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 from Friday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Jan. 5.
You can also find the pop-up at Veranda Bar at Rancho Bernardo Inn from Sunday, Dec. 1 to Tuesday, Dec. 31.
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
Location: The Grass Skirt, Pacific Beach
This beloved, tiki-themed wonderland will return to its longtime holiday home at The Grass Skirt starting Monday, Nov. 25. 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., from Wednesday, Nov. 27 to Sunday, Jan. 5. Pro tip: There’s live entertainment Tuesdays + Fridays, 7-9 p.m.
Xmas Bar
Location: 401 G St., Gaslamp Quarter
This pop-up located at the former site of Tin Roof features holiday decorations and festive cocktails aplenty. It’s open Tuesday-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
