If you’re a little too old to find Santa at a mall for a festive picture, and regular egg nog at home isn’t quite cutting it, then you probably have been enjoying the resurgence of holiday-themed pop-up bars opening across the city! Expect themed drinks, outrageous decor, and ultra-Instagrammable spots for those festive photos in and around Calgary.
Now, we’re happy to have a month full of festive options that don’t require being outside in the cold (unless you want to be)!
These are some decked-out holiday pop ups that you can drink and eat at this season:
Sippin’ Santa
at Ricardo’s Hideaway, 1530 5 St SW, Calgary
The Sippin’ Santa holiday popup bar has taken over Ricardo’s Hideaway bringing all the festive vibes to the city. This vibrant and tropical escape brings a unique twist to the traditional holiday season, immersing patrons in a whimsical world of tiki-inspired decor and spirited cocktails. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to celebrate the holiday season with a touch of exotic flair and a dash of Christmas cheer.
Plan your visit: Walk ins only!
Hours: November 16 – December 31; Wednesdays to Thursdays 4pm-Midnight, Fridays and Saturdays 4pm-1am, and Sundays 4pm-Midnight.
Miracle on 1st Street
at Proof Cocktail Bar, 1302 1 St SW, Calgary
Miracle Calgary is like what you wish your family Christmas party looked like every year. Expect to find festive cocktails of fan favourites like the Christmapolitan & Christmas Cricket, and new additions of the Rudolph’s Replacement, The Krampus, and Marshmallows & Unicorns. Some drinks will be served un holiday mug designs and they will also be available for purchase at the bar!
10% of all proceeds from the sale of Santa Pants, Christmas Carol Barrel and Santa Heads signature glassware will be donated by Miracle to the Seva Foundation, a global nonprofit eye care organization.
Plan your visit: Walk ins only.
Hours: November 15 – December 24, 2023; Daily from 2PM-1AM
Tinseltown: The Christmas Speakeasy
at Sunny Cider Bar & Kitchen, 1-3300 14th Avenue NE, Calgary
Tinseltown: The Christmas Speakeasy is opening at Sunny Cider Bar & Kitchen this November and is serving up all of your favourite festive tipples! The halls are more than fully decked with baubles, bows, hanging trees, wreaths and just about every festive goodie ever! If you want to go all-in on Christmas and winter festivities, it is a must-visit.
This pop-up bar is a strictly 19+ event, but family-friendly sessions are available for those under drinking age.
Plan your visit: Must book a ticket here with date and arrival time
Hours: November 23rd – December 30th, 2023
Nightmare on 1st Street
at Shelter Cocktail Bar, 1210 1 St SW, Calgary
You’ve probably heard of the classic 1993 film “The Nightmare Before Christmas” – well, Shelter Cocktail Bar is transitioning over to their Nightmare On 1st Street menu soon, bringing a spooky twist to this holiday season!
Plan your visit: No Reservations
Hours: Menu starting November 21st; 5pm-Late Tuesdays to Saturdays, Sundays 7pm-Midnight
Presents & Potions
at The Potion Room, 1211 9 Ave SE, Calgary
This festive pop-up is a room where Harry Potter meets Christmas! This themed space has been transformed for the holidays this December. Discover everything from the magical decor with handcrafted potions that make this spot very interactive!
Hours: December 1 – 31 from 5pm-2am
You’ve planned your toasty, cozy indoor dates, need more? Check out what’s new in Calgary!
