Take Five! at the American Art Museum

What: Live jazz and happy hour specials in the Kogod Courtyard
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum (8th & F Sts., NW)
When: 5–7 PM, Thursday, December 15
Price: PAYG

Start the weekend right with the jazz and pizzazz of local band The Figure 5 while noshing on eats and drinks from the museum cafe at this monthly happy hour.


Friday, December 16

12th Annual Winter Solstice Dinner

What: Four-course feast with wine pairings
Where: Equinox (818 Connecticut Ave., NW)
When: 7 PM, Friday, December 16
Price: $125, all inclusive

Celebrate the season with chef/owner Todd Gray and executive chef Karen Nicolas’ elegant preparations like pan-roasted turbot and juniper-brined venison. Each course is paired with classic wines from around the world. Menu is here (PDF).


Saturday, December 17

Gingerbread House Workshop to Benefit DC Central Kitchen

What: Learn tricks to make a perfect gingerbread house while partaking in seasonal treats
Where: Ris (2275 L St., NW)
When: 11 AM–2 PM, Saturday, December 17
Price: $20 suggested donation ($10 suggested for kids)

A gingerbread house will be provided for each guest, along with frosting and candy. Guests can enjoy apple ginger cider cocktails, along with candy cane ice cream, gingerbread cake, grilled cheese with tomato soup and more. Space is limited, reserve a spot by emailing natalie@risdc.com.

Ugly Sweater Holiday Party

What: A chance to drink while wearing your most horrendous holiday garb
Where:The Mighty Pint (1831 M Street NW)
When: 7-11 PM, Saturday, December 17
Price: PAYG

Dust off your tacky holiday sweaters and enjoy $3 Sam Adams Winter Lager drafts and $5 holiday cocktail pints until 11pm. Prizes will be awarded at midnight for the tackiest sweaters.


Sunday, December 18

Todd Gray’s Market Brunch with Epic Barbershop Quartet

What: Seasonal brunch with live music
Where: Muse (500 17th St., NW)
When: 11 AM–2 PM, Sunday, December 18
Price: $25 for food, $8 drinks available

Enjoy farm fresh eats at this Todd Gray spot in the Corcoran Museum of Art while listening to all-female barbershop quartet Epic. Reservations are recommended and can be made by emailing reservations@toddgraysmuse.com.

Ugly Sweater Holiday Party

What: Yes, another chance to drink while laughing at others’ unfashionable clothes
Where:EatBar (2671 Washington Blvd., Arlington)
When: 6 PM–1 AM, Sunday, December 18
Price: PAYG

Guests decked out in loud and downright obnoxious holiday attire will enjoy drink specials including a spiked peppermint patty cocoa ($6), house-infused bourbon ($7), and draft beers ($4.50) as well as eats, all while vying for the most coveted holiday prize “The Leg Lamp.” Judging takes place at 7:45 PM and A Christmas Story will begin playing at 8 PM.