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!
A few years ago, Toronto saw some new additions to the winter streets with Miracle Toronto and some hotel bars making a debut and introducing themed drinks, outrageous decor, and the perfect spot for those ultra-Instagrammable festive photos to the people in and around the city.
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:
Mistletoe’s & Margaritas
at Papi Chulo’s, 121 Ossington Ave, Toronto
This margarita night-turned holiday bar is back for another year! Check out how Papi Chulo’s transforms into a Christmas wonderland and make sure you have fun with it and dress for the occasion.
Plan your visit: Walk in basis (Limited reservations)
Hours: Now open Mondays to Thursdays 12pm-late, Fridays and Saturdays 12pm-2am, and Sundays 12pm-late.
Giggly Christmas
at Project Gigglewater, 1369 Dundas St West
This cocktail bar has been wrapped up like a present with a holiday upgrade and you’ll be obsessed!
Plan your visit: All seatings are limited to ONE HOUR from time of reservation.
Hours: Open now! Sun–Weds 6PM-1AM / Thurs–Sat 6PM-2AM
Miracle Bar
at Third Place Toronto, 875 Bloor St West
Miracle Toronto is like what you wish your family Christmas party looked like every year. The most over-the-top decor fills every square inch of this venue, including the tables being completely gift wrapped. Need a hug? There’s a giant electronic teddy bear in the corner that’s giving them out for free.
Plan your visit: While walk-ins are welcome, we highly recommend making a reservation, especially during peak hours and weekends.
Hours: Monday to Friday: 5pm to 2am; Saturday and Sunday: 2pm to 2am
Java Jingle
at Little Sister Food Bar, 102 Portland St. 2nd floor and 2031 Yonge St
Toronto’s one & only Dutch-Indo restaurant has transformed their bar into a floor-to-ceiling holiday experience with festive cocktails, canapes and holiday tunes. The second floor has the cutest holiday drinks and a full food menu you won’t want to miss! Go in your festive-wear or ugly Christmas sweaters and try the holiday-inspired cocktails which will transport you to a magical holiday paradise.
Plan your visit: The bar takes reservations during operating hours, just make a reso for Little Sister and request to be seated upstairs!
Hours: Until Dec 31
House of York
at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, 100 Front St W
This cozy holiday pop-up bar is in partnership with Roots and is located on the main mezzanine level, where the Thirty Elf used to be. Enjoy a nightcap in a space filled with nostalgia and Canadian winter spirit!
Plan your visit: Walk-in only!
How to find it: Located on the MM level of the hotel, which is one floor above the lobby.
Hours: Fridays & Saturdays, 5pm to 11 pm, from November 20 – December 21
NORDIC by BarChef
at The Well Toronto, 486 Front St W, Toronto
For a limited time delve into a mystical realm of libations and wonder at Nordic by BarChef. Step into the cozy yurt or bask in the warmth of the fire pit lounge, as you are transported to a world of reimagined holiday cocktails. Be dazzled by the artistry of the mixologists, while you take in a musical stage performance.
Plan your visit: Make reservations on OpenTable!
Hours: Wednesday – Thursday from 4pm-12am; Friday from 4pm-1am; Saturday from 2pm-1am; Sunday from 2pm-12am
Ginger’s Cocktail Bar by Le Dolci
at 12 Sousa Mendes Street, Toronto
Get ready to step into a holiday wonderland at Ginger’s Holiday Cocktail Bar in Toronto’s Junction! Running from November 15 to December 24, this festive pop-up is packed with cozy decor, Christmas music, and creative cocktails. Located on the second floor of Le Dolci in Toronto’s West End, it’s a whimsical escape perfect for anyone who loves gingerbread vibes and holiday cheer.
Plan your visit: reservations available
Hours: From November 15-December 24 from 6pm-12midnight -general public
Christmas on Queen Pop-Up
at Aleria, 1070 Queen Street West, Toronto
Aleria is turning up the holiday cheer with a fabulous Christmas-themed popup bar! Located in Toronto’s vibrant Queen West neighborhood, Aleria is already known for its warm Mediterranean vibes and flavourful cuisine, and this holiday season, they’re adding a festive twist. Expect cozy décor, festive cocktails crafted by talented mixologists, and an atmosphere perfect for celebrating with friends or family!
Plan your visit: reservations available
Hours: Until January 31; Monday-Wednesday from 4pm-12am; Thursday-Saturday from 12pm-2am; Sunday from 12pm-12am
KŌST Chalet
at KŌST, 44th Floor, Bisha Hotel, 80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
The KŌST Chalet, in partnership with Grey Goose, offers an exclusive alpine-inspired escape high above Toronto. Blending the natural elegance of Lake Tahoe with the city’s dazzling skyline, this retreat, designed by Caspar Haydar Design, radiates rustic charm and warmth. With cozy furnishings, soft lighting, and breathtaking views, it’s the perfect spot for an unforgettable winter evening. Sip on expertly crafted Grey Goose cocktails while soaking in the chalet’s sophisticated ambiance—a luxurious getaway in the heart of the city!
Plan your visit: reservations available
Hours: November 20, 2024 to February 2025
Christmas Carol
at Compton Ave, 1282 Dundas St W, Toronto
Looking for a festive escape this holiday season? Compton Ave.’s Christmas Carol pop-up whisks you straight to Victorian London with cozy decor, themed cocktails, and carols galore! Plus, every sip helps a great cause, with $1 from each cocktail going to the Salvation Army. Cheers to celebrating and giving back!
Plan your visit: reservations available
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday from 6pm-1am; Thursday from 6pm-2am; Friday-Saturday from 5pm-2am
CLOCKWORK Holiday Pop-Up
At Fairmont Royal York, lobby bar
Celebrate the season with the CLOCKWORK Holiday Pop-Up, brought to life in partnership with Principle Fine Wine. This exclusive Champagne and Wine Pop-Up, set in the elegant ambiance of the Fairmont Royal York’s lobby cocktail bar, promises a festive touch of sophistication. Toast to life’s finest moments and let the bubbles flow as you immerse yourself in a luxurious holiday vibe.
Plan your visit: reservations available
Hours: November 20 until December 21 from 4:00 pm until midnight, daily
Melody’s
at Gladstone House, 1214 Queen St W, Toronto
Get into the festive spirit at Melody’s, a holiday pop-up at Gladstone House in Toronto, open through December 31. Enjoy reimagined comfort food, seasonal cocktails (hello, Peppermint Espresso Martini!), and cozy vibes perfect for making memories with friends. With a menu ranging from hearty entrees like Venetian Pappardelle to indulgent desserts like Sticky Toffee Pudding, this spot is your go-to for holiday cheer. Book a table to experience the magic firsthand!
Plan your visit: reservations available
Hours: Open every day from November 20-December 31; 5PM-9:30PM
“A Christmas Story” Themed Bar
at Ricky + Olivia in Leslieville
This Queen East restaurant has transformed its lounge into a festive tribute to A Christmas Story, complete with the iconic leg lamp. The cocktail menu features playful creations like, “Only I Didn’t Say Fudge…” made with rum and eggnog, “Quite the Soap Connoisseur” blending jalapeño moonshine and cilantro, the “Fra-Gee-Lay Spagliato,” and “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!” crafted with smoked tea, gin, and maple.
Plan your visit: No reservations, walk-ins only
Hours: 3-10pm Tuesday-Friday; Saturday 12-10pm
Tipsy Reindeer
at 100 Symes Rd, Unit 200B, Toronto
Tipsy Reindeer is Toronto’s cozy Christmas pop-up bar, open until December 23rd. Located in the Junction District, it’s a magical spot to sip holiday-inspired cocktails in a whimsically decorated winter wonderland. With cozy vibes and a portion of proceeds supporting local animal rescue, it’s all about spreading joy and holiday cheer. Perfect for your seasonal celebration or a casual night out!
Plan your visit: Reservations available
Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 5pm-12am; Friday – Saturday from 5pm-2am
Dinner Under 10K Ornaments
at The Lord Nelson in Burlington
Step into a festive wonderland at The Lord Nelson! With 10,000 sparkling Christmas ornaments creating an enchanting ambiance, it’s the ultimate holiday dining experience. Whether planning an intimate dinner or a lively seasonal party, this beautifully decorated space makes for unforgettable celebrations. Celebrate the season with warmth, style, and a touch of magic at The Lord Nelson!
Plan your visit: Reservations call 905-639-7950 or visit OpenTable.ca
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 12pm-2pm and 5pm-10pm
You’ve planned your toasty, cozy indoor dates, need more? Check out what’s new in Toronto!
