Break out the ugly sweater and check out these off-beat holiday happenings.
By Brittni Guevara
Christmas sweaters ban together to add an ugly but unique twist to the typical holiday parties. (photo by Kelly Samardak, courtesy of MediaPost Communications)
Besides making snowmen (if it ever gets cold enough) and spending time with family, some of the best holiday past times are the parties. Fortunately for everyone who’s received those horrific knit sweaters from Grandma, this holiday season, you can put them to good use. From ugly sweater parties to bar hops, there are plenty of quirky and unique events circling the Metropolitan area that could top the typial cocktail soiree. Here’s our list of “different” holiday events:
Ugly Sweater Party at Cafe Saint-Ex
Finally: the appropriate time and place to wear that itchy hideous sweater donned with skating penguins and glittery sequins. On Wednesday, December 14th starting at 8pm, Cafe Saint-Ex, 1847 14th Street NW, will be hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party filled with knit sweaters, tasty drinks, live music and Christmas cookies. DJ Soul Call Paul will be on the 1s and 2s all night, providing ugly sweater wearers with holiday hits. Wearing your Christmas worst will get you $5 drink specials on winter beers, Egg nog cocktails, Saint-Ex signature Hot Buttered Rum and more. And while you may be worried that your sweater is the absolute ugliest, it could pay off.
The partier with the ugliest sweater, judged by the bartenders and DJ Soul Call Paul, will receive at gift card to Cafe Saint-Ex.
So pull that sweater out of the Good Will pile and hurry over to Saint-Ex to show it off.
Snow Day Bar Crawl
Judging by the 60 degree weather in December, the likelihood of snow this Christmas season is slim to none. That doesn’t mean no snow days, though. On Saturday, December 17th, Red Front Events will be hosting a Snow Day Bar Crawl event that will keep you in the holiday spirit, snow or sunshine. Beginning at noon and until 5pm, bar crawlers should meet at Front Page, 1333 New Hampshire Ave NW, or McFadden’s, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, to collect their wristbands and a refillable signature mug. The crawl will last from 1PM- 8PM, covering a number of bars around the D.C. area, including Madhatter, 1321 Connecticut Ave., NW, and Black Finn, 1620 I Street, NW. It’s not a requirement, but to keep up with the holiday spirit, bar crawlers are encouraged to wear their best Christmas gear (an ugly sweater perhaps?). Advanced tickets for the crawl are $15 and $30 on the day of. Crawlers must be 21 years or older. To find out more information on the Snow Day Bar Crawl, click here.
Santa on Skis
Santa’s ditching his sleigh this Christmas Eve to show off his ski skills.On December 24th at 1pm, Santa will be skiing up and down the National Harbor, 137 National Plaza, Oxon Hill, Md., waving at hopeful Nice and Naughty onlookers. For the 26th year, Santa will be accompanied by the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman and his trusty elves and reindeer for fun on the water. This event is free and perfect for the whole family.
The Matzo Ball at Eden
It won’t be another boring Christmas Eve for those who aren’t celebrating the next day. The 25th annual Matzo Ball for Jewish professionals is being held this year at Eden, 1716 I Street NW, on December 24th from 8PM to 3AM. Hosted by the Society of Young Jewish Professionals, in partnership with JDate and SLEEK Medspa, this networking and partying event is a perfect way for young Jewish partygoers to have a fabulous time on a sometimes boring night during the holiday season. The party is aimed at young professionals 21-49, and tickets are $30. Tickets for the Matzo Ball can be purchased by clicking here.
