‘Tis the season to get in the holiday spirit(s).
Austin is the No. 1 most festive city in the US for the fourth year in a row — and upon stepping into a local bar, it’s easy to understand why.
If you’re ready to sip your way through the season, we’ve made a list (and checked it twice) of 20 holiday pop-ups happening around town through December.
Rooftops
Snow Much Fun at Edge Rooftop | Now-Sunday, Dec. 28
Believe it or not, the skyline views aren’t the showstopper at this rooftop pop-up. The real treat is the “snow” that falls from the sky every hour, showering visitors in fluffy white winter magic. Psst — This spot is part of the Rockin’ Around the Rooftops holiday bar crawl.
Reindeer Over Rainey at Hotel Van Zandt | Now-Sunday, Dec. 28
Cuddle up in a greenhouse containing board games, a heater, music, and a s’mores station or enjoy the general bar area on the hotel’s fourth-floor pool deck. Either way, you’ll feel like you stepped into the North Pole.
WinterSol at Otopia Rooftop Lounge | Now-Tuesday, Dec. 30
Embrace the beauty of winter at this rooftop pop-up near West Campus. Sit poolside, by the fire, or (our favorite) in a private igloo complete with a cookie decorating kit and a record player. This stop is part of the Rockin’ Around the Rooftops bar crawl.
Yule at Azul at Azul Rooftop | Now-Sunday, Dec. 28
Take in the skyline from the highest rooftop bar in Austin — 20 stories high, to be exact. Sit in view of the Frost Bank Tower, cozy up in a poolside cabana to enjoy snacks, or pose for the perfect Instagram photo in front of a cheery holiday background. Don’t forget your Rockin’ Around the Rooftops stamp when you visit.
Holiday Hideaway at Zanzibar | Now-Sunday, Dec. 28
Santa puts on his swimsuit at this holiday oasis where guests can rent a themed cabana or take in Downtown views with a hot (or frozen) boozy beverage in hand. This rooftop is part of the Rockin’ Around the Rooftops event.
The Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-Up at Rules & Regs | Now-Wednesday, Dec. 31
Dress the part to visit this rooftop pop-up featuring lights, holiday decor, a themed light show, and festive cocktails galore.
Naughty or Nice at Upstairs at Caroline | Now-Monday, Dec. 29
Play games, drink seasonal drinks, and relax on the rooftop surrounded by festive decor. This is also on the Rockin’ Around the Rooftops tour.
Exciting activities
Ice Rodeo at Four Seasons Hotel Austin | Now-Sunday, Jan. 4
Yes, you read that right. Every year, the Downtown hotel assembles a skating rink overlooking Lady Bird Lake, a 30-ft Christmas tree, and dazzling art installations.
Rudolph’s Road House at Lefty’s Brick Bar | Now-Sunday, Jan. 4
The eastside pop-up features over-the-top decorations, themed cocktails, movie nights, trivia, a merry disco, and more weekly events.
Winter Wanderland at Austin Motel | Now-Wednesday, Dec. 31
Explore a forest of rainbow Christmas trees, sip seasonal cocktails, and attend a slew of events like all-night happy hours, cookie decorating, and sing-alongs.
Jaw-dropping decor
Mozart’s 2025 Lake Austin Festival of Lights at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters | Now-Saturday, Jan. 3
This coffee shop’s holiday light show is an Austin tradition, plus, it includes a marketplace, donut boat rides, private igloos, and food vendors.
Miracle on 5th Street at The Eleanor | Now-Sunday, Dec. 28
The Eleanor transforms into an over-the-top winter wonderland decked out wall-to-wall in Christmas decor. Pro tip: get there early, as this spot often has a line out the door.
Get Lit at Kitty Cohen’s | Now-Friday, Jan. 2
This bar’s annual Hanukkah pop-up will serve up themed cocktails and rotating food vendors offering traditional foods like latkes.
Winter Wonderglam at Gibson Street Bar | Now-Sunday, Jan. 4
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. Psst — don’t miss the themed parties on Thursdays.
Vintage vibes
Holiday Extravaganza at Donn’s Depot | End date unknown
Be prepared to dance all night — Donn’s is known for regulars who show off their two-steppin’ skills.
Krampus at The Cavalier | Friday, Dec. 5-Thursday, Dec. 25
The legend comes to life at this neighborhood bar that encourages its guests to wear festive attire.
Lala’s Little Nugget + Lala’s South Pole | Year-round
Okay, so Lala’s isn’t exactly a pop-up, but as the city’s only year-round Christmas-themed bar, it has been one of Austin’s premier holiday destinations since the first location opened in 1972.
Sippin’ Santa at Nickel City | Now-Saturday, Dec. 27
Every December, this east side bar becomes filled with Santa hats, wrapped presents, and tiki-inspired holiday decor.
Uptown Sports Club | End date unknown
This pop-up takes inspiration from old-school decorations and is completed with a hot cocktail menu.
Ralphie’s on Congress at Stephen F’s Bar & Terrace | Now-Tuesday, Jan. 6
Inspired by “A Christmas Story,” this bar nods to the classic film with decor like fragile leg lamps and cocktails like the “You’ll Shoot Your Rye Out” and “The Red Ryder.”
