We may forever land in the snow hole, but that doesn’t mean D.C. can’t turn into a winter wonderland: There are polar tunnels and 100-foot Christmas trees. Technology-enhanced reindeer. Fire pits. Convincing replications of the Northern Lights and mountainous ski resorts. And—of course—holiday cocktails galore. Here are eight holiday wonderlands to put on your list now:
This year, 11 elaborate light installations will be scattered throughout Georgetown—and they’re all worth seeing, even if means trekking down M Street when it’s 20 degrees. Go ahead and take a turn swinging from pastel-tinted clouds, or admire the geometric snowcones suspended from aircraft cables in Cady’s Alley. At Lightbattle, an arch made of nearly 5,000 LED lights that’s located near the K Street bike lane, gear up for some friendly competition: Hop onto one of the bicycles that’s on display and see if you can out-pedal your friends, sending a beam of light to the other end of the arch the fastest. Loser picks up the next round of eggnog. (Various locations throughout Georgetown, 5-10 p.m. Dec. 6-Jan. 5.)
Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park
No, Max Scherzer isn’t appearing as Santa (we don’t think). But the ballpark is transforming into a sparkling winter wonderland for the next month, as Enchant Christmas makes its D.C. debut. Imagine every holiday wish an Instagrammer could have, and it’s come to fruition here: trees that stretch high, including one that’s 100 feet tall—which means it’s bigger than Rockefeller Center’s. A magical light maze. An ice-skating rink. A holiday market and plenty to eat and drink, including waffles, s’mores, mulled wine, and a show-stopping ice-cream sundae. Enchant’s three million lights make it the area’s largest display, probably qualifying it for some type of large, silver, hard-won trophy. (1500 South Capitol St. SE. Through Dec. 29. $14.99-$33.99.)
The third-annual pop-up festival at this NoMa beer garden is 13,000-square-feet of festivity: Christmas trees. Fire pits. “Heavy décor,” which is like heavy appetizers but better for the eyes than the stomach. Go for the seasonal beers and cocktails (think spiked cider or hot cocoa); stay for the heated igloos and immersive polar tunnel. The latter is an art installation designed by Daniel Haber and Grant Barrett, who are NASA aerospace engineers and co-founders of Diod.design—so you know it’s going to be good. On weekends, The Makers Market will feature artisan goods that make great holiday gifts, and Santa will pop in every Saturday from 2 p.m.-8 p.m. (1101 First St. NE. Dec. 6-22.)
ARTECHOUSE’s AURORA: The Spirit of Northern Lights
Go forth to the Northern Lights this holiday season: All you have to do is head to Southwest. ARTECHOUSE’s new installation AURORA invites visitors to travel forested paths dotted with shadowy reindeer and caribou, and through ice caverns and haze—arriving at a magnificent display of the aurora borealis. As always, the immersive, multi-room experience that blends art and tech is packed with irresistible photo-ops. (1238 Maryland Ave. SW. Dec. 7-Jan. 5. Adults $16 online, $20 on-site.)
It’s totally fine if you can’t swing skiing in Aspen this year. Really. The Conrad Hotel’s third-floor terrace is morphing into the super swanky ski lodge of your dreams; there will be fire pits, hot buttered rum, “haute” toddies, and naturally, faux fur throws. If Alpine cuisine is your thing, choices include duck confit and cheesy tartiflette for two. Or, you know, just have the fireside s’mores—they’re made with chocolate ganache and chocolate rocks, hopefully big ones. (950 New York Ave. NW. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Tuesdays to Thursdays and 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through February.)
All-Purpose Capitol Riverfront Holiday Winter Garden
River breeze, schmiver breeze—you aren’t going to get cold on this pizzeria’s patio. It’s transformed into a cozy holiday garden with heat lamps, fire tables, and plenty of warm drinks, such as hot mulled cider, DIY decadent hot chocolate, and Tuscan coffee (which blends Swing’s Coffee, Jameson, Galliano Ristretto, raw sugar, and cream). Expect your beverage to be topped with marshmallow, candy canes, or a cube of chocolate. The restaurant is next door to Nationals Park, so stop in for a drink and side of merriment before heading to Enchant. Or make plans for brunch on Dec. 15—Santa and Mrs. Claus have already confirmed their attendance. Get your reservations in early, because seats go fast. (79 Potomac Ave SE. Through Jan. 1.)
Light Yards, a month-long festival at The Yards, is back—and particularly otherworldly this time around. The big draw this year is Airship Orchestra, an installation described as having been “beamed from the night stars,” with “healing vibrations” for all who visit. Climb inside the Airship each night for “volumetric sound and rhythmic light pulsation,” which sounds exactly like what we all need during the holiday frenzy. The installation was designed by ENESS, which is known for large-scale, edgy, interactive public art like light seesaws and sonic light bubbles. (301 Water Street SE. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Dec. 6-23.)
Sippin’ Santa’s Surf Shack at Archipelago
If you’re dreaming of a white warm Christmas, head to the tropics—i.e. U Street. At this pop-up tiki bar, Santa rides surfboards instead of sleighs, and there are palm trees in place of pines. Basically, you’ll feel like you got the island vacation you so deserve for the holidays. The pop-up, created by tiki historian Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, is happening in just over two dozen cities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Prepare to celebrate with a festive drink like the Kris Kringle Colada, or if you’re still not feeling the cheer, a Grinch Grog or Blue Christmas. (1201 U St. NW. Through Dec. 31.)
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