It’s officially the holiday season when all the pop-up bars are coated in red and green, decked out with more Christmas lights than the tree at Rockefeller Center. Along with this festive, fun decor comes a curated drink menu highlighting flavors like cranberry, peppermint, and eggnog. So gather your friends and family and head out for a night on the town with these holiday pop-up bars in Pittsburgh.
Festive Holiday Pop-Up Bars in Pittsburgh
A Very Merry Mixtape (Mixtape)
Fulfill your festive wishes with this pop-up bar completely decked out in holiday decor. You’ll find Christmas characters ready to take your order, presents, holiday songs, warm winter drinks, twinkling lights, and plenty of tinsel. This timed ticketed event allows you a 90-minute holly jolly experience with a holiday cocktail and mocktail menu. Plus, make sure you explore all the sections of this pop-up including Santa’s Workshop, the Sugarplum Candy Lounge, and the White Christmas Forest.
The Holiday Tavern (The PA Market)
Embrace the holidays surrounded by whimsical Christmas lights and cozy vibes throughout The Holiday Tavern. Try creative cocktails and mocktails themed toward the winter season and beyond. It’s a great venue to grab those you love, share a charcuterie board, sip on something new, and bask in the joys of spending time together.
Sippin Santa
This national pop-up stops in Downtown Pittsburgh for a tropical, tiki twist on the holidays. One of the featured drinks of this island bar is the Jingle Bird, bourbon, pineapple rum, Campari, lime, pineapple, and jingle mix all served shaken in a Santa hat wearing bird mug featuring pineapple leaf garnishes.
Aprés-Ski (Ritual House)
Across the street from this popular bar you’ll find a ski lounge waiting for your arrival starting on November 30. Imagine dining on caviar and sipping exquisite cocktails in this pop-up’s slope-chic style. The event on November 30 is ticketed but with your purchase you’ll receive food along with three drink tickets.
The Grinch Who Stole Pittsburgh (Barcadia)
The classic Christmas movie How The Grinch Stole Christmas comes to life right above Barcadia’s regular space. Let your heart grow three times larger with the taste of their Martha May Marg or Mount Crumpit cocktails. Plus, if you’re there at the right time, you can catch the live action remake on the television. But, if you you’re itching for more entertainment, head downstairs to their arcade game paradise.
Miracle on 7th
It’s hard to find a space in this Christmas and Hanukkah bar that isn’t covered in an ornament bobble or sweater decor. The magic of the holidays goes into each sip of cocktails like the Christmapolitan or Rudolph’s Replacement. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, order the Secret Santa that has no description on the menu except to ask a bartender for details. Plus, most of their profits go to supporting local charities in Pittsburgh.
Rudolph’s Rooftop (Il Tetto)
Don’t worry, this rooftop bar is enclosed with a sky-view ceiling and features all things Rudolph. Celebrate our little red-nosed friend with Rudolph’s Revenge, a cranberry long island iced tea. But, if you’re more of an elf fan, grab a glass of Hermey’s Homebrew made with tequila, lemon, and honey.
A Very Barry Christmas (Barry’s Pub)
This free holiday pop-up promises to never charge you a cover charge even on their special themed party nights. Every inch of the bar is decorated with bright colors and signs of joy so you’ll feel right at the North Pole alongside Santa and his elves. They even play all NFL games to appease the Steelers lovers.
Blitzen’s Bar (Omni William Penn Hotel)
Renowned mixologist, author, and bar owner Julie Reiner put together the cocktail menu for this special holiday pop-up. After walking through the hotel’s lobby you’ll be welcomed by neon signs, hanging tinsel, and vibrant baubles. Look forward to creative mixes like the Va-Va-Vixen (mixed with sparkling wine) and the Tidings of Whiskey & Joy (a twist on the New York Sour) with gorgeous garnishes.
Holiday Lounge Pop-Up Bar (The Industrialist Hotel)
This regular hotel lounge is turning decades back to times of Christmas past. Sip on seasonal drinks in cozy and inviting retro-decorated space. It’s a great addition to your pop-up bar checklist. Plus, it’s even better if you get a hotel room in case you wish for the true magical experience.
Tinsel and Tequila (LowKey Taco)
Who doesn’t love a margarita? Fill up on Christmas-themed margaritas and all the tacos your heart desires at LowKey Taco. Their cocktail menu puts the flavors of the season all to use whether it be cranberry or cinnamon. Just don’t forget to pick up a few tacos while you’re at it.
Good Cheer Holiday Bar Takeover (Ruggers Pub)
Hang out under the glowing Christmas lights at Ruggers Pub. The sports bar transforms to offer a variety of holiday-inspired cocktails alongside their usual food specials. Order a round of Pudding Shots for the table. Then secure yourself a glass of Jingle Juice made from cranberry vodka, triple sec, cinnamon simple syrup, cranberry juice, and IC Light.
Shorty’s Santa’s Shop (Shorty’s Pins x Pints)
Step into Santa’s workshop at this retro bar and duckpin bowling pop-up. Your favorite night out with friends up got a lot more fun with more than 100 yards of wrapping paper, 1,000 ornaments and all the twinkling lights you can imagine. Plus, you’ll get to support Foster Love Project by donating a new bag for their drive and you’ll receive a donate a new bag will receive a $20 Shorty’s gift card in return.
Wigle Wonderland (Wigle)
The elves over at Wigle Wonderland mix up batches of cocktails that’ll have you singing “Hallelujah”! Try their Paloma for the Holidays with Wigle 4 Year Bourbon, Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice, Maple Simple, and Habanero Bitters. Or you can grab a few friends and try all three of their holiday shots the Merry Mocha, The Mountain Men, and the Red Nosed Reindeer.
A Noel Nightmare on Butler Street (Three Floyds Brewing & Remedy Lawrenceville)
Not quite out of the spooky Halloween spirit yet? Not a problem at this Halloween-Christmas crossover pop-up bar. Besides the delicious drinks you can take a holiday walk-through this attraction featuring 7 different rooms with haunting creatures hiding in the corners.
The Aspen (Spritzery)
That’s right, this pop-up bar full of spritzes is getting a holiday makeover. Celebrate the season in style in their magical ski chalet atmosphere. Delight in warming cocktails, seasonal flavors, and all the winter vibes you love without the cold. Who’s ready to pop some bubbly?
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Sippin Santa
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