Feeling that holiday cheer? Us too — and we’re not (home) alone. Several San Diego bars will get into the spirit of the season this year, transforming into festive wonderlands with all the trimmings — wall-to-wall decorations, shimmering lights, and cocktails that sleigh.
Let’s raise a glass to local holiday pop-up bars where you can drink and be merry.
Miracle
Locations: Draft at Belmont Park + The Bar at Rancho Bernardo Inn
For the past few years, “Miracle” pop-ups have taken over bars in select cities across the world, including San Diego. This year, the holiday-themed event — known for its nostalgic, kitschy décor and festive craft cocktails — has taken over Draft at Belmont Park in Mission Beach Monday, Nov. 20-Sunday, Dec. 31. You can also find the pop-up at Veranda Bar at Rancho Bernardo Inn Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 31.
A Cocktail Carol
Location: Polite Provisions, North Park
Something new is coming to town at the hip cocktail bar: “A Cocktail Carol” debuts Monday, Nov. 20, described by Polite Provisions as a “cacophony of Christmas décor, blown up in our humble bar, Griswold’s style.” The pop-up promises holiday-themed drinks and a chance to “indulge in a touch of festive mischief.”
You’ll find Sippin’ Santa at two locations this year: Lime in the Coconut and The Grass Skirt.
Photo via Sippin’ Santa + Randy Schmidt
Sippin’ Santa
Locations: Lime in the Coconut, Chula Vista + The Grass Skirt, Pacific Beach
This beloved, tiki-themed wonderland will bring holiday drinks, light bites, and “more tinsel than grandma’s Christmas tree” to Lime in the Coconut starting Wednesday, Nov. 22, with 90-minute sessions inside the space. Sippin’ Santa will also return to its longtime holiday home at The Grass Skirt in PB this season from Tuesday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Dec. 31; reservations start at 5 p.m. daily.
Sippin’ Santa at The Grass Skirt is lit in every way.
Photo via @jtran_photos
Over the Top Holiday Lounge
Location: Top of the Hyatt, Downtown San Diego
Sitting 40 stories high at the top of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, this holiday cabin-themed pop-up experience features a cozy fireplace, stockings hung with care, and a menu filled with jolly cocktails and bites. See the Top of the Hyatt’s festive makeover nightly, 3 p.m.-12 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 22-Wednesday, Dec. 27. Pro tip: This year, there’s live entertainment Tuesdays + Fridays, 7-9 p.m.
Xmas Bar
Location: 401 G St., Gaslamp QuarterNew to San Diego this year, this pop-up located at the former site of Tin Roof features holiday decorations and festive cocktails aplenty. It’s open Wednesday-Sunday, though times vary.
Deck the Halls
Location: Nason’s Beer Hall, Downtown San Diego
Nestled inside the bar at the Pendry San Diego hotel, this pop-up runs Thursday, Nov. 23-Thursday, Jan. 4. Hosted in partnership with Tipsy Elves apparel, the event features lights aplenty, frosty craft brews, specialty cocktails, themed snacks, and Tipsy Trivia Nights on Tuesdays in December. A portion of proceeds from three seasonal cocktails — Tipsy and Toasted, Tipsy and Bright, and Tipsy in Killarney — will benefit the San Diego Food Bank. Nason’s Beer Hall opens at 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m. on weekends.
Now entering: Deck the Halls.
Photo via Pendry San Diego
Santa’s Lair
Location: Lair Nightclub, Downtown San Diego
Debuting Wednesday, Nov. 22, the nightlife spot transforms into St. Nick’s cozy headquarters boasting custom cocktails and lots of holiday cheer.
Great Dickens
Location: The Duck Dive, Pacific Beach
Inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” this holiday pop-up begins Friday, Dec. 1, and runs nightly, 4 p.m. to close. Inside, the vibes are “reminiscent of a Thomas Kinkade village,” and the menu includes themed cocktails like the Bah-Rum-Bug and Fizziwig’s Ball.
The Bah-Rum-Bug at Great Dickens.
Photo via Duck Dive
