Washington DC Holiday Things To Do For Shows And Food

Mon – Fri, 06:30 – 11:00, 11:30 – 14:00, 17:30 – 22:00; Sat, 07:00 – 11:00, 11:30 – 14:00, 17:30 – 22:00; Sun, 07:00 – 11:00, 11:30 – 14:00

800 16th Street NW

The Lafayette serves contemporary American cuisine in an upscale dining room overlooking Washington. Sunlight fills the room by day. Candlelight sets the mood after dark. I'd pick an evening here for a holiday dinner with a little ceremony. Check holiday hours before making plans.

4.2 (7,238)

Mon – Thu, Sun, 11:00 – 21:00; Fri – Sat, 11:00 – 22:00

999 E St NW

Hard Rock Cafe-Washington DC serves American comfort food near Ford's Theatre. Music memorabilia fills the dining room. I'd plan a holiday-season meal around its weekday happy hour. Reviews average 4.1 out of 5. Diners praise the BBQ Bacon Smash Burger and decor, while some report long waits and steep prices. Check holiday hours before going.

4.3 (663)

Wed, 17:00 – 23:00; Thu, 17:00 – 00:00 (+1); Sun, 12:00 – 23:00

640 Rhode Island Avenue Northeast

metrobar DC serves drinks beside stationary railcars that double as seating. The outdoor venue hosts DJs and vinyl record flea markets. Pizza is available. I'd settle into a railcar for a holiday-season drink. Visitors praise the train setting, though some report inconsistent DJ sets. Check holiday hours and the event calendar before planning around a market.

4.0 (1,570)

Wed – Sun, 18:00 – 22:00

1523 22nd St NW

DC Comedy Loft and Bier Baron Tavern hosts intimate stand-up in Dupont Circle. The tavern serves craft beer, onion rings and chicken sandwiches. I'd spend a holiday-season evening here for comedy. Guests rate it 4 out of 5, praising the shows and drinks. The showroom has a two-item minimum per person. Check holiday hours and the show calendar.

4.8 (1,527)

Tue – Thu, 18:30 – 21:00; Fri, 18:00 – 00:00 (+1); Sat, 15:00 – 00:00 (+1); Sun, 17:00 – 21:00

1100 13th St NW Ste 105

Drunk Shakespeare DC stages Shakespeare with professional actors and one drunk cast member. I'd book this intimate, interactive comedy for a holiday-season date night. Reviewers praise the young cast's skill and the improvisation. The venue scores 4.8 out of 5 from 1,527 ratings. Check holiday hours and the show calendar.

4.6 (67)

Mon, Thu, 16:00 – 02:00 (+1); Fri, 16:00 – 03:00 (+1); Sat, 10:30 – 14:00, 16:00 – 03:00 (+1); Sun, 10:30 – 14:00, 16:00 – 02:00 (+1)

1539 7th St NW

The Grace pairs craft cocktails with loaded crab fries, oysters and tavern steaks in Shaw. I'd make it a holiday-season stop for the dedicated late-night menu. Upstairs takes reservations. Downstairs is first-come, first-served. Reviewers praise the cocktails and attentive service, rating it 4.6 out of 5. Check holiday hours before planning a late supper.

4.5 (2,110)

Mon, 12:00 – 18:00; Tue – Sun, 12:00 – 20:00

1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW

The National Theatre has presented touring Broadway on Pennsylvania Avenue since 1835 in a 1,672-seat hall with chandeliers, balconies and clear views from upper seats. The Hip Hop Nutcracker arrives November 17, 2026, at 7:30 pm for an early holiday-season show. I'd choose it for a theater-centered evening. Reviews average 4.5 from 2,110 ratings. Check holiday hours and the show calendar.

4.5 (10,328)

Mon – Sun, 11:00 – 02:00 (+1)

600 14th St NW

Sea bream nigiri and crab fried rice share The Hamilton's menu of sushi and modern American dishes. Live music plays downstairs. I'd plan dinner before a holiday-season performance at the nearby National Theatre. Platform reviews average 4.5 out of 5, with praise for the broad menu and rapid service. Check holiday hours and both venues' show calendars.

4.7 (8,555)

Mon – Sun, 08:30 – 17:00

511 10th St NW

Ford's Theatre preserves the site where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Visitors can explore downstairs museum exhibits or attend intimate stage productions. Self-guided site visits cost 5.00 USD. I'd spend a holiday-season afternoon here exploring the history. Platform ratings average 4.7 out of 5 from 8,542 ratings. Check holiday hours and the show calendar.

4.7 (445)

Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 17:00

600 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

Sixth & I hosts intimate concerts, interviews and lectures inside a historic former synagogue. Some book-release tickets include a signed copy. An on-site bar serves during events. I'd consider an author talk or concert for a holiday-season cultural outing. Visitors rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 445 reviews, praising acoustics though some report restricted views. Check the event calendar and holiday hours.