We already posted about holiday pop-up bars and things to do in December, plus a few one-off stories about pop-ups in Midtown and Clayton, but there’s so much festive fun going on around town this month, we decided it warranted another roundup.
Bormio and Noto Italian Restaurant
Bormio, formally Bacaro, transforms into a festive wonderland this season through Dec. 21 with a dazzling holiday pop-up bar! Indulge in whimsical cocktail creations served in charming holiday glassware, like the creamy Watergate, cozy Holly Jolly Toddy or spiced Glogg from the creative minds of Travis Shook and Wayne Sieve. Reservations are encouraged and can be secured through Tock. Meanwhile, upstairs at Noto, rare white truffles from Piemonte take the spotlight through year’s end. Don’t miss chef Justin McMillen’s elevated specials, including pawpaw ravioli with brown butter and Missouri pecans or octopus bucatini with tomato brodo and orange, a luxurious nod to the season. Raise a glass, indulge in decadence and celebrate in style.
5105 Westwood Drive, Suite A, St. Peters, 636.244.0874, bormiostl.com Credit: photo by Spencer PernikoffHome for the Holidays at Cellar House
Celebrate the season at Cellar House with its annual Home for the Holidays pop-up, running until Jan. 4. This festive event features a holiday-inspired menu with eight appetizers, seven entrées, three desserts and eight specialty cocktails, all served in a magical setting of twinkling stars, snowflakes and enchanting snowscapes. In the spirit of giving, Cellar House will be accepting donations to Food Outreach throughout the pop-up. Pop-up hours are Tuesday to Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m., with happy hour available weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. While walk-ins are welcome; reservations are recommended and can be made online.
5634 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, 314.846.5100, cellarhousestl.com Credit: photo courtesy of Cellar HouseWinter Wanderlust at The Passport
This holiday season, step into a cozy holiday oasis at The Passport Cocktail Bar and Bottle Shop on Washington Ave. Until Dec. 22, the bar transforms into the Winter Wanderlust Lounge, offering a curated menu of seasonal cocktails inspired by global holiday traditions. Enjoy festive sips like Coquito, Glühwein and Spiked Eggnog, each crafted to bring warmth and cheer to your season. Guests are greeted with a complimentary welcome shot and the chance to decide whether they’ve been Naughty or Nice. In addition to the cocktail experience, the lounge features festive décor, holiday music and live performances from local talent on Fridays. Reserve your spot on Eventbrite today.
1321 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314.594.7564, pourdecisionsstl.com Credit: photo courtesy of The PassportCitygarden Lights Display
Until Feb. 17, Citygarden is transformed into a breathtaking holiday wonderland, featuring thousands of warm white lights, shimmering stars and festive ornaments that light up the Gateway Mall. Four internationally renowned sculptures shine, while the Spray Plaza hosts an interactive light show that captivates visitors. This year marks the first holiday season to showcase Citygarden’s recent expansion, with new artwork adding to the seasonal magic. Stroll through the enchanting landscape, savor holiday treats at nearby Burger 809 and experience the festive atmosphere, all for free, making Downtown St. Louis an ideal spot to celebrate the season.
801 Market St., St. Louis, 314. 241.3337, citygardenstl.org Credit: photo courtesy of CitygardenSanta’s Speakeasy at Hidden Gem
Step into a holiday experience like no other at Santa’s Speakeasy, the festive pop-up bar by Hidden Gem. This limited-time pop-up blends disco vibes with retro Christmas cheer. The intimate back room will be transformed with red, pink and silver holiday décor, seating 50 guests for a truly immersive experience. Offering a surprise menu of six signature cocktails and mocktails, including the festive Filthy Animal, a peppermint mocha martini garnished with crushed candy canes, this pop-up is sure to delight. Santa’s Speakeasy will be reservation-only, with a $5 per person fee to guarantee entry. Available Tuesday through Saturday starting at 5 p.m., the pop-up runs through Dec. 28. Make your reservation today for a holiday celebration with festive fun and Instagram-worthy moments.
3118 Locust St., St. Louis, drinkhiddengem.com Credit: photo by Michelle VolanskyCasa Noel at Yemanja
Celebrate the season at Casa Noel, the beloved Christmas pop-up bar returning for its third year on the second floor of Yemanja Brasil Restaurante in Benton Park. Running through New Year’s Eve, this festive retreat offers handcrafted holiday cocktails, a delightful seasonal appetizer menu and a holiday photo booth to capture the magic. With its warm ambiance and prime location near the Anheuser-Busch Brewery’s twinkling lights, Casa Noel is the perfect spot to toast the season with cheer. Private party reservations can be made by contacting yemanja.info@gmail.com.
2900 Missouri Ave., St. Louis, 314.771.7457, yemanjabrasilmo.com Credit: photo courtesy of YemanjaYippie Pie Yay at Hot Pizza Cold Beer
Kick off the holiday season at Hot Pizza Cold Beer’s inaugural pop-up, Yippie Pie Yay, a nostalgic celebration of the cult classic Die Hard. Running through Tuesday, Dec. 31, Yippie Pie Yay transforms the pizza joint into a festive tribute to the 1988 Nakatomi Plaza holiday party. The menu features movie-inspired dishes like the Welcome to the Pizza Party, Pal, an 18-inch pepperoni and burrata pie, Yippie Pie Yay Pizza by the Slice and Karl’s Killer Spaghettios, alongside holiday cocktails such as Happy Trails, Hans and The Quarterback is Toast. The space is decked out in ’80s Christmas decor with Bruce Willis cutouts and action-packed surprises. Dress in your best vintage Christmas outfit and immerse yourself in the holiday chaos. The event runs Monday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. No reservation is needed; seating is first come, first served.
610 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314.696.2033, hotpizzacoldbeerstl.com Credit: photo courtesy of Hot Pizza Cold BeerThe Southpole Christmas Pop-Up at InterTwine Wine Bar
InterTwine Wine Bar in Dutchtown has transformed into The Southpole, a festive Christmas pop-up that brings holiday cheer to life with dazzling decor and a specialty menu that’s as whimsical as the space itself. From sparkling lights and oversized ornaments to cozy Santa-themed touches, every corner of the bar is bursting with holiday spirit. Running till Dec. 26, The Southpole offers a seasonal menu filled with festive creations to sip while soaking in the ambiance. Non-alcoholic options like the Holly Jolly Spritzer and North Pole Nog cater to all guests, while holiday-inspired cocktails such as the Gingerbread Old-Fashioned and Salted Caramel Sangria deliver bold, seasonal flavors. Open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 11p.m., Friday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., it’s the perfect spot for a midweek escape or a weekend celebration. Whether you’re gathering with friends or seeking a cozy date night spot, The Southpole is your ultimate destination to celebrate the season in style.
4710 Virginia Ave., St. Louis, 314.527.0208, intertwinebar.com Credit: courtesy of Intertwine Wine BarSt. Louis Union Station
This holiday season, St. Louis Union Station transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive attractions and magical experiences for all ages. Mischievous elves have taken over the Selfie Express, turning it into the Elfie Express, while the new Elf Bar outside serves the Elf’s Citrus Snow Melt, a refreshing cocktail paired with popcorn. Nearby, the 45-foot-tall O TannenBar—a German-style Christmas tree hollowed out to house a cozy bar—offers spiked and non-alcoholic hot chocolate in the outdoor plaza near the Polar Express trains and the St. Louis Wheel. New for 2024, Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen invites kids to decorate cookies, hear stories and meet Mrs. Claus herself, while Santa hosts Pancakes With Santa in the stunning Grand Hall, featuring Santa-face pancakes and a dazzling holiday light show on the ceiling. From whimsical cocktails to family-friendly fun, Union Station’s holiday offerings promise unforgettable moments for everyone.
1820 Market St., St. Louis, 314.923.3900, stlouisunionstation.com Credit: photo courtesy of St. Louis Union Station33 Wine Shop & Bar
This December, 33 Wine Shop & Bar invites you to celebrate the season with three exceptional events. On Sunday, Dec. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m., enjoy the Winter Holiday Tasting, featuring 25 wines across five tasting stations, perfect for sharing with loved ones throughout the holiday season. This presale-only event offers wines for pick-up on Dec. 17. Then, on Sunday, Dec. 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. join the Sparkling Wine Class to explore the production of sparkling wines, their varying sweetness levels and taste styles like Prosecco, Cava, Crémant and Champagne, ideal for your New Year’s Eve celebration. Finally, ring in the New Year at the annual Bubbly Bash on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 2 to 9 p.m., featuring St. Louis’s finest sparkling wines, including Premier Cru and Grand Cru Champagnes by the glass. No reservations are required for Bubbly Bash, so seating is first-come, first-served. Embrace the holiday season with elegance at 33 Wine Shop & Bar, where exclusive wine events await to elevate your festivities.
1913 Park Ave., St. Louis, 314.231.9463, 33wine.com Credit: photo courtesy of 33 Wine Shop & BarThe Boro Bar
Last year, The Sweet Spot brought Willy Wonka magic to life with The Boro Bar and its five Golden Tickets. This year, the excitement grows with 50 Golden Tickets hidden inside custom chocolate bars. Prizes include Candy for a Year, Movies for a Year, gifts from local businesses and a $1,000 Grand Prize sponsored by Bank of Hillsboro. Choose from classic flavors like plain milk chocolate, caramel, rice crisps and s’mores. To celebrate the opening of the new Highland location, The Sweet Spot is introducing The Bulldog Bar, a special nod to Highland High School’s mascot. The bars are expected to be available through the end of the year, making them perfect for stocking stuffers. Don’t miss your chance to indulge in these delicious treats and win big.
317 S. Main St., Hillsboro, Illinois, 217.250.9684; 821 Main St., Highland, Illinois, 618.431.3526, trythesweetspot.com Credit: photo courtesy of the Boro BarHoliday Magic at the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch
Celebrate the season with a variety of festive cruises on the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. Back by popular demand, PJ’s and Pancakes with Santa returns to delight families with a magical morning of breakfast, crafts and photos with Santa, perfect for kids in their coziest pajamas. New this year, the Caroling with Santa cruise offers spirited sing-alongs, hot cocoa, festive treats and a chance to snap professional photos with St. Nick. For a more elegant evening, the Holiday Dinner Cruise adds a seasonal twist to their signature cruise experience, complete with festive décor and delicious dining on select Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets for each event are available for purchase. The Riverboats also offer Private Holiday Charters, accommodating up to 220 guests with customizable menus, bar options and entertainment. Whether it’s a family outing, date night or corporate event, the Riverboats promise unforgettable holiday memories. Reservations for private charters are required and can be made online.
50 S. Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., St. Louis, 877.982.1410, gatewayarch.com Credit: photo courtesy of Riverboats at the Gateway ArchHome for the Holidays at Cellar House Credit: photo courtesy of Cellar House
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