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:
Mistletoe’s & Margaritas
at Papi Chulo’s, 121 Ossington Ave, Toronto
This margarita night-turned holiday bar is back for the third 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: Now open Mondays to Thursdays 5pm-Midnight, Fridays and Saturdays Noon-2am, and Sundays Noon-11pm.
Speakeasy Whiskey Bar
at Stackt Market Holiday Hills, 28 Bathurst St.
Take a stroll through STACKT and stumble upon this unique whisky bar experience. . Stackt Market offers a secret speakeasy whiskey bar hidden in a yurt with the coziest holiday vibes and elevated cocktail experiences! Cozy vibes. Exclusive offers. Intimate space. Delicious drinks.
Plan your visit: Walk-ins only!
Hours: Weekdays 4-11PM, Weekends 12-11PM until December 31, 2023
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: Open now! Tuesdays-Sundays 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: Walk ins only.
Hours: November 17 – December 30, 2023 from Monday to Wednesday 6pm -12am; Thursday & Friday 6pm – 2am; Saturday 2pm – 2am; Sunday 2pm – 12am
Holiday Bothy at the Park
at Park Hyatt Toronto, 4 Avenue Rd
Embrace the festive spirit at Holiday Bothy at the Park in Bloor-Yorkville. Discover a winter cottage — a secret dwelling — where the fire is always burning, there’s always a story being told, and you’re always welcome. From now to January 1st, savour holiday-themed cocktails in collaboration with Glenfiddich Whisky, elevated fare, and nightly DJ entertainment!
PS. Did you know ‘bothy’ means a small hut or cottage in Scottish?
Plan your visit: Walk-ins only!
Hours: Thursday & Fridays: 4PM – 12AM, Saturday: 12PM – 12AM, Sundays: 12PM – 10PM
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: Opening on Friday November 17th, then Tuesday to Sundays 5-10pm
The Thirsty Elf
at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, 100 Front St W
Check out this decked-out holiday pop-up that announces a new decor theme each year! We’ll have to wait just a bit longer to find out what it is. Check back after November 22nd to find out!
Plan your visit: Walk-in only!
How to find it: The Thirsty Elf is located on the MM level of the hotel, which is one floor above the lobby.
Hours: Opening to the public November 22 5pm, then open Thursdays – Saturdays from 5-10pm until December 22, 2023.
Tinseltown: The Christmas Speakeasy
at Novotel Toronto Center, 45 The Esplanade
Tinseltown: The Christmas Speakeasy is opening at Novotel Toronto Center 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: Walk-in only!
Hours: Weekday sessions are available every Wednesday to Friday from 5.30pm – 11pm and weekend sessions run Saturday and Sunday from 1pm – 1o.30pm. Opening on November 29th and running until December 24th.
NORDIC by BarChef
at The Well 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: Thursdays & Fridays: 4pm to 11pm, Saturdays and Sundays : 2pm to 11pm until December 31, 2023
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: The opening date for Folly Jolly Christmas is coming soon!
Hours: Stay tuned
You’ve planned your toasty, cozy indoor dates, need more? Check out what’s new in Toronto!
