The best Christmas pop-up bars in Chicago

This immersive, multi-level Christmas pop-up bar boasting wall-to-wall holiday decor returns to Wrigleyville, taking over Bamboo Bar during the most festive time of the year. You'll find photo-ops galore as well as drinks decked out with decorative garnishes and garlands, including large-format cocktails like the Tropical Sleigh Ride and Moët Mistletoe. Feeling hungry? Feast upon festive options like Santa's Sliders, Grinch Shake and Nacho Tree. Don't forget to snag a reservation before you head to Santa Baby—families are welcome to stop by during the day, but after 8pm it's 21+. For full holiday hours, check Santa Baby's website.

Frosty's Christmas Bar near Goose Island brings three levels of festive fun, four bars, two dance floors, life-size toy soldiers and a themed soundtrack that keeps the crowd bumping well past midnight every night of the week. Don your favorite holiday attire and enjoy a glass of something boozy and marshmallow-topped while eating Christmas cookies amid the twinkling lights, tinsel and over-the-top decorations.

The 2003 holiday movie Elf takes center stage at this Wrigleyville pop-up located inside of Stretch Bar & Grill, which gets dressed up with more than 1,000 decorative elves, Christmas trees and plenty of festive Christmas lights. Take a seat at tables stocked with the four main food groups (candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup) and treat yourself to a plate of Buddy's breakfast pasta (spaghetti loaded with maple syrup, chocolate fudge and syrup, mini marshmallows and strawberry frosted pop tarts) or a beer served in a 36-ounce elf boot. Want to catch a glimpse of Buddy the elf himself? Visit the pop-up between Thursday and Sunday, when he's known to make appearances from time to time. 

If you're jonesing for an outdoor Christmas adventure this year, the folks behind Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up are bringing back its winter sibling in a new location in Fulton Market. The sprawling two-acre attraction boasts a Christmas market, photo opportunities and a variety of activties like ice skating, bumper cars, axe throwing, curling and more. You'll also have the opportunity to sip on boozy hot cocoa and other holiday cocktails while wandering through a light-filled Christmas tree walk.

Chicago's only Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar takes over The Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville for another year, filling a weatherproof patio with more than 14,000 blue-and-white lights, dreidel ornaments, lighted menorah and a Hanukkah sweater wall (among other festive bits of decor). Dine on Hanukkah classics like latkes and matzo ball soup alongside not-so-classic options like a gelt fudge sundae. Pair your meal with a novelty cocktail—we're going with the The Chosen MF, a spin on a Long Island Iced Tea with blue curacao. Chag Sameach!

Situated on the ground floor of the Chicago Athletic Association, Happy's transforms the hotel's Tank space into a holly, jolly wood-paneled dive bar serving cocktails and bar bites created by Land and Sea Dept. Admission is free and the pop-up is just a short walk from the Millennium Park ice skating rink.

Immerse yourself in a picture-perfect whimsical décor, sparkling lights and breathtaking Chicago skyline views from the 22nd floor and indulge in a delightful selection of holiday-themed cocktails including, steaming spiced mulled wine and chilled festive drinks. LondonHouse Chicago's rooftop also offers cozy heated igloos, which can be booked by contacting rsvp@londonhouse.com; reservations require a $600 food and drink minimum.

Located right across from Winterland at Gallagher Way, Wrigleyville cocktail spot Mordecai is spreading holiday cheer by decorating its second floor bar with festive string lights, hanging ornaments, colorful tinsel, mounted wreaths and more. The mixologists are complementing the space with creative libations like a winter-inspired old fashioned and gingerbread milk punch. Reservations are required so don’t forget to secure a spot before swinging by.

River West bar The Dandy Crown is transforming into a festive pop-up, complete with yuletide cheer and deliciously decadent cocktails. Sip both boozy and non-alcoholic concoctions made with seasonally-tinged ingredients and served in cheerful glassware, including options like Ghost of Christmas Past (Real del Valle Reposado, Bianco, genepy, chocolate lemon) and Sleigh Ride (white rum, spiced orange, Angostura cocoa, lime). The bar will also host themed events, such as holiday trivia and an ugly sweater night, throughout December.

Fairmont Chicago has brought back its seasonal experience, Fairmont Lodge, for another year of wintry fun. The hotel’s lobby is transformed into a wonderland full of themed décor, overnight packages, festive programming and seasonal menus. Guests can reserve a Lodge experience and indulge in hand-crafted cocktails and sweet and savory fondue, capped off with some s'mores. There’s also live entertainment Thursday through Saturday.

Krampus—the folkloric creature that frightens children who have misbehaved throughout the year—returns to Avondale's DMen Tap for a Christmas pop-up that's more naughty than nice. The pop-up launches December 1 with a traditional Krampus parade featuring the marching band Environmental Encroachment (feel free to wear your best Krampus costume when you attend) before continuing on throughout the month with mulled wine, Revolution Brewing's Fist of Krampus holiday ale, gooey raclette sandwiches and plenty of Krampus-themed events.

If you want some fun and games to accompany your holiday festivities, look no further than Headquarters Beercade. Expect over-the-top photo ops such as naughty and nice thrones and a flying Santa sleigh. The holiday beverage lineup includes a Fireside Old Fashioned and Santa’s Slushie—bourbon cream, cinnamon tequila and honey.

Rosé all day with a seasonal twist. The Hampton Social’s River North location will get in the holiday spirit with festive decor, special winter sips and unique experiences throughout November and December.