‘Tis the season to get in the holiday spirit(s).
Austin is the No. 1 most festive city in the US for the third 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 25 holiday pop-ups happening around town through December.
Rooftops
Snow Much Fun at Edge Rooftop, 110 E. 2nd St. | Now-Wednesday, 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.
The Lodge at Hotel Van Zandt, 605 Davis St. | Now-Sunday, Dec. 29
Cuddle up in an igloo containing board games, a heater, 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 | Now-Monday, 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, a record player, and a Polaroid photo of your group.
Yule at Azul at Azul Rooftop, 310 E. 5th St. | Now-Sunday, Dec. 29
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.
Holiday Hideaway at Zanzibar, 304 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Now-Monday, Dec. 30
Santa puts on his swimsuit at this holiday oasis where guests can rent a themed cabana or take in Downtown views with a hot, boozy beverage in hand.
The Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-Up at Rules & Regs, 101 Red River St. | End date unknown
Dress the part to visit this rooftop pop-up featuring lights, holiday decor, and themed cocktails galore. Bonus: the Ho Ho Happy Hour offers 50% off select holiday bites and drinks from 5-6 p.m.
Naughty or Nice at Upstairs at Caroline, 109 E. 7th St. | Now-Sunday, Dec. 29
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. | Now-Sunday, Jan. 5
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, 1813 C. E. 6th St. | Now-Tuesday, Dec. 31
The eastside pop-up is complete with over-the-top decorations, themed cocktails, a Tinsel + Tarot reader every Wednesday, and “Not-So-Silent Night” Saturdays.
Winter Wander-land at Austin Motel, 1220 S. Congress Ave. | Thursday, Dec. 5-Wednesday, Jan. 1
Explore a forest of colorful Christmas trees, sip seasonal cocktails, and attend a slew of events like caroling performances, pop-up shops, drag shows, all-night happy hours, and more.
The Nightmare Before Moxy at Moxy YOUniversity, 2552 Guadalupe St. | Now-Tuesday, Dec. 31
Still not done with Halloween? This Tim Burton-inspired stop on the Rockin’ Around the Rooftops stroll may be the place for you.
Winter Wonderland at The Pitch, 13000 Harris Ridge Blvd. | Now-Sunday, Dec. 29
Meet Santa, shop holiday markets, and watch classic films at this outdoor bar with tons of Christmas trees and festive lights.
Après Swim at Swim Club, 650 E. 10th St. | Sunday, Dec. 15-Monday, Dec. 30
The retro, poolside bar will celebrate the holidays with festive cocktails, decorate-your-own cookie boxes, and movies on the lawn + fire pits on Thursday evenings.
Jaw-dropping decor
Lake Austin Festival of Lights at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. | Now-Saturday, Jan. 4
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, 307 W. 5th St. | Now-Saturday, Dec. 28
The Eleanor transforms into a 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 | End date unknown
Head to the poolside bar for holiday movies and themed cocktails — a portion of the proceeds this holiday season will go to the Central Texas Food Bank.
Winter Wonderglam at Gibson Street Bar, 1109 S. Lamar Blvd. | Now-Sunday, Jan. 5
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.
How The Grinch Stole Sunny’s Backyard at Sunny’s Backyard, 3526 E. 7th St. | End date unknown
Step inside Whoville for Grinch-themed drinks, including green martinis and frozen libations with lollipops.
Vintage vibes
Holiday Extravaganza at 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.
Krampus at The Cavalier, 2400 Webberville Rd. | Thursday, Dec. 12-Tuesday, Dec. 24
The legend comes to life at this neighborhood bar that encourages its guests to wear festive attire.
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.
Sippin’ Santa at Nickel City, 1133 E. 11th St. | Now-Friday, 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. | Wednesday, Dec. 4-Tuesday, Dec. 31
This pop-up takes inspiration from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” complete with retro decor and a hot cocktail menu.
Ralphie’s on Congress at Stephen F’s Bar & Terrace, 701 Congress Ave. | Thursday, Dec. 5-Tuesday, Dec. 31
Inspired by “A Christmas Story,” this bar nods to the classic film with decor like fragile leg lamps and cocktails like the “Oh Fudge...” and the “Angry Red Ryder.”
Candy Land at Cosmic Saltillo, 1300 E. 4th St. | End date unknown
Go up the beer garden’s staircase to find a hidden satellite bar with a life-size Candy Land game board and special drinks like the “Gum Drop Pass” and “Gingerbread Orchard.”
