As Mariah Carey would say, it’s time—to hang up lights, decorate the tree, start scouring your favorite local boutiques for gifts, and trade regular drinking for festive drinking. Luckily, plenty of San Diego bars can help you get that last one on lock with cheery pop-ups packed with themed drinks and charming trimmings. Here are 10 of our favorites.
Sippin’ Santa
The Grass Skirt
Some people dream of a white Christmas. On the contrary, if your idea of the ideal holiday involves a beach chair and a piña colada, escape to an island for the night at The Grass Skirt with a free reservation. This tiki-inspired speakeasy transforms for the holidays with island-style bites, festive cocktails, and over-the-top décor.
910 Grand Avenue, Suite 101, Pacific Beach
XMAS Bar
Good Night John Boy
Calling everyone whose dad can’t stop talking about how Christmas was way more magical in the 1970s, back when he still believed in Santa: Retro nightclub Good Night John Boy offers the chance to help him relive those days with a festive disco. Sip on seasonal cocktails under glittering lights while you dance the night away to throwback beats.
401 G Street, Gaslamp Quarter
Snowed In
Fort Oak
Step through the doors of Mission Hills’ Michelin-recommended Fort Oak and enter Snowed In, a festive holiday bar pop-up. Daily from 4 p.m. until midnight through Jan. 3, sip on seasonal cocktails like the chai and amaretto Santa Slaps and get into the holiday spirit—no reservation needed, just bring cheer and a love for festive fun.
1011 Fort Stockton Dr, Mission Hills
Emo Christmas Pop-Up
El After Social Club
Get ready to trade jingle bells for sad songs at this nostalgic holiday pop-up that turns “merry and bright” on its head. Through December 28, El After brings back the golden days of eyeliner, MySpace photos, and Warped Tour playlists, featuring throwback singalongs, themed cocktails, and photo-worthy moments straight out of your pop-punk dreams. Pricing starts at $19.90.
815 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter
Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern Holiday Pirate Pop-Up
Landshark Bar & Grill, Margaritaville Hotel
Open through December 31st at the Margaritaville Hotel, this immersive pop-up features nautical holiday décor, themed cocktails, appearances from lively pirates, and a curated menu that’ll shiver your timbers (one order of Davy Jones’s Linguini, please!). Entry is free.
616 J Street, Gaslamp Quarter
A Cocktail Carol
Polite Provisions
Each holiday season, North Park’s Polite Provisions transforms into one of San Diego’s most festive bars. Sip cozy seasonal drinks like hot toddies and gingerbread old fashions amid sparkling tinsel, hanging stockings, and CH Projects’ over-the-top décor. Doors open at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 3 p.m. on weekends—arrive early to claim your spot at North Park’s hottest holiday hangout.
4696 30th St, North Park
Deck the Halls
Nason’s Beer Hall, Pendry San Diego
This over-the-top pop-up brings the North Pole to the Gaslamp. Beginning November 27, expect photogenic hallways lined with twinkle lights, giant ornaments, elf-inspired décor, and festive cocktails, including a dangerously drinkable “Jingle Juice” and a “hot cocoa” that’s really a bourbon-espresso concoction in disguise. You can reserve a time to check it out for free.
570 J Street, Gaslamp Quarter
Santa’s Lair
Parq Nightclub
Starting November 29, head to the Gaslamp for a fully immersive, wall-to-wall holiday experience where you can snap selfies with Santa, explore dazzling décor, jam out to Christmas tunes, and sip on spirited drinks. Tickets include a 90-minute experience, and admission starts at $18.95.
615 Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter
Holly Jolly Holiday Bar
F6ix
Running through December 28th, this event is packed with floor-to-ceiling tinsel, glittering ornaments, and festive cheer at every turn. Sip on seasonal cocktails, snap photos in the over-the-top décor, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with friends. General admission starts at $22 and includes a welcome drink.
526 F Street, Gaslamp Quarter
PARTNER CONTENT
The Golden Girls Christmas Experience
Bayside Kitchen & Bar
Want to say “thank you for being a friend” with an experience gift this year? Starting November 19th, you and your girls can step into a Miami-style winter wonderland celebrating everyone’s favorite ladies. Enjoy themed décor, photo ops, and Golden Girls–inspired bites (like cheesecake flights!). Tickets start at $19.90 and include a 90-minute reservation with complimentary hot chocolate.
2137 Pacific Highway, Little Italy
