🌸 DC's NYE Guide: Rooftop Champagne, Secret Societies, and $24 Pajama Brunches

Good morning, DC. It's Wednesday, which means New Year's Eve is two weeks away. Just enough time to book tickets before the good parties sell out and you're stuck making the same resolution about "planning ahead."

In today’s District Download:

Let’s get to it.

New Year's Eve is two weeks out, which means you're running out of time before the good parties sell out and you're stuck making the same tired resolution about "planning ahead next year."

WTOP released a comprehensive guide to New Year's Eve parties across DC, covering everything from dance venues to skyline experiences. If you want dancing: Desert 5 Spot in Union Market offers country western vibes with a tequila toast ($125+), while Whitlow's on U Street has bottomless drinks across multiple floors and a rooftop (~$107). The Anthem is hosting The Flaming Lips ($90+), and Echostage features tech-house DJ Mau P from Amsterdam ($144+).

If you want skyline views: Hotel Washington's VUE offers panoramic District views with Moët & Chandon, caviar, and seafood ($385+), while Ciel Social Club delivers 360-degree views with storybook-themed decor and a two-hour premium bar (~$200).

If you want something different: St. Vincent Wine's pajama brunch party starts at noon with hourly worldwide countdowns ($24). Yes, you can celebrate New Year's Eve in your pajamas at noon, which is either genius or concerning depending on your 2025. Dirty Habit's secret society-themed event comes with cocktail reception and open bar ($265).

Family-friendly options include Noon Yards Eve at The Yards (free, 10 AM-1 PM) with train rides, carnival games, and a magic show, plus First Night Alexandria's block party with fireworks over the Potomac at 7 PM and midnight. The guide covers price points from free to $385, depending on whether you're bringing the kids or getting a sitter.

Hanukkah runs through December 22nd, which means you still have time to order catering or visit restaurants before the Festival of Lights ends.

Ivy & Coney in Shaw/Logan Circle (1537 Seventh St NW) is running its beloved Hanukkah pop-up featuring menorah and sufgani shots, latkes, and free-flowing Manischewitz, plus nightly menorah lighting and free gelt. Call Your Mother's catering includes raspberry-guava-jam-filled sufganiyot and latkes with all the fixings—from classic apple jam and sour cream to horseradish crème fraîche and smoked salmon. Their all-in-one boxes feed groups of four, six, or eight with bagels, cream cheese, matzo ball soup, latkes, cookies, and gelt.

Founding Farmers serves traditional favorites like potato latkes and sufganiyot, though they note they cannot cook kosher in their kitchens. Sababa, the modern Israeli restaurant in Cleveland Park (3311 Connecticut Ave NW), has a Hanukkah 2025 menu. Astro Doughnuts is offering Hanukkah Mini Boxes through December 31, packed with jelly-filled doughnuts topped with powdered sugar, festive dreidels, and golden coins. If you're celebrating with fried dough, might as well commit.

Nash & Smashed is opening at 907 H Street NE in the same complex as an Aldi store, bringing Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and smashed burgers to the H Street corridor. The fast-casual chain already operates multiple locations across Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Menu highlights include the Smashburger Deluxe with signature spice blends and Hot Chicken BLT (Nashville hot chicken with bacon, lettuce, tomato).

The restaurant had previously announced plans for 801 H Street NE back in March, but current signage shows 907 H Street NE. No specific opening date beyond "coming soon," but the H Street location represents the brand's continued expansion into DC's walkable neighborhoods.

Lincoln Restaurant at 1110 Vermont Ave NW is closing after 15 years in downtown DC. The restaurant serves its final meals Saturday, December 20, from 5 PM until 9 PM.

Lincoln opened in 2011 and became known for its American contemporary dining, small plates, and themed interior design featuring Lincoln memorabilia and penny-decorated floors. The kind of place that felt specifically DC.

For their final night, the restaurant is hosting a farewell event with passed hors d'oeuvres, specialty cocktails, dinner reservations, and opportunities for guests to take home mementos. No reason was given for the closure beyond the simple statement: "After 15 wonderful years, Lincoln Restaurant will be closing." If you've been meaning to go, Saturday is your last chance.

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Here’s what’s going on around DC this week:

Kennedy Center Hall of States | Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony | Inaugural lighting of 18-foot spruce with live brass quartet and Santa visit | 6 PM | FREE

Met Park at Amazon HQ2, National Landing | Menorah Lighting | Nine-foot menorah illuminates for the fourth night of Hanukkah | Evening

Union Station Main Hall | Holiday Market | Local vendors and artisans selling holiday gifts through Saturday | All day

Dirty Habit, Penn Quarter | Holiday Chalet with Die Hard Screening | Gourmet popcorn, winter cocktails, and the unofficial holiday classic on screen | Evening

Kennedy Center Concert Hall | Handel's Messiah with National Symphony Orchestra | Conductor Ton Koopman leads festive oratorio with four soloists and UMD Concert Choir | 7 PM | $22+

The Anthem, The Wharf | John Mulaney | Emmy-winning comedian performs "Mister Whatever" Thursday through Sunday | 7:30 PM | $90+

Howard Theatre, U Street | Sixpence None The Richer: O'Night Divine | '90s alt-rock band brings Christmas tour to intimate U Street venue | 8 PM | $65+

National Air and Space Museum | The Future of Cooking in Space | Panel discussion explores space-based culinary innovation for Mars missions | 7 PM | FREE (registration required)

Capital One Arena | Capitals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs | Caps host the Maple Leafs with free dog jersey giveaway | 7 PM | $86+

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Wednesday

55 🌡 29 | 🌧️ 10% | 💨 8 mph

Thursday

56 🌡 31 | 🌧️ 35% | 💨 8 mph

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Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria | Mac McAnally | 7:30 PM

Capital One Hall, Tysons | Chris Young | 7:30 PM

Kennedy Center Opera House | Noel | 7:30 PM

The Atlantis | Audrey Hobert | 6:30 PM

Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria | Carbon Leaf | 7:30 PM - The Richmond-based Celtic rock band returns to their favorite Northern Virginia venue

The Theater at MGM National Harbor | 80's Live | 7:30 PM

Soundcheck | ATLiens | 10 PM

The Wizards are 5-25. Twenty-five losses before Christmas. At this point, the only question is whether they'll crack 20 wins before the season ends.

The rebuild under Brian Keefe continues with a roster built around rookies Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George. Whether that's a long-term investment or an excuse depends on how patient you're feeling. December has brought a 3-9 record, which means three wins felt like moral victories and nine losses felt like Tuesdays.

The Eastern Conference basement is crowded, but Washington's holding down the bottom spot with authority. If you're still watching, it's either loyalty or masochism.

Till next time,