As the holiday season approaches, Chicago is embracing the festive spirit with an array of themed pop-up bars and holiday experiences. From enchanting igloos on rooftops to vibrant winter wonderlands, these venues offer a unique way to celebrate the season while enjoying festive cocktails, comfort food, and a variety of holiday-themed activities.
Here is a curated selection of some of the most exciting holiday pop-ups and bars across the city, perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit.
Must-Visit Holiday Pop-Ups
JoJo’s Shake Bar is transforming into a winter wonderland featuring extensive holiday decorations and themed cocktails. Guests can partake in activities such as ornament painting and gingerbread decorating while enjoying photos with Santa. The pop-up runs through December 24, with hours from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and extended hours on weekends. Located at 23 W. Hubbard St., reservations are encouraged.
The Holly Jolly Holiday Bar at Puttery, part of a nationwide series from Bucket Listers, features floor-to-ceiling decorations. This ticketed event offers a 90-minute open seating experience starting at $22, including a complimentary welcome drink. The bar operates select evenings through December 28.
For those drawn to the darker side of holiday cheer, DMen Tap presents the Krampus pop-up, launching on December 5 with a costume parade and themed cocktails served until December 29.
Another festive option is the Sleigh Bar at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, which is offering holiday cocktails and complimentary appetizers, alongside Santa appearances for photos on select dates. Open until December 30, guests can make reservations for the experience.
Unique Celebrations and Themed Experiences
Fans of the popular Netflix series “Stranger Things” can enjoy the Stranger Christmas: A Hawkins Holiday pop-up at Replay Lincoln Park. This event features 1980s sci-fi decor, themed cocktails, trivia nights, and more, running on select dates until December 30.
The Nutcracker Pop-Up Bar is another standout, boasting extensive festive decorations and themed cocktails available through December 30.
For a grand holiday celebration, Frosty’s Christmas Bar offers multiple bars spread across three floors, including dance floors and seasonal cocktails, open until December 31.
Returning for its fifth year, Jingle Junkie in Wrigleyville features a heated ski lodge-themed patio with holiday cocktails and decorations, available until January.
The Christmas Club spans two floors and features special appearances by Santa Claus, with food and drink packages available starting at $25 per guest through early January.
One of the most interactive experiences is the Jack Frost Christmas Pop-Up, which includes winter bumper cars and axe throwing, alongside a full-service bar. This pop-up will be running until January 5.
For those looking for a cozy escape, Elf’d Up offers a unique experience inspired by the movie “Elf,” filled with decorations and complimentary cookies, available until January 11.
In addition to these pop-ups, many bars across the city are decked out for the holidays, including Butch McGuire’s, Chief O’Neill’s, and Happy Camper, each offering festive cocktails and seasonal treats.
With such a diverse range of holiday experiences, Chicago provides numerous opportunities to embrace the festive atmosphere. Whether enjoying themed cocktails in a cozy igloo or participating in holiday activities, the city’s festive bars and pop-ups are sure to delight visitors and locals alike.
