Kells
This boisterous pub between
First Ave and Post Alley always
makes a big deal of holidays—
St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo,
any excuse for celebratory im-
bibing, actually— and Christmas
is no exception. The place is
covered in holiday decorations,
it's a destination for people on
Santa-themed pub crawls, and
the atmosphere is always... well,
merry, making it the perfect es-
cape from family dinners.
The Trace Lounge at
the Fairmont Hotel
The stately two-story lobby of
this hotel takes on an almost
magical quality during the holi-
days thanks to stunning Christ-
mas decorations that typically
include a towering tree right
outside the lobby bar. It's there
you can post up in a leather
lounge chair, drink something
from its Washington-heavy beer/
wine/cider menu, and hopefully
forget about all the shopping
you probably have to do on 5th
Ave outside. While there don't
miss the Festival of Trees, the
Teddy Bear Suite or a holiday
high tea. This place is a hub of
holiday activities!
