There’s nothing like some festive decor and glowing lights to get you into the spirit of the holidays. Luckily, there’s no shortage of holiday themed pop-up bars and events to visit this year, each putting their own unique twist on the season. With venues embracing tropical-inspired décor, vintage, kitschy Christmas vibes, and themes centered around outdoor winter activities, there’s an experience perfect for just about everyone this year.
Holiday Lodge at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis
New this season, guests can immerse themselves in the cozy Holiday Lodge, a festive lounge decked out to imbue the warm glow of a snowy mountain retreat, at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. A forest of twinkling trees makes a picture-perfect backdrop while boughs of merry trimmings make things bright. Guests can tuck in and indulge in a festive menu featuring a selection of Insta-worthy holiday cocktails and deliciously shareable nibbles. This themed pop-up experience is open daily from 4 to 11 p.m. through Dec. 31. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made on Open Table.
999 N. Second St., St. Louis, fourseasons.com/stlouis
Lit at Molly’s
Molly’s in Soulard is hosting its annual holiday pop-up, called Lit at Molly’s, happening Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 11 p.m. until Dec. 23. This immersive experience includes Christmas lights and decor, music, costumes, themed photo ops and a Christmas-themed menu. Reservations required. Tickets available online.
816 Geyer Ave., St. Louis, 314.241.6200, mollysinsoulard.com
Tinsel Tavern at Ballpark Village
Tinsel Tavern returns again this year, but with a tropical twist. Tinsel Tavern at Shark Bar is running until Dec. 28, with the holiday-themed pop-up featuring decor, cheery cocktails and photo ops, all set in a beachy atmosphere. Prices vary. Reservations available online.
601 Clark Ave., St. Louis, 314.797.7530, stlballparkvillage.com
Sippin’ Santa at Planter’s House
This popular holiday pop-up bar features tiki-inspired holiday cocktails and food. This event runs until Dec. 29 and is known to sell out quickly. Walk-ins are welcome and are on a first-come, first-served basis, but reservations are recommended in order to gain the full pop-up experience. A portion of reservation fees proceeds benefit St. Louis Community Foundation. Reservations available online.
1000 Mississippi Ave., St. Louis, 314.696.2603, drinkchristmas.com
Miracle at Small Change
Now in its ninth year, Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that keeps guests returning to get a taste of its kitschy holiday décor and festive drinks. The experience runs until Dec. 29. Reservations are released in two phases; however, walk-ins are encouraged and the team has dedicated space so that walk-in guests can experience the magic of this pop-up. Miracle is donating the proceeds of reservation fees to Santa’s Helpers, which has been the event’s charity partner every year. Reservations available online.
2800 Indiana Ave., St. Louis, drinkchristmas.com
Toasted Chestnut at Public School House
Back again this season, Toasted Chestnut in Cottleville is a celebration featuring holiday-themed drinks and appetizers and desserts by Sugarfire Smoke House and a walk-through outdoor winter light display. Private heated igloos are also available. The event runs until New Year’s Eve, and tickets are selling quickly. This year the venue has added a heated tent on the back patio, where guests can enjoy a cocktail and the light walk without making a reservation. Tickets available online.
5546 Chestnut St., Cottleville, 636.720.1905, publicschoolhouse.com
Bling at The Wolf Café
West County’s holiday pop-up bar, Bling, at the lower level of The Wolf Café Taproom & Cocktail Lounge, returns again this year and runs until Dec. 28. Guests can enjoy a selection of craft beers, along with eight holiday-themed cocktails all set against the backdrop of festive holiday decor. Tickets available online.
15480 Clayton Road, Ballwin, 636.527.7027, thewolfstl.com
Winterfest at Kiener Plaza
Winterfest returns to downtown St. Louis for its ninth year. The event runs until New Year’s Eve and features ice skating, cozy igloos, holiday lights and other festivities throughout the event. New this year is The Lodge at Winterfest, a holiday pop-up located across Seventh Street from Kiener Plaza. The curated menu features seasonal cocktails and small bites in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
500 Chestnut St., St. Louis, archpark.org/events/winterfest
Polar Patio at Side Project Brewing
Side Project Brewing and Pizza Champ are joining up for a holiday-themed pop-up bar called Polar Patio Pop-Up, which runs through the end of the year. Stay cozy in the tented and heated patio that’s full of holiday cheer and festive decor. Choose from four specialty seasonal cocktails and winter beer selections, along with pizza from Pizza Champ. This family-friendly pop-up features crafts like snowflake decorating and holiday card-making, as well as an appearance by Santa Claus from 3 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 14. No reservations are required for this pop-up bar.
2657 Lyle Ave., Maplewood, sideprojectbrewing.com
This article appears in December 2024.