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.
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. This year’s drink menu offers festive-themed libations such as the Snowball Old Fashioned, Christmapolitan, Jingle Balls Nog, Carol Barrel, and a few newcomers like the Koala Cooler and Marshmallows & Unicorns. Additionally, the Ski Lodge will be serving Old Fashioneds and Miracle’s signature shots served on a Shot Ski. Reserve tickets in advance to attend.
Wax Myrtle: Happy’s Pop-up Bar
The team behind Wax Myrtle’s has just announced one of Chicago’s most loved and longest-running holiday pop-up bars, Happy’s, will be setting up shop in Austin this year with over-the-top festive decorations, and serving up a full menu of holiday-inspired cocktails. Choose from ‘You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!’ candy cane julep, ‘We Decided To Take A Vacation This Year’ tropical drink, ‘Rizzletoe’ Jagermeister Sour, and more. The pop-up bar will be open daily at 4 p.m. from November 24 through December 24. No reservations are required.
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 24 – 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 throughout the month of December.
Azul Rooftop: Yule at Azul
Azul Rooftop is hosting Yule at Azul from November 24 – December 31. Sip festive drinks at the highest rooftop bar in Austin. For the full month of December, enjoy a daily holiday happy hour seven days a week from 3-5 p.m. with $5 holiday frozen drinks, $5 house wines, and $5 draft beer.
Moxy Austin: The Nightmare Before Moxy
Visit Moxy Austin – University for “The Nightmare Before Moxy”, a christmas pop-up bar inspired by Tim Burton’s iconic 1993 film. Enjoy seasonal cocktails and holiday movies every Wednesday night in Dec.
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 20 – 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 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 for select dates from December 1 – December 30.
Gibson Street Bar
The second annual “Gibson Wonderland” is taking over Gibson Street Bar for the month of December. The mistletoe is being hung as Gibson Street Bar which will transform into Gibson Wonderland beginning November 24. 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.
Kitty Cohen’s
Kitty Cohen’s is transforming its patio bar in East Austin for their fifth annual Hanukkah-themed pop-up for the whole month of December. Expect aHanukkah-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 24. Expect dazzling lights, an abundance of kitschy holiday cheer and lively holiday cocktails on this 7th floor patio bar at The Fairmont.
Nickel City: Sippin’ Santa
The popular East Austin bar is transforming into a tiki-themed Christmas bar. Sippin’ Santa at Nickel City offers cocktails such as Kris Kringle Colada, the Jingle Bowl and the Don and Victor.
Uptown Sports Club: Holiday Pop-Up Bar
Eastside hot-spot, Uptown Sports Club, looks like a blast from Christmas’ past. Through December 31st, 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 Hot Toddy or Gin ‘n Ginger (an apple cider and apple jack brandy cocktail) or seasonal drinks like the Antidote – a twist on an espresso martini with pecan bourbon.