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 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:
The Thirsty Elf
at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel
We absolutely loved checking out this decked-out holiday pop-up that feels like you’re walking into a festive and quintissentially Christmas cabin (with an awesome bar)!
Plan your visit: Walk-in only!
How to find it: The Thirsty Elf is located on the MM level of the hotel, which is the floor above the lobby.
Hours: The Thirsty Elf is open Thursday through Saturdays until December 17th, 5pm-11pm
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: No reservations at this pop-up, to avoid long waits and lines we recommend early on weeknights or in the afternoon on weekends!
Hours: This Christmas pop up is here until December 31st and is open daily 5pm – 2am.
Miracle on Bloor Street
at 875 Bloor St West, second floor
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: Walk ins only.
Hours: Miracle on Bloor St is open Monday-Friday 6pm-2am and Saturdays/Sundays from 2pm-2am until December 31st.
Sippin’ Santa
at Maipai Tiki, Hamilton
Sippin’ Santa offers a different kind of Christmas vibe. If you’re heading here, ditch the festive sweaters and egg nog and explore what it’s like to be on vacation during the holidays without leaving Toronto!
Plan your visit: Find reservations here.
Hours: Sippin’ Santa is open Thursday to Sundays until December 31st, Thu/Sun: 4:30-9, Fri/Sat: 4:30-11
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 full-on holiday experience for the holiday season. The second floor has the cutest holiday drinks and a full food menu you won’t want to miss!
Plan your visit: The bar takes reservations during operating hours, just make a reso for Little Sister and request to be seated upstairs!
Hours: Open Tuesday to Sundays 5-10pm
Bad Santa on Queen
at Bar Karma, 512 Queen St W, Toronto upstairs
You might not be making the nice list at this bar… Bad Santa is an amazing Christmas themed bar in the heart of downtown taking Christmas to a whole new level with their over the top Clark Griswald style decor.
Find two super cozy indoor areas and an awesome patio bar. They’re serving up all kinds of festive specialty cocktails and traditional bar rail drinks, beer and wine.
Plan your visit: Bad Santa accepts reservations for 4 or more people.
Hours: Open daily 6pm-1am
Mistletoe’s & Margaritas
at Papi Chulo’s, 121 Ossington Ave, Toronto
This margarita night-turned holiday bar is back for the second 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 ins only!
Hours: Open Mondays to Thursdays 5pm-Midnight, Fridays and Saturdays Noon-2am, and Sundays Noon-Midnight.
Folly Jolly Christmas
at Folly Brewpub, 928 College St, Toronto
More of a brewery kind of person? Join Folly Brewing to experience their festive Christmas Bar! They’ve curated a special holiday cocktail menu with items like Spiced Mulled Wine, Hot Fireball Apple Cider, Buttered Rum Old Fashioned and so much more with food pairings and Christmas beers!
Special guest appearances from Santa, and fun activities such as bingo, trivia, comedy and live music!
Plan your visit: Find reservations on OpenTable.
Hours: Open Mondaus to Thursdays Noon-Midnight, Fridays Noon-2am, Saturdays 10am-2am, and Sundays 10am-Midnight until December 24th. Bottle Shop is open daily 12pm to late!
You’ve planned your toasty, cozy indoor dates, now get outside and check out these light trails and festivals!
