The concept began in New York’s East Village, when Greg Boehm took a hiatus from building a permanent bar to open Miracle, a 30-day holiday-themed pop-up featuring festive specialty cocktails. The idea took off from there, and Boehm franchised the concept. Picking up on the holiday scent, in 2016, the owners of Planter’s House opened Miracle, a kitschy tinsel-and-garland-covered sendup of the holiday. Now called Miracle STL, the event sold out in subsequent years, prompting a sister concept: Sippin’ Santa, the city’s first tiki-inspired holiday pop-up bar, which promptly sold out as well. This year, there are over two dozen holiday-themed bars across metro St. Louis.
See even more food and drink events happening this month, and find your next favorite holiday tradition on the Arch Eats podcast.
Find the best food in St. Louis
Subscribe to the St. Louis Dining In and Dining Out newsletters to stay up-to-date on the local restaurant and culinary scene.
POP-UPS: RESERVATIONS / TICKETED
Apres Ski Pop-up Christmas Bar 2024 at Old Barn Inn
The perfect venue for a December date night, festive overnight stay, Christmas with friends celebration, or just some holiday spirit(s), the Aprés-Ski Pop Up Christmas Bar at Old Barn Inn is open Friday and Saturday nights this December. For the ultimate experience, tickets are available for a one-night stay at one of The Inn at St. Albans cottages or The Lodge, which includes the Aprés-Ski bar access, bar bites, and raclette dinner for two. Or you can purchase tickets just for Apés-Ski bar access, bites and raclette dinner. December 7 and 14 are already sold out, so hurry to reserve your spot for December 6, December 13, December 20, or December 21. The Inns at St. Albans, 3500 St. Albans.
Avalanche at Work & Leisure
Back by popular demand, Avalanche, a ski lodge-themed pop-up bar, returns to Work & Leisure from December 3–31. The immersive pop-up experience promises to transport guests to the enchanting Lodge & Leisure Ski Resort (at Work & Leisure in Midtown), where the staff is charged with safeguarding them against an impending avalanche. While awaiting their chilly fate, guests are treated to signature drinks, small bites, and specialty cocktails. VIP and general admission tickets are available. 3015 Locust.
Bling! at Wolf Café
The taproom at Wolf Café & Taproom in Ballwin has transformed for the season into Bling! The Wolf Café Holiday Pop-up Bar. Festive decorations and twinkling lights will greet guests Wednesday through Saturday nights from December 5–28. While the taproom is all but unrecognizable, the craft beer is still there, along with cocktails and mocktails in the theme of the season. Reservations are available for the cocktail lounge tables, but no reservations are required for the taproom. All ages are welcome until 8 p.m.; must be age 21 or older after 8 p.m. 15480 Clayton, 636-527-7027.
Dasher’s Dive Bar at the Marquee Event Center in New Town
This holiday pop-up is moving its wild lights, 30-plus trees, live entertainment stage, and bars to the Marquee Event Center in New Town. Billed as a Christmas party and holiday game show in one, the pop-up serves up festive welcome cocktails, appetizers, and snacks. 3544 Galt House Drive, St. Charles, 314-575-2240.
Holiday Lights at Grant’s Farm
Ride the tram to Bauernhof, and then stroll the grounds to enjoy the holiday lights at your leisure. Highlights include Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday lights show, seasonal food and drink offerings, animals in the Tier Garten, and a walk to the exterior of the historic Busch family home. Carriage rides and firepit experiences are also available. Make a special holiday evening with the entire family, and capture photos and memories that will last a lifetime. Consider purchasing tickets in advance.
Home for the Holidays at Cellar House
The annual pop-up runs from December 3rd to January 4th. For this event, the restaurant will transform into a festive winter wonderland with a menu featuring holiday-themed dishes and cocktails. Guests will experience lit trees, greenery, snowscape scenes, patchy clouds, and twinkling stars. Operating hours remain unchanged: Tuesday–Thursday, 4-9 p.m., and Friday–Saturday, 4-10 p.m. The restaurant will be closed Sundays, Mondays, and on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1. Private events can be scheduled during the pop-up. Walk-ins are welcome when seating is available, but reservations are recommended. Donations will be accepted for Food Outreach, a nonprofit supporting individuals with HIV and cancer. Reservations can be made online (groups of seven or more should contact the restaurant at 314- 846-5100.
Jingle at CarShield Field
Through December 31, CarShield Field in O’Fallon, Missouri, will be home to an ice skating rink, snow-tubing train, holiday light path and themed food and beverage stands, including a pair of pop-up bars. Indulge in festive tunes at Bah Humbug’s Sing-A-Long Piano bar, or enjoy a cup of cheer at the Tipsy Tree Lodge. Reservations are available online.
The Jingle Joint at Brookdale Farm
This holiday season, step into a festive wonderland at Brookdale Farm’s rustic barn. Get ready for a jolly good time with over-the-top decorations, delicious drinks, and a merry atmosphere, where every sip is a celebration. Tickets are $5 per guest; must be 21 or older. 8004 Twin Rivers Road, Eureka.
LIT at Molly’s in Soulard
Molly’s in Soulard waits until the day after Thanksgiving to decorate for the holidays—but come Black Friday, its halls will be decked to the max. From November 29–December 23, LIT is back at the Soulard staple and offering an immersive Christmas experience that includes outrageous décor, Christmas-themed cocktails and small bites, as well as costumes, music, photo ops, and more. The bar is open daily from November 24–December 23. Click here for reservations. 816 Geyer, 314-241-6200.
Located across from Kiener Plaza, The Lodge at Winterfest is a charming pop-up holiday bar with a perfect view of Winterfest and the Gateway Arch. Admission is $25 and includes one drink. The specially curated menu offers seasonal cocktails and warm drinks, such as spiced cider, mulled wine, and hot cocoa. Guests can also look forward to soft holiday music, games, portrait opportunities, and winter-themed small bites provided by UKRAFT Brunch Café. Proceeds support the mission of Gateway Arch Park Foundation, including free community events such as Winterfest. It’s open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 23–December 29, with family-friendly “Nice Hours” from noon–3:30 p.m. and “Naughty Hours” from 4–8 pm. for ages 21 and up. UKRAFT Brunch Café, 701 Market.
Miracle STL at Small Change
The popular Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting at Small Change. With kitschy holiday décor and professionally developed cocktails, the festive pop-up is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit. Although Miracle does charge a reservation fee, it donates all proceeds from the fee to Santa’s Helpers, Inc. 2800 Indiana.
Ornament at Calypso
Enjoy drinks, food, and a lively atmosphere, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Calypso’s scratch kitchen will serve up flavorful dishes with a holiday twist, offering limited-time, themed menu items and specialty cocktails to complement the season. The pop-up for ages 21 and up will be open on select nights this holiday season, starting at 5:30 p.m. Brunch will be served during a separate ticketed event through January 5. 1026 Geyer.
Sippin’ Santa at Planter’s House
Santa needs a vacation from all of his hard work at the North Pole, so he’s trading pine for palm trees. Escape the cold and join him in this festive island paradise serving one-of-a-kind Tiki-inspired holiday cocktails and food. Reservations for Sippin Santa will be released on Sunday, November 24, at noon, and Sippin’ Santa will be open (inside Planter’s House) from November 29–December 29. A reservation fee of $10 per person will benefit the St. Louis Community Foundation. Planter’s House, 1000 Mississippi, 314-696-2603.
Tinsel Tavern at Ballpark Village
Tinsel Tavern is back, but this time Sandy Claus is coming to town and taking over Shark Bar for a beachy escape! This pop-up bar features wall-to-wall décor, a festive cocktail menu that yule love, special events such as Holiday Drag Brunch, photo ops, and more. Whether you’re on the nauti or nice list, grab your best beaches and dive into this over-the-top holiday pop-up bar, which will be open Wednesday through Saturday from November 29–December 28. Ballpark Village, 601 Clark; 314-797-7530.
Toasted Chestnut at Public School House in Cottleville
At this holiday pop-up in Cottleville, enjoy a variety of drinks (cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine, and shots) while gazing at the festive holiday lights. Reserved tables for 2, 4, 6, and 8 guests are available, as are seats at the bar (all $15 per person); a VIP couch reservation ($18 per person/seat, max 8 people) is also available. Public School House, 5546 Chestnut, Cottleville, 636-730-1905.
Winter Winederland at Robust Wine Bar
Winter WINEderland takes over Robust Wine Bar in Webster Groves from November 26–December 30. It will serve up over-the-top festive cocktails, cozy bites, reindeer games, holiday-themed events, and plenty of cheer. Experience a magical, wintery escape while enjoying seasonal delights, giveaways, and opportunities to support local charities and families in need. Reservations can be made through OpenTable; $10 per person will be added to your check, and the reservation includes a complimentary 3-ounce glass of bubbles. 227 W. Lockwood, 314-963-0033.
POP-UPS: NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
The popular St. Peters bar will be transformed for the holidays, from November 27–December 21. Bar manager Travis Shook will offer a special menu of holiday-inspired and hot cocktails served in holiday-themed glassware. 5105 Westwood, Suite A.
Bling! at Wolf Café
The taproom at Wolf Café and Taproom in Ballwin has transformed for the season into Bling! The Wolf Café Holiday Pop-up Bar. Festive decorations and twinkling lights will greet guests on Wednesday through Saturday nights from December 5–28. While the taproom is all but unrecognizable, the craft beer is still there, along with cocktails and mocktails in the theme of the season. Reservations are for the cocktail lounge tables, but no reservations are required for the taproom. All ages are welcome until 8 p.m.; must be 21 or older after 8 p.m. 15480 Clayton, 636-527-7027.
The Chalet at Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton
Charming in nature and designed with cozy luxury in mind, The Chalet at Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton opens this season with its Chalet Pop-Up Bar. Nestled on the rooftop deck at Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton hotel, this outdoor pop-up bar features a curling rink ($50 per hour), heat lamps, and firepits with cozy group seating. Open 5–8 p.m. Friday, noon–6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton, 7730 Bonhomme.
Elf Bar at Union Station
The popular Selfie Express photo illusion attraction at Union Station has been invaded by mischievous elves for the Christmas season. The new Elf Bar is open right outside the renamed “Elfie Express” inside Union Station. Elf Bar serves a festive grown-up drink called Elf’s Citrus Snow Melt (made with vodka, Dolin Blanc, Vanille de Madagascar, Angostora, orange, lime, and coconut). Union Station, 201 S. 18th.
Moose Mug Lounge at Angad Arts Hotel
Get in the festive spirit with “Moose Mug Lounge,” a National Lampoon–inspired holiday pop-up on the rooftop ART Bar at the Angad Arts Hotel. Open from November 8 through New Year’s Eve, it provides a spot where guests can immerse themselves in a true Lampoon-inspired holiday celebration, with décor such as the “Lotta Sap” Christmas tree, an inflatable RV, movie-themed cutouts for photo ops, a light display, a namesake family fireplace, and more. The event is open to ages 21 and up, who can enjoy a seasonal drink lineup including Clark’s Good Ol’ Fashioned Egg Nog, Flying Squirrel, The Blessing… THE BLESSING, and Uncle Lewis’ Old Fashioned. 3550 Samuel Shepard Drive.
O-Tannen Bar at Union Station
Enjoy warm apple cider and hot chocolate with a boozy twist inside the “O-Tannen Bar” on the Purina Performance Plaza at Union Station. The 45-foot LED lit bar is a fun and festive centerpiece for the Christkindl Market. Union Station, 201 S. 18th.
Polar Patio at Side Project Brewing
Visit Side Project Patio and Pizza Champ for the Polar Patio Pop-Up, launching Wednesday, November 27 and running through the end of the year. The Patio, which is tented and heated, will be decked out with holiday décor. Gather with friends, and experience four specialty seasonal cocktails and winter beer selections, along with pizza from Pizza Champ. The family-friendly pop-up will include snowflake-decorating, DIY holiday card-making, and a holiday photo station with fun props. Folks can also come to The Patio to see Santa, who will make an appearance on December 14 from 3–6 p.m. No reservations are required. 2657 Lyle.
Sleigh Shed at the Train Shed at Union Station
The Train Shed at Union Station has transformed into The Sleigh Shed for the holiday season.It’s blinged out from top to bottom in holiday lights and baubles, elaborate table décor, and all of the glorious excess of the holiday season. A special menu with creative holiday cocktails, appetizers, and desserts is available daily. All seating is first come, first served. Union Station, 201 S. 18th, 314-923-3949.
The Southpole at InterTwine Wine Bar
For the holiday season (November 29 – December 26), the year-old wine bar in Dutchtown has been converted into a cozy winter wonderland, complete with a special holiday drink menu. Festivities include hot cocoa and photos with Santa on December 8 and 15 and an Ugly Sweater Party on December 6, where drink specials await guests bringing a toy donation. 4710 Virginia, 314-719-6403.
Up on a Rooftop at 360 (both locations)
Enjoy the lights from the top of the skyline at 360’s Up on a Rooftop experience in downtown St. Louis and West County. Billed as a “whimsical holiday cocktail pop-up experience with extreme décor and delicious seasonal drinks, small plates, and more,” Up on a Rooftop will be serving up seasonal sips and bites through December 28. All patrons must be age 21 or older; reservations are not accepted. 1 S. Broadway and 111 West Port Plaza Drive.
Weirdly Wonderful Holidays at City Museum
As part of its annual celebration, City Museum is transformed into a festive paradise from Thanksgiving through the entire month of December. Experiences include meeting Santa in his workshop, story time with Mrs. Claus, and holiday karaoke. Make s’mores at the outdoor fire pits or warm up with specialty cocktails at one of City Museum’s three holiday bars: the City Chalet bar (1st Floor), North Pole Bar (3rd Floor), or the Elf’d Up Café (4th Floor). Check website for details.
