AUSTIN, Texas — If you're looking to get in the holiday spirit with the help of some holiday spirits, you're in luck! This time of year, Austin is home to several holiday-themed pop-ups and bars serving up Christmas cheer and more than a little eggnog.
Here's a rundown of some of the places you can get holly jolly this holiday season:
Arguably Austin's most famous Christmastime pop-up, The Eleanor on Fifth Street transforms into "Miracle on 5th Street" this time of year.
This is a ticketed event with tables and seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are offered for groups under 10, but you can skip the general admission line by purchasing a Dasher Pass.
This year's cocktails include the Christmapolitan, Snowball Old Fashioned, Santa's Little Helper, Carol Barrel and more.
Miracle on 5th Street will be open daily from Nov. 18 through Dec. 27.
Where: 307 West Fifth Street
At Lala's Little Nugget, it's Christmas all year round! Lala's, which has been around since 1972, serves yuletide drinks like the Berry Christmas, Grounded Flight and Lump of Cole shot in an atmosphere of twinkling lights and lots of red and green.
Where: 2207 Justin Lane
Donn's Depot is a piano bar and dance hall serving up a lengthy list of Christmas cocktails, both hot and cold. Drinks include the Peppermint Patty (hot) and the Cindy Lou Who! (cold), the Moldy Fruitcake shot, a selection of seasonal beers and wine cocktails and many more.
Where: 1600 West Fifth Street
Gibson Wonderland at Gibson Street Bar
Gibson Street Bar on South Lamar Boulevard goes all out for the holidays with tons of lights and decked-out Christmas trees, plus hot-themed drinks like spiked hot cider, spiked hot cocoa and hot toddies.
Where: 1109 S. Lamar Blvd.
Winter Wanderland at Austin Motel
Austin Motel is decking out its courtyard and pool for its 2022 Winter Wanderland celebration. Folks can stop by from Dec. 1 through Dec. 26 with extra festive activities Thursday through Sunday, including photos with "Hunky Santa," pool floats featuring holiday classics, carols with Mrs. Claus and a gift shop.
Where: 1220 S. Congress Ave.
Apres Ski Holiday Bar at W Austin
From Dec. 1 through Christmas Day, you can transport yourself to the alps without ever leaving Austin. W Austin's Apres Ski Holiday Bar will feature festive cocktails and shots, including a shot ski. Bonus: If you wear your own ski attire, you'll get a complimentary glass of champagne.
Where: 200 Lavaca Street
Sippin' Santa at Nickel City
Nickel City's annual Sippin' Santa pop-up is back! Anyone can swing by to try the bar's specialty cocktails from noon until 2 a.m. every day, and Nickel City also offers options for private parties and table reservations for large groups. Previous year's themed cocktails and shots have included the Parrot in a Pear Tree, Brah Humbug and Yule Shoot Your Eye Out.
Where: 1133 East Eleventh Street
Sunny's Groovy Christmas at Sunny's Backyard
Vegan pub food restaurant Sunny's Backyard is getting into the Christmas groove with its "Sunny's Groovy Christmas" pop-up. Featured cocktails include Sweater Weather, Secret Santa, Milk n Cookies and more.
Where: 3526 E. Seventh Street
Lucky Robot announced on Instagram that its annual Christmas pop-up is back until early January. The restaurant's dining room and patio have been transformed with cherry blossoms, 1,000 ornaments hanging on Christmas trees, a garland canopy of decorations and more. Lucky Robot said seating is limited, so reservations are encouraged.
Where: 1303 S. Congress Ave.
If you celebrate Hanukkah, don't worry: Austin has a pop-up bar for you, too. Kitty Cohen's is hosting its annual "Get Lit" Hanukkah pop-up bar featuring drinks like the Latke Punch, a play on the traditional potato pancake dish, and the Oy Fashioned.
Where: 2211 Webberville Road
Looking for some festive fun that's a little more family-friendly? Here are just a few suggestions:
- Christmas Light Show at Mozart's Coffee
- Peppermint Parkway at the Circuit of the Americas
- Austin Trail of Lights
- "A Christmas Carol" at the ZACH Theatre
- Ballet Austin's "The Nutcracker"
- Ice Rodeo at Four Seasons Hotel Austin
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: