These 10 holiday pop-up bars in Austin will make you feel like you're in a Hallmark movie
Holiday cheer is beginning to spread through Austin, and not just Christmas lights and Santa appearances but special bars and pop-ups, too.
At pubs, hotels, coffee shops and more, Austinites can enjoy holiday treats and decorations throughout December.
Here are some jolly bars and pop-ups to check out:
Miracle on 5th Street at The Eleanor
When: Nov. 26-Dec. 27
Where: 307 W 5th St.
This bar features three parts: a front room with presents on the ceiling and a large Santa chair, a second room themed after a ski lodge and an upstairs area with a cozy holiday feel. Special drinks include the Snowball Old Fashioned, Christmapolitan and Jingle Balls Nog served in Christmas dinosaur cups, Santa pant cups and more.
Mozart's Coffee Roaster
When: Nov. 9-Jan. 6
Where: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
Everyone knows of Mozart's Annual Holiday Light Show, so it would be wrong not to mention it. An iconic Austin classic, the show features tons of dancing lights, a light-up dance floor, a Bavarian marketplace and more. Tickets are available for the market, reserved tables, a silent disco and a nautical light show.
Lala's Little Nugget
When: Year-round
Where: 2207 Justin Lane
Lala's is perhaps Austin's only year-round Christmas-themed bar. It will even be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day beginning at 7 p.m.
More: 9 places in Texas to visit for a taste of how holidays used to be celebrated
Uptown Sports Bar
When: Nov. 27-Dec. 31
Where: 1200 East 6th St.
This bar is holding its first holiday pop-up this year with a "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" theme. Attendees can enjoy retro Christmas decorations and a new cocktail menu that includes the Hot Toddy and Gin n Ginger.
The Lodge at Hotel Van Zandt
When: Dec. 1-31 with blackout days on Dec. 2, 9 and 24
Where: 605 Davis St.
The Lodge, located near the restaurant Geraldine's, is themed after Aspen, Colorado, and its cozy skiing scene. The pop-up also features six "South Pole Igloos" with heated seats for up to six people and games, holiday music, a dedicated server and additional, optional heaters. The igloos are available only by reservation Thursdays through Sundays at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Fairmont Austin Ugly Sweater Holiday Bar
When: Now until unspecified end date
Where: 101 Red River St.
Inside the hotel's Rules & Regs bar sits the new Ugly Sweater Holiday Bar, complete with a skyline view, deviled eggs, chocolate fondue, pigs in a blanket, cocktails and more.
More: The ultimate holiday gift guide for the Austinite in your life
Moxy Austin
When: Dec. 1-31
Where: 2552 Guadalupe St.
This pop-up features a "The Nightmare Before Christmas" theme and Wednesday movie nights complete with cocktails and dine-in areas.
Donn's Depot
When: Dec. 1 to unspecified date
Where: 1600 W 5th St.
Donn's Depot, an Old West bar built out of an old train depot, will show off Christmas decor and a special seasonal menu this December.
Nickel City's Sippin' Santa
When: Nov. 20-Dec. 27
Where: 1133 E 11th St.
Nickel City is taking the holidays to Hawaii with its Sippin' Santa pop-up. Walks-in are welcome, but guests can also reserve a table for six to 12 people at a minimum spending of $500. Drinks include Sharkey's First Christmas, which contains vodka, lime, Aquavit, pineapple juice and melon and walnut liqueurs.
Kitty Cohen's Get Lit
When: Dec. 1-31
Where: 2211 Webberville Road
Get Lit, featuring special cocktails and decorations, is a Hanukkah pop-up in its fifth year at Kitty Cohen's.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 10 best holiday pop-up bars in Austin, Texas in 2023