It’s never too early to get in the holiday spirit! A new trend in the restaurant world is Christmas pop-ups at bars and restaurants. Owners turn their businesses into winter wonderlands and change their menus to include festive favorites. Here we’ll talk about the 10 best places around the country to visit.
1. Frosty’s Christmas Bar, New York City
Frosty’s in Time’s Square is a Christmas bar that you don’t want to miss. From seasonal cocktails to lights and an interactive photo experience, Frosty’s delivers holiday cheer! Most people say that it’s like Christmas exploded inside Frosty’s. If you’re looking for more of a club vibe, you’ll enjoy Frosty’s. There are also locations in Chicago and LA. All locations open November 15th.
2. Santa Baby, Chicago
Starting November 21st, Santa Baby is one of Chicago’s most festive Christmas bars. This multilevel experience features over-the-top drinks and decorations everywhere you turn. Try the colossal cocoa that serves 8 people! Even the holiday sliders are served on red and green buns. You can even take part in events like Christmas song trivia or champagne bottle paint and sips.
3. The Angus Barn, Raleigh, North Carolina
The popular Raleigh steakhouse, Angus Barn starts its holiday preparations in October. Decorations are ready by November 11th. You can expect every room in the Angus Barn to have a distinct theme. The ballroom has more than 5,000 ornaments adorning the ceiling. Children dressed as elves hand out gingerbread cookies in another. If you visit this holiday season, you’ll want to end your meal with their famous chocolate chess pie.
4. Tavern on The Green, New York City
An iconic New York City restaurant in Central Park, Tavern on The Green doesn’t disappoint for the holidays. Every year, the restaurant holds a tree lighting for its beautiful 20-foot tree. Enjoy apple cider, hot chocolate, and treats as you listen to carolers. Inside the restaurant, festive greenery, wreaths, and lights continue the festiveness. You can’t go wrong with the restaurant’s lavish menu, enjoyed by stars like Grace Kelly.
5. Urban Roast, Washington D.C.
The Christmas pop-up at Urban Roast is already in full swing. Plus, they usually keep their decorations up into the new year and then transition to Valentine’s Day decor. This is one of D.C.’s largest Christmas bars and has photo-worthy moments everywhere. The drink menu is also outstanding.
6. Chai-vy and Cohen-y Hanukkah Bar, Washington D.C.
For those celebrating Hanukkah, Chai-vy, and Cohen-y is one of the best. Owners said that they started the concept as a joke because there are so many Christmas bars, but the theme took off. You can take a shot out of a giant menorah while enjoying latkes. There are dreidel competitions and lots of chocolate gelt coins.
7. Home Alone Pop-Up Bar, Pittsburgh
If you love the movie Home Alone, This Christmas Bar is for you. The pop-up is located in the Barcadia, an arcade! There are great cocktails and floor-to-ceiling installations that pay tribute to the famous movie. Barcadia is in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh in Market Square
8. The Woods, Seattle
If you love a festive dive bar, The Woods is for you. From a faux fireplace to all the lights and decorations, The Woods is so cozy. Plus, the holiday drink menu is great and even has elf Jell-O shots. We love the holiday snacks like crockpot lil smokies and a tin of holiday popcorn. There’s a nostalgic vintage vibe at The Woods that is so charming.
9. The Venetian, Weymouth, Massachusetts
Just outside of Boston, The Venetian outdoes itself when it comes to decorating for Christmas. Plus, the Italian restaurant’s food is delicious. The arancini is so good! You won’t believe how many ornaments hang from the ceiling.
10. The Blind Elf, Atlanta
Starting November 8th, you can find The Blind Elf in Buckhead. The inventive cocktail menu features drinks like the Polar Express Martini, Mama Clausmopolitan, and Ugly Sweater Party. You have to try sweet treats like the Campfire Chocolate Ganache. There are also classics on the menu like Brie En Croute.
Finding a Christmas Cheer Near You
If none of these top ten establishments are near you, check out companies like Miracle or Sippin’ Santa that transform bars and restaurants around the country. There’s always some holiday magic to be found! What’s your favorite spot to get in the holiday spirit?