Pittsburgh Holiday Pop-Up Bars

It seems like pop-up bars just keep popping up! Let us help you find the most perfectly peculiar Pittsburgh pop-up for the holiday season and beyond.

Here You Come A-Wassailing

Have you ever wanted to have a night out at the North Pole, partying with Santa, Mrs. Claus and all the elves and reindeer? Well now you can, thanks to all of the awesome holiday-themed pop-up bars in Pittsburgh!

Sippin Santa | NEW FOR 2023

490 Wood St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (next to Capital Grill) | Open daily starting Nov. 24 5 p.m.-midnight

Love Miracle of 6th? Us too. You're in luck for 2023 because the same creators of that experience are opening Sippin Santa between McCormick & Schmick's and The Capital Grill in Downtown Pittsburgh. Expect festive glassware, incredible cocktails and mocktails and the most festive vibes in the city at this Christmas pop-up done right.

Wigle Wonderland Holiday Pop-Up | NEW FOR 2023

2401 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | Thursdays-Saturdays 7 p.m-midnight starting Nov. 18

What makes festive cocktails even more delicious? When they're made with spirits made by the experts right here in Pittsburgh! This all-new holiday pop-up showcases Wigle's newly finished bar at their distillery illuminated with dazzling lights as you can sip a Rudolph's Red Nose shot out of an ice skate shot glass or sip a beautifully hued Blue Christmas 75.

Winter Warmer Pop-Up | Square Cafe | NEW FOR 2023

134 S Highland Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15206, Fridays-Sundays 7 a.m.-3 p.m. through January

Lights twinkle as guests enjoy seasonal lattes and adult hot chocolates (spiked with the spirit of your choice) as this new pop up! This is an ideal spot to relax and grab a holiday drink as you wait for your table at the amazing restaurants throughout East Liberty.

Credit |
@Rose Colored Creative
Credit |
@Rose Colored Creative

Holiday Tavern | The PA Market | NEW FOR 2023

108 19th St., Pittsburgh, PA, Now open, hours vary Wednesdays-Saturdays

The first floor of this European market in the Strip has been tastefully transformed into a rustic winter wonderland at this new stop on our Holiday Pop-Ups list. Sip classy cocktails with gold coin and candy cane garnishes, and be sure to follow their holiday gift guide to shop n' sip all at the same place.

A Merry Little Christmas | Braddock's Rebellion | NEW FOR 2023

107 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA, open daily

Step back in time at Braddock's Rebellion at one of the newest holiday pop-up bar experiences in Downtown Pittsburgh. Located in the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel, you can head under the mistletoe to enjoy this 1940s and 50s themed Christmas as the smell of hot toddies and the sounds of vintage vinyl and holiday classics adds to the Christmas spirit.

Credit |
Joseph Purse – Shotgun Creative
Credit |
Joseph Purse – Shotgun Creative

City Kitchen Oasis | Bakery Square/City Kitchen

6425 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206, open now through March 31, 2024

Grab a board game, a soft couch, something to warm you up and enjoy City Kitchen Oasis, the transformed heated lounge right in Bakery Square. Don't worry if you can't hit this one before the holidays, you can enjoy this escape from the winter weather all through March.

Returning Favorites:

Miracle on 6th

137 6th St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | Open daily starting Nov. 18 (Light Up Night) 5 p.m.-midnight

“Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.” It’s clear that this is the philosophy used when creating Miracle on 6th. The whole place is bursting with Christmas cheer from its décor, to its drink offerings. Miracle on 6th brings the North Pole right to Downtown Pittsburgh, and this time Santa is bringing adults thoughtfully-named novelty cocktails in festive glassware (glassware available for purchase!) and a wonderful holiday vibe to Pittsburgh!

Tinseltown & The Tipsy Elf

4907 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh | Nov. 24-Dec. 30, 2023

Located at Mixtape, Tinseltown is decked out in all the festive glory from trees to tinsel galore. This pop-up experience is a ticketed, which you can purchase online for ~$15. Each ticket gives you a 90 minute session in the bar plus a festive drink on entry. No grinches allowed. Family-friendly sessions also available for purchase.

Bob's Garage

1372 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh | Open Year-Round Monday-Sunday

Way before pop-up bars or dive bars became in vogue, Bob's Garage was the o.g. Christmas Bar. Floor to ceiling lights, tinsel, ornaments and stockings make this a must for Christmas fans. Even the outside is permanently decorated for Instagram-perfect photos. Add in a stellar bar staff, solid food and even karaoke, and you can see why this has been a Pittsburgh fixture for 50 years.

Credit |
@yinz_justwannahavefun
Credit |
@yinz_justwannahavefun

Home Alone Pop-Up Bar | Barcadia

25 Market Square, Pittsburgh, 15222 | Nov. 17, 2023-New Year's

Be on the lookout for The Wet Bandits and grab a slice of Little Nero's Pizza as Barcadia is transformed into a Home Alone-themed bar for the holidays.

Prepare for amazing themed cocktails, floor-to-ceiling homages to the classic film and remember, this is an active arcade - so bring the change, you filthy animal.

Rudolph's Rooftop | Il Tetto

942 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Nov. 18-holiday season, Wednesdays-Saturday

The rooftop bar (don't worry, it's covered) above Sienna Mercato Downtown comes aglow with holiday lights and festive drinks in this joyous spot to go a wassailing as you explore the season throughout the city. Caramel espresso martinis, cranberry long islands and more deck out this festive menu.

Barry Little Christmas | Barry's Pub

9566 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, 15237 | Nov. 6, 2023-New Year's

Just north of the city, Barry's Pub is a classic dive bar that will get you in the holiday spirit with glowing reindeer, wrapping paper-ed walls and festive elves adorning their pop up Christmas Bar.

Winter Wonderland at Cupka's Cafe 2

2314 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 | 11 a.m.-close Daily through the holiday season

Cupka's Cafe 2 has again decked the halls for the upcoming holiday season. With an impressive light display featuring over 5,000 ceiling-spanning icicle lights, hundreds of ornaments and snowflakes, and 12 foot Christmas trees, Cupka's Cafe 2 in the South Side is a premiere stop on Pittsburgh’s Holiday Bar Trail this year.

Stop in for signature cocktails, craft beers and daily specials throughout the Christmas season, and a special Breakfast With Santa event on Dec. 16.

Christmas Pop-Up Bar at North Star Restaurant

8155 Steubenville Pike, Imperial, 15057 | Nov. 9, 2023, Monday-Fridays 4 p.m.-midnight, Saturdays 2 p.m.-midnight

Located west of the city, the vibes of this outdoor tiki-hut-turned-Christmas-popup might be the most unique in the region! Giant nutcrackers, a gingerbread sleigh and wall to wall decorations accompany a fantastic drink menu that includes their merry mule, jingle juice, and even The Grinch and Jack Frost-themed drinks.

Margs & Mistletoe at LowKey Taco

690 Chauvet Drive, Pittsburgh, 15275 | Starts Nov. 24, 2023, open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday

What if we kissed under the mistletoe at Lowkey Taco? 🌮🙈🙊🙉❣️🎄

Wonderful decorations and specialty margaritas are the highlight here at this Christmas pop-up that is back for 2023. More details coming as soon as we see a drink menu.

Good Cheer Holiday Bar Takeover | Ruggers Pub

40 S. 22nd Street, Pittsburgh, 15203 | 2023 Open daily until 2 a.m. through New Year's Day

The official holiday bar of Pittsburgh Brewing Company and IC Light, Ruggers Southside transforms into the Good Cheer Holiday Bar, decked with a faux fireplace, presents under the tree and lots and lots of tinsel. Try one of their festive combos, such as the Yule-B-Hurtin' IC Light Draft and energy bomb, a Swiss Mistress cocktail (hot chocolate, rumpleminz and marshmallows) or a tinsel bomb (goldschlager with an energy drink) for some instant holiday cheer!

Après Ski Bar | Butcher & the Rye

212 6th St., Downtown, Begins Dec. 1, 2023 (Fridays and Saturdays, 6 p.m.-1 a.m.)

Ok, so this one isn't strictly a holiday popup, but if you want to enjoy wintry vibes all season long without the tinsel, head over to Butcher & the Rye in the Cultural District for their new concept, Après Ski Bar.

The entire space has been redesigned as a cozy, high-end ski lodge that makes you feel like you're up on the mountain at Seven Springs as you consume top shelf cocktails. Enjoy this concept now through the beginning of spring before it melts away.

Grandview Ski Lodge | Grandview Saloon

1212 Grandview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211, Dec. 8, 2023-Jan. 31, 2024 Thursdays-Saturdays 6 p.m.-close

Skip the tinsel and wrapping paper and head to the top of Mt. Washington where the Grandview Saloon has added a ski lodge chic ambiance to their already amazing dining experience and perfect views of the city. Warm up by the fire or by sipping from their custom hot cocoa bar. Holiday cocktails will also be available!

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Jared B.

Author

Jared B.

Senior Manager, Content Development

Always in search of the next great craft beer and arcade. Can be found in the Supporters Section of Pittsburgh Riverhounds games and at whatever festival is happening in the city.