Twiddling your thumbs, wondering just how you’ll get through the next few weeks as you await the winter holiday break? We’ve got good news—there are plenty of food and drink events around Arlington to sprinkle some fun into the month of December. Here are a few worth checking out:
Dining in the Dark at Ambar
Dec. 6 | 6 & 8:30 p.m.
Forget dancing in the dark—try eating a meal while blindfolded in a candlelit room. According to the organizers of this culinary exploration, “studies show that 80% of people eat with their eyes.” Find out what it’s like to delve into selections from their “secret menu” without seeing your plate, which will feature your choice of a meat, seafood or vegetarian meal. // 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $90.
Saturday Night Social at Cookology
Dec. 10 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
With all those holiday parties around the corner, now is the time to ace your app-making skills. Let the pros at Cookology show you how to craft Old Bay crab cakes with roasted red peppers, an asparagus mascarpone tart and gougères. Oh and did we mention they’ll help you whip up a peppermint mudslide cocktail? // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $109.
Wine Dinner at the Pinemoor
Dec. 10 | 7-9 p.m.
Metro DC Wine Lovers is hosting this food and vino affair at Southern-centric watering hole The Pinemoor, known for its fried green tomatoes and some insanely good popcorn. Scope the wine list in advance and, as registration is filling up, be sure to add your name to the wait list. Â // 1101 N. Highland St., Arlington.Â
Del Ray Candy Cane Bar CrawlÂ
Dec. 10 | 12:30-6 p.m.
Revel in a festive afternoon of good drinks and good company at this seventh annual event, raising money for Blessings in a Backpack. The nonprofit provides weekend meals to food-insecure children across the country. Find food and drink specials at more than 15 area restaurants, including Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza and Tap, Los Tios Grill and Spice Kraft. The first 250 registrants get the honor of taking home a swag bag, including a souvenir event cup. // Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. $15-$45.
Holiday Wine Tasting Expo at Cheesetique
Dec. 13 | 5-7 p.m.
Sample scores of festive new wines at this Shirlington destination for two of the best things in life: wine and cheese. Staff will provide mini lessons on each varietal, and attendees can nibble on a cheese and charcuterie board while they sip. (Interested in bringing some home? Patrons buying 12 bottles will receive a 10% discount.) // 4024 Campbell Ave., Arlington. $20-$25.
Bad Santa Christmas Bar Crawl
Dec. 17 | 3-10 p.m.
Dig out your most festive duds and head to Clarendon for an evening of live music, DJs, raffles, giveaways, costume contests and specials on food and libations. Each participating bar—including B Live, Pamplona and Clarendon Ballroom—will stage a unique holiday theme, from a “Very Tiki Christmas” to “Miracle Boulevard.” Revelers will receive a branded Bad Santa mug to take home. // B Live, 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $10.ds