Now that it’s December, ‘tis officially the season, Austin.
Trees are going up, holiday lights are turning on, and local bars are decking themselves out in red and green. If you’re anything like us, we know you’ll want to make the most of the month, so we’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to holiday pop-up bars in ATX. Happy sipping.
🏙 Rooftops
Otopia Rooftop Lounge’s “Wintersol” | 1901 San Antonio St., Unit 1100 | Reserve a private, winter-themed igloo at this solstice-inspired setup.
Fairmont Austin | 101 Red River St. | This ski lounge-inspired space includes igloos, fire pits, and a light show — all with skyline views, no less.
Geraldine’s “The South Pole” | 605 Davis St. | We’re talking private igloos, games, holiday vinyls, and themed cocktails at this “TexMas”-inspired pop-up.
Edge Rooftop’s “Snow Much Fun” | 110 E. 2nd St. | It “snows” every hour at this rooftop bar, which also serves seasonal drinks and s’mores boards.
🎄 Jaw-dropping decor
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters | 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. | This coffee shop’s holiday light show is an Austin tradition, plus it includes a Bavarian marketplace, dance floor, and silent disco.
Miracle on 5th Street | 307 W. 5th St. | The Eleanor transforms into a winter bar decked out wall-to-wall in Christmas decor. Pro tip: Get there early, as this spot often has a line out the door.
Wonder Bar | 11500 Rock Rose Ave. | Head on up to North Austin for a dizzying array of holiday decorations.
Try this: “It’s Lit” — we don’t know what’s in it, but it’s served inside a Christmas light, so what’s not to love?
Gibson Street Bar’s “Gibson Wonderland” | 1109 S. Lamar Blvd. | The displays start before you even walk into this South Austin spot, and they don’t stop there — expect to see a snowy Christmas tree, stockings, and Santa by the fire once you step inside.
Wanderlust Wine Co.’s “Tinseltown” | 610 N. I-35 | This immersive pop-up includes themed drinks, a bartending cast, and a truly over-the-top number of decorations.
🥂 Seasonal drinks
Lala’s Little Nugget | 2207 Justin Ln. | This bar isn’t exactly a pop-up — at Lala’s, it’s Christmas year-round. Stop by to see a space jam-packed with holiday memorabilia and decorations.
Try this: A “Buddy’s Elf Fashioned” with amador, skrewball, and chocolate and orange bitters
Kitty Cohen’s “It’s Lit” Hanukkah Pop-Up | 2211 Webberville Rd. | This Hannukah-themed pop-up — which involves blue and gold decor, an inflatable menorah, and a themed menu — opens today.
Try this: The “Fronog”, or frozen eggnog… need we say more?
Sunny’s Backyard’s “Groovy Christmas” | 3526 E. 7th St. | This east side bar talks tinsel during December.
Try this: The “Sweater Weather” with angostura bitters, plantation rum, pumpkin, and lemon
⛸ Exciting activities
Four Seasons Hotel’s “Ice Rodeo” | 98 San Jacinto Blvd. | Yes, you read that right. Every year, the downtown hotel assembles a skating rink overlooking Lady Bird Lake alongside a 30-ft Christmas tree and a life-sized gingerbread Airstream trailer.
Austin Motel’s “Winter Wanderland” | 1220 S. Congress Ave. | Sip seasonal drinks while floating in the hotel pool, watch holiday films, go caroling, and take photos with “Hunky Santa” at this month-long lineup of events.
🪵 Cozy vibes
Nickel City’s “Sippin’ Santa” | 1133 E. 11th St. | Every December, this east side bar becomes filled with Santa hats, wrapped presents, and tiki-inspired holiday decor.
Try this: A “Holiday on Ice” with vodka, cold brew, condensed milk, ancho chile liqueur and cinnamon syrup
Donn’s Depot | 1600 W. 5th St. | Be prepared to dance all night — Donn’s is known for regulars who show off their two-steppin’ skills.
W Austin’s “Après Ski” | 200 Lavaca St. | Cozy up by the fire in this luxury downtown Austin hotel.
The Cavalier’s “Nostalgic Noel” | 2400 Webberville Rd. | This throwback-themed pop-up event begins on Thursday, Dec. 15.
The Driskill Hotel | 604 Brazos St. | Between the 1800s interior and a 16-ft Christmas tree, this historic downtown hotel is a cozy spot for a holiday-themed drink.
Do you know a pop-up bar that’s not on this list? Add it to our interactive map below.
