Where to find holiday pop-up bars in Austin
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Lala's new location in South Austin serves up festive drinks year round. Photo: Courtesy of Lala's South Pole
A growing number of Austin bars are getting into the holiday spirit with Christmas-themed takeovers and pop-ups.
Why it matters: We may not see snow in Austin, but at least we can sip a hot toddy on a 70-degree day surrounded by twinkle lights and fake presents hanging from the ceiling.
Here are the festive pop-up bars in Austin this holiday season:
Cosmic Saltillo
Candy Land has taken over Cosmic Saltillo with festive cocktails, interactive holiday decor and plenty of candy until Dec. 27.
- The menu is designed like the Candy Land game board and features drinks like a "Honey Pear Cottage" — tequila, honey, holiday-spiced pear, lemon and bitters — and the "Gingerbread Orchard" with bourbon or cognac with orchard cider and gingerbread chai for a festive twist.
📍 If you go: Festive attire is encouraged. Visit them at 1300 E 4th St.
Stephen F's Bar and Terrace
The Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel will transform its bar and terrace into Ralphie's on Congress, a holiday popup inspired by the holiday classic "A Christmas Story."
- Enjoy plenty of nostalgic holiday decor — including leg lamps — and specialty cocktails.
📍 If you go: Ralphie's will open Dec. 5-31 at 701 Congress Ave.
The Dead Rabbit
The Dead Rabbit brought its beloved Jingle Jangle pop-up to Austin, transforming the pub into a winter wonderland.
- Expect playlists spotlighting Irish Christmas tracks and plenty of specialty drinks.
📍 If you go: Open through Jan. 5 at 204 E 6th St.
Hotel Van Zandt
Hotel Van Zandt's festive igloos and holiday bar have returned for the fifth year, transforming the rooftop pool deck into an al fresco holiday dining experience.
- Take your friends and dine in an igloo featuring holiday music, festive games and a dedicated server.
📍 If you go: Igloo reservations are $125, plus a $200 food and beverage minimum, from Dec. 1-29.
- The igloos can comfortably accommodate up to six guests.
Miracle on 5th Street
Miracle returns to The Eleanor through Dec. 28 with festive decor and holiday-inspired cocktails, like the Snowball Old Fashioned, Jingle Balls Nog and the Christmapolitan.
- Check out the main bar, a mezzanine bar and a special "Ski Lodge" area with shot skis.
📍 If you go: General admission tickets can be pre-purchased online or at the door.
✅ Pro tip: Miracle happy hour runs from 2-5pm each day, and tickets are not required for entry during those hours.
Lala's Little Nugget
You can't miss this year-round Christmas bar in North Austin. Plus, don't forget that there's a new second location, Lala's South Pole.
- Try their boozy eggnog, peppermint hot cocoa and Prancer's punch during the winter season.
📍 If you go: Lala's Little Nugget is located at 2207 Justin Lane, and Lala's South Pole is at 3008 Davis Lane.
The Edge Rooftop
Enjoy snow every hour. Roast s'mores. And enjoy live music at Edge Rooftop's Snow Much Fun pop-up experience through Dec. 25.
📍 If you go: Be sure to make a reservation. You can also book a fire pit table experience or snow globe cabana through OpenTable.
Austin Motel
The Austin Motel is bringing back its "Winter Wanderland" experience, with a forest of colorful trees and festive cocktails at their brand new Ski Lodge Bar through Dec. 25.
- Don't miss festive film floats every Friday, with "Love Actually" on Dec. 6, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" on Dec. 13 and "Elf" on Dec. 20.
- Plus, snap a photo with sexy Santa on Dec. 7, or attend the KUTX Old School Holiday Dance Party on Dec. 5.
📍 If you go: 1220 S. Congress Ave.
Donn's Depot
The holiday season doesn't count if you don't make at least one trip to Donn's Depot.
- Enjoy their over-the-top holiday lights, live music and dancing and a variety of festive drinks.
📍 If you go: 1600 W. 5th St.