‘Tis the season to get into the holiday spirit(s).
There are some gifts you just can’t wrap — including these 21 pop-ups happening around town through December.
Rooftops
Snow Much Fun at Edge Rooftop, 110 E. 2nd St. | Ends Monday, Dec. 25
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.
Our recommendation: “Frozen Horchata” with Vanilla Absolut, homemade horchata, and vanilla paste
The Lodge at Geraldine’s, 605 Davis St. | Ends Sunday, Dec. 31
Cuddle up in an igloo containing themed games and music, 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, 1901 San Antonio St., Unit 1100 | Ends Friday, Feb. 9
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 board games, a record player, and a build-your-own s’mores station.
Our recommendation: “Fireside Chai” with Tito’s Vodka, chai, honey, and vanilla
Yule at Azul at Azul Rooftop, 310 E. 5th St. | Ends Sunday, Dec. 31
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, or pose for the perfect Instagram photo in front of a cheery holiday background.
Our recommendation: “Ho Ho Hot Buttered Rum” with Flor de Cana 7 Year Rum, allspice dram, buttercream walnut bitters, and whipped cream
Happy’s at Wax Myrtle’s, 506 San Jacinto Blvd. | Ends Sunday, Dec. 24
Dip into the private space at this rooftop bar for the Chicago-based pop-up’s first Austin location. Expect festive cocktails and Santas galore.
Our recommendation: “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!” a candy cane julep with Old Forester bourbon, white pepper simple, and fresh muddled peppermint
Island of Spices at Zanzibar, 304 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Ends Sunday, Dec. 31
Explore themed drinks flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and other curated spices.
The Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-Up at Rules & Regs, 101 Red River St. | End date unknown
Come dressed for the part at this rooftop pop-up featuring lights, holiday decor, and themed cocktails galore. Bonus: the Ho Ho Happy Hour offers 50% off holiday bites and drinks from 5-6 p.m. daily.
Naughty or Nice at Upstairs at Caroline, 109 E. 7th St. | Ends Sunday, Dec. 31
Play games, drink seasonal drinks, and relax on the rooftop surrounded by festive decor.
Exciting activities
Ice Rodeo at Four Seasons Hotel Austin, 98 San Jacinto Blvd. | End date unknown
Yes, you read that right. Every year, the downtown hotel assembles a skating rink overlooking Lady Bird Lake, a 30-ft Christmas tree, and a life-sized gingerbread installation.
Rudolph’s Road House at Lefty’s Brick Bar, 1813 C. E. 6th St. | Ends Sunday, Dec. 31
The eastside pop-up comes complete with over-the-top decorations, tasty themed cocktails, comedy on Thursday nights, and a Tinsel + Tarot reader every Wednesday.
Our recommendation: “Sleigh queen” with vodka, cranberry, lime, and cinnamon-hibiscus simple syrup served in a take-home ornament cup
The Nightmare Before Moxy at Moxy Austin University, 2552 Guadalupe St. | Ends Sunday, Dec. 31
Still not done with Halloween? This Tim Burton-inspired pop-up may be the place for you. Expect holiday cocktails, churros from Zombie Taco, and movie nights every Wednesday.
Jaw-dropping decor
Holiday Light Show at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. | Ends Friday, Jan. 6
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 at The Eleanor, 307 W. 5th St. | Ends Wednesday, Dec. 27
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.
Get Lit at Kitty Cohen’s | End date unknown
This Hannukah-themed pop-up involves blue and gold decor, an inflatable menorah, and a themed menu.
Gibson Wonderland at Gibson Street Bar, 1109 S. Lamar Blvd. | Ends Sunday, Dec. 31
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.
Sunny’s Christmas at Sunny’s Backyard, 3526 E. 7th St. | End date unknown
This east side bar talks tinsel during December, and offers a range of hot toddy flavors in addition to gorgeous decor.
Vintage vibes
Donn’s Depot, 1600 W. 5th St. | End date unknown
Be prepared to dance all night — Donn’s is known for regulars who show off their two-steppin’ skills.
Nostalgic Noel at The Cavalier, 2400 Webberville Rd. | End date unknown
This 80s, 90s, and 2000s toy-inspired pop-up kicks off on Thursday, Dec. 14.
Lala’s Little Nugget, 2207 Justin Lane | 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 1972.
Our recommendation: “Irish Iced Coffee” with Jameson whiskey, Irish cream, cold brew, sprinkles, and a candy cane
Sippin’ Santa at Nickel City, 1133 E. 11th St. | Ends Wednesday, Dec. 27
Every December, this east side bar becomes filled with Santa hats, wrapped presents, and tiki-inspired holiday decor.
Uptown Sports Club, 1200 E. 6th St. | Ends Sunday, Dec. 31
This brand new pop-up takes its inspiration from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” complete with retro decor and a hot cocktail menu.
