Seasonal & Holidays

San Diego Holiday Pop-Up Bars 2025: Festive Spots To Toast The Holiday Season

Bars in San Diego have transformed into festive pop-ups filled with twinkling lights and themed cocktails.

Over-the-top holiday cocktail pop-up bars are open at Draft in Mission Beach and Brickman's Restaurant​ and Bar in San Marcos.
Over-the-top holiday cocktail pop-up bars are open at Draft in Mission Beach and Brickman's Restaurant​ and Bar in San Marcos. (Winter Wonderland at Draft)

SAN DIEGO, CA — With the holidays in full swing across San Diego County, bars 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 some of our favorite pop-ups to experience this holiday season across the county:


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Credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts

Blitzen's

Omni's signature Christmas bar has made its San Diego debut. 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 bar is in San Diego for the first time through Jan. 4 at Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark. The pop-up also runs through Jan. 2 at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad. Read more.

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Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark, 675 L St., San Diego; Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad

Credit: The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

Clicquot Inn The Snow

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe has partnered with champagne house, Veuve Clicquot, to bring the charm of a snowy alpine escape to sunny San Diego. The Inn's Croquet Cottage has transformed into an intimate après-ski chalet for the debut pop-up Clicquot Inn The Snow. The debut pop-up features a selection of champagnes and crafted cocktails, paired with chocolate and cheese fondue. Reservations are available from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 4-7 and Dec. 18-21. Read more.

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, 5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe.

Emo Christmas

A holiday pop-up that's far from bright and merry has launched in 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 San Diego. General admission includes a 90-minute experience and a themed ornament cocktail.

El After Social Club, 815 Fifth Ave., San Diego

Holly Jolly Bar

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 F6ix in San Diego. 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.

F6ix, 526 F St., San Diego

Jingle Bar

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.

Molly's, 3770 Mission Blvd., San Diego

Miracle

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. There are two locations in San Diego. The pop-up at Botanica Bar runs through Jan. 4 and the pop-up at Coaster Saloon runs through Dec. 31.

Botanica Bar, 3139 University Ave., San Diego; Coaster Saloon, 744 Ventura Place, San Diego

Santa's Lair

Santa's Lair is a fully immersive holiday pop-up experience serving holiday cocktails in the most festive of settings. Located in San Diego's iconic Gaslamp Quarter, the pop-up features holiday spirits, wall-to-wall holiday decor, and photo ops with Santa. The pop-up runs through Dec. 21 at Parq Nightclub.

Parq Nightclub, 615 Broadway, San Diego

Sippin' Santa

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, including one in San Diego. The San Diego location runs through Dec. 31 at The Grass Skirt.

The Grass Skirt, 910 Grand Ave., San Diego

Credit: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

The Golden Girls Christmas Experience

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, tea time, trivia and drag brunch events.

Hilton Garden Inn Downtown San Diego/Bayside, 2137 Pacific Highway, San Diego

Winter Wonderland at Brickman's Restaurant and Bar

Brickman's Restaurant and Bar has transformed into a nostalgic holiday cocktail bar full of twinkling lights and festive decor. The bar area features small bites and specialty cocktails. Reservations for full meals are available on OpenTable. Read more.

Winter Wonderland at Brickman's Restaurant and Bar at Lakehouse Resort, 1750 San Pablo Drive, San Marcos

Credit: Winter Wonderland at Draft


Winter Wonderland at Draft

Winter Wonderland at Draft has debuted with over-the-top holiday decor and collectible mugs. The pop-up serves handcrafted cocktails and seasonal vessels that complement Belmont Park's beachside setting. Read more.

Winter Wonderland at Draft at Belmont Park, 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego

XMAS Bar

XMAS Bar brings the holidays to the Gaslamp Quarter with a full Good Night John Boy takeover, transforming the retro bar into a glittering, palm-lined winter wonderland. Now, disco lights meet Christmas lights, cocktails sparkle, and the music shifts from 70s funk to holiday classics with a twist. The pop-up runs through at Good Night John Boy.

Good Night John Boy, 401 G St., San Diego

Credit: Margaritaville Hotel San Diego

Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern

A new holiday adventure has set sail at and beverage specials. The pop-up runs through Jan. 2 at the downtown San Diego hotel's LandShark Bar & Grill. Read more.

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego, 616 J St., San Diego

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