“Fetish the Phuck Up” goes the tagline to a new monthly party at the Green Lantern where each edition will focus on a specific kink and the goal of helping fellow fetish fiends “find your phucker.” Inspired by the famous, evergreen hanky code, the Phucker Party actually launches with an all-color-hankies affair, where fetishists are encouraged to don a handkerchief or other accoutrement in their preferred kink’s color — among the more colorful choices are navy blue for anal, lavender for drag, mustard for hung, and coral for toesucking — and positioned on either their left or right side depending on what they want to give or take. DJ Ryan Doubleyou will set the sexy pace at a party he co-hosts with bartender Matt Strother. Drink specials and clothes-check all night. Friday, Dec. 14, from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. 1335 Green Ct. NW. No cover. Call 202-347-4533 or visit facebook.com/GreenLanternDC.
NELLIE’S: CANDY CANE CHRISTMAS PARTY
Cinnamon Old Fashion, Blue Christmas, and Bailey’s Blast are Christmas Cocktails part of a special menu this Friday, Dec. 7, at Nellie’s. The Candy Cane Christmas party features sassy sweet drinks and beats by DJ Honey all starting at 10 p.m. or immediately after the gay sports bar plays host to one of the many watch parties around town of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Holi-Slay Spectacular, the gayest sport on television. 900 U St. NW. Call 202-332-6355 or visit nelliessportsbar.com.
WUNDER GARTEN: UGLY SWEATER PARTY
When it was first coined NoMa, the area north of Massachusetts Avenue between Union Market and Union Station in Northeast D.C. was a kind of industrial no man’s land. Yet the increasingly bustling neighborhood is now home to NPR, Sirius XM, and one of the city’s most popular beer gardens. And never is Wunder Garten more festive than during sweater weather, specifically the first three weekends in December. With a daytime Holiday Popup Market featuring local makers and co-sponsored by the NoMa BID as its centerpiece, the series of seasonal programming known as Winterfest also includes evening parties, climaxing next Saturday, Dec. 15, with the Night of 1,000 Santas, a holiday-themed adult costume party. But you can get in the costume spirit a week early by bumping uglies in your tackiest and gaudiest thick cotton garb. Holiday onesies are also welcome at the Ugly Sweater Party, where wearers of the top three ugliest outfits will leave bearing gift cards to Marshalls and TJ Maxx — so they can buy even uglier jumpers for the whole family. Winterfest kicks off at 4 p.m. on Fridays and noon on Saturdays and Sundays, with the Ugly Sweater Party Saturday, Dec. 8, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. 1101 1st St. NE. Visit wundergartendc.com.
COBALT: HOW THE GRINCH STOLE BARE
All the Cindy Lou Whos and Boos in Whoville are expected at Cobalt next Saturday, Dec. 15, for a party featuring the mean, green one himself running around handing out goodies, including drink tickets and prizes. The occasion is the holiday edition of the popular third-Saturdays party that Karen Diehl and her Ladies of LURe started a decade ago, making Bare one of the longest-running queer women’s dance events in D.C. history. DJ Eletr()x will pump up the party with festive jams while the DystRucXion Dancers add to the merry festivities all starting at 10 p.m. 1639 R St. NW. Cover is $7 before midnight, $10 after. Call 202-232-4416 or visit facebook.com/lurewdc.
Time to pop the cork! Whether you're chasing disco nostalgia, favorite DJs, drag-fueled countdowns, or a low-key toast at your neighborhood bar, D.C.'s LGBTQ nightlife offers no shortage of options. From ticketed blowouts to no-cover hangs, these venues are ready to toss 2025 out the window and welcome a hopefully brighter 2026 with sass and style.
The Atlantis
2047 9th St. NW
theatlantis.com
The Atlantis celebrates in New Year's Eve with an 18+ ticketed dance party. The DJ-driven celebration centers on ABBA, with plenty of additional disco favorites from the '70s and '80s -- including tracks by the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and Cher. Festivities include a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and disco attire is encouraged. Tickets are $68.40. The venue will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
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