Willard InterContinental Washington D.C., an IHG Hotel

"A modern take on a historic restaurant near the White House, originally opened in 1906. Known for its elegant dining and rich history, including hosting a famous lunch that reportedly ended the Cuban Missile Crisis." - Emily Venezky

"Taking afternoon tea in the Willard Hotel’s Peacock Alley is a D.C. tradition that dates back to the 1920s. Surrounded in elegant sounds of a harp, tea time in the renovated alley dressed in blue includes estate and boutique loose-leaf teas by the J’enwey Tea Company, savory finger sandwiches, decadent pastries, and Willard’s famous freshly baked vanilla scones and tarts from in-house French pastry chef Sabri Uzun. Tea with a glass of champagne is $105 per adult (or $90 without) or $65 for kids 12 and under. Available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Make a reservation. A tea-to-go program on weekends ($65) pairs well with its instrumental Spotify playlist." - Tierney Plumb, Emily Venezky

"An opulent, 18-foot Christmas tree commands attention in the Willard’s soaring lobby, and the one standing right outside in the cold is four feet higher. Approximately 8,000 ornaments were put up throughout the hotel this year, both inside and out. A new gingerbread display for 2024, a stunning tribute to the historic landmarks of the nearby National Mall, was made in part by hospitality, tourism, and design students from Frederick Community College. Snap a selfie before retiring to the Willard’s famed Round Robin Bar." - Tierney Plumb

"If tea is doubling as a special occasion, consider celebrating in the Willard’s lavish Peacock Alley. Priced at $90 per adult or $105 with a glass of Champagne and $65 per child (3-12 years of age), treats include savory finger sandwiches, pastries, and Willard’s freshly baked scones. Reserve here." - Vinciane Ngomsi

"Turns its Café du Parc Terrace into a block party with hot dogs, hamburgers, ice pops, and views of the fireworks."