DC during the holiday season exudes a charm all its own. Sure, throngs of fanny-packed wearing tourists are still crowding the National Mall, but the National Christmas tree is lit and window decorations abound. Despite the recession, DC’s shops and streets are busier than ever, due in part to the popularity of our neighbor at 1600 Pennsylvania. Whether you’re scouting the latest fashions or simply exploring the multitude of (mostly free) cultural offerings the city has to offer, DC has something for everyone this holiday season.

Plus, don’t forget to check out the eBay mobile boutique, which stops at Union Station on November 19th and 20th, to see what’s hot for the holidays for everyone on your list.

1. S’mores at the Ritz Carlton 

3100 South Street, NW, 202-912-4100 www.ritzcarlton.com   

Even the most fabulous faux furs can’t offer warmth like the kind that comes when sipping cocktails by a roaring fire. This season, DC’s most in-demand spot is none other than A-list fave The Ritz-Carlton on the Georgetown waterfront. Cozy up to the lobby’s wood burning fireplace and order up a glass of wine or cocktail while enjoying gratis s’mores from the hotel’s in-house “S’more-melier.” The hand-crafted creation gets a Ritz-worthy twist with miniature French toast in place of graham crackers, Valrhona dark chocolate and homemade marshmallow fluff.  As if the s’mores weren’t delish enough on their own, you just might have a celeb sighting or two.

 

2. Suzanne Somersall Boutique at Ginger


7114 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, MD, 301-664-9242 www.suzsomer.com and www.gingerstyle.com

Looking to gift your sweetie with gems and jewels but loathe the idea of presenting her with that over-hyped bright blue box? So do we. Instead, pop into Bethesda favorite Ginger and peruse the new Suzanne Somersall jewelry boutique. The native Washingtonian designs and hand crafts baubles inspired by her travels around the world, including to her part-time home in Japan, where her husband, a Marine, is currently stationed. Snatch up semi-precious and precious stones set in gold and silver and inspired nature (starfish and cherry blossoms) or trips to cities like Barcelona. If you’re searching for a sweet reward after you find your gifts, don’t miss the treats of Dolcezza Gelato www.dolcezzagelato.com , just across the street. 


3. Terra Cotta Warriors at the National Geographic Museum

1145 17th St. NW, 202-857-7700 http://www.nationalgeographic.com, through March 31st

Save the best for last, the saying goes. China’s famed Terra Cotta warriors are traveling to the National Geographic Museum as the last stop on their U.S. tour. Get up close and personal with 15 of the life-size clay figurines as well as weapons, armor, coins and more. It’s the largest collection of significant Chinese artifacts to ever visit the United States. The only thing better? Seeing them live in China, which is the only place you can catch them after they depart. 

 

4. After Hours Beauty at one80 Salon


1275 K Street, NW, 202-842-9113 www.one80salon.com, the third Thursday of every month from 6 pm to 9 pm

Begin the primping for the whirlwind of holiday parties with an after-hours beautification party at the uber Chic one80 Salon. Primp with bargain blowouts ($35) and manis ($15), plus live music, champers and hors d’ouerves. Like what you see? The salon’s signature Davines products are all 15 percent off for your buying pleasure.

 

5. The Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History


10th St. and Constitution Avenue, NW, 202-633-1000 http://www.mnh.si.edu

At one time or another, you’ve probably seen the Hope Diamond. But have you ever seen it … naked? For the first time in decades, the Hope Diamond has received a “makeover” – a new setting designed by Harry Winston and voted on by the American people, set to debut in April 2010. But for now, the famed Blue Diamond is missing its signature sheath, and you can see the 40+ carat sparkler au naturel. Between visits to the new Ocean Hall and the requisite stop by the Wooly Mammoth, don’t miss the chance to see this legendary jewel up close and personal.

 

6. Third Thursday

14th and U Streets, NW www.midcitylife.com, starting November 19th and every third Thursday of the month throughout the year

Get a head start on your holiday shopping during the U Street corridor’s Third Thursday fest. Shops like ACKC Cocoa Bar, Rue 14, DEKKA, Lettie Gooch and Treasury Vintage will be staying open late and offering various discounts and opportunities to shop for a cause. Participating retailers are also getting in the holiday spirit by collecting non-perishable food donations for Martha’s Table food pantry, to be distributed over the holiday season.

 

7. Penn Quarter Fresh Farm Market

8th Street, NW, between D and E Streets www.freshfarmmarket.org, through December 17th

While we can’t all have an in-house vegetable garden a la Obama, we can do our part to help the environment, and the community. Peruse the locally-grown and organically-produced goods at DC’s largest Fresh Farm market in Penn Quarter (there are nine total Fresh Farm markets around the city). This historic area has housed farmer’s markets for more than 100 years. Stock up on seasonal goodies and artisanal creations that make great holiday gifts, like those from Copper Pot Food Company http://www.copperpotfoodco.com, which produces artisan jams and sauces, like Peach & Prosecco “Bellini” jam and Smoky Bacon and Parmesan pasta sauce.  Of course, mid-shopping snack or two is mandatory.

 

8. Uesa Goods Vintage & Designer Fashions


By appointment only—call or email for address, 202-258-5955 www.uesagoods.com, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Sure, we’d all love a pair of new Chanel pumps or a hot Gucci handbag. But this season, channel your inner recessionista and make a date at Uesa Goods. Owner Uesa Robinson hand-selects fashionable duds from estate sales and vintage collections that are sure to fit your itch for the one-of-a-kind. From turn-of-the-century gowns to mod hairpieces, you’ll find gifts for everyone on your list in this Capitol Hill rowhouse, open by appointment only. Afterwards, stroll to espresso joint (Peregrine http://peregrineespresso.com/) is our prime pick) and make like a local by discussing your opinion of the new health care bills.

 

9. Holidays on Display at the National Museum of American History

Constitution Ave NW & 14th St NW, 202-633-1000 http://americanhistory.si.edu

What would the holiday season be without a decadent does of kitsch? Whether your childhood holiday memories involve the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade or a pilgrimage to see the window displays in the Big Apple, the American History Museum’s new holiday display exhibit pays homage to the décor of yesteryear. Bring the fam and re-hash favorite parade and retail displays from the 1920s to the 1960s. Just don’t get so caught up that you miss the recently-renovated museum’s other fab exhibits featuring favorites like the First Lady’s dresses and Dorothy’s ruby slippers.

 

10. Hu’s Wear


2906 M Street, NW, 202-342-2020 www.husonline.com

Stylistas have long flocked to Marlene Hu Aldaba’s M Street shoe haven Hu’s Shoes for names like Alexander McQueen and Chie Mihara, but now they can get their fashion fix, too. Just one block down from the original, the new Hu’s Wear carries never-seen-in-DC names like Megan Park, Kaylee Thankus, Bruno Grizzo and Devi Kroell, plus too-cool-for-school accessories sure to make you the envy of any holiday soiree. The labels may be pricey, but the sure-not-spotted-elsewhere styles are well worth the credit card pain. Of course, if you’ve got funds left over, the shop is just next to the Four Seasons http://www.fourseasons.com/washington/, where you’re sure to spot an A-lister or two at BOURBON Steak’s chic bar.

 

 

 McLean Robbins is a DC-based freelance fashion, spa and luxury lifestyle writer. In her free time, you can find her with her German Shepherd puppy, Deacon, with whom she co-authors the blog Deacon Does DC.