Feels like we are in our Holiday Pop-up Bars era and I am here for it! Below is a list of all I could find in and around the Minneapolis-St.Paul area, but I am sure there are others that I have missed, so feel free to comment on those below! Get out there and have fun!
Winter Wonder Bar at the Creekside Supper Club:
It’s hard to imagine a cozier bar to belly up to on a snowy, blustery night than the Creekside’s, but the Wisconsin-style supper club is upping the ante this holiday season by decking out the space with tinsel, ornaments, glittering lights, glowing candy canes, and more. Warm up with an Old Fashioned and a plate of steaming popovers. Make a reservation if you like, though walk-ins are also welcome.
Dorit’s Tavern at Surly Brewing:
At long last, the Cities get a Gremlins-themed holiday bar. Surly Brewing Co. is hosting Dorit’s Tavern from December 4 through January 5: The vibe is decidedly less Miracle-on-34th-Street and more chaos, cold beer, Jell-O shots and pizza. Make a reservation ahead of time.
The Red Nose Room at Red Cow:
Red Cow’s popular Red Nose Room is returning to the restaurant’s Uptown Minneapolis location from November 20 through December 31. Swing through for eggnog shots, gingerbread White Russians, and cheese fondue. New this year is the Après Ski Chalet, an Aspen-inspired experience on Red Cow’s enclosed patio complete with mountain-scapes, vintage skis, and a chairlift. Walk-ins are welcomed.
Nico’s Navidad at Nico’s Tacos:
The inflatable Grinch is moovin’ and groovin’ on the front porch of Nico’s Tacos in Uptown, and the whole place is dressed to the nines for the holiday season. Slip into one of the five festive themed rooms for mulled wine served in a reindeer mug and a plate of tacos. Walk-ins are welcome.
Hell-a-Dazzle at Hell’s Kitchen:
Slip into the bedecked basement Hell’s Kitchen for a special menu of ho ho holiday drinks — things like hot apple buttered rum, spruce gin with cranberry, and candy cane coupes — and an evening of much holiday cheer.
Jingle Giles at Earl Giles Distillery:
Quincy Street’s Earl Giles is hosting a holiday pop-up from November 25 through December 31. Expect themed cocktails and food specials like roast beef (roast beast!) sandwiches and Christmas cookies; views of a towering, 16-foot Christmas tree; and thousands of twinkling lights strung about the brewery. Plus: Holiday markets every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; ugly sweater contests on Sundays; Trivia Mafia on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.; and a toy collection drive running throughout the duration of the pop-up. Reservations are encouraged during the weekend and for special events.
Holiday Flight Club at Travail:
This year, Travail is taking diners on an international culinary adventure with a menu that celebrates holiday traditions from around the world. (The cozy basement bar is decked out with baubles, garlands, and twinkling golden lights, of course.) Tickets are $79; make a reservation ahead of time through December 31.
Down Through the Chimney at Hotel Emery:
This North Pole-themed pop-up bar is pouring festival cocktails (think peppermint-infused White Russians, mules laced with allspice, and mezcal with spiced gingerbread), serving snacks, and hosting a toy drive from November 21 through December 29. It’s best to make a reservation ahead of time.
Jingle Bar at Brit’s Pub:
Roving nation-wide pop-up Jingle Bar is setting up shop at Brit’s Pub for the holiday season, festooning the space with tinsel, baubles, red velvet, and twinkling trees. Expect a bangers-only holiday playlist, themed cocktails, and snacks; games and “elfin entertainment”; and prizes for the most festive outfits. Jingle Bar runs from December 1 through January 12.
Blitzen’s Bar- Over-The-Top Holiday Pop-Up Bar at Omni Viking Lakes Hotel:
This holiday season, we’re decking the halls with thousands of twinkle lights and plastering the walls in tinsel. Experience Blitzen’s, a Christmas pop-up bar in Eagan, MN, where restraint is passé and maximalism is always in good taste. Enjoy extravagant tipples, nightcaps on ice, and cocktails that sleigh. Mon – Sat | 11 AM – 10 PM. All ages welcome
Miracle Bar:
Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit. Monticello: Miracle® at River City Extreme
and Oakdale: Miracle® AT PINZ. Inquire for dates & times at their website.
Nutcracker Suite at Sovereign Estate Winery:
The enchanting Nutcracker Suite, a festive holiday cocktail bar nestled within the winery. Come and experience a whimsical journey as you step into a beautifully decorated Christmas lounge, featuring an array of custom seasonal cocktails such as the delightful Sugar Plum Fairy Martini and the creatively named “Nutcracker.” In addition to the cozy atmosphere and festive cocktails, a selection of delicious appetizers will be available, each designed to enhance the magic of the holidays. The Nutcracker Suite will be open Thursday-Sunday during our Spirit of Winter hours. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for a duration of 90 minutes, ensuring a perfect destination for friends and family to come together and toast to the season. Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights from November 22nd – December 29th. Visit Sovereign Estate website for more info. Waconia, Minnesota
Holiday Pop-Up at Bina’s:
November 29 – when the supply of peppermint schnapps runs out. You’ll probably find yourself on the naughty list after you visit Bina’s kitschy Christmas bar experience in Northeast Minneapolis. Snap pictures in the decked out dive bar and drink all the peppermint schnapps cocktails your heart desires. Bina’s is right down the street from Earl Giles, so you can hit up two holiday bars in one night.
The Naughty List at Umbra:
November 24 – December 31, 2024. The Naughty List is a festive pop-up bar at Umbra in the Canopy by Hilton hotel, ready to serve all your holiday bar-crawling needs. Step up to the bar for a magical evening of holiday cocktails and yuletide cheer, straight from Santa’s secret stash! This is a limited-time, daily spirited bar service, with non-alcoholic options available. Reservations are not required.
Mistletoe Mondays & Tinsel Tuesdays at Roxy’s Cabaret:
November 25 – December 24, Monday & Tuesday. Each Monday and Tuesday through the end of December, indulge in holiday cocktails, play board games, darts and skee-ball and visit with friends. On Mistletoe Mondays, Roxy’s Cabaret will host an amateur drag competition and karaoke with free entry. Tinsel Tuesdays feature a raffle with great prizes, and each drink purchase earns you a ticket. Each event is free, but reserve tickets before you go.
Sippin’ Santa at the AC Hotel Minneapolis Downtown:
November 18 – December 30. Add a tropical twist to your holiday season with a pop-up tiki Christmas bar! The opening of Sippin’ Santa at the AC Lounge begins on November 18th from 5pm to midnight. Enjoy festive island-inspired cocktails and a vibrant, holiday-themed atmosphere, complete with plenty of decorations to get you in the spirit! And of course you can’t have a festive drink without matching festive glassware. This pop-up bar will be open November 18th – December 30th, and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Northern Starlight Express holiday pop-up bar at the Renaissance Hotel:
November 29, 2024 – January 4, 2025. Get ready to step aboard the Northern Starlight, where a holiday adventure is just around the corner. You’re invited to embark on a 60-minute festive journey set in a reimagined historic train car featuring festive handcrafted cocktails and curated bites as you’re transported to a world of holiday wonder. The concept takes inspiration from the hotel’s rich history as a former train depot on the Milwaukee Road line, providing visitors with a nod to the past while engaging their senses with modern culinary delights and whimsical, unexpected elements. The experience will be available by reservation only.
Bode Gray’s: The Brass Hat Christmas Movie Bar:
Bode Gray’s Waconia speakeasy is all decked out in Christmas decor, themed with some of their favorite Christmas movies. They have themed drinks starting at $11! Tuesday-Thursday 4-10, Friday/Saturday 4-Midnight, Closed Sunday/Monday, 125 W 1st St, Waconia
The Fair on 4 at Mall of America: Winter Wonderland Bar:
The Fair on 4 is going to be decked out in snowflakes, trees, and icicles for its Winter Wonderland Bar pop-up. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, appetizers and entrees, and good vibes. Stay tuned for more details on their website. Dec. 5-Mid-January. 402 E. Broadway, Bloomington.
Event details subject to change. Please visit the corresponding website of each event, for more up-to-date information.
Who Eats Like This?! 