Holiday pop-up bars are the newest trend sweeping the nation, transforming themselves into winter wonderlands throughout the country, including the South. Companies like Miracle are known for their over-the-top style. All have a similar menu but the decorations vary slightly.
Editor’s Note: Obviously, a lot of places are closed during the Coronavirus pandemic. We are aware that the situation is continuously changing and all are encouraged to stay home. But we will continue to write stories to inspire you for when places are open again.
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The majority of the bars do not accept reservations, so you’ll have to go early to get a spot. In the case of the Miracle bars, the wait times can be hours long with the line wrapping around the building. The best way to get in is to go during off-peak hours, an hour before closing, and as soon as it opens.
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What to Wear to Christmas Bars
Wear your best ugly sweaters to the holiday pop up bars in the South. They can be purchased at places like Stein Mart. I purchased the alpaca sweater above from Michael’s. Amazon also has a great selection of festive gear.
Christmas Bars in Alabama
Birmingham
Queen’s Park in Birmingham is the setting for Miracle On 24th Street, Miracle’s only location in Alabama. The Loft District cocktail bar’s pop-up will run from November 11th until December 30th.
Seating is limited and is first come first served as no reservations are accepted. It’s open Sunday to Thursday from 4 pm to midnight and Friday and Saturdays from 4 pm to 2 am. There is no onsite parking and the food menu is limited so eat in advance.
Sippin’ Santa is taking over at the soon-to-open Neon Moon in downtown Birmingham. It’s from the same owners as Queen’s Park.
Fairhope
Little Whiskey Christmas Club is a year-round Christmas-themed bar in Fairhope, across the bay from Mobile. It opened in 2018 to celebrate once the presents are unwrapped, complete with over-the-top decorations. They have karaoke nights hosted by Santa and Mrs. Klaus and festive cocktails like the eggnog Bushwhacker, a nod to the regional favorite.
Huntsville
Miracle at MidCity is operating at The Camp in Huntsville from November 27th to December 27th. They are currently accepting reservations.
Christmas Bars in Arkansas
Bentonville
Miracle On 2nd Street is the state’s only Miracle location, set up at Undercroft in Bentonville. The speakeasy-style bar is hidden beneath a historic church. They do take reservations.
Fayetteville
Holidaze is the college town’s returning Christmas pop-up bar. The mixed indoor-outdoor setup at the Walton Arts Center Rose Garden is organized by the folks from Maxine’s Tap Room and Leverett Lounge. It runs through December 31.
Christmas Bars in the District Of Columbia
Miracle at Death Punch Bar is the company’s only location in the district, set in the bar in Adams Morgan. It runs from November 27 to December 31. Reservations are available through Resy.
Archipelago is home to a Sippin Santa pop up at the U Street tiki bar. Tropical cocktails have a festive spin and a percentage of sales supports a local charity. The festivities run from November 29 to December 6.
For more information, visit Eater DC’s list of holiday-themed bars.
Christmas Bars in Florida
Delray Beach
Miracle at Death Or Glory was the first outpost in South Florida. The pop-up bar in a 1920s home runs from November 25 to December 31. It is open Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 1 am, Saturday from 3 pm to 1 am, and Sunday from 2 pm to 10 am. There are no reservations.
Gainesville
Miracle On University is located at Madrina’s in the college town of Gainesville from November 24 to December 31. The bar is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 5 pm to 2 am and reservations are not offered.
Fort Lauderdale
O Lounge in Fort Lauderdale is becoming Ho Ho Ho Lounge, an upscale Christmas bar operating from November 27 to December 26. It’s open from 5 pm to midnight.
Jacksonville
Miracle On The Square is located at Jacksonville‘s Grape And Grain Exchange, an upscale liquor store and cocktail bar. The bar is open Sunday to Wednesday from 12 pm to 1 am and Thursday to Saturday from 12 pm to 2 am. They do not offer reservations.
Miami
Riverside Holiday Village at The Wharf, a popular entertainment district, has its own lounge from December 12 to December 22. It includes 30 different cocktails, over 500,000-holiday lights, and live music on weekends. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.
For more information, visit Eater Miami’s list of holiday-themed bars.
Orlando
Miracle On Orange is located in downtown Orlando‘s The Courtesy Bar. It runs from November 24th through December 30th. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 pm to 1 am. Reservations are available via Tock.
The MELIÁ Celebration Orlando will host a Sippin’ Santa pop up from November 27 to January 4, open from 11 am to 10 pm daily. No reservations are offered.
Pensacola
Miracle On Palafox is at the Old Hickory Whiskey Bar from November 24 to December 31. It’s open from 2 pm daily and doesn’t accept reservations.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine will play host to Miracle at Forgotten Tonic from November 27 to January 6. It’s open from Sunday to Thursday from 12 pm to 11 pm and Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 12 am. Reservations are available via OpenTable.
St. Petersburg
Miracle At Mezzo is held at St. Petersburg‘s Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails, a short drive from downtown Tampa. It’s open from Sunday to Thursday from 5 pm to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 2 am. They don’t accept reservations.
Tavares
Miracle on Main will take place at Crafted Concoctions in Tavares from November 24 to December 31. It’s open Tuesday to Thursday from 5 to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 12 am, and Sunday from 12 to 8 pm. Reservations are not accepted.
West Palm Beach
Miracle at Grandview Public Market will run at the stylish food hall from November 24 to December 31 on Tuesdays to Thursdays from 11 am to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to midnight. No reservations are offered.
Christmas Bars in Georgia
Atlanta
Miracle On Highland is located at Parish: The Brasserie and Neighborhood Cafe in Inman Park. It runs from November 29 to December 31. It’s open Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday from 4 pm to midnight, and Sunday from 4 to 10 pm. Reservations are available via the website or OpenTable.
Miracle at Wonderkid is a new location for the Christmas pop up, set in the bar at Atlanta Dairies. It’s open beginning November 20 and opens daily from noon to midnight. Call for reservations.
Another new spot is Miracle at Fox Theatre’s Marquee Club. The iconic theatre plays host to reservations-only drinks at their VIP lounge. It’s open from Thursday to Sunday. Bookings start at $100 per table.
Little Christmas Spirit at Little Spirit in Inman Park transforms the small bar into a holiday-themed space. The menu includes cocktails like boozy hot chocolate and mulled wine. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 5:30 pm to 2 am.
Sippin Santa is back at Bon Ton, a popular Viet-Cajun restaurant in Midtown. It’s open from November 20 to December 31. The hours are Monday to Thursday from 3 to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to midnight, and Sunday from 12 to 10 pm. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
Golden Eagle also has a Sippin’ Santa location from November 27 to December 31. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday from 6 to 11 pm. There are a Beltline-facing sunken garden and a heated patio with cabanas. Reservations for the pop-up can be made here through Resy.
The Roof at Ponce City Market will also play host to festivities. The Holiday Social Bar starts on November 27 with holiday decor and specialty cocktails. Upstairs at 12 Cocktail Bar, the space becomes MixMas with their own festive cocktails. Reservations here are highly recommended. There are also pods on the roof.
The Blitzen Room at Biltong Bar at Ponce City Market features the restaurant’s menu of South African snacks alongside boozy hot chocolate and egg nog. It’s open during standard business hours from November 24. They’re also offering the pop up at their Alpharetta and Buckhead locations.
Mele Kalikimaka at SOS Tiki Bar is the Decatur tiki bar’s holiday concept, running from November 25 to December 31. Here you’ll find tropical cocktails and dishes inspired by Christmas movies. It’s open Wednesday to Saturday from 6 pm to late night.
Yebo Ski Haus in Buckhead is one of two concepts the South African restaurant does, running until the spring. It takes on a ski-lodge style decor with cozy fire pits and blankets. The menu remains constant but warm cocktails are added. Reservations are available.
Red Sky Tapas in Marietta has its own A Christmas Story-themed space from November 19 to December 31. The restaurant has a holiday menu with items like turducken egg rolls and eggnog-like cocktails.
Tiki Tango Hideaway Oasis becomes a holiday-themed bar on December 1 with outlandish decorations and seasonal drinks. Their sister restaurant, Foxtrot Liquor Bar, will become a Home Alone themed bar.
Mingle & Jingle is a pop-up bar at Best End Brewery in Atlanta’s West End in the Chef’s Kitchen. It features festive cocktails, dozens of strands of lights, and even a giant Santa bear to pose for photos.
Joy Cafe is transforming to Naughty or Nice , a holiday pop up with over-the top decor and a cocktails in seasonal glassware. They’re open Tuesday to Saturday until 2 am.
For more information, visit Eater Atlanta’s list of holiday-themed bars.
Savannah
Miracle at Bohemian Hotel Savannah Waterfront is the only Christmas pop up in Savannah this year. You can also book a night at the hotel.
Christmas Bars in Kentucky
Louisville
Miracle On Market in Louisville’s Galaxie Bar is the state’s only holiday pop up bar. It’s open from November 29 to December 31. They’re open from Sunday to Thursday from 5 pm to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 2 am. Reservations are offered on weekends.
Christmas Bars in Louisiana
Baton Rouge
Miracle on Bennington is Baton Rouge‘s only Christmas bar, operating at The Station. It runs from December 11 on Tuesday to Friday from 5 pm to 2 am and Saturday from 6 pm to 2 am. No reservations are offered.
Lafayette
Miracle At Pamplona Tapas Bar is Lafayette‘s pop up holiday bar. They’re open from 5 to 11 pm daily. On Fridays, they’re open from 11 am and private events are available. Reservations can be made on the website or by calling (337) 232-0070.
New Orleans
Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 is an outpost of Sippin Santa in New Orleans, open from November 27 to December 31. It’s open Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, and Tuesday from 4 to 9 pm and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 10 pm. Reservations are available via Resy.
Miracle on Magazine Barrel Proof is open from 4 to 11 pm daily, located in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans. They offer events like an ugly sweater party as well as festive cocktails. No reservations are offered.
Snakes and Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge is a year-round Christmas themed dive bar. It’s open starting at 7 pm nightly in the Uptown Carrollton area. It has Christmas ornaments strung from the ceiling and other funky decor.
Christmas Bars in Mississippi
No Christmas bars are operating in 2020. Check back in 2021.
Christmas Bars in North Carolina
Asheville
The Montford Rooftop Bar is Asheville‘s only Sippin Santa location, running from November 24 to December 31. The bar offers mountaintop views with Tiki-inspired decor. They don’t offer reservations and are open Monday to Friday from 4 to 10 pm, Saturday from 12 to 10 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm, closing from 1 to 4.
Charlotte
Miracle at BackStage Lounge in Charlotte is located in a South End speakeasy. It’s open Wednesday to Saturday from 5 to 11 pm. Reservations are available by calling (704) 705-8447 and on Resy.
Durham
Unscripted Durham has transformed their rooftop into a winter wonderland, complete with heated igloos where diners can have food and drinks. There is a minimum food and beverage spend and reservations are recommended. You can also book a night at the hotel.
Winston-Salem
The Katherine, the hotel at the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, is hosting the Grinch Bar, a festive bar running from December 13 to 23 from 6 to 10 pm. They also have cozy globes for socially distanced drinks. Book a night at the hotel for the full experience.
Christmas Bars in South Carolina
Mount Pleasant
Miracle At Handcraft Kitchen And Cocktails is located inside a restaurant in Mount Pleasant, a suburb of Charleston just over the Ravenel Bridge. It runs from November 23 to December 30, open from Monday to Sunday from 11 am. Reservations are available online or by emailing [email protected]
Christmas Bars in Tennessee
Knoxville
Miracle On Gay Street is held at Knoxville‘s Sapphire Fine Food & Fancy Drinks, a cocktail bar in a former jewelry store. It’s open Monday to Sunday from 4 pm to 3 am. Reservations are available on Resy.
Memphis
Miracle at The Liquor Store is new to Memphis, operating in the liquor store-turned-restaurant. It’s open from November 25 to January 3 on Sunday and Monday from 8 am to 2 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 am to 4 pm, and Thursday to Saturday from 8 am to 9 pm. Reservations are available on Resy.
Nashville
The Bobby Hotel Nordic Village is the trendy hotel’s rooftop retreat, featuring igloos and cabins for sipping festive drinks while admiring views of Nashville. It runs from November 14 from Sunday to Wednesday from 4 to 11 pm and Thursday to Saturday from 4 pm to 1 am. Reservations are required for the seating times and there are minimum group sizes. Guests can also stay at the Bobby Hotel.
HQ Beercade’s Reindeer Games is the downtown beer bar’s holiday installation with decorations, themed cocktails, and food. There are also photo ops including one inspired by National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. It’s open during regular hours, from Monday to Thursday from 4 pm to 3 am and Friday to Saturday from 12 pm to 3 am.
The Hidden Bar in the Noelle Nashville is becoming the Snow Den Bar, a wintery experience. The Fairlane Hotel hosts the Misfit Toy Bar.
Santa’s Pub in South Nashville is a year-round dive bar set in a double-wide trailer strung with lights. There’s karaoke nightly and a Santa mural. They also only take cash.
For more information, visit Eater Nashville’s list of holiday-themed bars.
Christmas Bars in Virginia
Ashburn
Miracle at Sense of Thai is a Christmas bar outside of Washington DC. The Thai street food restaurant is open Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm and Friday to Saturday from 11 am to midnight. Reservations are available here.
Richmond
Miracle On Cary Street is located at The Jasper in Richmond is offering its seasonal drinks to go. The bar is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 4 to 8 pm and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 9 pm. No reservations are offered.
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