We’ve fa-la-la-la-fallen in love with Christmas pop up bars over the years here in San Diego, which is why new ones keep cropping up every year. If you’re looking for some yuletide cheer here in Southern California, pay a visit to one of these 7 holiday pop-up bars here in San Diego.
1. Santa’s Lair
Fancy a trip to the North Pole without leaving the Gaslamp Quarter? Santa’s Lair at Parq has cozy vibes, and it’s the perfect spot for those looking for a nostalgic touch. Enjoy the holiday-themed wall-to-wall décor, along with some holiday cocktails. Don’t miss the chance to snap a selfie with Santa himself!
Location: 615 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
2. Xmas Bar at Good Night John Boy
Remember your grandparents basement…picture that 70’s esthetic…and then throw Christmas vibes all over it. This basement is fully transformed for the holidays, at Xmas Bar at Good Night John Boy. Dance under the lights while sipping on a Naughty or Nice, Mistletoe’s Kiss or a Jingle Juice.
Location: 401 G St., San Diego, CA 92101
3. Deck the Halls at Nason’s Beer Hall
Nason’s is getting into the holiday spirit! This season, The Pendry San Diego is transforming with extravagant holiday décor for its Deck the Halls celebration. Enjoy frosty beers, festive cocktails, seasonal bites, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Location: 550 J St., San Diego, CA 92101
4. Elf on the 12th at Mister A’s
Shelfs are cool, but the stunning 12th-floor views at Mister A’s…is better. This December, join Elf on the 12th for festive holiday cocktails like Resting Grinch Face, All the Jingle Ladies, and Let’s Take an Elfie – yes, it comes with an elf.
Location: 2550 Fifth Ave., 12th Floor, San Diego, CA 92103
5. The Frosty Saddle
Find this pop-up at Estancia La Jolla, and enjoy a selection of specialty cocktails, mocktails, signature mulled wine, and freshly brewed eggnog!
Location: 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
6. InsideOUT
San Diego’s premiere LGBTQ+-owned bar, Inside Out, has been making headlines ever since its arrival in SoCal. This urban oasis in Hillside gets a magical makeover during different seasons of the year and for Christmas, they’ve gone all out with snowflake sculptures, garland and lights, and even a flurry of fake snow that falls over guests dining in the lounge for a white Christmas we don’t often see here in California. Don’t forget to try one of their themed cocktails or bites.
Location: 1642 University Ave #100, San Diego
7. Top of the Hyatt
Until December 27th, Top of the Hyatt will be completely transformed into a holiday lounge where you can sit by the warm hearth while sipping on cocktails and lounging in their bunk beds that give all the feels of a cozy cabin. Don’t forget to take in the stunning SoCal panoramic views this 40th floor lounge is known for.
Location: 1 Market Pl, San Diego
8. Miracle
Miracle is the gift that keeps on giving year after year, transforming local spots into a kitschy Christmas wonderland. This is definitely one of the most famous and beloved Christmas pop up bars in San Diego! This year, Miracle will be hosted at 2 different locations: Rancho Bernardo Inn and Draft Belmont Park, both with their own vibe but the same fun cocktails and glassware for the perfect festive photo-opp.
Locations:
Draft Belmont Park: 3125 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego
Rancho Bernardo Inn: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego
9. The Duck Dive
The Great Dickens Pop Up is taking over The Duck Dive! It’s full of festive holiday decor and Christmas-y glassware, and specialty holiday cocktails like their Bah-Rum-Bug made with rum, Aperol, pineapple, maple, lime, and cinnamon. This is also a classic, and a fan favorite, when it comes to Christmas pop up bars in San Diego.
Location: 4650 Mission Blvd, San Diego
10. Cutwater Tasting Room
Cutwater’s award-winnng spirits have been transformed into a delectable collection of holiday cocktails for sippin’. Head over to the tasting room until Dec. 31st to try their Negronski Flight, Poinsettia Punch, or their frozen Frostbite.
Location: 9750 Distribution Ave, San Diego