It’s officially the holiday season when all the pop-up bars open up, coated in red and green, decked out in sparkling decorations, and sparkling with more Christmas lights than the tree at Rockefeller Center. Along with this festive, fun decor comes a curated drink menu highlighting flavors like cranberry, peppermint, and eggnog. So gather your friends and family and head out for a night on the town with these 15 holiday pop-up bars in Pittsburgh.
Tinseltown (Mixtape)
Fulfill your festive wishes with this pop-up bar completely decked out in holiday decor. You’ll find elves ready to take your order, presents, holiday songs, warm winter drinks, and plenty of tinsel. This timed ticketed event allows you a 90-minute holly jolly experience with a Christmas cocktail menu.
The Holiday Tavern (The PA Market)
Embrace the holidays surrounded by whimsical Christmas lights and cozy vibes throughout The Holiday Tavern. Try creative cocktails and mocktails themed toward the winter season and beyond. The ‘Tis the Season to Buy Scratcher Tickets cocktail uses vodka, herbal elixir, house-made apple kiwi cordial, and fresh lime. At the same time, the Bluey and Bingo Bounce mocktail features homemade dark berry pomegranate cordial and bright sparkling citrus.
Après Ski Bar (Butcher & the Rye)
Skip paying for an expensive ski resort getaway and instead visit Après Ski Bar for the lodge atmosphere. Cozy up by the fire or party the night away at the bar. Besides their extensive cocktail menu, try the ski shot with your friends, a single ski with shot glasses glued to it for an interesting challenge.
Winter Warmer Pop-Up (Square Cafe)
Stop in for coffee and cocktails in the decorated Square Cafe space. While you wait to be seated for dinner, take advantage of drinks like their Grinch Latte, which is a green tea matcha latte steamed with oat milk, peppermint, vanilla, and topped with festive green and red sprinkles. Or if you’re looking for a punch, The Winter Mimosa and Ginger-Cranberry Punch both incorporate cranberry and pomegranate in unique ways,
Sippin Santa
This national pop-up stops in Downtown Pittsburgh for a tropical, tiki twist on the holidays. One of the featured drinks of this island bar is Sharky’s First Christmas, vodka, aquavit, melon liqueur, walnut liqueur, lime, and pineapple juice all served shaken in a Santa shark mug with a surfboard topper.
Home Alone Pop-Up Bar (Barcadia)
The family comedy movie Home Alone comes to life at the Barcadia space. For all the filthy animals out there, taste the Mr. Hector Hotel Concierge or Duncan’s Toy Chest as you bask in the livelihood of the Plaza Hotel speakeasy. Or if you want some entertainment, head downstairs for an arcade game paradise.
Miracle on 6th
It’s hard to find a space in this Christmas and Hanukkah bar that isn’t covered in an ornament bobble or sign decor. The magic of the holidays goes into each sip of cocktails like the Snowball Old Fashion or Rudolph’s Replacement. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, order the Secret Santa that has no description on the menu except to ask a bartender for details.
Rudolph’s Rooftop (Il Tetto)
Don’t worry, this rooftop bar is enclosed with a sky-view ceiling and features all things Rudolph. Celebrate our little red-nosed friend with Rudolph’s Revenge, a cranberry long island iced tea. But, if you’re more of an elf fan, grab a glass of Hermey’s Homebrew made with tequila, lemon, and honey.
Winter Wonderland (Cupka’s Cafe 2)
The second you walk into this Winter Wonderland, you’ll be blown away by over 5,000 icicle lights, huge Christmas trees, and more red and green than you’ll see in your life. Grab a group of friends and hit up the bar for a selection of signature cocktails, craft beers, and changing specials throughout the holiday season.
Barry Little Christmas (Barry’s Pub)
This free holiday pop-up promises to never charge you a cover charge even on their special themed party nights. Every inch of the bar is decorated with bright colors and signs of joy so you’ll feel right at the North Pole alongside Santa and his elves.
Margs and Mistletoe (LowKey Taco)
Who doesn’t love a margarita? Fill up on Christmas-themed margaritas and all the tacos your heart desires at LowKey Taco. Plus, make sure your night is an electric one with their Merry and Bright margarita featuring vanilla and cranberry spices. This cocktail puts the flavors of the season all in one drink.
A Merry Little Christmas (Braddock’s Rebellion)
Step back in time to the vintage Christmas vibes of the 1940s and 1950s. Dance along to old holiday music and sip on hot toddies with honey, lemon, and other spices. You won’t want to miss this chance to adventure through the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel.
Good Cheer Holiday Bar Takeover (Ruggers Pub)
Hang out under the glowing Christmas lights at Ruggers Pub. The sports bar transforms to offer a variety of holiday-inspired cocktails alongside their usual food specials. Order a round of Pudding Shots for the table. Then secure yourself a glass of Jingle Juice made from cranberry vodka, triple sec, cinnamon simple syrup, cranberry juice, and IC Light.
Grandview Ski Lodge (Grandview Saloon)
Thursday through Sunday you can join the Grandview Ski Lodge around the fire. Check out holiday cocktails, their hot chocolate bar, and finger foods. This bar is outside on the rooftop, so each day’s schedule is dependent on the weather. If the fates allow, you will get some amazing views of the city from up on Mount Washington.
Wigle Wonderland (Wigle)
The elves over at Wigle Wonderland mix up batches of cocktails that’ll have you singing “Hallelujah”! Get your eggnog fix with their Frosty the Eggnog made with Landlocked Spiced Rum, spiced liqueur, brown sugar, heavy cream, egg, and nutmeg. Or you can grab a few friends and try all their holiday shots like the You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.
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