10 Festive Pop-Up Bars To Visit This Holiday Season In CA

With the holidays in full swing across California, bars from San Francisco to San Diego have transformed into festive pop-ups filled with twinkling lights, themed cocktails and seasonal photo opportunities. These limited-time spots feature cheerful decor, creative beverages and delectable treats that capture the spirit of the season.

Here are our 10 favorite pop-ups to experience this holiday season across the Golden State:

1. Blitzen's, Multiple locations

Omni's signature Christmas bar is back this holiday season. Omni Hotels & Resorts has partnered with mixologist Julie Reiner, bringing her award-winning expertise and exclusive cocktail recipes to Blitzen's across select Omni properties. The Christmas-themed pop-up bar features festive decor, holiday cocktails, non-alcoholic options and seasonal treats. The pop-up runs through through Jan. 2 at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza, and Omni San Francisco Hotel, as well as through Jan. 4 at Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark.

2. Emo Christmas, Multiple locations

A holiday pop-up that's far from bright and merry has launched in Los Angeles and San Diego. Emo fans can dive into their nostalgic side this season at Emo Christmas, where jingle bells has been replaced with sad songs and singalongs. The pop-up runs through Dec. 28 in Los Angeles and San Diego. General admission includes a 90-minute experience and a themed ornament cocktail.

3. Frosty's Christmas Bar, Los Angeles

Get ready to jingle and mingle as Hollywood's newest holiday hotspot, Frosty's Christmas Bar, is set to sprinkle festive magic on the Hollywood stars. Established in Chicago in 2017, the festive pop-up now has several locations, with the latest in Los Angeles. The pop-up runs through Dec. 30.

4. Holly Jolly Bar, Multiple locations

Experience the holiday spirit at the Holly Jolly Bar, the newest festive pop-up by Bucket Listers. The seasonal bar runs through Dec. 28 at E.P. & L.P. in West Hollywood and F6ix in San Diego. The pop-up also opens Dec. 5 and runs through Dec. 27 at Westwood Annex in San Francisco. General admission includes a 90-minute seating and drink, with floor-to-ceiling tinsel, trimmings, ornaments and more, allowing attendees to capture memories and immerse themselves in holiday magic from every angle.

5. Jingle Bar, San Diego

The beloved Christmas pop-up Jingle Bar will make its return to San Diego, transforming Molly's in Mission Beach into a whimsical holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights and photo-worthy festive fun. The bar features seasonal decor, creative cocktails, joyful vibes and themed nights. The pop-up bar opens Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 30.

6. Mariah Carey's Holiday Bar, West Hollywood

Mariah Carey fans can celebrate the "Queen of Christmas" this holiday season. The pop star has teamed up with Bucket Listers to launch Mariah Carey's Holiday Bar in the Los Angeles area. The pop-up runs through Dec. 28 at Skybar at The Mondrian Los Angeles in West Hollywood. General admission includes a 90-minute seating and drink, with Mariah-inspired holiday decor, interactive photo ops and exclusive holiday merchandise available for purchase.

7. Miracle, Multiple locations

Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar Miracle serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. The concept, which was born in 2014 and has since expanded around the world, features kitschy holiday decor, seasonal cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office holiday party. This year's California locations include Anaheim, Folsom, Fresno, Gilroy, Hermosa Beach, Livermore, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Palm Springs, Paso Robles, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Sacramento, San Carlos, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, Solvang and Temecula.

8. Sippin' Santa, Multiple locations

Sippin' Santa, the tropical companion to Miracle, features tropical holiday-themed cocktails. The playful and retro-kitsch Christmas pop-up, which first launched in 2015, has more than 60 locations across North America. The pop-up runs through December, with Golden State locations in Hollywood, Paso Robles, Pleasanton, Sacramento, San Carlos, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Barbara and Santa Rosa.

9. The Golden Girls Christmas Experience, San Diego

Fans of "The Golden Girls" can celebrate the holiday season with a visit to the world of the show at The Golden Girls Christmas Experience pop-up in San Diego. The pop-up runs through Jan. 11 at Bayside Kitchen. General admission includes a 90-minute seating and drink, with holiday cocktails, cheesecake flights and limited-edition merchandise available for purchase. Fans can also attend bingo, trivia, tea time and drag brunch events.

10. Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern, San Diego

A new holiday adventure has set sail at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego. Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern, a festive pirate-themed holiday pop-up, is designed to offer an immersive holiday experience. The pop-up features seasonal cocktails, nautical holiday decor, pirate appearances, and a curated menu of themed food and beverage specials. The pop-up runs through Jan. 2 at the downtown San Diego hotel's LandShark Bar & Grill.