It’s time to eat, drink, and be merry—emphasis on drink, it seems. Austin is going all out on holiday and Christmas-themed bars and pop-ups for 2022, and we rounded them up for ease in planning your holiday bar crawls, or for when you need a hot toddy and a big dose of Christmas cheer.
Austin Motel Winter Wanderland
South Congress’ Austin Motel is decking out its pool deck and patio in a “neon rainbow holiday experience,” featuring festive drinks and events throughout the whole month. You can take photos with “Hunky Santa” on Thursdays, watch a Christmas movie from the pool on Fridays, sing carols with Drag Mrs. Clause on Saturdays, and shop at pop-up gift shops on Sundays.
Open: Dec. 1st–26th
Must try: The S’mores Kit made with tabletop burners (available at the pool bar Thursdays–Sundays)
Ice Rodeo at Four Seasons
The Four Seasons is going all out with an outdoor ice rink, firepits to roast gourmet s’mores, and cozy “cabins” for rent and festive cocktails like the toasted pecan old fashioned to create a winter wonderland in downtown Austin.
Open: Nov. 19th–Jan. 8th
Must-try: Adult s’mores kit featuring Hennessy-infused marshmallows
Lala’s Little Nugget
It’s Christmas year-round at Lala’s Little Nugget, an Austin favorite off Burnet that’s been around since 1972, but things are always merrier during the holiday season. Plus, it’s a great place to play “I Spy” with the Christmas trinkets and decor from over the decades that line the walls, tables, and shelves.
Must try: Grandma’s Boozy Egg Nog made from “Santa’s secret recipe”
Sunny’s Backyard
The vegan cafe known as Sunny’s Backyard brought out the disco ball and the tinsel for its “groovy Christmas.” Sip cocktails and enjoy the large outdoor space with vegan pub fare.
Must try: Boozy hot chocolate
Wonder Bar Austin
Wonder Bar at the Domain specializes in Instagram-worthy installations, and the halls are truly decked for Christmas. Go here if you need a colorful photo for the grid.
Kitty Cohen’s “Get Lit”
Kitty’s Cohen’s pays homage to the Festival of Lights with its yearly Hannukkah pop-up starting Dec. 1st. Chef Amanda Rockman will be there for the eight days of Hanukkah with a special cocktail and served with a Star of David Chai shortbread cookie.
Open: Dec. 1st–31st
Must try: Latke Punch, a play on the traditional Hanukkah potato pancake dish made with potato vodka, apple cider, ginger liqueur, and lemon
Pinkmas at Museum of Ice Cream
The museum dedicated to (almost) everyone’s favorite dessert has turned into a candy cane-hued extravaganza for the season called Pinkmas. They have festive treats, interactive activities, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Open: Nov. 19th–Jan. 9th
Must try: All the ice cream treats you can eat
Miracle on 5th Street at The Eleanor
The multi-level Christmas pop-up is back for its sixth year. While you’ll find Miracle pop-ups all over the country now, Austin’s Miracle on 5th Street at The Eleanor is the biggest and most popular. Pro tip: Go during happy hour from 3–6 p.m., and you won’t need a ticket.
Open: Nov. 17th–Dec. 27th
Must try: Elfing Around cocktail, made with Hendrick’s Gin, a mulled wine reduction, Dubonnet Rouge, grapefruit, and Segura Viudas Brut Cava
Nickel City
Nickel City has transformed into Sippin’ Santa, a festive tiki spinoff of Miracle on 5th. Plus, you won’t find cooler drinkware anywhere else.
Open: Now through Dec. 30th
Must try: Undertow Toddy, a hot cocktail made with cognac, chartreuse, orange curacao, and chocolate hazelnut syrup
Gibson Street
You can’t miss Gibson Street Bar’s Christmas display: It starts at the front door and extends all the way to the parking lot, all December long.
Open: Now through Dec. 31st
Must try: Spiked hot cocoa with whipped cream and your choice of Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, or Rumpleminze Mint Schnapps
Apres Ski Bar at W Austin
The W Hotel is transforming its Secret Bar into a ski lodge of Central Texan’s dreams with apres-ski-themed drinks and snacks.
Open: Dec. 1–28
South Pole at Hotel Van Zandt
It’s unlikely we’ll have a white Christmas in Austin, but you can pretend on Hotel Van Zandt’s pool deck. Reserve a private igloo and relax with a record player, select holiday vinyl, games, and special holiday cocktails.
Open: Dec. 1st–24th
Tinseltown at Wanderlust Wine Co.
Amateur sommeliers: Wanderlust Wine Co. has the Christmas pop-up for you at the downtown wine bar with 56 wines on tap. Tickets also include a festive cocktail when you arrive.
Open: Nov. 30th–Dec. 30th
Holiday Takeover at Fairmont
Rent a private cabana for up to 6 people at the Fairmont and view a festive light show. Of course, there’s also a special holiday food and beverage menu.
Open: Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 2nd–30th
Donn’s Depot
The beloved Austin dive bar, Donn’s Depot, is well-known for its yearly Christmas extravaganza, which takes 20-25 people to put up around Thanksgiving. The special menu will be out in December.
Must try: The Grinch, a White Russian with peppermint
The Cavalier
The Nostalgic Noel pop-up is back at The Cavalier in East Austin. Come celebrate the holidays and all your favorite cartoons of yore.
Open: Dec. 14th–28th
Must try: Dexter’s Laboratory, made with color-changing butterfly pea tea, tequila, lime, pineapple, honey, and fire bitters, served in a beaker
Lucky Robot
More than 1,000 ornaments are decking the halls of the South Congress sushi restaurant Lucky Robot. They also have gorgeous botanicals, inverted Christmas trees, and hidden elves on the shelves. Reservations are encouraged.
Open: Now through early January
Must try: Spiced Pear Punch made with cognac, rum, oolong, pineapple, warm spices, and lemon
