The best Christmas bars and holiday pop-ups in Chicago

Why we love it: This immersive, multi-level Christmas pop-up bar boasting wall-to-wall holiday decor returns to Wrigleyville, taking over Stolen Saddle 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. Feeling hungry? Feast upon festive options like Santa's Smash Burger, Festive Fry Flight and Grinch Shake. 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+. 

Address: 3505 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

Holiday run: Through December 31

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 9am-11pm; Sun 9am-10pm

Why we love it: 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. 

Address: 3485 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

Holiday run: Through January 11

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 3pm-close; Thu, Fri 11am-close; Sat, Sun 10:30am-close

Why we love it: 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 amidst the twinkling lights, tinsel and over-the-top decorations.

Address: 809 W Evergreen Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Holiday run: Through December 31

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 6pm-midnight; Fri, Sat 5pm-1am

Why we love it: 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 Fulton Market. The sprawling two-acre attraction boasts a Christmas market, photo opportunities and a variety of activities like ice skating, bumper cars, axe throwing, curling and more. You'll also have the chance to sip on boozy hot cocoa and other holiday cocktails while wandering through a light-filled Christmas tree walk.

Address: 1265 W Le Moyne St, Chicago, IL 60642

Holiday run: Through January 3

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 5-10pm; Sat noon-11pm

Why we love it: Chicago's only Hanukkah-themed pop-up takes over The Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville for another year, filling the bar and weatherproof patio with more than 30,000 blue-and-white lights, dreidel ornaments, a 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 boozy jelly donuts. Pair your meal with a novelty cocktail—we're going with the Hebrew Cold Brew, a caffeinated cocktail crowned with a heavy cream float. Chag Sameach!

Address: 3441 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Holiday run: Through January 5

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-2am; Sat 11am-3am; Sun 11am-2am

Why we love it: 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.

Address: 85 E Wacker Dr, 22nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60601

Holiday run: Through January 25

Opening hours: Daily 11am-midnight

Why we love it: Happy’s is back for its farewell season, and they're closing out a holly, jolly run in full holiday spirit. 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. Admission is free, and the pop-up is just a short walk from the Millennium Park ice skating rink.

Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Holiday run: Through January 16

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 4-11pm; Fri, Sat 3-11pm

Why we love it: The weather outside might be frightful, but you'll be plenty cozy inside JoJo's Shake Bar, which has transformed every inch of its outdoor patio into a Winter Wonderland decorated with an eight-foot-tall nutcracker, giant ornaments and thousands of string lights. Treat yourself to over-the-top shakes—such as the Winter Wonderland Shake, which is peppermint flavored and topped with cookies, marshmallows, a candy cane and a snowman made of donut holes—and fanciful seasonal cocktails like Santa's Sangria, and be sure to grab a table close to the pop-up's Christmas tree. You can also sign up for festive events, including mixology classes, ornament painting and gingerbread house decorating workshops.

Address: 23 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Holiday run: Through December 24

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-10pm; Fri, Sat 11am-midnight

Why we love it: River Grove tiki bar Hala Kahiki has transformed into Sippin’ Santa, a famed holiday pop-up with locations across the country. The tropical experience features over-the-top, kitschy decor and a themed cocktail menu, including new and returning drinks like Jingle Bird, Frost Bite and Designated Sledder.

Address: 2834 N River Rd, River Grove, IL 60171

Holiday run: Through December 31

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 4pm-12:30am; Fri 4pm-2am; Sat 2pm-2am; Sun 2pm-12:30am

Why we love it: Lettuce Entertain You’s popular tropical bar is transforming from a sandy paradise to a snowy winter escape for the season. Sip on special holiday cocktails, like the Cranberry Mai Tai, Hot Buttered Rum and Eggnog Grasshopper, served in charming and festive vessels and glassware. Guests can even pick up their own mugs to take home or gift from the bar’s retail shop.

Address: 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Holiday run: Through December 31

Opening hours: Mon-Wed, Sun 4pm-midnight; Thu, Fri 4pm-1am; Sun 4pm-1am

Why we love it: River West bar The Dandy Crown is transforming into a festive pop-up dubbed A Very Dandy Holiday, 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. The bar will also host themed events, such as holiday trivia and an ugly sweater night, throughout December.

Address: 694 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Holiday run: Through January 4

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 3pm-midnight; Fri 3pm-2am; Sat noon-3am; Sun noon-midnight

Why we love it: Located right across from Gallagher Way (and its winter wonderland), Wrigleyville cocktail spot Mordecai is spreading holiday cheer by decorating its first-floor bar with festive string lights, hanging ornaments, colorful tinsel, mounted wreaths and more. The mixologists are complementing the space with creative holiday-inspired libations. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are welcome.

Address: 3632 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

Holiday run: Through January 6

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 5-10pm; Fri, Sat 5-11pm

Why we love it: 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 5 with a traditional Krampus parade (feel free to wear your best Krampus costume when you attend) before continuing on throughout the month with plenty of Krampus-themed events.

Address: 2849 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Holiday run: Through December 23

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4pm-2am; Fri, Sun noon-2am; Sat noon-3am

Why we love it: Taking over River North’s Tree House Chicago, this whimsical winter wonderland is filled with festive touches, enchanting decor and hidden surprises. Guests can step through ivy-covered doors and indulge in a curated menu of holiday cocktails while snapping pics in photo-ready spots.

Address: 149 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Holiday run: Through January 9

Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Fri 4pm-midnight; Sat 5pm-midnight; Sun 11am-midnight

Why we love it: Moe’s Cantina in Wrigleyville and River North celebrates the spirit of Noche Buena with a Latin-themed holiday pop-up. The multi-sensory experience is infused with Latin music, holiday-inspired drinks and festive decorations reminiscent of a traditional Latin Christmas. Stop in for weekly themed programming like tropical nights—featuring salsa, cumbia, merengue, bachata and more—and loteria brunch on Sundays.

Address: 3518 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

Holiday run: Through January 11

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 6pm-1:30am; Sat 2pm-1:30am; Sun noon-8pm

Why we love it: If you want some fun and games to accompany your holiday festivities, look no further than Headquarters Beercade. Expect over-the-top photo ops, like a full-sized Santa sleigh and naughty or nice thrones, plus a selection of themed holiday drinks.

Address: 213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, IL 60610

Holiday run: Through December 31

Opening hours: Daily 4pm-2am

Why we love it: There’s plenty of cold-weather fun to be had on the Art Deco-inspired terrace at the Gwen Hotel, which offers curling lanes plus fire pits and hot cocktails so you can warm up between rounds. Heat lamps are set up around the perimeter to keep things toasty, and you can also hang out with a group around one of the fire tables.

Address: 521 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

Holiday run: Through March 8

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 7am-11pm; Fri, Sat 7am-1am

Why we love it: The Godfrey’s rooftop becomes a winter wonderland when the temperatures plunge, featuring clear heated igloos decorated with festive lights that can be booked for groups of up to 10 people indulging in bottle service. Even if you’re not going all out, you can hang out at a booth under the retractable roof or gather around an outdoor fire pit for s’mores and a hot cocktail.

Address: 127 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654

Holiday run: Through January 25

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 2pm-midnight; Fri noon-2am; Sat 11am-2am; Sun 11am-8pm

Why we love it: Just because baseball season is over doesn't mean the action in Wrigleyville goes into hibernation. Alma, the Hotel Zachary bar located across from Wrigley Field, is bringing back its heated terrace globes. Up to six guests can enjoy holiday cocktails or kid-friendly options like hot chocolate, eggnog or sparkling cider, plus a build-your-own s’mores station curated by Amy’s Candy Bar. The globes also come equipped with a record player, so you can play some holiday tunes, as well as board games and Polaroid cameras to help capture those picture-perfect moments.

Address: 3630 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

Holiday run: Through January 25

Opening hours: Fri, Sat 4-8pm