The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than a cheerful holiday bar in the Twin Cities!? From cozy winter wonderlands to spirited cocktail havens, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro has something for everyone looking to toast to the holidays this season! Even with a few of our favorite closings in the past year (shedding a tear for you Psycho Suzi’s and Lawless!) the metro has come through again with even MORE holiday bars than ever this year! I’ve rounded up 7 pop-up holiday bars that will be sure to make this season merry and bright! Please note, to my knowledge all of these pop-up bars offer Non-Alcoholic options too – YAY!
** Update as of 11/24: this list has grown to 10 festive bars! 🙂 Feel free to email me at hello@lizannelately.com if you have any more to add to the list! Cheers!
Holiday Vacation in The Basement Bar
Travail Kitchen – Robbinsdale
Experience your own holiday vacation in a festively adorned ambiance in the Basement Bar at Travail. From boarding a “flight”, singing Christmas Carols, and going on a cocktail adventure, this experience is not to be missed! Cocktails are complemented by a multi-course tasting menu as well, showcasing Pan-Asian and Polynesian cuisine! Reservations Required.
Tickets are available starting at just $69, with a required beverage pairing that you’ll customize.
Holiday Vacation in the Basement Bar runs from November 9 – January 6.
Seating times are at 5:45 pm and 8 pm.
Miracle on PINZ Street
Miracle pop-up bar at PINZ Oakdale
Our favorite holiday pop-up, Miracle, is BACK and this time it’s taking on PINZ in Oakdale! Get lost in the kitschy Christmas decor and sip on the most fun cocktails in your favorite holiday glassware too – Do I go with a Santa mug or T-Rex cup this year?! Take the cheer home with you as you can purchase the glassware too!
Miracle on PINZ Street runs from November 24 – December 1. Reservations Recommended.
Jingle Bar
Cast & Cru – Excelsior
Old Log Theatre will transform their 125+-year-old cabin into the Jingle Bar starting Thanksgiving weekend! Celebrate in a Christmas wonderland with over-the-top décor and a holiday soundtrack sure to make you merry and bright. Expect Christmas-themed cocktails that play on classic holiday flavors.
Runs from Thurs-Sat November 24 – December 23
Red Nose Room
Red Cow – Uptown
Red Cow Uptown went all out this year with the creation of the Red Nose Room! Join them for holiday celebrations and festive fun by indulging in specialty holiday bevvies or taking a pic in the festive photo booth! Regular menu offered as well for dining!
Runs through November 17 – January 7
Nico’s Navidad Holiday House
Nico’s Taco Bar – Uptown
5 themed rooms, life-size Santa, Naughty/Nice cocktail list, Christmas movies in the “Red Bar”, Santa letter box, and more! The elves have turned the little house into the best Christmas Casa in the city! Only at the Minneapolis Location.
Open Now!
Grinches Lair
Hotel Emery – Minneapolis
This holiday season, those seeking merriment and mischief will find it at Grinch’s Lair, Hotel Emery’s Wholiday Pop-up Bar in downtown Minneapolis.! Explore the bar’s themed cocktail menu – a storybook of its own! It will be a Seussian celebration with areas inspired by The Grinch’s Lair, Whoville and Mount Crumpit – perfect for capturing unforgettable Instagram moments.
Running Thursdays – Sundays, December 1 – January 7
Tinsel Town
O’Donovans Irish Pub – Minneapolis
A Christmas Speakeasy, Tinsel Town, an all-encompassing Christmas-themed bar, the halls are more than fully decked with baubles, bows, hanging trees, wreaths, and just about every festive goodie ever! You’ll be left unable to shake the spirit and joy of my favorite season! Catch Santa’s elves, listen to festive tunes, and drink up in creative Christmas cocktails too! (NA availabel) Every corner will be adorned in festive fun, so it makes it the perfect holiday memory or Instagrammable moment! Tickets are $15 entry. Strictly 21+ event but call for family-friendly sessions.
SAVE 10% OFF TICKETS WITH LIZANNE10! Book here with this link!
Running from November 24 – December 31
Jingle Bar
Lola’s Lakehouse – Waconia
Join in festive experiences starting nightly at 4pm at the Jingle Bar pop-up at Lola’s Lakehouse in Waconia! Sip on Seasonal libations while munching on Mistletoe Munchie Cheese curds. From cocktails to food they have you covered this merry, merry season!
Runs through the holiday season starting November 17
Honorable Mentions”
Casper’s Cherokee in Eagan: Enjoy fun and festive Christmas decor while you sip cocktails and enjoy their diverse mennu!
Frenchman’s Pub in Richfield: Stay cozy in the ambiance of Christmas lights at Fremchman’s Pub!
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Whether you prefer a North Pole-inspired experience or a sparkling wonderland, the Twin Cities has it all. Gather your friends, embrace the festive spirit, and make this holiday season one to remember. Cheers to joyous celebrations and unforgettable moments from these Minneapolis Holiday Pop-up Bars!