'Tis the season to put on your flip-flops and Santa hat before heading to these Christmas pop-up bars to celebrate the holidays with over-the-top decorations, cocktails named after your favorite Christmas characters and plenty of festive fun.
Downtown
SANTA'S LAIR - PARQ
Where: 615 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
When: Dec. 5-29, 2024
Escape to the North Pole while never leaving the Gaslamp Quarter. Santa's Lair at Parq offers cozy and nostalgic wall-to-wall décor along with a magical bar serving up holiday cocktails and the chance to snap a selfie with Santa himself.
OVER THE TOP HOLIDAY LOUNGE AT TOP OF THE HYATT
Where: One Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101
When: Through Jan. 5, 2025
Over the Top Holiday Lounge brings a snowy wonderland to sunny San Diego! Find a spot around the warm hearth, sip a cocktail in a homey pair of bunk beds that set the scene of a nostalgic family vacation, and take advantage of the incredible photo opportunities that showcase the epic views Top of The Hyatt is known for. Enjoy a festive cocktail menu in this cozy cabin setting and live holiday entertainment in the lounge every Tuesday and Friday night.
XMAS BAR AT GOOD NIGHT JOHN BOY
Where: 401 G St., San Diego, CA 92101
When: Through Dec. 31, 2024
Step back in time and witness your grandparents' '70s-era basement transformed for the holidays at Xmas Bar at Good Night John Boy. Dance under the lights while sipping on a Naughty or Nice, Mistletoe's Kiss or even a little Jingle Juice.
DECK THE HALLS AT NASON'S BEER HALL
Where: 550 J St., San Diego, CA 92101
When: Through Jan. 2, 2025
Nason's is about to get tipsy! This holiday season, The Pendry San Diego is decking the halls with the jolliest, most over-the-top holiday décor. Visit Deck the Halls for frosty beers, jolly cocktails, seasonal bites and festive merriment.
'TIS THE SEASON AT MARGARTIAVILLE HOTEL SAN DIEGO
Where: 435 Sixth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
When: Dec. 6, 13, 14 and 20, 2024
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego's holiday pop-up bar will light up the lobby every Friday with signature holiday cocktails and cozy seasonal decor. On Dec. 14, the festivities get even better with a special appearance from Surfin' Santa, a free cookie decorating station, and an exclusive Sip & Shop event featuring holiday specials at our boutique.
THE GRINCHMAS HOLIDAY POP-UP AT THE TIPSY CROW
Where: 770 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
When: Dec. 4-26, 2024
The Tipsy Grinchmas Holiday Pop-Up is taking over The Tipsy Crow! All three levels will be decked out in Grinch-inspired décor, with specialty cocktails that even the Grinch wouldn't refuse.
THE JINGLE BAR AT BANG ON 5TH
Where: 762 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
When: Dec. 5-29, 2024
Step into a wonderland decked out with tinsel, twinkling trees and presents galore. Bang on 5th will be transformed into a Christmas dream with holiday hits, festive cocktails, Christmas games and prizes.
LO-FI CHRISTMAS + TAPAS BAR AT JAGUAR PAW
Where: 2185 1/2 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
When: Through December
Jaguar Paw, in the heart of Barrio Logan, is putting a spin on its low-ABV cocktails for the holidays along with natural wines and festive bites. Sip on a Ponche Highball or Crème-Sickle Lane while enjoying Tamal Divorciado or Cookie Crumble tapas.
Little Italy
NOLITA HALL
Where: 2305 India St., San Diego, CA 92101
When: Through Jan. 6, 2025
Nolita Hall in Little Italy decks the halls with festive lights and decorations while serving up can’t-miss holiday cocktails, from the Partridge in a Pear Tree to Dasher’s Road Soda to the Grinch Martini.
North Park, Hillcrest, and Uptown San Diego
LAFAYETTE HOTEL
Where: 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
When: Through December
For an over-the-top California Christmas, check into the historic Lafayette Hotel & Club. With a lobby doused floor to ceiling in holiday decorations and unique offerings through the new year, The Lafayette Hotel is a maximalist winter wonderland with festive cocktails and fun events, including Holiday Tea Service and Night Moves with San Diego.
ELF ON THE 12TH AT MISTER A'S
Where: 2550 Fifth Ave., 12th Floor, San Diego, CA 92103
When: Through Dec.
Who needs a shelf when you can be on the 12th floor taking in Mister A's spectacular views? Head up in December for Elf on the 12th to enjoy holiday themed cocktails including Resting Grinch Face, All the Jingle Ladies and Let's Take an Elfie (Elf Included).
HOLIDAY OASIS EXPERIENCE AT INSIDEOUT
Where: 1642 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
When: Through Jan. 5, 2025
Discover the Holiday Oasis Experience in the heart of Hillcrest and you'll be greeted with a magical and joyful space filled with lights, trees and more. Experience insideOUT's delicious fare while sipping on specialty cocktails!
SNOWED IN AT FORT OAK
Where: 1011 Fort Stockton Drive, San Diego, CA 92103
When: Through Dec. 31, 2024
Jingle all the way to Fort Oak this holiday season for Snowed In, a Christmastime cocktail bar with serious winter-wonderland vibes. Through the double doors of the Art Deco bar, festively outfitted tipplers are transported into the magical world of all things holiday cheer, where glittering white snowflakes and iridescent sparkles swirl around you and Santa's good tidings offer a welcome reprieve from the daily grind.
JINGLE BALLS AT URBAN MO'S
Where: 308 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
When: Through Jan. 5, 2025
Everyone is welcome to Urban MO's Bar & Grill for Jingle Balls. The walls are filled with festive decorations, the holiday spirits are flowing from the bar and the evenings are full of fun, with plenty of shows and contests.
SLEIGH BAR AT &BAR
Where: 1027 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
When: Through Dec. 31, 2024
Hillcrest's &Bar is transformed into a holiGAY land for Sleigh Bar. Stop by for $5 drinks from 8 to 10 p.m. daily, and enjoy plenty of holiday decorations.
Mission Bay & Beaches
MIRACLE AT DRAFT
Where: 3190 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA 92109
When: Through Jan. 5, 2025
The waterfront Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up is back at Draft! Decked out with over-the-top holiday decor and collectible mugs, Miracle at Draft is a great spot to sip on exclusive, handcrafted cocktails that celebrate the flavors of the season after a day of fun at the Winter Wonder Beachside at Belmont Park.
SIPPIN' SANTA AT THE GRASS SKIRT
Where: 910 Grand Ave., San Diego, CA 92109
When: Through Dec. 31, 2024
Sippin' Santa, San Diego's island-themed Christmas bar, is popping up at The Grass Skirt in Pacific Beach, where you can enjoy tiki-inspired food and drinks as you're transported to a festive island paradise.
A GREAT DICKENS HOLIDAY POP-UP -- THE DUCK DIVE
Where: 4650 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA 92109
When: Through Dec. 31, 2024
Trade the sands of Pacific Beach for some holiday spirits at The Duck Dive. Enjoy classic festive décor while sipping on a Bah-Rum-Bug or Fizziwig's Ball.
MAVERICKS HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE
Where: 860 Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109
When: Through Dec. 24, 2024
In addition to five indoor/outdoor bars and 40 TVs, Mavericks Beach Club is adding to the festive cheer during Mavericks Holiday Experience Pop-Up, with more than 10,000 feet of lights, 3,000 feet of garlands, a 25-foot Christmas tree plus 10 more, along with Christmas cocktails and visits from Santa!
La Jolla
THE FROSTY SADDLE AT ESTANCIA LA JOLLA
When: Through Dec. 31, 2024
Where: 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
Grab the reins and head to our winter wonderland at The Frosty Saddle, Estancia La Jolla’s transformed Greenfinch Bar, where cozy holiday cheer meets delightful libations! Enjoy a curated selection of specialty cocktails and mocktails, along with signature mulled wine and freshly brewed eggnog, all crafted to warm your spirits this festive season.
BARBARELLA WINTER WONDERLAND
Where: 2171 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
When: Through December
Barbarella Restaurant in La Jolla goes all-out for the holidays with over-the-top decorations and plenty of festive sprits, including the Ornamentini, Eggnog Cocktail and holiday shots.
North Coastal
BLITZEN'S
Where: 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, CA 92009
When: Through December
Experience Blitzen's, a Christmas-themed pop-up bar in Carlsbad, where restraint is passé and maximalism is always in good taste. Enjoy extravagant tipples, nightcaps on ice, and cocktails that sleigh.
Coronado
HOLIDAYS AT THE HOTEL DEL CORONADO
Where: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118
When: Through Jan. 5, 2025
Embrace the magic of Southern California's signature holiday season at the Hotel del Coronado with beloved festive experiences, including Skating by the Sea® and the Frostbite Lounge, special holiday dining events in the beautifully restored Crown Room, the "All That Jazz" Lightshow Spectacular, Beachside Igloos and more.
North Inland
MIRACLE AT THE INN
When: Through Dec. 31, 2024
Where: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
Step into a winter wonderland this holiday season during the Miracle at The Inn cocktail bar pop-up! The Rancho Bernardo Inn’s Veranda Bar transforms into a whimsical world of yuletide joy you won't want to miss. Indulge in a specially curated menu of holiday cocktails that are expertly crafted to warm even a Grinch's heart!
WINTER LODGE AT THE CUTWATER TASTING ROOM
Where: 9750 Distribution Ave., San Diego, CA 92121
When: Through Dec. 31, 2024
Sip and savor the holiday season amid the festive atmosphere at the Cutwater Winter Lodge. Delight in the flavors of winter with Cutwater's Tasting Room and Kitchen’s curated menu, featuring two flights and a lineup of winter-inspired cocktails, including traditional, spirit-free, warm and frozen choices.
MIRACLE AT BRICKMANS
Where: 1750 San Pablo Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
When: Through Dec. 31, 2025
Don't miss Miracle at Brickmans, a festive and family-friendly Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar! With nostalgic holiday decor and professionally crafted cocktails, Miracle will get even the grouchiest Grinch into the holiday spirit.
South Bay
BAR ST. NICK HOLIDAY POP-UP -- LIME IN THE COCONUT
Where: 248 Third Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910
When: Thursdays-Sundays in December
Holiday vacation vibes are the name of the game at Lime in the Coconut, which transports you to a place of salty air, sandy toes and Santas! Book your reservation to enjoy festive cocktails, including a Ginger Snapped Martini, Campfire Mule, Merry Margarita and Rum Rum Rudolph.
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