Top Holiday Bars in Washington, DC
It starts with a chill on the Mall and ends with a candy cane cocktail in your hand because in December, Christmas bars in Washington, DC are the stuff of local legend. You step out of the Smithsonian Metro, snowflakes swirling, and suddenly you're sipping spiked cider under string lights in Shaw or ducking into a decked-out bar near Logan Circle that looks like Santa’s lost weekend cabin. Miracle on 7th Street? Absolutely packed. But DC doesn’t stop there. It has rooftop igloos in Navy Yard, peppermint martinis in Adams Morgan, and even a cocktail or two inspired by Capitol Hill scandals. Whether you're planning a party or just want to escape the cold with a mug of something merry, the city’s got you. Scroll down and find your festive hideaway.
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from $1250
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityTavern Second Floor Space
75 guestsShaw's TavernShaw, Washington, DCEErica A.
“The staff and bartender were friendly and helpful. Shaw's was the perfect space for what we were looking for.” -
from $95
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityNew Bar and Lounge
100 guestsLux Dc Bar & LoungeNorthwest, Washington, DCEEliana F.
“We wanted to hold our event on Christmas Eve, and most bars in the city refused, but Nate said yes!” -
from $28
per person / per sessionCheck availabilitySecond Floor
60 guestsTown TavernAdams Morgan, Washington, DCJJuliet D.
“Good location in DC Private, large space Good music and welcoming staff” -
from $65
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityLeft Field
200 guestsTom's Watch Bar DC - Navy YardNavy Yard, Washington, DCLLiz W.
“If they are responsive and follow-up chances are they will do a good job and Tom's Watch Bar was great!” -
from $440
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityPrivate Speakeasy Space
35 guestsThe Pub and The PeopleNorthwest, Washington, DCDDeirdre S.
“It made the event intimate and fun! The decorations and the records made it even better!” -
from $50
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityEntire Venue
20 guestsCode RedAdams Morgan, Washington, DCIIsaac S.
“The staff was terrific and treated us so well. The food was good and their cocktails were delicious.” -
from $500
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityAtrium and Cocktail Bar
120 guestsAtrium and Cocktail BarNortheast, Washington, DCNNatasha B.
“I didn’t have to worry about anything for the event. And the space was unique and beautiful.” -
from $48
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityLounge
15 guestsJohnny PistolasAdams Morgan, Washington, DCHHannah C.
“Nick and the bartender were very accommodating and friendly!!” -
from $2500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Speakeasy
150 guestsCapoNorthwest, Washington, DCPPhilip M.
“Guests loved the venue. The food was great. Highly recommend!” -
from $28
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityGround Floor
32 guestsTown TavernAdams Morgan, Washington, DCHHarrison C.
“Coordinator was super helpful and nice - back room on the first floor was great for a party” -
from $1750
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityIndoor Space
100 guestsTonic At Quigley’s Bar and RestaurantNorthwest, Washington, DCMMelissa C.
“The space is a great size and very versatile. Service was great.” -
from $1100
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityBilliard Room
70 guestsDeath Punch BarAdams Morgan, Washington, DCThe Billiard Room is a Lounge in Death Punch Bar centred on a bank of pool tables that run the length of a long, narrow private room. Design: The room has exposed red brick walls, warm timber floors and a low ceiling fitted
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FAQs about Top Holiday Bars in Washington, DC
Booking costs of Christmas bars average $2300 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Washington, DC, based on Tagvenue data:
| From $1500 | to $5000 | minimum spend per event |
| From $28 | to $65 | per person |
| From $150 | to $500 | hire fee per hour |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated October 2026), the best options include:
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Tavern Second Floor Space at Shaw's Tavern in Shaw - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘This was a marvelous space with a very friendly staff that made for a marvelous event.’ -
Private Speakeasy Space at The Pub and The People in Northwest - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘The decorations and the records made it even better!’ -
Atrium and Cocktail Bar at Atrium and Cocktail Bar in Northeast - rated 4.7/5
Our user said: ‘Responsive and friendly staff. Professional service. I didn’t have to worry about anything for the event.’
You'll find Christmas bars in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Washington, DC, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (October 2026):
| Small | up to 40 guests | prices average $1500 minimum spend per event |
| Medium | between 60 and 80 guests | prices average $3500 minimum spend per event |
| Large | over 105 guests | prices average $440 hire fee per hour |
These are the venues within 0.3 mi from central Washington, DC, available to book on Tagvenue:
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Bar Area at Le DeSales
on 1725 Desales Street Northwest - 0.1 mi from center.
Venue said: Le DeSales is a French-Asian bistro and brasserie that pairs classic French technique with sushi and fusion small plates in a bar-focused setting. Venue highlights: The layout combines a central bar, main dining room and... -
Room 24 at Tabard Inn
on 1739 N Street Northwest - 0.2 mi from center.
Venue said: The room is arranged for formal dining with long banquet tables and chairs and is served by air conditioning. Ideal for: Small groups seeking seated, formal dining or polished luncheons in a period interior. -
Speakeasy at Decades DC
on 1219 Connecticut Avenue Northwest - 0.3 mi from center.
Venue said: Located in the heart of the Nation’s Capital, Decades is the only 15,000 square foot Retro Nightclub Venue Washington DC has to offer — featuring 6 Floors, 8 Bars, and 5 DJs who play various sounds dedicated to each floors...
Smaller Christmas bars usually fit up to 40 guests standing. Here are some great options in Washington, DC, based on Tagvenue data as of October 2026:
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Bar Piccolo at Fiola Mare, rated 4.7/5 - bar for 30 guests
Venue said: The space also provides Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, step-free access and accessible toilets. Ideal for: Bar Piccolo suits small, sociable groups looking for a relaxed, seated meal or a standing drinks reception. -
New Outdoor Garden Space at Lux Dc Bar & Lounge - terrace for 24 guests
Our user said: ‘The Security guard was professional, courteous, and friendly. I liked that half of my guest did not show.’ -
Snug at Quadrant Bar and Lounge, rated 5/5 - lounge for 30 guests
Venue said: The room uses warm, low lighting and brass task lamps over small round wooden tables set on a patterned carpet. Features: The Snug includes built-in banquette seating and movable low tables that support seated conversation...
Cheap Christmas bars in Washington, DC start from $1000 minimum spend per event or $20 per person. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of October 2026:
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Semi Private Area at Vin Sur Vingt Wine Bar - DC, from $1000 minimum spend per event (up to 25 guests seated)
Venue said: Semi Private Area is a semi-private area within the Event Space at Vin Sur Vingt Wine Bar; its most distinctive quality is the degree of separation from the main room that creates a quieter, focused side space. -
Entire Restaurant at Johnny Pistolas, from $20 per person (up to 185 guests standing)
Our user said: ‘All the staff were friendly and helpful. So affordable compared to other venues in the area!’ -
Exclusive Hire at Swingers Dupont Circle, from $80 hire fee per hour (up to 450 guests standing)
Venue said: You can hire out Swingers in its entirety for parties of up to 525 people. Exclusive hire gets you the run of the venue and the opportunity to fully personalize your event experience.
DC has great outdoor and rooftop bars perfect for a winter-themed event. El Techo in Shaw is a local favourite. This covered rooftop bar with heating, festive décor, and a lively Latin-inspired menu is one of the most budget-friendly rooftop options with a listed price from just $35 per session (based on minimum spend).
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Page last updated in October 2026
To provide you with relevant information, our pages are refreshed using an algorithm that aggregates real-time data, including bookings, reviews, and venue updates.