It's the most wonderful time of the year . . . and this year, I really do mean it, unlike last year in my story titled The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year….

I have had a complicated relationship with this holiday in the past. But this year, I am excited to return to this holiday, and even more, I am excited to share my two favorite Christmas pop-up bars in D.C.!

Below, I'll share my experience, why you should check them if you are in Washington, D.C., and a few tips!

Urban Roast DC

This bar in the Penn Quarter area was the first to have its decorations up before Thanksgiving. That’s my kinda place since I have all my decorations up by Thanksgiving!

When you arrive, a host greets you outside. Once they are ready to take you to your table, they bring you inside, where you feel like you have entered into a dark, moody—but bright neon—Christmas land with a green wall and neon lighting that says, "It's the most beautiful time of the year.”

Presents were hanging from the ceiling, Christmas trees were everywhere, and even Santa was getting into the action next to some neon lighting that said "Kiss me under the Mistletoe," where all the top influencers and girlfriends made their boyfriends take pictures in the background.

Including me.

This is the perfect spot to get your Christmas card photo!

As you pass the sign, you walk past a bar decked out in Christmas cheer, and their lights look like goblets hanging upside down. Past that area is the main dining area, darker than the bright lights from the front.

There is also a second, more intimate dining room, and it makes you feel like you’re walking through a tunnel of white flowers highlighted by pinkish/purplish light. On one of its walls, another neon sign said," Last night, we let the Liquor talk." This is on point since their drinks absolutely did a lot of talking!

This is where I sat; it was quieter than the main dining area. And the chairs were so comfortable!

If you love the flower theme, then you will enjoy the bathroom.

Now, hear me out.

As you walk into the red glow coming from the lights in the bathroom, you are transported into a land of flowers hanging down the ceiling, and there are even vines on the wall. I loved how detailed the decorations were and how the Christmas and non-Christmas decor intertwined.

Tips for Getting the Most out of Urban Roast DC

Book your reservation ahead of time; this place gets super busy.
They have two full-course meals (appetizer and entrée). I recommend getting a one-course meal and then ordering the entrée of the second course. That way, you can try both entrées, and it's cheaper!
You must get the Toasted Almond Espresso Martini! I am very picky about my espresso Martini. The only one I love is the flatliner in Telluride, Colorado. But this one was good!
I recommended sitting inside to experience the décor, but if that's not your jam, they have outdoor seating with fire pits and heaters. I would totally come back here to enjoy that! Also, DC doesn't get as cold in December as other places, so you can enjoy sitting outside without dying of the cold!
Take your time to enjoy the place. Yes, I took many photos, but it’s nice to put the phone away and enjoy the experience and the people around you!
Tip extra. The server we had was amazing, and it is the holiday season. Tip more than 20 percent. The people here work hard to provide you with a unique experience and good service.
You are about a 15-minute walk away from the White House Christmas tree or a 10-minute walk from City Center, where you can take in more Christmas Decorations.

Miracle at Death Punch Bar

If you want a more relaxed vibe, I recommend coming here! Located in Adams Morgan, you walk up the steps to Death Punch Bar and open the door to a warm, enchanted space. Downstairs, some tables produce more of a restaurant feel, with Santa watching to see if you are naughty or nice. Or you can go upstairs and enjoy one of the tables by the bar.

Both upstairs and downstairs have ceilings filled with green, red, and gold balloons. The upstairs has a little white teddy bear hanging amongst the balloons. The bar is decked out with multicolored lights. There, they showcase the glassware in which they put the drinks, and you can buy them. So, if you want to buy a memory of your trip here, you can buy the Santa T-Rex Mug!

There is also a third level where you can hang out on the couches and play pool. This is where I went once the time was up for my table. Yes, there is a time limit to the tables.

Tips to Enjoy Yourself to the Fullest at Miracle at Death Punch Bar

They accept walk-ins, but I recommend reserving a table, especially if you want to hang out at the bar.
You must get the Christmapolitan! I was nervous about getting it because I'm not a Cosmo girl, but their spin on this drink was to die for. So, so good! I also had Rudolph's Replacement. It wasn't my favorite; again, I am picky with my espresso martinis, but the mug that it came in was priceless!
So, if you want to buy the mugs from Miracle, do it at the bar instead of looking online. I googled to see how many people were selling the mugs, and the average price was around $40–50 vs. the $20–$24 at the bar. And the highest I saw was $80!
You must get the Karaage, Japanese Fried Chicken. They give you a good helping of chicken, and it is so good!
I would go early to enjoy the bar before it gets packed. I was glad I had a 3 pm reservation to enjoy the décor and the holiday movies they played before the dinner rush!
Check out the local bars after leaving here. My favorite is Tryst, a café and bar with couches. I sometimes go there to work on this blog.