As the holiday season approaches, Chicago is embracing the festivities with an impressive array of pop-up bars and themed experiences. From rooftop igloos to winter wonderlands, locals and visitors can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit while enjoying seasonal drinks and activities. Here’s a detailed look at some of the best holiday pop-ups and bars to explore this year.
Winter Wonderland Experiences
One standout location is the Winter Wonderland at JoJos Shake Bar, where the diner and bar has transformed into a festive haven. Guests can enjoy themed cocktails and shakes while participating in activities such as ornament painting and gingerbread decorating. This pop-up will run until December 24, 2023, and is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, extending to midnight on weekends. JoJos is located at 23 W. Hubbard St..
Another exciting offering is the Holly Jolly Holiday Bar, part of a national series by Bucket Listers, located at Puttery. This ticketed pop-up features elaborate decorations and includes a 90-minute open seating with a complimentary welcome drink. Tickets start at $22, and the pop-up is open select days until December 28, 2023.
For those seeking a unique twist on holiday cheer, DMen Tap presents a darker theme with its Krampus event. This pop-up will host a costume-encouraged parade on December 5, 2023, and will remain open through December 29, 2023. Guests can enjoy festive cocktails from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays and noon to 2 a.m. on weekends, located at 2849 W. Belmont Ave..
Interactive Holiday Fun
For those looking for interactive activities, the Jack Frost Christmas Pop-Up at 170 N. Green St. offers winter bumper cars, axe throwing, and curling, alongside seasonal cocktails. Open through January 5, 2024, the pop-up operates from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 11 p.m. on Saturdays.
From December 6, 2023, the Sleigh Bar at Sheraton Grand Chicago invites guests to enjoy holiday cocktails and free appetizers. Reservations are encouraged, and the pop-up will be open daily through December 30, 2023.
The Stranger Christmas: A Hawkins Holiday pop-up at Replay Lincoln Park celebrates the final season of the popular Netflix series “Stranger Things.” This themed experience includes trivia nights, screenings, and festive cocktails, running on select dates until December 30, 2023.
Other notable mentions include the Nutcracker Pop-Up Bar, known for its extravagant decor and themed cocktails, and Frosty’s Christmas Bar, which boasts a multi-level celebration space filled with festive activities. Both venues will remain open until the end of December.
As the holiday season unfolds, Chicago offers a vibrant range of pop-up bars and holiday-themed experiences to bring joy and excitement. Whether you are interested in enjoying a cozy drink in an igloo or participating in festive activities, these venues promise to deliver a memorable holiday experience.
