Embrace the hectic season with an ugly sweater party, a festive holiday patio, and a tour of sparkling wines. There’s also a chance to indulge in seasonal ingredients like venison or bright, refreshing citrus.
Ugly sweaters, beautiful beers
Support charity while sampling local breweries at Roofers Union’s annual ugly sweater party on Wednesday. In addition to the over-the-top holiday dress code, guests can bring a $15-$20 new toy as a donation to Mary’s Center and get their first beer taster on the house. Prizes will be awarded throughout the night across various best-dressed categories. (2446 18th St. NW, Wednesday, 6 p.m.-close, drinks a la carte)
German vibes come to Georgetown
Thursday marks the opening of The Berliner, a new beer hall in the former Malmaison space near the Key Bridge. Offerings include 24 draught lines of German and local brews as well as a variety of sausages and other bites—think bratwurst, pretzels, and falafel. The first 100 guests who stop by opening night can score a free beer from the bar. (3401 Water St. NW, opening Thursday at 5 p.m.)
Bubbly class at City Winery
Prepare for the New Year’s partying by soaking up some sparkling wine knowledge at City Winery. The Ivy City restaurant is holding a taste test and educational seminar on Thursday that will include pours of four bubbly wines from around the globe and information on what makes each one unique. (1350 Okie St. NE, Thursday, 6:30 p.m., $30)
Heurich House happy hours
Take a trip through D.C. brewing history at this month’s happy hours at Heurich House Museum. The after-hours event is an opportunity to browse the current exhibit, which features more than 1,000 items from the Dupont Circle building’s past as a working brewery (it was in business from 1873 to 1956). Admission includes access to the exhibit and special swag like t-shirts and coasters. Beer and snacks will be available for purchase as well. (1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW, December 12-14 and 20-21, $10.)
A heated holiday tent, for the people
Cozy up with a hot bourbon cider or strong beer inside The Pub and The People’s new heated patio tent. The Bloomingdale space is adorned with festive decor and is also a dog-friendly hangout. It’s expected to stay up through mid-March, making a festive destination once the buzz of the holiday season fades. (1648 N. Capitol St. NW, daily through March)
It’s time for clementines
Citrus is at its peak during the winter months—especially sweet and juicy clementines. The fruit, popular in Spain, has inspired chef José Andrés to create a limited run menu of tapas and drinks at D.C.-area Jaleo locations. Enjoy them in dishes like seared squid with sunchokes and Iberico ham, or tossed in a salad of Brussels sprouts, pomegranate, and citrus yogurt. Bright cocktails include the Sunny Side, a blend of brandy, clementine, lemon and Pedro Ximénez sherry; and a clementine juice riff on the classic French 75. (Jaleo D.C., Bethesda, and Crystal City locations, through Dec. 23)
Dig into some Reindeer balls
The Meatball Shop is getting into the Christmas spirit with its seasonal Jingle Balls. The limited-run dish is made with venison (sorry, Rudolph), beef, and pork and served with a Cumberland fruit sauce. Try them naked or build your own creation from the rest of the menu. (1720 14th St. NW, December 17 through winter, $10.50 and up)
