9 Festive Holiday Pop-Up Bars in the U.S. You Need to Visit

Who doesn’t enjoy a festive holiday pop-up bar? With cozy décor, seasonal music and imaginative drinks, these temporary venues offer a perfect way to celebrate. As their popularity grows, the biggest challenge becomes deciding which one to visit.

Here are nine holiday pop-up bars across the country worth adding to your seasonal plans. Each offers its own distinctive atmosphere, inventive cocktails and plenty of holiday cheer.

Elf bar

© Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

Miracle at Mezzo, St. Petersburg, Florida

This downtown St. Petersburg coffee-and-cocktail spot transforms into Miracle at Mezzo for the holidays, blending midcentury inspiration with modern mixology. Expect nostalgic décor, inventive seasonal drinks and a warm, inviting setting that nods to 1950s and ’60s design while serving contemporary cocktails.

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© Conductor Club

Conductor Club, Union Station, Kansas City, Missouri

Housed inside Kansas City’s historic Union Station, Conductor Club’s holiday pop-up sends guests through seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest and beyond. With immersive décor, photo-friendly backdrops and themed cocktails, it’s designed for both families and adults. Through Dec. 30, visitors can also catch the movie Elf on the station’s five-story Extreme Screen for a nostalgic cinematic moment.

The Candy Cane Lounge Pop-Up, Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey

Running through Jan. 3, 2024, the Candy Cane Lounge offers holiday-themed cocktails and lively entertainment across the Resorts property. Expect costumed characters and seasonal specialty drinks such as the Resorts Holiday Mochatini, which combines chocolate and espresso martini elements with peppermint for a festive twist.

Tipsy Elf

Tipsy Elf © Visit Dallas

Tipsy Elf, Bishop Arts District, Dallas, Texas

Tipsy Elf is a small, intimate holiday cottage bar where reservations aren’t required. The space is decked with cheerful décor and serves whimsical, themed cocktails. This year’s edition is larger than ever, featuring special appearances such as Dallas drag queen Gloria Devine, outdoor patio seating and the playful presence of Larry the Elf.

Pearl Social

Pearl Social © Courtesy of Acme Hospitality/Visit Santa Barbara

Pearl Social, Santa Barbara, California

Open through New Year’s Day, Miracle at Pearl Social returns with a full winter-wonderland experience: themed menus, quirky collectibles and classic seasonal sips. Favorites include hot-buttered rum and mulled wine, alongside modern creations like the Secret Santa cocktail. The pop-up also hosts hands-on events such as “Elfing Around,” where guests can bake, decorate and write letters to Santa.

901 Igloos

© Nicole Bissey Photography

Nine Zero One Igloo Bar, The Fontaine Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri

Perched on The Fontaine Hotel’s rooftop, the Nine Zero One Igloo Bar features Arctic-style igloos furnished for comfort and privacy. Ideal for groups of two to eight, each igloo comes with curated seasonal cocktails and small bites, plus a warming welcome round of hot chocolate. The igloos are available through Feb. 18, 2024, making them a great winter escape.

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Jingle Bell Bar © Steve Freihon

The Jingle Bell Bar, Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey

Also in Atlantic City, the Jingle Bell Bar takes over the 1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino Resort. Expect nostalgic décor, festive cocktails and seasonal entertainment that creates a lively holiday ambiance for both resort guests and visitors.

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Christmas at the Carissa © Acacia Productions

Christmas at the Carissa, San Luis Obispo, California

Christmas at the Carissa transforms a venue into a floor-to-ceiling holiday display with immersive vignettes throughout. Highlights include a cozy sweater nook, the holly jolly hall and seasonal cocktails such as boozy hot chocolate and a Figgy old-fashioned—perfect for those who want a full sensory holiday experience.

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Holly Jolly Holiday Bar © EP & LP, LA Bucket List

Holly Jolly Cocktail Bar, West Hollywood, California

This over-the-top West Hollywood pop-up is full of tinsel, ornaments and theatrical décor, plus entertainment and imaginative cocktails. Entry requires a ticket, which typically includes a welcome cocktail or mocktail and a reserved 90-minute visit—ideal for those wanting a highly stylized holiday night out.

Whether you prefer intimate cottages, rooftop igloos or large immersive installations, this season’s pop-ups offer a range of festive experiences. Plan ahead for tickets or reservations where required, and enjoy the creative cocktails and cheerful atmospheres these holiday destinations provide.