the Potomac with classic winter atmosphere and plenty of places to warm up nearby.

The Wharf Ice Rink — SW Waterfront

An open-air rink on the pier with waterfront views, holiday lights, and easy post-skate food options along the boardwalk.

Westpost Outdoor Ice Rink — Arlington

Northern Virginia’s largest outdoor rink, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and a dual-sided fireplace that makes cold-weather skating feel easy.

Why These Spots Work So Well This Year

People want shared experiences, places built for connection, movement, photos, and moments that feel festive without requiring complicated plans. From winter villages and glowing domes to full holiday pop-ups and waterfront skating, the DMV lines up perfectly with how people choose to explore now.

This season is about gathering, and the city gives you plenty of places to do it.

See every festive spot inside our City of Celebrations guide and book directly through there.

The post Best Holiday Activities in the DMV This December first appeared on BHLEN.

Support Local: Shop Small Business Saturday in the DMV Area for Unique Finds!

Marissa Perrone — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 20:54:44 +0000

There’s something heartwarming about buying locally made products from hardworking entrepreneurs in your community. Melody Warnick, author of This Is Where You Belong: Finding Home Wherever You Are articulated it perfectly in a blog post on why she loves Small Business Saturday: “I’m trying to prioritize locally made purchases, even when they’re slightly more expensive, because they make me happier.” Indeed, there is a shared goal for people on both ends of the transaction: they want their community to have variety, flavor, and its own vibrant culture.

Small businesses give a place its look and feel, acting as an antithesis of the sameness of boring chain stores that can be found in every town. Since local businesses keep 38% of their revenue within the community, shopping at a local shop is a way of giving back to the place you call home. Small Business Saturday–a breath of fresh air after the rabid consumerism of its predecessor, Black Friday–is centered around doing just that. In DC, Maryland, and Virginia, shopkeepers on every Main Street are just waiting for loyal customers to treat them with that extra attention to detail that they won’t find in big-box stores.

SHELTER– (Union Market, DC)

SHELTER is a Union Market modern jewelry shop that specializes in independently made jewelry. The store prides itself in offering work from underrepresented designers and showcasing unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. They also offer custom pieces and wedding/engagement bands. If you’ve seen #WeldedBracelets come up on your TikTok For You Page, then SHELTER might be the first place to check them out in the area. These bracelets are custom-fitted, offered in various thicknesses, and available in white, yellow, and rose gold. Appointments are required.

REWILD – Shaw, Capitol Hill, Ballston, Cabin John

How well do the folks at Rewild know plants? So much so that the US Botanical Garden has partnered with them to create a unique museum store where patrons can bring an inspired little piece of the garden home with them. Perfect for every #plantparent in your life, REWILD’s website encourages customers to “spread joy, naturally.” The staff is made up of houseplant lovers who offer tons of free advice to aspiring plant parents. Even if your thumb isn’t already green, REWILD is on a mission to help you get there.

Shop Made in DC (Various locations, DC)

With four locations including Georgetown, The Wharf, Union Market, and Canpoy Embassy Row, Shop Made in DC’s mission is to showcase the DC artisan scene. Each location offers a variety of products, from candles to home decor to stationery, all made right in the District. Their gallery in Georgetown is home to a group of rotating artists, and they offer art classes, too. Shop Made in DC is the perfect place to pick out a holiday gift with the right amount of local flavor.

Capitol Hill Books (Capitol Hill, DC)

A decades-old handwritten sign hangs next to the cash register at the entrance to Capitol Hill Books: “Words Not Spoken Here: OMG. Totally. Amazon. Kindle…” This sets the tone for the old-school experience that is Capitol Hill Books, a used bookstore and bibliophile’s paradise. Patrons will feel as if they’re on an adventure (or in a mystery novel, if that’s their genre of choice) as they navigate the narrow staircases of an old row house, every nook and cranny–even the kitchen sink–covered in books. In 2018, a group of employees purchased the store from the second owner, and they’ve dedicated themselves to keeping Capitol Hill Books a gem of the district.

Fair Trade Roots (Arlington, VA)

Located in a walking stretch of the cozy neighborhood of Westover, Fair Trade Roots is part adorable cafe, part destination to other cultures via lovely handmade goods. Upon entering the shop, one’s senses are first hit with the wonderful aroma of espresso and pastries, then with a harmonious rainbow of decorations, from lovely Ugandan raffia baskets to twinkling Turkish lamps. The owner takes pride in offering fair wages for ethically sourced products and offering unique pieces that are sure to brighten any home.

Here. a pop-up shop (Annapolis, MD)

Here. is a pop-up boutique originally founded by longtime Annapolis buds El Lunay and Amy Altenburg. Since its inception in 2013, there have been 50 popups in various vacant locations around Annapolis. The location rotates, but for the current holiday season, Here. calls 14 Church Circle in downtown Annapolis home. The pop-up stays open for 10-20 days at a time and showcases work from local artists and designers, from photography to apparel to furniture. During the holiday season, they’re open from 10 am to 6 pm daily, and on Small Business Saturday, they are offering free gifts with a minimum purchase as well as free bubbly and sweets to everyone who walks through the door.

And while you’re out shopping, be sure to check out other Sweets and Treats offered by local businesses in the region!

The post Support Local: Shop Small Business Saturday in the DMV Area for Unique Finds! first appeared on BHLEN.

Six ways to Fall for the DMV Area

Marissa Perrone — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:18:02 +0000

The DC area’s oppressive summer heat is finally making way for milder weather, and everyone from seasoned locals to new transplants can look forward to autumn vibes in the outdoors. As you rotate out the shorts in your wardrobe to welcome sweater weather, there is no shortage of ways to embrace the season of harvest.

Click here for our Bhlen Link with a complete list of things to do this Fall!

Cox Farms – (Centreville, VA)

Apple cider donuts, giant themed slides, hayrides, and a goat village make this a local fall classic. If you’re looking to get into the autumn mood, look no further. This has been the biggest and most well-attended fall festival in the DMV since it launched as a family business in 1974. From September 14 through November 5, you can forge a family tradition of an action-packed day that culminates in selecting a pumpkin.

Clifton Day (Clifton, VA)

For residents of this tiny town seemingly plucked from the past and tucked amid the rolling hills of Fairfax Station, Clifton Day puts them on the map. On October 13, streets are closed to traffic, and artisans and food vendors line the streets. At the town green, a bounce house and a variety of performers create the perfect atmosphere to entertain children. The best way to maximize your autumn mood? Take the train! The VRE runs a special train that stops in downtown Clifton for one day only, and the view of the leaves changing colors is unparalleled.

Butler’s Orchard (Germantown, MD) Something about a hand-picked apple just tastes better. At Butler’s Orchard, you can pick your own apples on weekends. You can pick out the perfect jack-o-lantern starting September 21. Be sure to also check out Front Porch Kitchen from 10:30 – 3, which serves apple cider and beer. If you are celebrating something special, consider booking one of their magical after-hours hayrides or bonfires.

Mount Vernon (Alexandria, VA)

In addition to being the home of the father of our country, Mount Vernon also boasts an exciting line-up of autumnal events. Check out the Fall Harvest Festival on October 19 and 20 and step back in time by seeing 18th-century demonstrations and activities. Slow down at the Mount Vernon estate, and take in a calmer pace of life in the crisp autumn weather. Down the road at the Grist Mill, you can even sample whiskey of the era.

Maryland Renaissance Festival (Crownsville, MD)

If you enjoy chowing down on a turkey leg while dressing as a lord or lady, then the Renaissance Festival is for you. Multiple theaters are nestled throughout the village, and you can watch just about anything, from bards to jousters. Bring cash to the event to ensure you can purchase something from one of your favorite artisans. (Online ticket sales only.)

Wharf Oktoberfest (Washington, DC)

Brat summer might be over, but brat autumn is just beginning! If you love German food, put on your lederhosen on October 5 and head down to the Wharf, where you can chow down on all of the sauerkraut and brats you can muster. If you’re a weiner enthusiast of the canine variety, check out the annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash to benefit Rural Dog Rescue. There will also be a stein-hoisting championship, where qualifiers from local restaurants come to show off their hoisting skills (and drink some German beer while they’re at it). Finally, dance the night away with Polka on the Pier from 5 to 7 PM.

Click here for our Bhlen Link with a complete list of things to do this Fall!

VIRGINIA

Fall Market at the Lucketts Store

Georgetown Fall Market

H Street festival

MARYLAND

PIKEtoberfest

Gaver Farm

Maryland Corn Maze (Gambrills)

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