Looking to celebrate the season with a festive atmosphere and tasty drinks? Here are some of the best holiday pop-up bars in Philadelphia for 2024.
Uptown Beer Garden
Every year, Uptown transforms its large Center City space into the Uptown Express. Open now through Dec. 31, this pop-up boasts over the top decorations inspired by Christmas movie classics (like ‘Elf’ and ‘Christmas Vacation’), plus some festive additions to its menu.
Food and drink options span the Heat Miser (aka a cup of hot cider spiked with cinnamon whiskey and a cinnamon stick), Ya Filthy Animal (comprised of hot cocoa and Skrewball whiskey topped with whipped cream and a candy cane) and more, plus bites like mac and cheese poppers, chicken wings, a veggie burger and a banana mousse cookie cheesecake.
1500 John F Kennedy Blvd, uptownbeer.com
Tinsel
Those looking for holiday pop-up bars in Philadelphia can head to Tinsel, which opens on Black Friday this year and runs through New Year’s Eve. As a release notes, the design of Tinsel is inspired by iconic Christmas screen comedies as well as Philadelphia traditions. The now bi-level venue will feature two full service bars and a slew of drinks to sip on for the holiday season.
Options span The Son of a Nutcracker! (Jim Beam, apple cider, ginger beer and star anise), World’s Best Hot Chocolate (Absolut Vodka, hot chocolate, whipped cream and toasted marshmallow) Bah Humbug! (Corralejo Tequila, cold brew, caramel, Crème de Cacao and whipped cream) and more. Returning this year to the cocktail menu is also the fan-favorite Canned Goods cocktail comprised of Hornitos Tequila, apple cider, Redbull, and a rosemary garnish. A portion of the proceeds from this cocktail will be donated to the local nonprofit, MANNA.
116 S 12th St., facebook.com/Tinselphilly
The Prime Rib
“Drinks in Toyland” is the venue’s latest holiday pop-up, and it will be housed in the restaurant’s front entrance foyer/bar until Jan. 11. As a release notes, the space is meant to help locals reconnect with friends and family over the holidays, host team outings, and find a bit of comfort and nostalgia during this busy time. Decor-wise, the pop-up dons twinkling lights, antique toys, tinsel, ornaments, snowy windows and more, but the real magic comes from the cocktails being served.
Different seasonal flavors like chocolate peppermint and gingerbread are on display with the Chocolate Peppermint Martini and the Gingerbread Espresso Martini. The former features Tito’s Vodka with chocolate liqueur, simple syrup, and peppermint syrup with a crushed peppermint/chocolate rim, and a peppermint stick, while the latter boasts Cantera Negra Silver Tequila, Cantera Negra Café liqueur, gingerbread syrup, and freshly brewed espresso served in a coup glass garnished with a gingerbread cookie crumb rim, whipped cream, and a gingerbread man. A full list of cocktail offerings can be found online.
900 Packer Ave., philadelphia.livecasinohotel.com
Craftsman Row Saloon
Those looking for holiday pop-up bars in Philadelphia are in for a treat with Craftsman Row Saloon. Known for its over-the-top decorations (featuring thousands of lights, ornaments and more) and extravagant milkshake options (like the “All I Want for Christmas” featuring vanilla ice cream, egg nog, crushed gingerbread cookie, a holiday decorated cookie, lollipop, and green/red sour strip) the venue is also donning an updated food and drink menu.
Festive options span the Christmas Dinner Burger, Candy Cane Caprese, Holiday Pasta and sips like the Fireside Chat (skrewball whiskey, chocolate bitters, cream, toasted marshmallow and a cinnamon rim), Elf Help Book Sangria (pinot grigio, white cranberry, rosemary, orange and apple cider) Garland Punch (gin, midori, lemon and a Christmas wreath) and more.
112 S 8th St., craftsmanrowsaloon.com
Butcher Bar
From now through Jan. 17, Philadelphians can head to Butcher Bar to check out their annual Yule Loge pop-up, located in the back bar area. The festive addition to the Center City venue features themed cocktails, shotskis, and bites from the restaurant’s kitchen. This space is especially prime for private parties, dinners, and other events.
2034 Chestnut St., butcherbarphilly.com
Harry’s Bar and Grille
Those looking for a bit of a trip when experiencing holiday pop-up bars can head to the Cape May to check out the new festive additions at Harry’s Bar and Grille. While there, guests can sip on seasonal cocktails like the Mistletoe Margarita or Snowflake Eggnog while surrounded by beautiful, “Instagram-worthy” holiday decorations.
The pop-up also features different events like Brunch with Santa (Dec. 7 and 14), an Ugly Sweater Party (Dec. 21), and a New Year’s Eve soiree. A full schedule of happenings can be found online.
1025 Beach Ave., Cape May, New Jersey, harryscapemay.com
