When the holiday season arrives, Washington, D.C. comes alive with the glow of warm lights illuminating the city’s streets and historic landmarks. As part of the season’s magic, numerous venues offer opportunities to soak in the holiday spirit and enjoy festive culinary experiences. Here are 12 spots in D.C. where you should celebrate the holidays with food and drink.

Miracle Pop-up at Death Punch

For the fifth consecutive year, Death Punch has delighted patrons by ushering in the holiday season with a lively Christmas pop-up. The bar's creative cocktails include the Snowball Old-Fashioned, a blend of rye whiskey, gingerbread and aromatic bitters, and the Hot Buttered Rum, a warming concoction made with aged Jamaican rum, oat milk, nutmeg, velvet falernum and mixed spiced butter. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure a spot.

Teddy & the Bully Bar

Honoring Theodore Roosevelt's affection for classic American comfort food, Teddy & the Bully Bar presents a decadent Christmas feast with unique dishes ranging from shrimp gumbo beignets to orange-glazed Virginia ham. Guests can enjoy endless hand-carved stations and an array of desserts, including an unlimited sundae bar.

To welcome the new year in style, the restaurant is hosting an electrifying disco party featuring DJ Zanz. Patrons can enjoy an open cocktail bar and gourmet hors d’oeuvres as they dance the night away. The festivities will culminate in a New York-style ball drop.

The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown

At the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, guests can get in the holiday spirit with “25 Days of Cocktails.” This “spirited” countdown to Christmas features a rotating selection of holiday-themed cocktails. A new drink is showcased in The Living Room between 5 pm and midnight each day. The hotel also offers kid-friendly events, including fireside s’mores, a gingerbread house workshop and a Letters to Santa event.

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Eclairons

Eclairons in Arlington, VA, is known for its assortment of holiday treats. Menu highlights include holiday eclairs infused with rich vanilla cream and macarons made with peppermint, eggnog and gingerbread. The bakery’s classic Christmas stollen—a traditional German fruitcake with marzipan and powdered sugar—is another crowd favorite. For those cold winter days, their hot cocoa bombs melt into a rich, chocolatey treat. The bakery also offers a selection of holiday tarts, with flavors such as apricot-blueberry and pumpkin.

Lulu’s Wine(ter)garden

Returning for its second year, Lulu’s Wine(ter)garden transports guests to a desert holiday oasis accented by whimsical cactus Christmas trees. Guests can partake of a seasonal winter menu with comforting dishes and beverages, including Santa’s Cookies & Cream—a gingerbread-rimmed espresso martini—and St. Nick’s Nogchata, served in a Santa glass.

The Pendry Washington, DC - The Wharf

Every Friday and Saturday evening in December, the Pendry Washington, DC - The Wharf offers “Cookies & Cocoa,” inviting guests to savor a warm combination of hot cocoa and cookies. Additionally, the hotel presents a seasonal twist on its traditional tea service, aptly named “Boozy Tea.” This special tea service includes festive flavors such as peppermint, gingerbread and cocoa. Noteworthy options include the dirty chai, made with vanilla vodka, housemade chai and oat milk, and the Harvest Moon, which blends bourbon, spiced apple cider, cinnamon-infused black tea, honey and lemon juice.

The Lodge at Cut Above at Rosewood DC

Through January 5, head to the Lodge at the Cut Above rooftop lounge at Rosewood DC in Georgetown. Guests can cozy up with fur blankets, warm lanterns, and an assortment of wintery beverages, including the lounge’s signature winter mule. A variety of snacks like pretzels and braised short-rib grilled cheese sandwiches are also available.

Olio e Più DC

Celebrate this holiday season with à la carte Christmas specials at Olio e Più DC. On Christmas Day, treat the whole family to mouthwatering dishes such as lasagna alla bolognese and a Christmas log dessert made with citrus fromage blanc mousse, berry compote and crispy milk chocolate popcorn. Every Sunday through Thursday, all bottles of wine are 50 percent off, including sparkling wines for toasting and a selection of whites, rosés, and reds to complement your meal.

Watergate Hotel

Experience a unique dining atmosphere at the Watergate Hotel’s cozy, private igloos with seasonal libations like ornament cocktails and specialty bites like fondue and poutine. Situated on the terrace of The Next Whisky Bar, each igloo can accommodate up to six guests for a rental charge and minimum per-person food and beverage fees. The hotel’s Kingbird restaurant offers prix fixe menus for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, with enticing items such as brioche-crusted turbot and roasted beet salad.

Zooz

Zooz offers a holiday-themed menu that includes seasonal cocktails, such as the peppermint espresso martini and merry mojito. The cocktail bar also hosts a series of holiday events, including Christmas karaoke nights, an ugly sweater contest and a New Year's Eve countdown bash with live DJ performances and a midnight champagne toast.

Urban Roast

Urban Roast is known for its extravagant holiday decorations; this year is no exception. The venue is decked with Christmas trees, candy canes and a ceiling draped with presents. It also has an extensive seasonal drink list that includes Christmas café flights, s’mores martinis, Mrs. Clausmopolitans and hot toddies.

Ambar

At Ambar’s three D.C.-area locations, you’ll find special Christmas Eve and Day menus for takeout, brunch and dinner. The restaurant offers holiday brunch and dinner menus that feature unlimited small plates such as meatball sliders, salmon tartare, and Balkan pork ribs.

As a journalist, travel advisor and digital creator, Taryn White has journeyed to more than 75 countries and all 50 U.S. states.

She believes food is an integral

...

Credit: Inside The Magic

A recent federal appeals court decision has set the stage for a potential ban on a highly controversial platform in the United States, which could take effect as early as January 2025, impacting every single Disney guest in the country.

TikTok Ban Ruling Raises Questions for Disney Guests

This landmark ruling has significant implications, not just for the 170 million U.S. TikTok users but also for Disney park guests and influencers who have embraced the platform as a vital tool for engagement and creativity. What does this mean for Disney World and Disneyland enthusiasts, many of whom document their magical experiences on TikTok? Let’s explore the potential ripple effects on guests, influencers, and the parks themselves.

The legal battle over TikTok centers on concerns about its ties to ByteDance, its China-based parent company. U.S. lawmakers argue that TikTok poses a national security risk due to its potential to collect sensitive user data and influence content on the platform.

Despite TikTok’s assurances that user data is safeguarded, a federal court recently upheld a law mandating TikTok’s divestiture from ByteDance or its removal from U.S. app stores. If unresolved by mid-January, TikTok could disappear entirely from the U.S. digital landscape.

This decision has sparked debates over free speech and the role of foreign-owned platforms in shaping public discourse. But beyond the legal and political implications, this ruling is set to affect everyday users in unique ways—especially those at Disney parks.

How a TikTok Ban Impacts Disney World Guests

Disney World and Disneyland have become playgrounds for TikTok content creators. From revealing hidden park secrets to showcasing viral food trends, TikTok has transformed the way visitors share their House of Mouse experiences. However, a TikTok ban would curtail this trend, leaving guests to explore alternative platforms.

For many, TikTok isn’t just a way to share memories—it’s a tool for trip planning. The app’s algorithm suggests videos tailored to users’ interests, such as the best times to visit attractions, hacks for shorter wait times, and reviews of the latest park events. Without TikTok, future Disney parkgoers could miss out on this personalized stream of valuable information.

What Does This Mean for Disney Influencers?

House of Mouse influencers, or “Disfluencers,” rely heavily on TikTok to engage with their audiences. These creators have built communities by sharing unique insights, live park experiences, and creative storytelling. A TikTok ban would force them to pivot their strategies, potentially affecting their reach and income.

Alternative Platforms: Influencers may flock to Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or other emerging platforms. However, replicating TikTok’s massive engagement levels could prove challenging.

Economic Impact: Many influencers partner with Disney or third-party brands to promote products or events. Losing TikTok might diminish the visibility of such collaborations, reducing opportunities for both creators and companies.

Content Evolution: Influencers may need to adapt their content styles to suit different platforms, which often cater to different audience preferences and algorithms.

Disney’s Role in Shaping the Response

Disney’s marketing strategy has increasingly incorporated influencer partnerships, including those on TikTok. If the platform is banned, Disney might need to reevaluate its influencer collaborations and content marketing efforts. Additionally, the House of Mouse may step in to support creators through its own apps or by creating new avenues for content sharing. For example, a Disney World-focused video platform could emerge as a way to keep the community engaged.

While the ban isn’t set in stone, it’s wise for House of Mouse guests and influencers to prepare for a potential TikTok-free future. Here are some strategies:

What This Means for Disney World’s Future

Disney parks thrive on the enthusiasm and creativity of their guests, and TikTok has played a significant role in amplifying this culture. A ban would undoubtedly reshape how visitors document and share their adventures, but it also opens the door for innovation.

Disney World’s enduring magic lies in its ability to adapt. Whether through new marketing strategies or embracing emerging technologies, the House of Mouse will continue to be a place where stories are told—regardless of the platform. As we await further developments, one thing is clear: Disney World remains an iconic destination for dreamers of all ages, TikTok or not.

With TikTok’s fate in the balance, Disney parkgoers and influencers alike are poised for a transformative shift. While uncertainty looms, the spirit of Disney continues to shine bright, encouraging creativity and connection in ever-evolving ways.

AMMAN — Jordanian Embassy in Washington D.C. has refuted as “baseless” a Wall Street Journal’s report, claiming that Jordanian officials have advised Syrian President Bashar Assad to leave his conflict-hit country and form a government from exile.

In a report titled, “Syrian rebels’ lightning offensive zeroes in on major city,” Wall Street Journal’s Isabel Coles claimed that Egyptian and Jordanian officials have urged Assad to leave the country and form a government in exile.

The Wall Street Journal’s article came amid reports about the Syrian army losing control over major cities to the opposition forces, which began a sudden offensive led by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham fighters. The two Syrian cities of Aleppo and Hama have been reported to fall to extremist insurgents.

In a statement made available to The Jordan Times, Jordan’s Embassy in Washington D.C. denounced and denied the “baseless allegations published in The Wall Street Journal article by Isabel Coles.

“The claim that Jordanian officials urged President Assad to leave Syria and form a government in exile is completely unfounded and entirely false. We regret that such a reputable media outlet would publish unverified and misleading information without proper fact-checking,” the embassy said.

It also said that the Wall Street Journal did not reach out to the embassy to verify this allegation, which it said, “constitutes a serious breach of journalistic standards. We categorically reject this falsehood and call on The Wall Street Journal to issue an immediate correction.”

Jordan on Friday closed its Jaber border crossing with Syria, amid rising escalation of violence in the northern neighbour.

Citing security concerns, Interior Minister Mazen Faraya decided to close the Jaber crossing, the only border post with Syria, which has been witnessing renewed fighting between the Syrian army and extremists.

The Kingdom closed the Ramtha border crossing with Syria long time ago following the outbreak of the conflict in the northern neighbour in 2011.

The ministry said that the Jaber crossing will remain partially operating to receive Jordanians returning from Syria, while no passenger and cargo movement will be allowed from Jordan northwards into Syria,

The Foreign Ministry has called on Jordanians in Syria to immediately leave the country in light of the deteriorating security situation.

Ministry’s spokesperson Sufian Qudah said a “crisis cell” has been formed to evacuate Jordanians from Syria and ensure their return to the Kingdom.

Insurgents have been reported to continue their offensive toward Daraa on the southern borders with Jordan after they seized several towns and villages in Aleppo and Hama.

The D.C. area is glowing up for the holidays with festive light displays, drive and walk-through exhibitions and winter villages.

Why it matters: The mix of free displays and ticketed events means there's something for everyone.

Where to light-gaze this holiday season:

⛄Frosted at Franklin Park (Through Dec. 20)

Downtown D.C. gets a free glow-up featuring a glittery icicle walkway, giant snowflakes and stars, and friendly winter creatures.

❄️ Winter City Lights (Through Dec. 29)

Olney's mega-Christmas campus boasts over a million lights and 18 acres of outdoor fun — think bonfires, snow tubing, a 1.5-mile light trail, and lots of warming food and drinks.

???? Christmas at National Harbor (Through Dec. 30)

A 60-foot tree ignites with dancing lights nightly, plus there are fireworks at 5:30pm on Saturdays. For over-the-top indoor fun, Gaylord National's ICE! Attraction features lights, Charlie Brown scenes, and ice slides.

???? National Christmas Tree (Through Jan. 1)

It's free to visit the 35-foot red spruce outside the White House, ringed by 58 other trees representing states and territories. The National Christmas Tree lighting will be broadcast on Dec. 20.

⚡Festival of Lights (Through Jan. 1)

Prince George's County Parks create a drive-thru light trail and enchanted hay rides through the glow.

???? ZooLights (Through Jan. 4)

The National Zoo's animal-themed display is a holiday favorite. Family-friendly evenings also include attractions like carousel rides, music and spiked cocoa.

????️ DC Holiday Lights (Through Jan. 5)

A bunch of D.C. neighborhoods decorate their main streets with free displays, and throw holiday events and markets with local businesses.

????U.S. Botanic Garden "Seasons Greenings" (Through Jan. 5)

The free holiday display features model trains in the gated outdoor gardens, and festive lights throughout the native plants and flowers.

???? Garden of Lights (Through Jan. 5)

Wheaton's Brookside Gardens illuminates a half-mile outdoor exhibit where you can stroll through and catch elaborate displays.

????Winter Lantern Festival (Through Jan. 12)

Walk through 1,000 hand-made Chinese lanterns at Tysons' luminescent event, which has new acrobatic performances — perfect for families and Instagrammers alike.

⭐ NOVA Parks Lights (Through Feb. 23)

Northern Virginia parks offer three unique experiences. Stay cozy in your car through the 2.5-mile drive-thru Bull Run Festival of Lights in Centreville. Skate at the Ice & Lights course in Alexandria. Or stroll through Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights in Vienna.

by Colette Czarnecki and Liz Ruskin

Tribal members from the Wrangell Cooperative Association were introduced on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building this week for the Christmas Tree lighting. They blessed the tree and the people at the ceremony with traditional songs.

Tribal Administrator Esther Aaltséen Reese told the crowd that she was excited to share the Sitka Spruce from Wrangell with the nation.

“We are honored that the Capitol Christmas Tree comes from the homelands of the Shtax’heen Kwaan in Wrangell, Alaska,” Reese said. “For the Tlingit people, the trees are our life givers. They are how we create our canoes, our homes and our totems, which tell our stories. They are our connection to our ancestors and they show our love for our children.”

She said trees also show their love to those who come after them as they steward the land.

Reese acknowledged the Wrangell High School Teaching Through Technology STEM students who contributed to keeping the tree green as it traveled for a month across the country.

The students built a watering system with PVC piping, mister nozzles and a battery-powered pump to mist the root wad and recycle the water.

“I am so proud of them (I see a couple of them in the front row here) for creating the first ever misting system to bring this tree all across the country to be in the wonderful shape that it is in today,” Reese said. “Our Tlingit culture is about balance, reciprocity and respect. Gunalchéesh (thank you) for allowing us to share a part of ourselves, bringing this balance of love and respect.”

She then introduced totem carver Aak’wtaatseen Mike Hoyt. He is one of the artists who created the Capitol Christmas Tree logo. He explained to the crowd how the blessing works.

“Life can be fragile and it can be precious, and that when we take from the world around us we have to be thankful and we show respect for what we’re doing,” he said. “So part of that process involves, when we take down things like trees, is talking to the Tree People.”

Tree People are spirits of the trees. And Hoyt said it’s important to let them know why they’re doing what they’re doing.

He said it’s been an honor to know that the tree was going across the country and seeing, in video, everyone having a great time at the tour stops.

“It’s just been an honor to see all of the happy faces,” Hoyt said. “To me that really embodies the Tlingit language; that phrase that we put on the bottom of the logo of that peace, joy and happiness: Kayéil, Sagú, Ka Toowúk’éi

The Wrangell visitors then sang two Tlingit songs to bless the tree. The first was a paddle song to acknowledge the journey that the tree went through. The second was a welcome song to welcome the tree in Washington, D.C. and everyone there.