Maybe it’s the chill in the air, or one too many viewings of The Polar Express, but you can’t escape the yearning for a cup of hot chocolate these days. The culinary world has not forgotten this classic, nostalgic drink and there is no better time of year to see what you can find outside of your packet of Swiss Miss. Round up the littles and explore the sometimes overlooked world of gourmet hot chocolate!
National Harbor Free Hot Chocolate
Maybe the best hot chocolate is FREE hot chocolate! Saturdays and Sundays from noon till 6 p.m. multiple stores in National Harbor are offering free hot chocolate. The deal runs through the end of the Holiday shopping season. Make it a scavenger hunt for kids as you complete some final holiday shopping. For more info on participating retailers, go here.
Tip While you Sip: National Harbor is overflowing with winter fun! Each night there is a stunning light show when the 54 foot National Harbor tree comes to life (shows on the half hour from sunset to 9 p.m.). Holiday movies play on a large outdoor screen every Sunday until January 2nd from 2-4 p.m. Pop into the hotels for stunning holiday decorations. Don’t forget to see Santa at the Capital Wheel! For info on all the events, go here.
National Harbor
165 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD 20745
877.628.5427
Online: nationalharbor.com
Urban Roast
For a hip hot chocolate experience, head over to Urban Roast in the District. It’s conveniently located near the Gallery Place/ Chinatown Metro stop and is oozing with holiday cheer. The Hot Chocolate Flight lets you try each of their 5 signature hot cocoas (the coconut one is unexpectedly delicious) and the little cups are great for small hands. Go for brunch and pair your drinks with the Rise and Shine Tray to fuel up for the cold winter days.
Tip while you Sip: If you prefer to skip the indoor dining (the music and chatter from guests can be loud for little ears), order your hot chocolates to go and stroll over to the free Downtown Holiday Market located just up the street in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. The market stretches for 2 blocks and is chock full of local vendors offering unique last minute finds for the holidays. The market runs from 12-8pm every day till December 23rd. Check out their website for directions on the one way pedestrian flow.
Urban Roast
916 G Street NW, Suite C-2
Washington, DC 20001
202-393-1111
Online: urbanroastdc.com
Lil City Creamery
Ice cream and hot chocolate? Two polar opposites marry at Lil City Creamery in their Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa Float. Choose any of their farm fresh ice cream flavors (made with milk from “uber-pampered grass-fed Jersey cows”), like Pink Peppermint Chocolate Chip or Ginger Snap, and they’ll add it to a hot cup of decadent Ghirardelli hot cocoa. Don’t like the idea of mixing those together, you can order the ice cream and cocoa separate! Mr. Brown’s Park is located just steps away and offers a great place for enjoying your hot cocoa.
Tip While You Sip: Grab your treats and embark on a tour of tacky lights in Fairfax County. The Griswolds have met their match with these properties scattered throughout the County. Check out this guide with addresses and hours and don’t forget your sunglasses! https://www.fxva.com/blog/post/where-to-find-the-best-tacky-christmas-lights-in-fairfax-county/
Lil City Creamery
114 W. Broad Street
Falls Church, VA 22046
703-819-3285
Online: lilcitycreamery.com
The Red Bean
This popular Downtown Annapolis coffee and ice cream shop makes hot chocolate a priority! All of their syrups and sauces are made in house and their selection is impressive. On the menu you’ll find these tempting hot chocolate options, making it hard to choose just one: Classic, Peppermint, Candy Land, Peanut Butter and Mexican (this one has cinnamon and spicy ancho chili, so only for the most adventurous).
Tip While You Sip: Sandy Point State Park is all decorated for Christmas with Lights on the Bay, an electric wonderland running through January 2nd. From the comfort of your car enjoy sixty plus light displays that include Old Town Annapolis, the North Pole and a sixteen-foot teddy bear. All proceeds go to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. https://www.lightsonthebay.org/
The Red Bean
220 Main Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
Online: theredbeanannapolis.com
The Chocolate Palette
When winter arrives, Gruto’s Soft Serve in Purcellville closes shop and The Chocolate Palette opens in their place. Expectations are high for a store specializing in chocolate, and they do not disappoint. Their “Sipping Chocolates” (slow down and enjoy) come in four flavors: Aztec Life (a hint of spice), Classic, Italian Job (described as luxurious and thick) and Salted Caramel (sweet n’ sassy). Don’t forget to grab some hand made chocolate to go since this store is only open through the 15th of March!
Tip While You Sip: Download the Town of Purcellville’s self-guided Holiday light tour and weave your way through the small town’s light displays. This year the map features over 20 stops, the biggest tour to date!
The Chocolate Palette
141 W. Main Street
Purcellville, VA 20132
540-394-8060
Online: thechocolatepalette.org
Cafe Georgetown
From the classic curb appeal to the seasonal latte art, Cafe Georgetown will give you all the winter feels and whip up some instagram-worthy hot chocolate. Choose from the classic with Ghirardelli syrup, steamed milk and topped with cocoa powder, or the current seasonal offering of Peppermint. The cafe can also customize “latte art” on your hot chocolate (must use whole or skim milk). Download the Ripples Drink App and you can send any picture to be featured on your drink!
Tip While you Sip: Located just half a mile away is DC’s largest ice skating rink, the fountain at Washington Harbour. From now until March 13th you can enjoy recreational skating, even on holidays! Day or night, before, during or after hot chocolate, you can’t beat this quintessential winter activity.
Cafe Georgetown
3141 N. St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-731-8373
Online: cafegeorgetown.com
Cupcake Heaven
Located in the quaint, picturesque town of Haymarket (off 66 near Gainesville) you’ll find a little piece of heaven in a historic house. Serving not only decadent cupcakes, but some impressive hot chocolate, Cupcake Heaven is worth the drive from the city. Silky and smooth, their gourmet cocoa pairs nicely with daily cupcake flavors such as Cookies n’ Cream or Red Velvet (cream cheese frosting option, please) or weekly rotation flavors such as Mexican Hot Chocolate or Banana Carmel.
Tip While you Sip: If the sun is shining and the wind isn’t blowing too hard, head up 29 to the Manassas National Battlefield Park. With hundreds of mostly flat and mowed acres, the kids can run off all the sugar from those cupcakes while you sip your hot drink. There are numerous trails, two visitor centers and monumental history lessons to explore.
Cupcake Heaven
6630 Jefferson St.
Haymarket, VA 20169
703-754-6300
Online: cupcakeheavenandcafe.com
—Elissa Olechnovich
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