Get Into the Holiday Spirits (and Tea)

It's time to dust off that reindeer sweater and velvet party dress and hit the town to get into the holiday spirit. Over the next few weeks, you can brunch with Santa, get all dolled up for tea and drink egg nog in honor of John Smith.

Santa and Eggs
The Kennedy Center isn't just for performing arts. On Sunday, Dec. 16 and 23, Santa will visit brunchers at the Center's Roof Terrace. The brunch will feature a special kids' buffet with finger foods and mac and cheese. Each child will take home a special present. Seatings are offered from 10 to 11 a.m. and from noon to 1 p.m. The price is $39.95 for adults and $20 for children ages 12 and under.

Carlyle Club welcomes Santa on Saturday, Dec. 15 and 22. The a la carte breakfast with the Claus himself and a few elves is offered from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The Club promises a surprise, and since it has a full stage, I wouldn't be surprised if Santa busted out a carol or two. The cost is $34.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages 2 through 12.

O Christmas Tea
The Hay Adams offers holiday tea each Sunday through Dec. 30. The menu features tea sandwiches, cranberry scones and pastries like a chocolate opera cake, fruit tart and dundee cake, which is a Scottish fruit cake. The children's menu includes hot chocolate and fruit teas and kid-friendly sandwiches like ham and cheese and peanut butter and marmalade. The tea is served from 3 until 5 p.m. and costs $38 for adults and $30 for children ages 12 and under.

At Fairfax's La Rue 123, formerly the Bailiwick Inn, a special Christmas tea will be offered Sunday, Dec. 16, from 1 until 4 p.m. The tea, priced at $35 per person, will feature tea sandwiches and pastries amid festive decorations and lights.

Other decked-out locations for tea include the Four Seasons, Cafe Promenade at the Mayflower, the cellar at the Park Hyatt and Normandie Farm.

Come a Noggin
In its continuing celebration of the Jamestown 400th anniversary, Equinox celebrates Egg'n'Grog Hour for the next two Tuesdays from 5 until 7 p.m. The restaurant will serve egg nog, which was reportedly first sampled by Captain John Smith in Jamestown. Chef Todd Gray will prepare free snacks to accompany the holiday treat (which costs $10). Food possibilities include truffled risotto fritters, crispy wild mushroom cigars, open-face oyster po' boys and chestnut soup.

--Erin