15 holiday pop-up bars coming to Charlotte in 2025
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Vinyl's holiday pop-up is now open in South End. Photo: Courtesy of NiceDay
It's beginning to look a lot like cocktails. These festive pop-ups are shaking, stirring and serving up enough holiday cheer to make even Scrooge say "just one more."
Sippin' Santa at The Royal Tot
The vibe: The tropical-themed bar is bringing its Sippin' Santa tiki pop-up for the fifth consecutive year.
- Expect tropical holiday-themed cocktails in festive mugs.
If you go: Festivities at The Royal Tot run Nov. 17 through Dec. 31 at 933 Louise Ave.
Miracle at Backstage Lounge
The vibe: Backstage Lounge is a speakeasy behind SouthBound, and it's switching out its spooky speakeasy decor with tinsel galore.
If you go: Festivities at Backstage Lounge run Nov. 19 through Dec. 28 at 2433 South Blvd.
Between the lines: Miracle is an international pop-up bar event with events at bars across the Carolinas.
- Other nearby Miracle pop-up locations include: Chimney Rock Smokehouse in Chimney Rock, Latitudes Bar & Grill in Denver, and No Entry Cocktail Lounge in Hickory.
Bah Humbug at Humbug
The vibe: "We are exploring the fun, irreverent side of the holidays by exploring themes like The Grinch, Krampus, Scrooge, and more," owner Andrew Schools tells Axios.
- Expect themed drinks, and "vibes that lean into the darker side of the holidays."
If you go: Bah Humbug will run from Dec. 2 through Dec. 30 at 2501 The Plaza.
- Tickets are $10 per person for a two-hour reservation.
Santa's Favorite Watering Hole at Vinyl
The vibe: "Christmas balls to the walls," per a statement from their team. Expect sparkling lights, over-the-top decor, themed drinks, and a rock-and-hip-hop holiday soundtrack.
If you go: Santa's Favorite Watering Hole starts Nov. 12 and runs through Jan. 4 at 1440 S. Tryon St.
Buddy's Cocktail Workshop at Supperland
The vibe: The Supperland Speakeasy is hosting a Buddy the "Elf"-inspired cocktail tasting and dish pairing.
- The menu was created by head mixologist Colleen Hughes, who received Michelin's Exceptional Cocktails Award this week.
- Tickets are $175/person and include four courses — each with a crafted cocktail and dish pairing.
If you go: Buddy's Cocktail Workshop starts Nov. 20 and runs through Jan. 3 at 1212 The Plaza.
- The tasting runs on select Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with seatings at 6pm and 8:30pm.
La Buena Christmas Cantina at Hermanita
The vibe: This Mexican-themed holiday bar "celebrates the traditions of Las Posadas and Noche Buena with festive cocktails, cozy decor and a touch of 80s holiday flair," a statement from its owner reads.
- Expect twinkle lights, themed drinks and bar snacks and nightly DJs from 5pm-midnight.
If you go: La Buena Christmas Cantina starts Dec. 2 and runs through Jan. 4 at 1705 Central Ave. inside El Malo.
Winter at the Queen's Castle at Aura Rooftop
The vibe: A "Bridgerton"-inspired rooftop party with a castle-like setting inspired by Queen Charlotte.
If you go: Winter at the Queen's Castle starts Dec. 1 and runs through Dec. 31 at 600 South College St. inside the JW Marriott.
Nauti North Pole at The Waterman's rooftop
The vibe: Twinkle lights, holiday decor with nautical touches and fake snow for photo ops. Ugly holiday sweaters are encouraged, and blankets and pocket hand warmers will be provided for cooler evenings.
- Its menu will feature stocking shots, jingle bell margaritas, boozy hot cocoa and other festive drinks.
If you go: Nauti North Pole sets sail on Nov. 26 through Dec. 23 at 2729 South Blvd.
Sugarplum Social at Optimist Hall
The vibe: Expect a similar look and feel to Billy Sunday's past holiday pop-ups, complete with 10 holiday-inspired cocktails ($16-$18) and two heated igloos available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you go: Sugarplum Social runs Thursday, Dec. 4, through Sunday, Dec. 28.
- Hours are Monday-Thursday 4-10pm and Friday-Saturday 2-11pm. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- The bar will offer indoor standing room, and once capacity is reached, it will start a waitlist.
Go deeper: Popular Optimist Hall space reopens with holiday bar — plus a new business coming soon
Gilded Cocktail Club at Búho Bar
The vibe: This rooftop bar atop the Grand Bohemian in Uptown offers skyline views and a vintage holiday theme. Expect festive drinks and a live DJ every weekend.
If you go: The Gilded Cocktail Club is open Nov. 28 – Jan. 3 at 201 W. Trade St.
- Open Tuesday — Thursday from 4pm — midnight, Friday 4pm — 1am and Saturday 3pm — 1am.
Elf Bar at Foo Bar
The vibe: Expect holiday-themed drinks and cozy vibes this bar and arcade.
If you go: Elf Bar is at 900 NC Music Factory Blvd.
McHale's House of Christmas at McHale's Irish Pub
The vibe: This NoDa Irish pub will offer cozy pints all December, plus five festive cocktails and weekly events, like "Christmas Craic" on Dec. 11 and "Fairytale of NoDa" on Dec. 18.
If you go: Find McHale's at 3112 N Davidson St.
- The bar will open on Christmas Day from 5pm to midnight and on New Year's Eve.
Misfit Toys at Queen Park Social
The vibe: The bar is decorated with upcycled pieces inspired by vintage toy factories, 80s holiday movies and mid-century Christmas kitsch, according to a press release. Expect festive drinks in themed glassware reminiscent of childhood toys.
If you go: Misfit Toys runs through the holiday season at 4125 Yancey Road.
The North Pole at The Garrison
The vibe: Make a reservation and arrive early for a holiday-themed cocktail at the bar while you wait for your table.
If you go: The Garrison transforms into the North Pole starting Nov. 17 at 314 Main St., Pineville.
Christmas Vacation on Lake Wylie at Papa Doc's Shore Club
The vibe: It's a "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"-themed holiday pop-up bar with over-the-top lights and themed drinks.
If you go: Christmas Vacation on Lake Wylie starts Nov. 22 at 3990 Charlotte Hwy, Lake Wylie.
Go deeper: Charlotte holiday guide
Editor's note: This guide was last updated Dec. 4 to include new pop-up bar options.