Although warm Texas temps may not make it feel like December, Austin is ready to celebrate the season big. Light shows illuminate the city skyline and holiday markets are all over town to help you find the perfect gift for loved ones. Even Austin’s nightlife scene gets festive with a number of pop-up spots to toast to the season! Grab your ugly sweater and treat your elf to a good time at one of these holiday themed bars.
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Après Swim at Downright Austin
Swim Club at the Downright Austin is hosting its first-ever festive pop-up bar this holiday season from December 15th through December 30th. Step into this winter wonderland and enjoy festive activations like Decorate Your Own Cookie Boxes, Sip-N-Paint Christmas ornaments, and holiday movies on the lawn every Thursday.
Candy Land at Cosmic Saltillo
The upstairs bar space at Cosmic Saltillo has been transformed into your Candy Land meets gingerbread house dreams. Sip on festive cocktails in this cozy pop-up every Thursday through Saturday through December 27th.
Devil May Care Christmas
For a festive, yet edgy, holiday experience head over to Devil May Care on West Sixth Street. The underground lounge features limited edition cocktails, devilishly delightful decor and good times all around. Devil May Care Christmas is open from November 20th to December 28th.
Get LIT Hanuakkah at Kitty Cohen's
We love that there’s a place for everyone to celebrate this season! Kitty Cohen’s “Get Lit” Hanukkah pop-up runs December 3rd through January 2nd, so there’s plenty of time to stop by throughout the holiday season. Take pictures with the festive decorations or play a game of dreidel with friends while you sip on a Shabbos Spritz.
Courtesy of Gibson Street Bar.
Gibson Street Bar
Head to Gibson Street Bar for great drinks and an over-the-top decorative display. This South Lamar stop always celebrates holidays in style and this holiday season is no different. Guests can expect a full "Winter Wonderglam" theme with larger-than-life decorations and specialty crafted cocktails available from November 27th to January 5th.
Jingle Jangle at The Dead Rabbit
Hang out at the world's most awarded pub and Austin's newest hangout, The Dead Rabbit for a holiday pop-up experience unlike any other. From November 19th-January 5th, step into an over-the-top winter wonderland and sip on seasonal cocktails like gingerbread whiskey and mulled wine, all while listening to the ultimate Celtic Christmas playlist.
Lala’s Little Nugget
Lala’s little nugget raises “spirits” year-round. Grab a drink and take in wall-to-wall decor (including the bathrooms and ceiling!), whether you’re in town for the season or want a taste of the holidays in July.
The Lodge at Hotel Van Zandt
Ever sipped cocktails in an igloo in the heart of Texas? Hotel Van Zandt has transformed their 4th floor pool deck into a winter wonderland complete with igloo cabanas and themed cocktails. The Lodge will be open from Wednesday through Sunday throughout December with the exception of Christmas Day with igloo rentals starting at $125.
Merry Merry Marlow
Marlow Bar is getting festive this holiday season with Merry Merry Marlow, which will be happening from December 3rd through December 29th. The celebrations include tasteful holiday decor, a themed holiday drink menu, special celebration nights and free Christmas cookies, music and movies December 17th - 22nd. Stop by on December 11 and December 19th for A Holiday Cabaret featuring live Christmas Carol piano jam sessions.
Miracle on 5th Street. Credit Eric Medsker
Miracle on 5th Street
Located in Austin’s Warehouse District, The Eleanor is completely transformed during the month of December. Look for the candy cane striped entrance next door to the Roosevelt Room to enter the extreme Christmas display. While you're there, snap a pic on Santa's throne and try a curated Christmas cocktail, like the Snowball Old Fashioned. Miracle on 5th Street is open November 15th through December 28th.
Mozart's Festival of Lights
View a stunning and immersive light display at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, just on the bank of the Lake Austin waters. Sip on great coffee and listen to live music as lights dazzle in the sky and reflect on the water. Once you’ve got your fill of lights and caffeine, stop at their Bavarian marketplace for a treat on the way out. There’s plenty of time to stop by and enjoy this spectacular display from November 29th through January 4th.
Mr. Bo-Jingles at Hilton Austin
Inspired by Austin music legend Jerry Jeff Walker's 1962 tune "Mr. Bojangles," Mr. Bo-Jingles will pop-up at the Hilton Austin from November 29th - January 1st. The event will feature music memorabilia and seasonal drinks with Texas flavors like Rudolph's Eggnog, Yule Mule and Cringle's Hot Cocoa.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation at Uptown Sports Club
Old-school decorations are abundant at Uptown Sports Club's National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation-themed pop-up this December 4th through December 31st. Get cozy in a booth lit by colored Christmas lights and sample the festive cocktails on the limited edition menu.
Courtesy of Lala's Little Nugget.
Naughty or Nice at Upstairs at Caroline
Have you been naughty or nice this year? Upstairs at Caroline's annual pop-up is back with festive vibes and cocktails you can't miss! Bring a couple of friends and try the Polar Express Shotskii, those who were nice this year will enjoy a tasty spirit, while those who were naughty are not so lucky.
Polar Espresso at Thompson Austin
Stop by the Thompson Austin for a festive coffee experience this holiday season. The downtown hotel is partnering with beloved coffee roaster Proud Mary to feature festive espresso martinis and holiday decor in their first-floor coffee bar. Stop by November 27th through December 24th for delicious drinks, gingerbread decorating sessions and even pick up a last-minute gift at the pop-up candle shop by Scents Luxury Studio.
Ralphie's on Congress at Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta
Fans of the holiday classic A Christmas Story will want to check out Ralphie's on Congress at the Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta. Stephen F's Bar and Terrace will be transformed with festive holiday decor, twinkling lights, specialty-themed cocktails and of course, fragile leg lamps. Ralphie's on Congress will be open from December 5th through December 31st.
Yule at Azul. Courtesy of Giant Noise.
Sippin Santa at Nickel City Bar
Even Santa enjoys a cocktail this time of year, so treat yourself at the Sippin Santa pop-up at Nickel City. Starting November 25th, this East Austin bar will be filled with colorful light displays, present boxes hanging from the ceiling and a fun list of holiday cocktails.
Swamp Christmas at Lil' Easy
Head to East Austin to see how Lil' Easy decks out their Cajun dive bar for Swap Christmas. Come hungry for special menu bites, new holiday-themed frozen drinks, hot toddies and more. Don't leave without your signature memorabilia cup, they'll have a limited edition available only during Swamp Christmas taking place all December long.
Ugly Sweater at Fairmont Austin
Dust off your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and celebrate the season on the 7th floor rooftop at Fairmont Austin starting November 26th. Have yourself a classic cup of nog and enjoy holiday-themed bites in this kitschy Christmas pop-up. And who knows, from your rooftop view you might even catch Santa and his sleigh flying across the sky.
WinterSol Igloos at Otopia Rooftop
Celebrate the season in a private igloo overlooking the city at Otopia Rooftop at The Otis Hotel. This winter-themed pop-up bar will feature fun decor, cocktails to keep you warm and igloos for you and your friends to hang out in. Igloo rentals start November 22nd through December 30th.
Winter Wanderland. Courtesy of Austin Motel.
Winter Wanderland at Austin Motel
The holiday decor at Austin Motel is rainbow-hued throughout this festive pop-up. Stop by Winter Wanderland from December 5th to December 22nd for cocktails at Rocky's Bar, colorful decorations and fireplaces to keep you toasty while you hang out.
Y'alliday at Inn Cahoots
Saddle up for a holiday extravaganza at Austin Garden & Studio at Inn Cahoots all December long. The space will feature festive decorations, rockin' live music, cool winter cocktails, a spectacular light shows and additional special events to be announced!
Yule at Azul at Westin Austin
The highest rooftop bar in Austin sits atop the Westin Austin Downtown and is cheers-ing to a happy holiday this year with delicious drink specials, tasty S'mores boards and festive holiday decor. Cozy up with blankets at the rooftop pool deck bungalows and marvel at the illuminated Austin skyline on November 21st through December 29th.
Looking for a spot to refuel after a spirited night of holiday bar hopping? Check out our guide to the Best Brunch in Austin for your post-party breakfast meal.
