We probably won’t see a white Christmas in Austin, but don’t let that ruin your holly jolly spirit, because some of Austin’s best bars have invested heavily into making Austin’s holiday season bright and merry to keep you lit-up with refreshing beverages. You can fully wet your whistle and enjoy some of the most creative and festive pop-ups, complete with specialty holiday cocktail and snack menus. With so many options this year, here are our top picks for the best holiday pop-up bars across town.
Returning for its eighth year, Miracle on 5th Street at The Eleanor has set the pace for the most over-the-top Christmas pop-up in town. The festive pop-up features a wide array of beautiful twinkley decor, themed cocktails, shots, non-alcoholic drinks, and holiday-themed snacks. Tickets start at $5 and can reach up to $1,000 for large groups, with reservations available for groups of eight or more.
It’s time to sport your tackiest Christmas sweater at The Ugly Sweater at The Fairmont, which takes over the Rules & Regs rooftop bar. The entire bar has been transformed into a whimsical holiday universe filled with dazzling lights and nostalgic holiday decorations.
Yule at Azul, is easily the highest holiday pop-up in town, taking place on the top floor of the Westin Austin Hotel. It features festive holiday cocktails, private cabanas and the best views in the city. Running from November 21 to December 29, walk-ins are welcome, but it’s advisable to book a table or cabana in advance. Each cabana has its own unique holiday theme and costs $100 to reserve.
Experience the magic of ice skating in Austin at the Ice Rodeo, Austin’s premier ice rink overlooking Lady Bird Lake. From November 22, 2024 through January 5, 2025, skate beneath the stars in a winter wonderland at Four Seasons Hotel Austin. Enjoy outdoor ice skating, cozy dining cabins, pop-up lounges, immersive holiday décor and art installations.
Located at the Downright Austin Hotel, Swim Club is launching its inaugural holiday programming the Rodeo Room transforms into Après Swim, an experiential pop-up bar led by industry veteran Travis Tober. This whimsical pink winter wonderland offers holiday enthusiasts a delightful place to eat, drink, and be merry. Enjoy activations such as a sugar-cookie decorating kit and Christmas movies on The Lawn every Thursday evening, complete with lawn chairs and fire pits for roasting savory s’mores.
There’s almost zero chance of snow for Christmas, but Snow Much Fun, at JW Marriott’s Edge Rooftop bar helps to bring the winter magic to life. Running from November 23 through the holiday season, this event features s’mores, firepits, craft cocktails, and hourly “snowfalls,” creating a festive and cozy atmosphere.
The Lodge at Hotel Van Zandt returns for its fifth year, featuring festive cocktails, bites, and signature igloos on the fourth-floor pool deck. Each cozy igloo accommodates six guests and includes a dedicated server, Bluetooth speaker, holiday decor, and board games. Igloos are available for rent in two time slots: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m. Reservations can be made via Eventbrite.
Celebrate the season at Lefty’s Brick Bar in East Austin with Rudolph’s Road House Holiday at the interactive holiday pop-up, complete with decked-out holiday decorations and special holiday-themed drinks. Stop in for a night of holiday cheer and festive fun!
Step into a whimsical world at “Candy Land,” a Christmas pop-up at Cosmic Saltillo inspired by a blend of classic gingerbread house aesthetics and the enchanting Candy Land game board. This pop-up bar is adorned with vibrant holiday decor, some of which are interactive, and offers sweet sips that transport you to a holiday wonderland. Sip your way through a carefully curated menu designed like the Candy Land game board, featuring themed cocktails that celebrate the season.
Lala’s Little Nugget on Justin Lane has been enchanting patrons since 1972. Today its newer South Austin location, Lala’s South Pole, is just as cozy and kitschy, making it perfect for enjoying yuletide drinks and pizza any day of the year.
Located in the basement of Tiger Lilly at 400 Colorado Street, Reindeer Room offers a festive escape reminiscent of your grandparents’ cozy basement, with a delightful mix of retro Christmas kitsch and playful holiday spirit. Adorned with twinkling lights and nostalgic décor, this pop-up features cocktails that are sure to make Santa blush. Whether you’re coming to sip, snap, or celebrate, Reindeer Room is the ultimate destination for holiday cheer and unforgettable vibes. Tickets required, open through December 30th.
The “Naughty or Nice” theme as returned to Upstairs at Caroline. Enjoy a specialty cocktail menu, s’mores, and the “Polar Express Shotskii,” where “naughty people get Malört and nice people get rumple mintz.”
Make your way to Gibson Street Bar for excellent drinks and an extravagant decorative display. Located on South Lamar, this spot is known for celebrating holidays in style, and this season is no exception. Guests can look forward to a “Winter Wonderglam” theme, featuring larger-than-life decorations and specialty crafted cocktails, available from November 27th to January 5th.
The Otis Hotel’s Otopia Rooftop bar has been transformed into a delightful winter wonderland of luxury with private igloo rentals, each equipped with a cookie-decorating kit, a Polaroid camera for group photos, postcards, board games, and a vinyl record player. This festive pop-up bar offers a cozy atmosphere with charming decor and warm cocktails for you and your friends to savor. Igloo rentals are available through December 30th, and reservations are required, starting at $200. Celebrate the season in style at Otopia Rooftop!
The LINE Austin has unveiled their latest concept, Cantero, a bar that takes mixology to…
The demand for sugar free hard candy is on the rise, especially among those managing…
Thanksgiving in Austin is a time for festive feasting, and there’s no shortage of delightful…
Pursuit Farms has become a beacon for discerning palates seeking the finest Wagyu beef available…
New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…
Your Ultimate Guide to Halloween Parties & Themed Bars in Austin Looking for spooky fun…