The Jolliest Holiday Pop-Up Bars in Minneapolis
Bars and restaurants are decking their halls with tinsel and baubles for the holidays in Minneapolis. Some might say the décor is borderline tacky, but we promise you’ll get into the holiday spirit after sipping themed cocktails in these mini-Christmas explosions. Check out the best holiday pop-up bars that will satisfy your cravings for cheer.
Last updated: 12/4/25
1. Holiday Flight Club in the Basement Bar at Travail
Now – January 3, 2026
Hop aboard Travail’s Holiday Flight Club. You’ll travel to Cleveland, Algeria, Austria, Finland, Siberia, Japan, Indonesia and Mozambique to explore the unique, holiday food traditions of each place. (If these locations seem random, that's because they are. The Travail team threw darts at a map to decide these featured locations.) Expect creative cocktail parings, wine and festive spirit-free beverages and a decked out basement bar. You must make reservations ahead of time!
2. Nico's Navidad at Nico's Taco Bar
Now - January 4, 2026
Celebrate Christmas with tacos and margaritas in hand. Nico's Taco Bar in Uptown has turned into the best Christmas Casa in Minneapolis. Sip fun cocktails, eat all the guacamole and chips your heart desires, hang out at the outdoor bar with firepits, and snap a picture in the bobcat sleigh.
3. Down Through the Chimney at Hotel Emery
Now - December 27
Holiday mischief awaits...Head to Down Through the Chimney at Hotel Emery for delightful decorations and photo opportunities. Indulge in the spirit of the season with delectable cocktails and festive snacks. From gingerbread to pomegranate and fig, each sip is a journey through the flavors of the season.
4. The Red Nose Room at Red Cow Uptown
Now - December 31
Step into a place that would make Rudolph smile and shine at Red Cow's Red Nose Room in Uptown. Sip on holiday bevvies, like a Gingerbread White Russian or an Abominable Snowman with cinnamon bourbon and toasted marshmallow. Make the memories last in the photo booth with a Santa chair and festive props!
5. The Naughty List at Umbra
Now - December 31
The Naughty List is a festive pop-up bar at Umbra in the Canopy by Hilton hotel, ready to serve all your holiday bar-crawling needs. Step up to the bar for a magical evening of holiday cocktails and yuletide cheer, straight from Santa’s secret stash! This is a limited-time, daily spirited bar service, with non-alcoholic options available. Reservations are not required.
6. Jingle Giles at Earl Giles
Now - January 4, 2026
This popular distillery in Northeast Minneapolis will transform into a 6-week, family-friendly festival of lights and cheer! Enjoy holiday themed drinks, sparkly and seasonal decor (including an 18-foot tree), ugly holiday sweater contests and much more. Reservations at Earl Giles are strongly encouraged!
7. Holiday Pop-Up at Bina's
Now - Early January 2026
You'll probably find yourself on the naughty list after you visit Bina's kitschy Tiki Christmas bar experience in Northeast Minneapolis. Snap pictures in the decked out dive bar and drink all the beachy cocktails your heart desires. Bina's is right down the street from Earl Giles, so you can hit up two holiday bars in one night.
8. Hell-a-Dazzle at Hell's Kitchen
Now - Early January 2026
An iconic Minneapolis brunch spot, Hell’s Kitchen has live music, a build-your-own Bloody Mary and mimosa bar and so much more (like homemade peanut butter and the best lemon ricotta hotcakes in town). This holiday season, enjoy brunch and seasonal specials at Hell-a-Dazzle — their downstairs lair decorated with all the lights, wreaths, ornaments and cheer you could ever hope for. If you were hoping for the moody Lucifer vibes for which Hell’s Kitchen is known, you’ll have to come back later!
9. Winter Wonder Bar at Creekside Supper Club
Now - Early January 2026
Creekside Supper Club has decked the halls with Santas and baubles. Come for trivia nights, to sip and hang out with friends, or to try their raved-about food.
10. Dorit's Tavern at Surly Brewing
Now - December 31
Instead of candy canes and cozy Hallmark endings, Dorit’s Tavern avoids direct sunlight and surrounds you with cold beers, killer pizza, jello shots and a cast of unsavory characters. (You’ll be fine, just don’t spill water on them.) This mid-'80s dive bar tribute is open on Surly's second floor and is now taking reservations.
11. Sippin’ Santa at the AC Hotel Minneapolis Downtown
Now - December 30
Add a tropical twist to your holiday season with a pop-up tiki Christmas bar! The opening of Sippin' Santa at the AC Lounge begins on on November 20 from 5pm to midnight. Enjoy festive island-inspired cocktails and a vibrant, holiday-themed atmosphere, complete with plenty of decorations to get you in the spirit! And of course you can't have a festive drink without matching festive glassware. This pop-up bar will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Reservations are available now!
12. Welcome to the Jingle Tropical Holiday Bar at Hola Arepa
Now - December 31
Enter a festive holiday jungle at Hola Arepa! The bar and heated chalet is transformed for the month of December into a wild pop-up paradise with super special themed cocktails, and the dining room will be a twinkly wonderland where you can also order from the special drink menu. This is not the grandma’s holiday bar! Walk-ins are always accepted, but you can make reservations now to guarantee your spot!
13. Frosty's Bar at Brit's Pub
Now - January 4, 2026
Frosty’s Bar is sliding into Brit’s Pub this December with snow sparkling charm, heartwarming fun, and a chill you’ll actually want to catch. This isn't just a pop-up...it's a North Pole experience, led by Frosty himself. Grab your scarf and boots… you're heading straight into winter wonder.
14. Pink Country Christmas at Centro Quincy Street
Now - Early January 2026
Saddle up! Pink Country Christmas has rolled into Centro Quincy Street! Sip themed cocktails, expect a whole lotta honky tonk, country snacks, bingo and kitschy crafts. The bar is open 4pm-midnight daily, but you can enjoy the space and classic Centro menu all day. Grab your cowboy boots and get ready to giddy up.
15. The Gaelic Glow at The Local
Now - Mid January 2026
This holiday season, The Local turns upside-down. Literally. Step into The Gaelic Glow — a swirl of jewel-toned lights, upside-down trees and unmistakable Irish pub warmth. It’s festive without the fuss and cozy without the clichés. Open nightly, the festive atmosphere and holiday menu are available for walk-ins. Or, grab tickets for a Gaelic Glow holiday event.
16. Northern Starlight Express holiday pop-up bar at the Renaissance Hotel
Now - December 31
Get ready to step aboard the Northern Starlight, where a holiday adventure is just around the corner. You’re invited to embark on a 60-minute festive journey set in a reimagined historic train car featuring festive handcrafted cocktails and curated bites as you’re transported to a world of holiday wonder. The concept takes inspiration from the hotel’s rich history as a former train depot on the Milwaukee Road line, providing visitors with a nod to the past while engaging their senses with modern culinary delights and whimsical, unexpected elements. The experience will be available by reservation only.
17. Foraged at Tavola
December 5 - January 10, 2026
Maybe tacky Christmas isn't your style. In that case, head to Tavola at the Elliot Park Hotel for their take on a winter pop-up. Foraged is an immersive pop-up dining experience, and every menu is inspired by what can be discovered, gathered, and crafted, from foraged herbs and wild game to locally sourced produce and artisanal ingredients. The seasonal cocktail menu features smoked cocktails, pine-infused syrups, truffle accents, wintry garnishes and more.
