What's Happening In Washington, DC: November 23, 2015
Whether you brave the crowds for deals on Black Friday or do your shopping in your PJs via the internet, there are plenty of food and drink diversions afterward that can keep you hydrated and satiated. You can relax in Virginia wine country, nosh on turkey sandwiches, or sip fun cocktails with a Christmas and Hanukkah theme — it's all part and parcel in the District's holiday activities.
Deck the Halls at Early Mountain Vineyards
Saturday, November 28, and Sunday, November 29, well after the mayhem of Black Friday, head out to Early Mountain Vineyards for their annual Deck the Halls celebration. Both days, the fun starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. this is a wonderful opportunity to do some shopping, listen to live music, get the kids involved, and sample delicious food paired with incomparable Early Mountain wines. Santa's Village is open from noon to 3 p.m. both days and kids won't want to miss the photo op with Santa or the cookie decorating sessions. Carriage rides are $5 for kids with hot chocolate and $10 for adults with a glass of mulled wine, and if the smaller kids prefer, they can ride the wine barrel train on Saturday. Adults can sample a delicious menu in the tasting room, try the Wolf Creek Farm beefy chili, and purchase wine by the glass and the bottle. So bundle up and head out to wine country for a festive weekend.
Black Friday Special at Jardenea
If you are a Black Friday devotee, take a load off after all the shopping Friday, November 27 and enjoy a tasty Thanksgiving part deux at Jardenea at Melrose Hotel. They are offering a Black Friday dining special featuring a roasted turkey sandwich served with cranberry aioli, apple-sage stuffing, and melted brie cheese on rosemary focaccia served with a side of buttermilk mashed potatoes — and it's just $12.
Miracle on Seventh Street Christmas Popup at Mockingbird Hill
Tuesday, December 1 to Thursday, December 24, holiday elves will transform Mockingbird Hill into a Miracle on Seventh Street Christmas playground. This new holiday popup will feature a kaleidoscope of activities and goodies that include modern and retro decorations, a revamped list of 10 Christmas-themed cocktails served in Santa mugs and garnished with evergreen and gingerbread men (thanks to Cocktail Kingdom and NYC barman Nico de Soto of Mace and Miracle on Ninth Street), Christmas and Hanukkah-themed happy hours, classic Christmas movie nights, Manischewitz Pong competitions, ugly Christmas sweater competitions, Christmas craft and cookie baking sessions, and live Christmas carol singers.
Park Hyatt to Host Holiday Cookie Decorating Session for Kids
Each year, Park Hyatt Hotels around the globe host Masters of Food and Wine events and just in time for the holidays they've put together something for the kids, who they call Mini Masters of Food. At Blue Duck Tavern at Park Hyatt, Saturday, December 5 kids can get creative with dough and attend a special cookie decorating class conducted by newly appointed pastry chef Nick Collier. Kids six to 12 are invited to put on an apron and chef's toque and learn a few cooking decorating tips and techniques to use for the upcoming holiday season. This experience is priced at $35 per child, and includes all materials.
Summer Whitford is the D.C. Editor and a food, drink and travel writer at The Daily Meal. In addition to lifestyle topics, Summer also writes about culture and the arts at Woman Around Town. You can follow her on Twitter @FoodandWineDiva and on Instagram at thefoodandwinediva.