Austin’s Merriest Bars for Seasonal Sips
See which local cocktail bars are decking their halls with spirited holiday flair and specialty drinks
Austin bars are getting in the holiday spirit, decking their halls with twinkling lights and tinsel for the most festive atmosphere of the year. When you’re feeling merry and bright, gather your friends for a cocktail or mocktail at these highly decorated destinations. ‘Tis the season for sipping!
Lala’s Little Nugget
Austin’s original Christmas-themed bar, Lala’s, is festive year-round. So you can get in the holiday spirit any time, any day. During the winter season, you can choose from an array of specialty cocktails such as Grandma’s Boozy Eggnog, Peppermint Hot Cocoa, Irish Iced Coffee, and Prancer’s Punch which includes tequila, mint, simple syrup, cordial and lime. Note that Jolly Hour runs from 4 -7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with discounted drink options. With the newest addition of Lala’s South Pole in South Austin, there’s even more year-round Christmas cheer to enjoy in the city.
The Eleanor: Miracle on 5th Street
Stop by The Eleanor for their annual popular pop-up, Miracle on 5th Street, where their space transforms into a holiday wonderland. This year’s drink menu offers festive-themed libations such as the Snowball Old Fashioned, Christmapolitan, Santa Slide, Run Run Reindeer, Jingle Balls Nog, and non-alcoholic cocktails like the Spiced Hot Cocoa and Yuletide Buck. Additionally, the Ski Lodge will serve Old Fashioneds and Miracle’s signature shots on a Shot Ski. Reserve tickets in advance to attend.
Lefty’s Brick Bar: Rudolph’s Road House
Step into yuletide yeehaw at Ruloph’s Road House the whole month of December. An interactive holiday pop-up is taking over Lefty’s Brick Bar with festive cocktails, over-the-top decorations, and merry-themed events all month long!
Holiday Gift Guide
Edge Rooftop: Snow Much Fun
Enjoy snowfall on the hour, every hour at Edge Rooftop during their Snow Much Fun holiday pop-up. Sip on festive cocktails, roast s’mores, and listen to live music while surrounded by twinkling lights from November 26– December 28.
Upstairs at Caroline: Naughty or Nice
Upstairs at Caroline presents Naughty or Nice, a holiday-themed pop-up activation with festive decor and seasonal drinks from November 19 to December 28.
Azul Rooftop: Yule at Azul
Azul Rooftop is hosting Yule at Azul from Nov. 8 to Dec. 28. Sip festive drinks at the highest rooftop bar in Austin. Reserve a private holiday cabana for $100 and enjoy a two-hour experience with s’mores, blanket service, postcards, and full table service for up to 8 guests.
Otopia Rooftop: WinterSol
Cozy up by the fire at Otopia Rooftop in Austin’s West Campus District, where you can rent a private igloo and enjoy a special cocktail and light bite menu created to enhance the feeling of winter. WinterSol runs from Nov. 17 to 29 and Dec. 4 to 30.
Zanzibar: Island of Spices
Zanzibar is featuring the Island’s native flavors this holiday season, featuring curated spiced cocktails highlighting cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and more starting November 18 and running all December long.
Donn’s Depot
Donn’s Depot is renowned for its extensive Christmas decorations throughout the bar this time of year. But the true holiday cheer can be found in the live music six nights a week at Donn’s.
Hotel Van Zandt: Reindeer Over Rainey
Hotel Van Zandt is ushering in the holidays with Reindeer Over Rainey, a new outdoor pop-up, running Dec. 3 to 28, Wednesday through Sunday. The activation transforms the pool deck cabanas into themed Elf Lounges, Santa Lounges and Snowflake Suites, each designed for a festive night out on Rainey Street. Reservations include a chef-curated dinner, holiday craft cocktails, vinyl Christmas records, board games, desserts and seasonal surprises. Guests can book an Elf Lounge for 2–4 people (reservation fee $125, $200 food and beverage minimum), a Santa Lounge for 4–6 ($125 fee, $250 minimum) or a Snowflake Suite for 6–10 ($125 fee, $275 minimum). Tickets are now available online.
Swim Club: Santa’s Afterparty
Step into a winter wonderland at Downright Austin’s Swim Club as it transforms into Santa’s Afterparty starting November 20. Enjoy festive cocktails, seasonal bites, and more. Stay tuned for more updates at their website.
Gibson Street Bar
The third annual “Gibson Wonderland” is taking over Gibson Street Bar for the month of December. Sip on festive cocktails, take fun photos in the iconic Gibson Sleigh, and enjoy the expanded seating outside under the tent that features a pop-up bar for toasty beverages.
Thompson Austin’s Chalet Royale Pop-Up Bar
The Royale Room at the Thompson Austin is transforming its ’70s-inspired martini bar into Chalet Royale, a cozy après-ski escape filled with vintage flair and winter décor. The seasonal pop-up will offer holiday martinis, playful cocktail specials and rounds of festive shotskis, alongside live DJs, surprise performances and laid-back movie nights throughout the season. Guests can enjoy complimentary tabletop s’mores, a raclette smashburger and fries special, and a full menu designed for fireside lounging.
Nickel City: Sippin’ Santa
The popular East Austin bar is transforming into a tiki-themed Christmas bar starting November 24 through December 27. Sippin’ Santa at Nickel City offers cocktails such as Kris Kringle Colada, the Jingle Bowl and the Don and Victor. Seating is first-come, first-served, but the bar offers table reservations for larger groups.
The Fairmont: The Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-up Bar
Jingle and mingle at The Ugly Sweater pop-up inside Rules & Regs, the Fairmont’s 7th-floor bar, where kitschy decorations, festive lights and seasonal cocktails take over starting Nov. 28. Out on the 7th-floor rooftop patio, The Fairmont Express offers a separate holiday train-car experience with cozy booth reservations and build-your-own hot cocoa.
The Dead Rabbit: Jingle Jangle
The Dead Rabbit Austin debuts its Jingle Jangle Christmas pop-up bar, transforming into a festive winter wonderland from November 18 to January 4. The seasonal experience features nostalgic holiday decor, a curated playlist of Irish Christmas classics, and a 14-drink cocktail menu, highlighting flavors like baking spices, seasonal fruits and chocolate. Signature drinks include the frozen After Eight, the smoky Blitzen and the sweet Berry Merry. Guests can also enjoy holiday-inspired dishes such as turkey pot pie and shepherd’s pie.
Wanderlust Wine Company: Holly Jolly Bar
The Holly Jolly Bar, a holiday pop-up hosted by Bucket Listers, opens November 20 and runs through December 28 at Wanderlust Wine Co. in East Austin. This over-the-top festive bar features floor-to-ceiling holiday decor, seasonal cocktails and entertainment for guests 21 and up. General admission starts at $24 per person and includes a 90-minute reservation and a holiday-themed welcome drink, with additional beverages available for purchase.
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