Feeling that holiday cheer? Us too — and we’re not (home) alone. Several San Diego bars are getting into the spirit of the season, transforming into festive wonderlands with all the trimmings — think: 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.
Sippin’ Santa at The Grass Skirt is lit in every way.
Photo via @jtran_photos
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.
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 downtown’s Good Night John Boy features holiday decorations and festive cocktails aplenty. It’s open Tuesday-Sunday, though times vary.
Now entering: Deck the Halls.
Photo via Pendry San Diego
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 from Thursday, Nov. 28 to Thursday, Jan. 2. The event features lights aplenty, frosty craft brews, themed snacks (try Santa’s Cookies), and specialty cocktails like Sleigh My Name and Cousin Eddie’s Hot Cocoa. Nason’s Beer Hall opens at 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m. on weekends.
Santa’s Lair
Location: Parq Nightclub, Downtown San Diego
Open on select nights from Friday, Nov. 29 to Sunday, Dec. 29, the nightlife spot has been transformed into St. Nick’s cozy headquarters boasting custom cocktails, dazzling lights, music, and lots of holiday cheer. General admission costs $14.
The Bah-Rum-Bug at Great Dickens.
Photo via Duck Dive
Great Dickens Holiday Cocktail Pop-up
Location: The Duck Dive, Pacific Beach
Inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” this holiday pop-up begins Saturday, Nov. 30, and runs nightly through Sunday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m. to close. Inside, the vibes are “reminiscent of a Thomas Kinkade village,” and the menu includes themed cocktails like the Berry Christmas, Everyone! and Scrooged. Ask for the limited Great Dickens food menu, too.
Snowed In
Location: Fort Oak, Mission Hills
There’s some serious holiday cheer happening at this no-reservations pop-up running from Wednesday, Nov. 27 to Tuesday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m. to midnight (closed Tuesdays). Guests can enjoy the pop-up’s special cocktail menu at the bar, as well as small bites.
The Jingle Bar
Location: Bang on 5th, Dowtown San Diego
This traveling pop-up got its start on the East Coast and will take over Bang on 5th from Saturday, Nov. 30 to Sunday, Dec. 31. Expect tons of tinsel, twinkling trees, holiday music, themed cocktails and food, and fun games. Admission costs $14.50.
The Frosty Saddle
Location: Estancia La Jolla
Open daily for the holiday season starting Thursday, Nov. 21, the hotel’s Greenfinch Bar has transformed into a holiday pop-up brimming with festive flair and fun drinks like Santa’s Milk Punch and Thin Ice. It’s open to the public and no reservations are required.
Bar St. Nick
Location: Lime in the Coconut, Chula Vista
The downtown Chula Vista restaurant is decked fully decked out for this new holiday pop-up featuring festive cocktails, light bites, and seasonal tunes. No reservations required for this one — just show up and be merry.
Winter Lodge
Location: Cutwater Tasting Room, Miramar
This cozy, seasonal experience will take over the tasting room from Thursday, Nov. 21 to Tuesday, Dec. 31. Patrons will find a curated menu featuring seasonal flights and winter-themed cocktails like the Yule Mule. Winter Lodge will also host a ticketed pairing tour experience on Fridays + Saturdays from Nov. 29 to Dec. 29 — book those tickets ahead of time for $30 a pop.
Blitzen’s Bar
Location: Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
Open through Monday, Dec. 30, this holiday pop-up bar features a menu of 12 exclusive drinks created by renowned mixologist Julie Reiner, including two non-alcoholic options. As for the holiday decor, expect neon signs, leg lamps, and tinsel.
