Austin’s Merriest Bars for Seasonal Sips

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.

Cosmic Saltillo: Candy Land

Cosmic Saltillo is bringing holiday cheer with “Candy Land,” a festive pop-up inspired by gingerbread houses and the iconic board game. Opening November 14, the bar features a themed cocktail menu, including highlights like the Honey Pear Cottage, Gingerbread Orchard, and Mint Mojito Forest. Open every Thursday–Saturday, 6 p.m.–12 a.m.

The Eleanor: Miracle on 5th Street

Stop by The Eleanor for their seventh year of popular pop-up, Miracle on 5th Street, where their space transforms into a holiday wonderland. The grand opening will be on November 15! 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!

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 23– December 25.

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 21 to December 29.

Azul Rooftop: Yule at Azul

Azul Rooftop is hosting Yule at Azul from November 21 – December 29. Sip festive drinks at the highest rooftop bar in Austin. Reserve a private holiday cabana for $200 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 November 22 – February 9.

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 22 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: The Lodge

Festive igloos and holiday bar return to the pool deck at the Hotel Van Zandt as The Lodge. Guests can sip and savor while getting into the spirit with festive games, holiday music, and an all-new holiday menu. The Lodge reservations are available Wednesdays through Sundays beginning Friday, November 29, with two seatings each night at 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Uptown Sports Club: Holiday Pop-Up Bar

Eastside hot-spot, Uptown Sports Club, looks like a blast from Christmas past. Starting December 4, add this pop-up to your Christmas bar crawl. You will find retro holiday decorations from colored lights to vintage trinkets, plus a new hot cocktail menu. Sip on classic favorites such as a Bar 5 Cider Toddy (bourbon, apple brandy, apple cider, Angostura bitters and lemon) and Run It Back (spiced rum, Lost Irish Whiskey, amaretto and steamed cinnamon oat milk).

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 Polar Espresso Pop-Up Bar

The Coffee Bar at Thompson Austin is bringing holiday cheer to its first floor with the Polar Espresso Pop-Up from November 27 to December 24. This seasonal experience offers a unique holiday menu featuring Proud Mary coffee, signature espresso martinis, and festive decor. Guests can join in gingerbread house decorating sessions, providing a creative way to celebrate with family and friends. Additionally, a pop-up candle shop by Scents Luxury Studio will offer a curated selection of seasonal candles to capture the spirit of the season.

Kitty Cohen’s

Kitty Cohen’s is transforming its patio bar in East Austin for their fifth annual Hanukkah-themed pop-up from December 3 to January 2. Expect a Hanukkah-inspired cocktails, such as Slivotinis and Latke Punch.

The Fairmont: The Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-up Bar

Jingle & mingle alongside sleighs and skyline views at The Ugly Sweater holiday pop-up bar at Rules & Regs open daily starting November 26. Expect dazzling lights, an abundance of kitschy holiday cheer and lively holiday cocktails on this 7th-floor patio bar at The Fairmont. New this year, Nordic-inspired igloos for up to six are available to rent, including a spiked eggnog or adult hot chocolate welcome drink.

Nickel City: Sippin’ Santa

The popular East Austin bar is transforming into a tiki-themed Christmas bar starting November 25 and running throughout December. Sippin’ Santa at Nickel City offers cocktails such as Kris Kringle Colada, the Jingle Bowl and the Don and Victor.

Swim Club: Après Swim

Step into a winter wonderland at Downright Austin’s new Swim Club as it transforms into Après Swim from Dec. 15–30. Enjoy festive cocktails, cookie decorating, disco ornament Sip-N-Paint and holiday movies on The Lawn. Stay tuned for more updates at their website.

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