On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me — yet another holiday pop-up bar? Those aren’t the original lyrics, but they could be in 2025, when limited-time themed holiday decor and specialty cocktails have become de rigueur.
It would be tough for us to cover all of this year’s holiday pop-ups. (Note: We have covered several Hanukkah options here and here.) But we have compiled a list of a dozen options you might want to check out. Because many of these pop-ups are in small spaces, many recommend advance reservations.
1. lou/na, the rooftop bar at the Grand Hyatt Nashville hotel, has morphed into a holiday heist pop-up. Thematic touches include passports, boarding passes and planes, plus select nights with trivia and holiday sweater contests. The menu features house-made pizzas, ice cream sundaes and specialty cocktails.
2. Sippin’ Santa, a national Christmas pop-up, is all about bringing Santa to tropical locales with tropical drinks. So of course it is happening at East Nashville’s Pearl Diver, one of the city’s favorite tropical-themed bars. The decor includes holiday touches with its year-round retro tropical vibe, both inside and outside.
3. Pushing Daisies, Broadway’s underground margarita bar, has gone all-in again, turning into Pushing Poinsettias for the month. As always, you’ll find themed specialty cocktails and uber-colorful Mexican-inspired holiday decor from its semi-secretive location.
4. You get two pop-ups in one with the naughty-and-nice theme at the historic Union Station Hotel. Head downstairs to the Alligator Bar for the naughty experience or stay upstairs in the stunning lobby for a nice experience with cozy cheer.
5. The standout aspect of Pancake Pantry’s Polar Pub (offered at the downtown location) is that it is one of the few, if not the only, pop-ups that are family-friendly. Yes, they have spiked hot cocoa and other adult beverages, but you can order those while your kids get the G-rated drinks, and you can all eat and drink together while admiring the decor.
Merry Elfing
6. Head to Wedgewood-Houston for a Merry Elfing Christmas at Honky Tonk Hideaway & Cantina. The bar is decked out like the North Pole and offers the chance to ride on decorated party buses departing every hour for a complimentary, 45-minute trip around downtown. There's a themed cocktail menu with spiked hot cocoa and bourbon eggnog.
7. While many of the pop-ups could work anywhere in the country, Nicky’s Coal Fired in The Nations tries to be a little more specific when they come up with their idea for St. Nicky’s every year. For 2025, the theme is Smoky Mountain Christmas. Check out a ceiling covered with pine branches and stars — just like you’d see in the mountains. Of course, you’ll find some Dolly Parton decor alongside the pizza and cocktails. St. Nicky’s is one of the pop-ups that does not require reservations.
8. If you have driven down Porter Road this season, you know Schulman's Neighborhood Bar in East Nashville has spared no expense (at least when it comes to the NES bill). Their theme is Christmas Vacation, and that means more lights than you’d think they could fit on a building. Inside you’ll still find their laid-back neighborhood vibe, plus themed cocktails.
9. We can’t all get to the Christkindlsmarkts of Germany this December. But we can get to Germantown. TailGate Brewery has turned its Germantown location into a facsimile of a European-style winter market, with German beers, gooey raclette cheese, peppermint Bushwackers and more. (TailGate also has themed pop-ups at its Murfreesboro and Chattanooga locations.)
10. If you prefer some physical activity along with your holiday merriment, Fogg Street Lawn Club has you covered. The rooftop has been transformed into a Bavarian Winter Wonderland with fire pits, heated cabins, city views and an ice curling lane. Unlike many holiday pop-ups that disappear at New Year’s, this one will be keeping things chill until March 1.
11. Chopper is leaning into the offbeat, weird vibe it does so well. The tiki-robot bar offers a festive holiday escape, bringing holiday cheer to its signature retro-futuristic vibe. Sip Christmas-themed cocktails from festive glassware and watch holiday classics on repeat. Reservations aren’t required, but they are recommended.
12. The Noelle hotel is leaning into a grown-up Christmas with a glitter-soaked Sugar & Vice theme at its Hidden Bar. Show up in pink sequins or something equally sparkly and festive to wear while you sip seasonal cocktails. The stylish Noelle is always a sure-shot for a great photo-op.
