Bars

Austin’s Merriest Bars for Seasonal Sips

See which local cocktail bars are decking their halls with spirited holiday flair and specialty drinks

By Tribeza Staff
November 20, 2025

Miracle on 5th St. pop-up (photo courtesy of Miracle on 5th St.)

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 the Bleached Reindeer, Peppermint Hot Cocoa, the Gingerbread Man shot and the Peanut Butter & Jolly shot. Note that Jolly Hour runs weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m. 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.

Miracle on 5th Street pop-up. (Photo courtesy of Miracle on 5th Street)

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, Christmas Cricket, Run Run Reindeer, Jingle Balls Nog and non-alcoholic cocktails like the Spiced Hot Cocoa and Ginger Bell Rock. Reserve tickets in advance to attend.

SHOP

Swipe

WCC

Long Hill Wagyu

William Paul Floral Design

Oli Tea

Lake Austin Spa Resort

Milk & Honey

The Mercantile at Mill + Grain

The Garten

L Majors

CRUX Climbing

Aesop at Domain Northside

Verdadero Tequila

Still Austin

Shannon Sleepwear

Alchemy for the Home

Matcha Yall

Joy Gift Shoppe

Zilker Belts

Eco Estate Jewelry

ATX Leather Co

Texas Hill Country Olive Co

Kindred Spirits

Music Lane

ELARIA

Maison Palo Santo

APIS

Coloring Austin

Snow Much Fun (photo courtesy of The Edge Rooftop Bar)

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 Nov. 19 to Dec. 27.

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 Nov. 19 to Dec. 26.

Yule at Azul. (Photo courtesy of The Westin)

Azul Rooftop: Yule at Azul

Azul Rooftop is hosting Yule at Azul from Nov. 19 to Dec. 30. 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 eight guests.

Holiday Hideaway at Zanzibar Rooftop. (Photo by Jane Yun)

Zanzibar: Holiday Hideaway

Zanzibar is featuring the Island’s native flavors this holiday season, featuring curated spiced cocktails highlighting cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and more. Dates for 2026 to be announced.

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's holiday pop up bar Reindeer Over Rainey. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Van Zandt) — Hotel Van Zandt’s holiday pop up bar Reindeer Over Rainey. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Van Zandt)

Hotel Van Zandt: Reindeer Over Rainey

Hotel Van Zandt is ushering in the holidays with Reindeer Over Rainey, an outdoor pop-up, running Dec. 3 – 27. 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.

Gibson Street Bar

With an vintage après-ski makeover, Gibson Street Bar is turning into “Winter Wonderglam” from Nov. 18 to Jan. 3. 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.

Nickel City: Sippin’ Santa

The popular East Austin bar Nickel City is transforming into a tiki-themed Christmas bar. Dates for 2026 to be announced.

The Fairmont: The Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-up Bar

Jingle and mingle at The Ugly Sweater Pop-Up Bar inside Rules & Regs, the Fairmont’s seventh-floor bar, where kitschy decorations, festive lights and seasonal cocktails take over starting Nov. 27. Out on the 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 hosts its Jingle Jangle Christmas pop-up bar, transforming into a festive winter wonderland. Dates for 2026 to be announced.

Wanderlust Wine Company: Holly Jolly Bar

The Holly Jolly Bar is a holiday pop-up hosted by Bucket Listers 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. Dates for 2026 to be announced.

Kitty Cohen's Hannukkah Pop-Up — Kitty Cohen’s Hannukkah Pop-Up. (photo courtesy of Kitty Cohen’s)

Get Lit! at Kitty Cohen’s

Kitty Cohen’s is transforming its East Austin patio bar for “Get Lit!” — its annual Hanukkah-themed pop-up from Dec 3 to Jan. 2. Expect lively holiday decorations and themed cocktails like the Maccabee’s Knees, Oy Fashioned and Latke Punch.