Grab those ugly Santa sweaters (or T-shirts, depending on the weather). The holiday season is officially here, and what better way to celebrate than by sipping on festive cocktails in a cozy, decked-out bar? Houston is buzzing with holiday pop-up bars this year, rocking over-the-top nostalgic decor, spirited drinks, and all the holiday cheer. Naughty or nice, there’s a drink waiting for at these magical holiday cocktail experiences.
Bandista’s Crazy Christmas Lights, 1300 Lamar
The 1920s lounge and speakeasy has gone into holiday overdrive for the season, featuring holiday decor and a special holiday drink menu. Reservations are required and the experience runs through January 1.
“Holiday Hideaway” Pop-Up Cocktail Bar at Chicken N Pickle, 210 Blue Heron
With lodge vibes and a cozy atmosphere, Chicken N Pickle’s 21+ “Holiday Hideaway” Pop-Up Cocktail Bar experience will offer 11 festive cocktails and martini flights as well as a variety of beer, wine and other drinks to guests. Holiday Hideaway reservations are open from November 22 through December 31, and all table reservations include a charcuterie board and a delicious red pepper hummus dip with chips shareable for the table.
Frosty’s A Pop Up Christmas Bar, 2106 Dallas
Starting Friday, November 29, two-story winter wonderland Frosty’s: A Pop-Up Christmas Bar will light up in EaDo, decked with extravagant decorations, twinkling lights, life-size ornaments, three bars, two dance floors, festive activities, and photo-worthy moments. Guests can sip seasonal beers, spiked seltzers, and specialty holiday-themed cocktails like the “Mrs. Claus” and “Miracle on 44th Street.” Tickets can be purchased online or at the door upon arrival.
Holiday Spectacular at ARTECHOUSE, 600 West 6th
Folks are invited to experience holiday magic at ARTECHOUSE Houston’s first Holiday Spectacular, running November 22 to January 5, 2025. The immersive event combines digital art, interactive design, and ASMR-inspired visuals for a festive journey, plus Houston’s first XR Bar serving holiday-themed cocktails with augmented reality twists. The XR Bar is open Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to close and Friday through Sunday 11 a.m. to close.
Jingle Bell Bar at Aero Cocktail Co., 2031 Westcreek
This brand-new immersive and multi-sensory holiday experience brings the merriment from Wednesday, November 27 through Saturday, December 28 to Aero Cocktail Co. in River Oaks. Expect a dazzling array of themed rooms from a Candyland Lounge to Apres Ski Lodge, sips like Mistletoe Martini, Jingle Bell Nog and Prancer’s Milk Punch, festive bites, enchanting performances including Jingle Bell Jazz and Jingle Bell Burlesque, hands-on seasonal workshops, more on Tuesdays-Saturdays from 4 p.m. to midnight and Sundays from 2 to 10 p.m. The pop-up is 21+ (kids are welcome ‘til 7 p.m) and is free to visit with no cover charge, with tickets required for select events. There will also be a toy collection drive throughout the seasonal event, with a complimentary shot to anyone who donates a toy.
Lyric Bar, 411 Smith
Lyric Market is bringing the holiday cheer with its Jingle & Mingle Christmas Pop-Up, rocking sparkling Christmas lights, shimmering ornaments,and stunning Christmas trees around every corner; a Toys for Tots toy drive with a donations box located at Lyric Bar; and holiday cocktails from Jingle Bell Shots to Feliz Navidad Nog.
Miracle at Johnny’s Gold Brick, 2518 Yale
Miracle at Winnie’s, 3622 Main
Miracle at Daiquiri Time Out, 2701 Market Street, Galveston
Sippin’ Santa at Nickel City, 2910 McKinney
One of the nation’s most popular holiday cocktail bar experiences brings the festive magic back to Houston, with both the Miracle and Sippin’ Santa holiday pop-ups. Hit one of the spots to enjoy cheerful cocktails in signature holiday glassware, kitchsy holiday decor and “enough holiday spirits to melt the heart of even the frostiest grinch.”
Science and Sip’s The LIT-Mas Spectacular, 4715 Main
This holiday-themed immersive experience combines the holiday merriment with the magic of science, running now through January 12. Expect a lively holiday celebration featuring live DJ music, themed drinks including “Booze Balls” (think Christmas ornaments) and Grinch-themed cocktails, and hands-on science activities. Sessions are available every Friday through Sunday at 2:30, 6 and 9 p.m.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024.
