It’s that time of year, Queen City. Cocktail bars and restaurants around Charlotte are hosting pop-ups, offering bites, drinks, and local gifts to sleigh the holiday season.
Santa’s Shed | Thursday-Sunday through Sunday, Dec. 28 | The Goodyear House | Try festive cocktails, fresh s’mores, and families have the opportunity to write letters to Santa before his visit on Dec. 9.
Santa’s Favorite Watering Hole | Wednesday, Nov. 12-Sunday, Jan. 4 | Vinyl | The music-themed restaurant and cocktail bar boasts muted yet over-the-top decor, sparkling lights, ornaments everywhere, and a rock-and-hip-hop holiday soundtrack to pair with festive cocktails.
Sippin’ Santa | Monday, Nov. 17-Wednesday, Dec. 31 | The Royal Tot | Order crafted cocktails in themed tiki mugs, like a shark with a hat, nutcracker, and more — plus, you can buy a mug to take home.
Miracle at Backstage Lounge | Wednesday, Nov. 19-Sunday, Dec. 28 | Backstage Lounge | The South End speakeasy is launching themed cocktails and using tinsel, ornaments, and other festive decor to bring in the holiday season.
Buddy’s Cocktail Workshop | Select Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays Nov. 20-Saturday, Jan. 3 | Supperland | Enjoy a four-course “Elf"-themed cocktail tasting experience paired with chef-driven dishes.
Sip + Sleigh | Friday, Nov. 21-Wednesday, Dec. 31 | Streetcar Bar + Bites | Take flight with Christmas-themed cocktail flights paired with festive decor for a jolly time.
Fin & Festive | Saturday, Nov. 22-Thursday, Jan. 1 | Fin & Fino, Birkdale Village | The restaurant decked the halls with festive decor and launched a seasonal menu featuring new cocktails and plates like lobster mac and cheese and warm chocolate chip cookies. Pro tip: Enjoy their heated patio after visiting the ice rink.
Misfit Toys | Tuesday, Nov. 25- Tuesday, Jan. 6 | Queen Park Social | Sip from classic cocktails with a holiday twist while playing arcade games all evening long.
Holiday cocktails | Friday, Nov. 28-Tuesday, Dec. 30 | Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo | Savor the flavors of the season while being surrounded by the twinkling lights of the Charlotte skyline.
Bar North Pole | Friday, Nov. 28-Wednesday, Dec. 31 | North Italia, South End + Ballatyne | Sip from a festive drink menu featuring eight new creations, including two zero-proof options.
Blue Christmas | Friday, Nov 28-Saturday, Jan. 3 | Blue Door | The popular cocktail bar in South End will feel anything but blue when festive drinks are flowing in an intimate winter wonderland setting.
Hideaway 13 | Tuesday, Dec. 2-Saturday, Jan. 3 | Bar Moxy | Make reservations to enter this secret speakeasy to enjoy prohibition-era cocktails by candlelight.
Sugarplum Social | Thursday, Dec. 4-Sunday, Dec. 28 | Former Billy Sunday space at Optimist Hall | The return of the holiday season means the return of festive drinks, holiday decor, and new heated igloos on the patio — first-come, first-served.
Winter at the Queen’s Castle | Monday, Dec. 1-Wednesday, Dec. 31 | Aura Rooftop | If you’re a fan of “Bridgerton,” you’ll love this themed winter experience on the rooftop, with a castle-like setting inspired by Queen Charlotte, paired with a themed cocktail menu.
La Buena Christmas Cantina | Tuesday, Dec. 2-Wednesday, Dec. 31 | Hermanita | This holiday pop-up promises to be the Queen City’s only Mexican-inspired holiday bar that will celebrate the traditions of Las Posadas and Noche Buena.
Bah Humbug | Tuesday, Dec. 2-Tuesday, Dec. 30 | Humbug | Reservations are recommended to check out this dark-themed pop-up.
Wonderland on Bland | Tuesday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 28 | Slingshot | The cocktail bar and gaming arcade is decking the halls with full decor and festive cocktails for the holiday season.
Did we miss your fave? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.
