Festive D.C. hidden treasures

The wreaths have been hung in the arches of Union Station; the ice in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is frozen and the rink is open; Starbucks has added eggnog lattes and peppermint mochas to its menu.

Ready or not, the holidays are coming fast. Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s will all be here before you know it. No matter which holidays you will be celebrating, local businesses in the District have something to help you get in the holiday mood.

If it is hot chocolate that warms your spirits, try Locolat in Adams Morgan. The store, which was opened this summer by Pastry Chef Neil Piferoen, of Belgium, offers dark, milk and white hot chocolates that are creamy and delectable. It will likely be difficult to stop with just a beverage, so take your pick from the store’s selection of sweet and savory waffles, homemade truffles, cakes and other desserts.

Located at 1781 Florida Ave. NW, the store is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Locolat is closed on Mondays.

Choosing and buying Christmas trees has long been an after-Thanksgiving tradition practiced by families nationwide. The Garden District, with one indoor and one outdoor store, claims to be “on the ball” in providing a great experience.

“We are a full service tree lot, providing a fresh cut to all trees so they absorb water to the maximum benefit,” said Joe Carmack of The Garden District. “We re-bail our trees and load them into your car for transportation back home and we even provide a delivery service and tree set-up in your home. Basically we have tried to figure everything out for our customers so they have a terrific, stress-free shopping experience.”

The Garden District, with both stores on 14th Street NW, also offers fresh cut wreaths and garlands, poinsettias and “blooming” gifts, such as Amaryllis, Paperwhites and Christmas Cactus.

Adding to the full-service experience, the Inside Shop now has a gift wrap center. There will be a bow-making class at the shop this Friday.

The Outside Shop is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Inside Shop is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Both are open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The perfect holiday gift requires the perfect presentation. Groovy D.C. offers unique holiday cards, wrapping paper and gift bags from local artists and small stationery businesses. The store, which can be found inside a renovated historic Victorian house at 428 8th St. SE near the Eastern Market Metro station, is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

No matter what holiday you celebrate this season, make sure you check out the many local businesses that offer unique items that will make your holiday something special.