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You’ll be happy to let it snow, let it snow, let it snow the next time the weather forecast calls for a winter wonderland with these things to do, places to eat and so much more.
After attracting only a handful of people for a snowball fight in December 2009, DC resident Michael Lipin realized he’d have to up the ante the next time the forecast called for snow. And did he ever. Lipin and friend Ami Greener took to social media, informed radio and news stations and used word of mouth to attract 3,000 so-called “snow elves” for a snowball fight of epic proportions. Now DC’s snowball fight veterans organize events each winter throughout the city, from the iconic fountain in Dupont Circle to Meridian Hill Park and the National Mall.
Making it official: The snowball fight success marked the beginnings of the Washington DC Snowball Fight Association, which has kept busy every winter since.
Layer up with your camera in tow and capture the various snowy scenes around Washington, DC. From panoramic views of the National Mall or Rock Creek Park blanketed in snow to urban scenes, like DC street murals or historic rowhouses in Georgetown, the city looks stunning as ever, showing off an added layer of sparkle. Even if you only take pictures with your phone, the trip alone is worth it.
A decent exposure: While they’re incredibly picturesque, snow-covered sights can be very bright in daytime and difficult to capture on camera. Check your camera’s exposure settings to manually correct exposure levels.
L'Annexe
A full range of restaurants and bars around the city regularly offer snow day specials, such as early openings, happy hours and select food and drink discounts. Check out the best places to eat and drink in DC and map out a day filled with creative cocktails and delicious dishes.
Sam Kittner / Georgetown BID
One easy thing to do in the nation’s capital is rent a pair of ice skates. That’s because the city hosts many very different, awesome ice rinks. Whether it’s underneath the stars at The Wharf, on the banks of the Potomac River or even a hotel rooftop, glean everything you need to know about each experience and find the best places to ice skate in DC. Make sure to check out the new indoor rink at the National Building Museum.
Go figure: Located near Nationals Park in Capitol Riverfront, the Canal Park ice rink sets itself apart from other rinks with a figure eight-style track. The rink boasts another snow day bonus: nearby beer-friendly diversions like Bluejacket Brewery.
When the temperatures dip and the snow starts to fall, plenty of DC bars and restaurants heat up with fireplaces, outdoor fire pits and crackling wood-fired ovens. Each and every one of these restaurants is a prime spot for getting cozy, so shake off the brr of winter and warm up with an open fire and dishes and drinks sure to satisfy the appetite.
Heat things up: Often considered one of the most romantic restaurants in the city, Iron Gate in Dupont Circle delights with a sizzling indoor fireplace and outdoor fire pits underneath the wisteria-adorned courtyard.
No snow day is complete without the rich, melty goodness that comes from a hot mug of cocoa. The best way to weather the storm involves these melted chocolate beverages that are sweet, sinfully delicious and sometimes very adult.
Not your average cup of cocoa: Head to any of Pitango Gelato’s three DC locations for a cup of traditional sipping chocolate. This intense, bittersweet ambrosia from Torino, Italy is packed full of single-origin Vidama chocolate from the Ivory Coast and best enjoyed with steamed milk, a shot of espresso or even straight up.
