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! The metro has come through again this year with even MORE holiday bars than ever! I’ve rounded up OVER 20 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!
These holiday hot spots bring cheer with creative cocktails, whimsical décor, and seasonal vibes. Here’s your guide to the best holiday pop-up bars in Minnesota for 2024.
Anything starting with a * means it’s FAMILY FRIENDLY based on my findings (but please double check with the venue)
Updated as of 11/27! Feel free to email me at hello@lizannelately.com if you have any more to add to the list! Cheers!
1. Holiday Flight Club in The Basement Bar: Travail Kitchen – Robbinsdale
Experience your own holiday vacation in a festively adorned ambiance in the Basement Bar at Travail. From world tastings and delectable drinks this experience is not to be missed! Cocktails are complemented by a multi-course tasting menu as well, showcasing holiday traditional bites from across the globe! Reservations Required. 21+ advised.
Tickets are available starting at just $69, with a required beverage pairing that you’ll customize. Seating times are at 5:45 pm and 8 pm.
Runs from November 7 – January 4.
2. *Red Nose Room + Apres Ski Chalet: Red Cow – Uptown
Red Cow Uptown went all out again this year bringing back Red Nose Room! But also they transformed the rpation into an Apres Ski Chalet! 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 November 20- January 7
3. *Hell-a-Dazzle: Hell’s Kitchen – Minneapolis
Step into the underground lair of Hell’s Kitchen for some festive food and drinks. The space is bursting with over the top Christmas kitsch and cheer!
Runs November 29- January 13
4. *Nico’s Navidad Holiday House: Nico’s Taco Bar – Uptown, South MPLS, and St. Paul
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! You can experience the magic this year at their Uptown, St. Paul, and South Minneapolis locations! Family Friendly!
Runs November 8 – January 5th
5. Down Through The Chimney: Hotel Emery – Minneapolis
Runs Wednesdays – Sundays, Nov 21 – Dec 29
6. *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! Family Friendly in the Dining Room.
Runs November 15- December 31
7. Northern Starlight Express: The Depot, Minneapolis
Get ready to step aboard the Northern Starlight, where a holiday adventure is just around the corner. You’re invited to embark on a 60-minute festive journey set in a reimagined historic train car featuring festive handcrafted cocktails and curated bites as you’re transported to a world of holiday wonder. Reservations are required starting at $65/person. Tickets include festive cocktails and light bites.
Runs November 29 – January 4
8. The Nutcracker Suite: Sovereign Estate Winery – Waconia
Visit the enchanting Nutcracker Suite, a festive holiday cocktail bar nestled within the Soverigen Estate Winery. Experience a whimsical journey as you step into a beautifully decorated Christmas lounge, featuring an array of seasonal cocktails such as the delightful Sugar Plum Fairy Martini and the “Nutcracker.” In addition to the cozy atmosphere and festive cocktails, a selection of delicious appetizers will be available, each designed to enhance the magic of the holidays. The Nutcracker Suite will be open Thursday-Sunday during the Spirit of Winter hours. 21+
Runs November 22 – December 29
9. *Winter Wonder Bar: Creekside Supper Club – Minneapolis
Enjoy holiday nostalgia this season at your classic supper club decked out in Christmas cheer at Creekside Supper Club! No frills here – just good food, festive ambiance and check their Instagram for events throughout the season! A perfect option to celebrate with friends and it’s family friendly!
Open Now through the Holiday season.
10-11. *Miracle Bar at PINZ and River City Extreme: Oakdale + Monticello
Our favorite holiday pop-up, Miracle, is BACK and this time it’s taking on PINZ in Oakdale and River City Extreme in Monticello. 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! UNDER 21 allowed until 7pm with 21+ adult accompaniment.
Miracle Bar runs from November 29 – December 29. Reservations Recommended.
12. The Naughty List: Umbra – Minneapolis
The Naughty List is coming to Umbra at the Canopy Hotel! Starting 11/24, step into our holiday pop-up bar in Downtown Minneapolis, where the spirit is merry, and the drinks are straight from Santa’s liquor cabinet. Indulge in festive cocktails, cozy up in our cheerful ambiance, and savor bites from their brand-new bar menu. Drink pictured, North Pole Nightcap: contains Godiva chocolate liqueur, mint, Du Nord coffee, blended with vanilla ice cream and a candy cane garnish. 21+
Runs November 24 – December 31
13. *Jingle Giles: Earl Giles Distillery – Northeast Minneapolis
Enjoy the season at Jingle Giles with exclusive holiday menus and cocktails, holiday decor, family friendly events and theme days and even holiday markets on Saturdays! A great option for post work HH or an outing with the family!
Runs November 25- December 31st
14. The Jingle Bar: Brit’s Pub – Minneapolis
Step into a wonderland decked out with tinsel, twinkling trees, and presents galore and the Jingle Bar at Brits Pub. Holiday Hits & Jolly Jingles: Non-Stop Xmas Classics: From Mariah Carey to Frank Sinatra, They’ve got the ultimate festive soundtrack, with a few party tunes to keep the vibes pumping. Sip on delicious, holiday themed drinks and enjoy delicious food to keep the holiday cheer flowing! Tickets required. 21+
Runs December 1 – December 29
15. The Elf Bar: O’Donovan’s Irish Pub – Minneapolis
Step into The Elf Bar, a whimsical, elf-themed pop-up Christmas bar designed to spread holiday cheer! With festive décor, playful vibes, and enchanting surprises, it’s a holiday experience that’s sure to delight guests. Tickets required starting at $15. 21+
Runs December 1 – December 29
16. Christmas Movie Bar – The Brass Hat Speakeasy – Waconia
Follow the red light to the fun Christmas Movie Bar speakeasy where you’ll see decor and themes from all your favorite Christmas movies like Elf and A Christmas Story! You can even grab a signature cocktail with festive glassware too – Like the moose mug from Christmas Vacation 😉 21+
Runs November 21 – Holidays
17. *Winter Wonderland/Snow Globe Escape – The Howe – Minneapolis
Enjoy cocktails and seasonal menu items on the new fully enclosed (and heated) pergola at The Howe Daily Kitchen and Bar as they transformed it into a Winter wonderland with Holiday Decor and festive vibes! Family Friendly to my knowledge!
Runs December 2 – Holidays
18. *Winter Wonderland Jingle Bar – Fair of 4 – Mall Of America
Step into a holiday dreamland at the Fair of 4’s new Winter Wonderland Pop Up Jingle Bar at Mall of America! Dazzle your way through sparkling snowflakes, twinkle lights, shimmering icicles, and flocked trees in white, blue, silver, and gold while enjoying the traditional experience of arcade games, go-karts, axe throwing and more! Snap your insta worth photo at their photo stations, and enjoy the coziest atmosphere! Indulge in themed cocktails, tasty bites, and magical vibes! Perfect for girls’ night out, family-friendly outings, or a date night!
Runs December 6th – Mid January
19. MontegoBlu’s Jingle Bar – Excelsior
MontegoBlu’s new Jingle Bar in the heart of Excelsior is now open! Enjoy the sights and tastes of the holiday season with DJs on weekends. Photos with Santa, board games, and more! The Jingle Bar is first come first serve, opening Thursday – Sunday at 4pm. Family Friendly for dinner – reservations encouraged.
Runs now – Holidays
20. Reindeer Lounge – Medina Entertainment Center
The team at Medina Entertainment Center have been busy at work – decorating every inch of the bar and restaurant. Adorned with lights, trees and cherished holiday decor, the Reindeer Lounge will be the spot you’ll want to spend time with co-workers, family and friends! Cheers with a custom-created cocktail, try tasty holiday treats and jingle to festive music! Check their page for events happening throughout the season too!
Runs now – Holidays
21. Blitzen’s – Viking Lakes Omni Hotel (Lobby Bar)
This holiday season, the Omni Hotel at Viking Lakes is decking the halls with thousands of twinkle lights and plastering the walls in tinsel. Experience Blitzen’s, a Christmas pop-up bar in Eagan, MN, where restraint is passé and maximalism is always in good taste. Enjoy extravagant tipples, nightcaps on ice, and cocktails that sleigh! Check out this video peek here! All Ages welcome!
Runs now – Holidays
22. Santa’s Social Bar – Pour Cocktail Bar – Otsego
Welcome to Santa’s Social Club, where the holiday spirit comes alive! I mean look at that menu! Join Pour Cocktail Bar for merry moments, jolly drinks, and festive fun! They even have a Christmas Movie Flight featuring 3 tasty cocktails from your favorite Christmas movies! 21+ suggested
Runs now – December 31
23. Sippin’ Santa – Tiki Christmas Pop up – AC Hotel Minneapolis (Downtown)
Enjoy a tropical twist in Minneapolis with AC Hotel’s pop-up tiki Christmas bar, Sippin’ Santa! Open in the AC Lounge from 5PM to midnight. Enjoy festive island-inspired cocktails and a vibrant, holiday-themed atmosphere, complete with plenty of decorations to get you in the spirit! They also are offering a chance to purchase the adorable drinkware too!
Runs November 18- December 30
24. *Winter Wonderland – Can Can Wonderland – St. Paul
Your favorite old school arcade and mini golf hang out got a little makeover for the holidays! It’s like a mix of Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade, Winter Wonderland, and Festive Christmas bar all in one! Check their calendar for live entertainment through the holidays – perfect for a family outing too!
Runs now – Holidays
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!