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2023 Holiday Happenings in Capitol Riverfront

As the festive season unfolds, Capitol Riverfront transforms into a wonderland of holiday delights, offering a sleigh-full of merry activities for all! From enchanting Christmas tree lots that warm your heart to special brunches with Santa, the neighborhood is alive with the spirit of the season. Join us on a merry journey through the Holiday Happenings of Capitol Riverfront, where every event is a gift waiting to be unwrapped!

12 Days of CapRiv & 8 Nights of Giftaways

The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner as "8 Nights of Giftaways" and "12 Days of CapRiv" return with daily Instagram giveaways from your favorite neighborhood restaurants, local shops, and hotels along with an exciting lineup of holly jolly holiday events! Mark your calendars for our BID Holiday events, starting off with Lights & Ice: A Hannukah Skate Night, and followed by our signature 12 Days of CapRiv events like our Annual Holiday Tree Lighting event, Jolly Jog 5k, Jingle Jam holiday concert, and Toast to the Holidays cocktail crawl. 

Light Yards

Swinging Bells, this year’s holiday light installation at the Yards, invites guests to become part of the artwork by creating animated light displays and amplifying the cheerful sound of holiday bells as visitors swing. The five 13-foot-tall bells will illuminate The Yards’ Sun Deck and are a picture-perfect spot to get in the holiday spirit. Light Yards will be open through January 7 daily. 355 Water St SE

Enchant

The World’s Largest Christmas Light Spectacular is back at Nationals Park. Embark on an unforgettable journey of holiday awe and wonder — a world where Christmas comes to life... and light. Open through December 31, Enchant is an immersive experience weaving magic into its every corner, perfect for joyful seasonal celebrations. Adventure through Enchant’s newest adventure Reindeer Game: a captivating, larger-than-life light maze that is the cornerstone to the Enchant experience. 1500 S Capitol Street SE

Pick A Tree (Any Tree) at The Salt Line

Embrace the festive spirit with The Salt Line's annual Christmas tree lot, open from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 9 pm on weekends until inventory runs out! Choose your perfect Christmas tree from a selection of Fraser and Balsam firs in sizes ranging from tabletop to 12 feet tall. Beyond the joy of selecting the perfect tree, get in the gifting spirit knowing that 100% of the sale proceeds will benefit the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation—a local non-profit dedicated to rehabilitating and recovering injured firefighters and burn patients. And as a merry bonus, each purchase comes with a complimentary hot cocktail from The Salt Line's Winter Warmers cocktail menu! 79 Potomac Avenue SE

Snowy Sips at District Winery 

Indulge in the festive spirit with District Winery's Snowy Sips, the annual holiday cookies and wine pairing tour happening from December 7 through December 10. For just $50 per person, immerse yourself in the magic of the season with five delectable holiday cookies expertly paired with exquisite wines. It's a symphony of flavors that promises to elevate your holiday celebrations. 385 Water Street SE

Holiday Pop-up Bars

'Tis the season for merry spirits as three beloved bars in Capitol Riverfront are transforming into winter wonderlands! Get ready to be enchanted as Tap99, Chicken + Whiskey, and Duke's Grocery undergo festive makeovers, turning into pop-up holiday bars adorned with twinkling lights, garlands, and all things Christmas cheer. Whether its taking a tour of a Whoville Hideaway at Tap99 or exploring the dream-like scenes of Duke's Grocery's Nutcracker-inspired stage, immerse yourself in the holiday magic as you sip on specially crafted seasonal beers and cocktails that will have you tasting that yuletide magic!

Taste of the Season at Ice Cream Jubilee

Get a taste of the season at Ice Cream Jubilee with their new seasonal flavors, featuring Peppermint Patty, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Caramel Candy Pecan, the celebratory Happy Birthday 2024!, a classic Vanilla Peanut Butter Cup Chunk, and the beloved Apple Butter Oatmeal Cookie. Don't miss out—order online and take a taste of season home! 301 Water Street SE

Seasons Greetings at Slipstream

As the winter chill sets in, Slipstream becomes a haven for warmth and holiday cheer. Slipstream is offering a 'Slipstream Tasting Experience.' This 90-minute coffee-tasting journey explores the diverse and nuanced profiles of four meticulously selected coffees, each highlighting the unique terroir and processing techniques. The expert team at Slipstream guides participants through the tasting, unraveling key flavors and the intricacies of each cup. Available on Saturdays from December through February, this limited-time tasting experience is a delightful holiday treat. 82 I Street SE

Santa Brunch at All Purpose Pizzeria

Get ready for a jolly brunch with the man in red as Santa Claus pays a special visit to All-Purpose Pizzeria on Saturday, December 16, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Capture the holiday magic with Santa photos, snapped on your phone by Santa's elves, and indulge in complimentary hot chocolate. The little ones can dive into festive crafts to add an extra dash of holiday spirit. Make a reservation to secure your spot, and don't forget to bring your fur babies—all are welcome to join in the festivities! 79 Potomac Avenue SE