Happy Holidays: Spending Christmas and/or New Year’s in Washington? Check out our event guide for where to find Christmas Eve and Day feasts, restaurants throwing fun NYE parties, off-beat celebrations, and much more.
Seven beasts: Del Campo riffs on the Feast of the Seven Fishes this week, offering a “Feast of the Seven Beasts” from Monday to Thursday. Chef Victor Albisu creates meaty dishes like venison ceviche with sweet potato, burnt leeks with prosciutto, and an uni-scallop panzanella. Reservations for the meal ($78 per person) are available by calling 202-289-7377.
Seven fishes: Italian restaurants across Washington offer traditional Feasts of the Seven Fishes this week, from a fine dining tasting at Fiola to a more casual meal at G by Mike Isabella. Many are offered exclusively for Christmas Eve, but others, including the latter, can be ordered beyond the holiday.
The art of chocolate: Pastry chefs at Gaylord National lead an interactive class, every day this week through Thursday from 8:30 am to 11:30 am, centered around chocolate. Learn how cocoa beans are grown, harvested, and processed while tasting flavors from across the world, and then make your own batch of holiday truffles. The class includes a breakfast at Pienza beforehand. Tickets ($49) are available by calling 301-965-4000.
Ugly sweater: Republic hosts its annual holiday celebration on Wednesday. In addition to participating in its annual ugly sweater contest (winner receives $50 gift card), guests can listen to Christmas music, play board games, and snap photos in the photo booth. All pints on the draft beer menu are $5. Late night happy hour includes $1 oysters. There is no charge for admission.
Can drive: Celebrate the holidays in the spirit of giving at Pizzeria Paradiso in Georgetown, which hosts an event on Wednesday during which guests can exchange canned food items for beers. The donations go to support Martha’s Table.
Winter lounge: Head to Poste Brasserie on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7 to 9 for a respite from the holiday madness. Sip warm winter cocktails ($12) like a hot toddy and a Wassail. Complimentary s’mores are served by the fire pits. Make sure to curl up with one of the supplied blankets.
Wine tasting: Paul’s Wine and Spirits hosts its weekly wine tasting series on Friday from 5:30 to 8. Finish Christmas day by sampling up to fifteen wines, beers, and spirits. There is no charge for the tasting, and reservations are not required.
Tour and tasting: Local Italian liqueur company, Don Ciccio & Figli, welcomes its founder Francesco Amodeo for a tour and tasting on Saturday from 1 to 4. Try flavors like citrusy Mandarinetto, Prickly Pear, Nocino (Green Walnut), and Fennel. Spirits will be available for purchase the event’s conclusion. There is no charge for the tasting.
Feast of the Chupacabra: Fuego Cocina y Tequileria hosts a special supper on Sunday from beginning at 5. Chow down on locally raised goat with chili de arbol rub, handmade corn tortillas, and traditional accompaniments. The meal ($130 all-inclusive) is prepared family style for four-to-six people. Call 571-970-2180 for more information and to make reservations.
