AUSTIN, Texas — If you're looking to get in the holiday spirit with the help of some holiday spirits, you're in luck! This time of year, Austin is home to several holiday-themed pop-ups and bars serving up Christmas cheer in the form of themed cocktails and over-the-top decorations.
Here's a rundown of some of the places you can get holly jolly this holiday season.
Austin Motel's Winter Wanderland
Austin Motel says its "Winter Wanderland" experience is a "rainbow-hued holiday haven," complete with cocktails from Rocky's, tons of decorations and toasty fires.
Where: 1220 S. Congress Ave.
Yule at Azul
Azul Rooftop bar calls "Yule at Azul" the "highest rooftop holiday event," with festive cocktails and views of Downtown Austin's lights. Walk-ins are welcome, but Azul recommends booking a table online to ensure a spot.
Azul also offers private holiday cabana rentals with themes ranging from "a holiday tropical oasis to an icy winter wonderland."
Where: 310 E. Fifth St.
Naughty or Nice at Upstairs at Caroline's
Upstairs at Caroline's is bringing back its "Naughty or Nice" pop-up from Nov. 21 through Dec. 29. The festivities include a specialty cocktail menu, s'mores board and the "Polar Express Shotskii." Entry is free.
Where: 621 Congress Ave.
Candy Land at Cosmic Saltillo
For the first time, Cosmic's Saltillo location will transform into a Christmas pop-up inspired by "a whimsical blend of the classic gingerbread house aesthetic and the enchanting Candy Land game board."
The event, which is open to the public starting on Nov. 14, will include interactive holiday décor, colorful treats and craft cocktails like the Honey Pear Cottage, Mudslide Mountains and Gum Drop Pass. Festive attire is encouraged.
Where: 1300 E. Fourth St.
Donn's Depot
Donn's Depot is a piano bar and dance hall serving up a lengthy list of Christmas cocktails, both hot and cold. Drinks include the Peppermint Patty (hot) and the Cindy Lou Who! (cold), the Moldy Fruitcake shot, a selection of seasonal beers and wine cocktails and many more.
Where: 1600 W. 5th St.
Snow Much Fun at Edge Rooftop
"Snow Much Fun" will return to Edge Rooftop at the JW Marriott Austin starting on Nov. 23. The cozy event centers around s'mores, firepits, craft cocktails and hourly "snowfalls."
Where: 110 E. Second St.
Winter Wonderglam at Gibson Street Bar
Gibson Street Bar goes all out for the holidays with lots of lights and decked-out Christmas trees. Themed drinks in previous years have included the Naughty or Spice, Poinsettia and S'more Old Fashioned.
Where: 1109 S. Lamar Blvd.
The Lodge at Hotel Van Zandt
Reservations are open for igloos at Hotel Van Zandt's "The Lodge" après ski-themed pop-up. Each private igloo accommodates six guests and includes a dedicated server, Bluetooth speaker, holiday décor and more. Of course, there are also themed cocktails and snacks.
The Lodge will have two seatings each night, one at 5:30 p.m. and one at 8 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays starting on Nov. 29. Reservations can be made online.
Where: 605 Davis St.
Lala's
At Lala's Little Nugget, it's Christmas all year round! This Austin gem has been around since 1972 and serves yuletide drinks daily in an atmosphere of twinkling lights and lots of red and green.
New this year: Lala's now has a second location in South Austin!
Where: Lala's Little Nugget at 2207 Justin Lane and Lala's South Pole at 3008 Davis Lane, Suite 101
Miracle on 5th Street at The Eleanor
One of Austin's most famous Christmastime pop-ups, The Eleanor on Fifth Street transforms into "Miracle on 5th Street."
This is a ticketed event with tables and seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted for parties of fewer than eight guests, but you can skip the General Admission line by purchasing Dasher Passes. Parties of eight to 30 guests can purchase a "More the Merrier" group reservation.
As always, Miracle on 5th Street offers a variety of themed cocktails, shots, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. The pop-up will be open daily from Nov. 15 through Dec. 28.
Where: 307 W. 5th St.
Wintersol at Otopia Rooftop at The Otis Hotel
"Wintersol," Otopia Rooftop's winter-themed bar and private igloo rentals, will begin on Nov. 22. Igloos include a cookie decorating kit, polaroid picture of your group, postcards for your party and board games and a vinyl record player to enjoy. Food and holiday-themed cocktails are also available to purchase.
Where: 1901 San Antonio St., Unit 1100
Sippin' Santa at Nickel City
Nickel City's annual Sippin' Santa pop-up is back! Anyone can stop by to try the bar's specialty cocktails, and Nickel City also offers table reservations for larger groups. Previous year's themed cocktails and shots have included the Parrot in a Pear Tree, Brah Humbug and Yule Shoot Your Eye Out.
Sippin' Santa will be in full swing from Nov. 20 through Dec. 27.
Where: 1133 E. 11th St.
TLC Austin Best in Snow
TLC Austin's "Best in Snow" takeover will take place from Nov. 30 through New Year's Day. The event will include festive drinks and food specials, as well as snow machines, cookie decorating, holiday arcade games, classic Christmas movie screenings and more.
Reservations aren't required but are highly recommended.
Where: 1100 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. #1150
Holiday Hideaway at Zanzibar
Starting Nov. 22, Zanzibar turns into a tropical oasis fit for Santa on vacation, complete with festive themed cocktails. Reservations to visit the bar's Holiday Hideaway pop-up can be made on Open Table.
Where: 304 E. Cesar Chavez St.
Looking for some festive fun that's a little more family-friendly? We have a few suggestions.
