‘Tis the season to get into the holiday spirit(s) — and there are some gifts you just can’t wrap, including these six pop-up bars happening around town this season.
Miracle on Market
Galaxie
This national Christmas pop-up has been decking the halls inside NuLu’s Green Building for nearly a decade. With wrapping paper walls, kitschy holiday decor + over-the-top glassware, this bar will have you gin-gling all the way to the NuLu North Pole. Drinks this year include the Rudolph’s Replacement, made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and white creme + served in a dino mug.
Open: Daily at 4 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 28, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Tinsel Tavern
Pizza Bar
Sip on holiday variations of classic cocktails like the boozy hot chocolate in a tinsel-tastic atmosphere with DJs and games. You can also book party add-ons like a gingerbread house kit for your holiday parties. Reservations are recommended.
Open: Tuesday-Saturday at 5 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 30
Blitzen’s
Pin + Proof at the Omni Hotel
Head to the Omni Hotel for this pop-up featuring sparkling lights and tinsel as far as the eye can see. The menu features several mocktails + plays on the classics like the Frost Bite, a festive pina colada.
Open: Tuesday-Saturday at 4 p.m. through Sunday, Jan 4
Merry at the Marriott
Louisville Downtown Marriott
The lobby of this hotel will be transformed into a winter wonderland with special drink + food options available. Try beverages like the Winter Wonderland or a non-alcoholic Cranmerry Cooler.
Open: Daily at 3 p.m. through Saturday, Jan. 3
Frost
Frankfort Avenue Liquors & Wine
Holiday cheer is abound in this quaint pop-up packed with tinsel and ornaments in every nook. Enjoy a holiday-themed cocktail, and pick up the ingredients to make one at home at this combo bar + liquor store. Reservations are required — call (502) 618-2019.
Open: Thursday-Saturday through December
Sippin Santa
One Fourteen Bar
This ongoing pop-up hosts trivia events on Wednesdays and DJ events on Saturdays. Try cocktails like the Jingle Bird (bourbon, pineapple rum + Campari) or the new Coco Ho Ho Ho (Gold Jamaican rum, coconut cream, pineapple + pandan).
The Lodge
Trial + Error
This downtown bar transforms into a rustic lodge for the season. You’ll love the cocktails, each a reference to a holiday classic: there’s the “Kevin!,” the “Arose Such a Clatter,” and the “I’m Sorry I Ruined Your Lives and Crammed 11 Cookies into the VCR.”
