Say 'cheers' to the season at these Phoenix holiday pop-up bars

Christmas is right around the corner and festive touches have seeped into every corner of our lives. From seasonal coffee bar overhauls to decorations cramming every inch of our homes to Mariah Carey tunes at our outdoor malls, everything has a hint of the holidays. So, why not carry the merriment to your local bar?

Holiday pop-up bars have risen steadily over the years, including here in Phoenix. This year has been no exception, with big hitters Miracle and Sippin’ Santa both claiming spots to sling seasonal drinks. But they’re not the only games in town to get a cup of Christmas spirit.

If you're still feeling a little Grinchy, get into the holiday spirit at these Phoenix Christmas pop-up bars.

Santa’s Love Shack at Sunny’s Lounge

2701 E. Indian School Road

Revelers at Sunny’s Lounge are in for a very big treat this holiday season, as the bar has evolved into Santa’s Love Shack.

“We didn’t just deck the halls; we Griswolded the whole damn house,” says Mat Snapp, partner at Barter & Shake, the company behind the bar on Indian School Road.

“Come for the cocktails, stay for the bear skin rug selfies, and maybe even catch Santa cutting loose after hours,” Snapp says. Trade elegant holiday decor for a healthy dose of kitsch and “surprises that would make even Cousin Eddie blush.”

The pop-up includes a special holiday cocktail menu with seven seasonal sippers sure to please. Try the Frozen Dulce de Leche with rum, bourbon, coffee, cream, chile and Nutella or the Feliz! Feliz! made with tequila, Biscoff liqueur, chai agave syrup and walnut bitters. Perfect for last-minute planners, this holiday pop-up is suited for walk-ins.

Miracle at Floor 13 and Miracle at the BLVD

15 E. Monroe St.
7324 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale

A decade has gone by since Miracle Bar first started its holiday pop-ups and now the Phoenix area is home to two Miracle experiences for 2024. Floor 13 and BLVD Kitchen & Bar are each playing host to the pop-up until Dec. 30. The concept bursts with Christmas spirit, with over-the-top decorations, cocktails called Christmapolitan and Snowball Old-Fashioned, T.rex-shaped drinkware with Santa hats, and more. And, depending on the location, guest appearances of Buddy the Elf, Santa, the Grinch and a magician are also on the table, so you never know who might drop by during happy hour.

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There are plenty of cozy nooks to enjoy Ember Lounge at Desert Ridge Marketplace.

Ember Lounge

Ember Lounge at Desert Ridge Marketplace

21001 N. Tatum Blvd.

Running through Jan. 12, the 50-foot dome nestled near Barnes & Noble at Desert Ridge Marketplace is hosting a holiday pop-up bar called Ember Lounge. With elegant decor, projection shows and cozy nooks to settle in for the evening, the pop-up manages to transport guests away from the shopping mania around them. There are four themed dining areas to choose from  – The Highland, Grove, Wildwood and Monarch – with plenty of seasonal cocktails and shareable dishes, courtesy of Copper Blues Live. This year, the experience levels up on Fridays and Saturdays, when DJs set up shop. Book your experience online.

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The Sippin' Santa pop-up bar puts a tiki twist on the holidays.

Bitter & Twisted

Sippin’ Santa at Bitter & Twisted

1 W. Jefferson St.

What could be better than Christmas with a tiki twist? Very little, as it turns out, hence why Sippin’ Santa has returned to Bitter & Twisted for another season of tropical holiday fun. The concept goes all out, with bright decor bordering on kitschy (think inflatable flamingo with Santa hat), and a stellar cocktail selection, all served in drinkware as festive as the surroundings. Sippin’ Santa will be here until Dec. 28 and reservations can be made online up to two weeks ahead of time. However, walk-ins are accepted and a same-day waitlist is available on Tock.

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Skysill Chalet is all decked out for Christmas.

The Westin Tempe

Skysill Chalet Winter Pop-Up

11 E. Seventh St., Tempe

With some of the best views in the city, Skysill Rooftop Lounge is a bit of a hidden gem atop The Westin Tempe. For the holidays, it transforms into the Skysill Chalet, taking the bar indoors to a themed room, decorated to the hilt like a cozy winter cabin. Twinkling lights are strung from the ceilings, stockings hang at the fireplace and board games are scattered around for an easy and relaxed visit. The vibe here is low-key, warm and perfect for connecting with loved ones during a hectic time of year. Thursdays through Saturdays are for adults only, but Sundays are for guests of all ages to enjoy. A visit will include a welcome drink and snack to kick things off before perusing the menu for additional holiday drinks and small plates. Reservations run through Dec. 22.

Bad Santa’s Hideaway

7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale

Do the holidays have you feeling a little more Krampus than Kringle? Head over to Scottsdale, where 50 Shades Presents Bad Santa’s Hideaway. A life-sized Grinch hangs from the ceiling, Elves on the Shelves do inappropriate things and the festive liquor flows freely. Christmas looks a little different here, but that’s the whole idea. The substantial menu offers sandwiches and burgers like Ya Filthy Eggplant in addition to appetizers. The list of cocktails includes the Cookietini and Stocking Stuffer. There are plenty of themed shots available for revelers too. Drop by before the New Year to take advantage of this twist on the holiday pop-up bar; walk-ins are welcome but reservations are encouraged for weekends.

Holiday Pop-Up at The Social Boardroom

7700 E. McCormick Pkwy., Scottsdale

Tinsel on the columns, Santa to greet you, gifts galore, wrapping paper on the walls – The Social Boardroom is fully in the Christmas spirit at The Scottsdale Resort & Spa. The space is normally reserved as a relaxed gathering area with a golf simulator and pool table plus a professional boardroom. But this winter, it has transformed into its first pop-up bar. The cocktails reflect the season perfectly, with choices like the Silent Night made with whiskey, banana bread simple syrup, walnut and chocolate bitters. The best part is that not only resort guests are welcome – anyone can drop by to enjoy the drinks and games available. 

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Get from bar to bar in style with the Holiday Lights Bar Crawl.

Arizona Party Bike

Holiday Lights Bar Crawl

7034 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale

Looking to leave the car behind during your holiday imbibing? Trade your wheels for Arizona Party Bikes' Holiday Lights Bar Crawl. While technically not a pop-up bar itself, the goal is to get you to all the pop-up fun in Old Town Scottsdale. Guests ride around on the very merrily decorated pedal pub and hit up places like Gilligan’s for some liquid cheer over two hours. Coolers, ice and cups keep the party going on the bike, along with blasting holiday tunes. You’ll even get a free shot at Bad Santa’s Hideaway out of the deal. Book your spot online.