Dc in Christmas for a single guy?

Question

Where should a single guy go over the Christmas holiday?

I'm in the northeast USA. Will be leaving the 21st, probably coming back the 26th. I did my research and there are three things that came to me:

1. Mohonk Mountain House. It looks like a nice all inclusive winter resort. There's some nice hiking and ice skating. Looks to have decent food. I don't know about the drive though, from my place it's about 2.5hrs. If it snows on the road, I'm concerned I might have a bad time

2. DC. Also 2.5hrs from me. I've looked around, it looks like there's some nice museums to see before christmas, and some nice iceskating areas like washington harbour. IDK about the food, is there good food or is it just ok? What would be a good hotel that isn’t cheap and worn down?

3. Cancun. I've been to cancun before with family, but as a solo guy, I don't know where to go. I would like a resort that has some relaxing features to it, I don't want a full-blown party resort. But if the resort hosts its own social events/parties, I would like that. Also the food at a resort needs to be good.

I like food.

Answer

That’s a really fun and thoughtful set of options you’re weighing — each has its own vibe and appeal, especially as a solo guy during the Christmas holiday. Here’s a breakdown of pros / cons for each, plus what to do in D.C., and my take on which might suit you best.

Option 1: Mohonk Mountain House

What It’s Like: A classic Victorian-style resort in the Hudson Valley, with cozy mountain and lake views, a spa, great food, and plenty of winter activities favored by couples and retreat-goers. In December, it’s very atmospheric with holiday decorations, snow (often), ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Solo Experience: It’s a very peaceful, reflective place—not a party scene. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; you could relax, read by the fire, hit the spa, and join some of the planned activities. According to other solo travelers, it’s “quite safe” to go alone.
Drawbacks / Risks:
- The cost is very high, especially given “all-inclusive” doesn’t always mean *everything* — for example, the spa and some activities can cost extra.
- If the weather is bad (snow, ice), the 2.5-hour drive could get tricky, especially alone.
- Some guests report that in winter, certain activities are limited (if there's little snow, not all winter sports may run).
Upsides: Relaxing, very “get-away-from-it-all,” with really high-quality food (buffet breakfasts/lunches, multi-course dinners) and a cozy, “castle in the woods” feel.

Option 2: Washington, D.C.

Holiday Vibes & Activities:
- You can go ice skating at Washington Harbour in Georgetown — the rink is beautifully lit, offers scenic waterfront views, and feels very festive.
- The Wharf also has an over-water ice rink in winter, which is pretty unique and atmospheric.
- Seasonal holiday events: think light displays, holiday pop-up bars / restaurants, and more.
- You can check out the Norwegian Christmas Tree at Union Station — a lovely tradition.
- There’s a “CityCenterDC” tree display and outdoor plaza events in December.
Food Scene: D.C. has *very good* food — not just tourist fare. A few places to consider:
- Xiquet: A Michelin-starred Spanish restaurant — creative, vibrant cuisine.
- La Bise: A classy French spot downtown — great for a more sophisticated evening.
- Beyond fancy restaurants, there are also cozy bars, holiday-decorated hotel lounges, and pop-up holiday bars — great for socializing or meeting people.
Solo-Friendly Things to Do:
- Night walk of the monuments and memorials — they’re very atmospheric after dark, and the holiday lights make them even more special.
- Attend a holiday concert or show — the Kennedy Center or local venues often have seasonal programming.
- Explore neighborhoods like Georgetown or city plazas, enjoy the holiday market, or do a lights tour.
- Try a Christmas dinner at a notable restaurant, or check out hotel bars decked out for the season. According to locals, places like the Willard or some boutique hotels go all out for holiday decor.
Pros: Very walkable, culturally rich, lots of holiday energy + charm, and plenty of opportunities to meet people (bars, events). Also, travel risk is low (especially compared to snowy mountains).
Cons: Tourist crowds, potentially higher costs for hotels or holiday pricing, and it’s a city—not necessarily a retreat for “just me and nature.”

Option 3: Cancun (Resort Trip)

What You’re Looking For: A relaxing resort that’s not totally party-central, with good food and some social elements.
Pros: Warm weather, beach, relaxation, great resort dining, and potentially social dinners or resort-hosted events. A resort offers a completely different kind of holiday reset.
Considerations:
- Resort cost could be high, especially over Christmas.
- You’ll need to be okay with possibly less “local culture” (if you stay mostly in the resort), unless you plan excursions.
- Social events depend a lot on the specific resort — make sure to pick one that has a laid-back but sociable feel, not just a family or party resort.
Recommendations: Since you like food and a relaxing but social environment, look for “boutique inclusive” or “adults-focused but not party-only” resorts in Cancun, with good on-site restaurants and possibly evening live music or events.

My Recommendation (for You, as a Single Guy):

Given your preferences — you like good food, some relaxing social time, but you’re not chasing a wild party — D.C. is a really smart choice for this trip. Here’s why:

It’s close to you (2.5 hrs), so less risk in travel, especially for a short break over Christmas.
There’s a rich holiday ambiance (ice skating, lights, markets) that’s perfect for a solo traveler who wants charm + activity.
The food scene is varied and high-quality — from Michelin-starred to cozy bars — so you can treat yourself in style.
You’ll have time to explore, relax, and maybe even meet people in social, festive settings (bars, concerts, pop-ups).

That said, Mohonk is a fantastic choice if you want to slow way down, recharge in nature, and don’t mind spending more on a retreat-style vacation (and dealing with winter driving). Cancun is great for a warmer reset, but it’ll feel more like a “classic vacation” than a holiday stay in your own backyard.