These Are the Most Festive Holiday Bars to Visit Right Now
Spots that are making spirits bright
Death & Co Los Angeles, Photo by Shelby Moore
It doesn’t matter if you’re chilling with a large circle of friends or hanging out with your small family, one thing’s for sure: What makes the holidays the most wonderful time of the year is spending it with your loved ones. Many would agree that there’s no place like home for the holidays, but what if you don’t want to flex your hosting muscle this season? Well, thanks to the influx of holiday bars, it’s possible to take the festivities spirit elsewhere.
Once November and December roll around, many buzzy watering holes transform into wintry wonderlands—complete with snowy details, loads of twinkle lights, and a seasonal menu to keep spirits merry and bright. (Pun intended.) There are a lot of holiday bars along the West Coast, but which ones are the best? To help, read on for the best seasonal spots to check out this year. We made this list ourselves—and checked it twice—but hurry! Many of these holiday bars will close come New Year’s Eve.
The Sand Dollar
Heading to Las Vegas this holiday season? Take a break from casinos and concerts with a trip to The Sand Dollar. Now through December 31, the lounge has a full immersive seasonal setup at each of its locations: Miracle on Spring Mountain will hold court at The Sand Dollar’s Spring Mountain locale, while Sippin’ Santa On Main is in its downtown locale. However, since each spot has a uniquely festive menu, you can always check out both. For an extra dose of holiday cheer, enjoy a Christmas twist on the typical cosmopolitan or a shot of rye whiskey and gingerbread from Miracle on Spring Mountain. Meanwhile, Sippin’ Santa On Main patrons will want to order rounds of the eponymous Sippin’ Santa, a mix of aged Demerara rum, amaro, lemon, orange, and gingerbread Mix.
The Duck Dive
Even Ebenezer Scrooge couldn’t resist a stiff one at A Great Dickens’ Holiday Pop-Up, which is located in The Duck Dive through December 31. Step into the San Diego bar and you’ll be immediately confronted with loads of holiday decorations and twinkling lights, which are poised to turn any bah-humbug into a believer. The Duck Dive has a curated seasonal menu of grilled cheese bites, pan-roasted brussel sprouts, and baked brie, among others. As for drinks? You can’t go wrong with the Scrooged mulled wine or the Fezziwig’s Ball, a duck fat-washed Buffalo Trace with fresh lemon, chai syrup, cardamom, and egg white.
1 Hotel San Francisco
As Terrene’s Northern Lights pop-up proves, not all holiday bars are Christmas-themed. Tucked inside San Francisco’s 1 Hotel, this hotspot shows a different side of winter with aurora borealis color-changing cocktails and ooey, gooey fondue made with Cowgirl Creamery cheese. Another thing to love? Unlike many holiday bars, the Northern Lights pop-up is around until January 17.
Take a boozy walk down memory lane at Death & Co.’s Los Angeles. Through the end of the year, the sub-level space will be outfitted with all festival lighting and vintage decor to capture the ambiance of a yesteryear yuletide gathering. Meanwhile, a nostalgic food and drink menu—which includes an old-school eggnog—is designed to delight. Cheers!
Bitter & Twisted
Winter might look a little different in the desert, but Bitter & Twisted’s Sippin’ Santa cleverly bridges the gap between the North Pole and the Southwest. Open through December 28, the Phoenix pop-up brings a little bit of tiki to the festive season. Once you make it to the twinkly light-drenched space, order a Sugar Plum Mai Thai, which is made with a mix of Haitian and Nicaraguan. Have a hankering for tequila? Try the Yule Tilde, a blend of tequila, applejack, lime, and maple-cranberry syrup. But just because you close your tab at Sippin’ Santa doesn’t mean you have to leave the holiday cheer behind: You can bring home Bitter & Twisted’s merry glassware for an additional fee.
Wayfare Tavern
Think of Wayfare Tavern’s take on a holiday bar as a seasonal spin on a speakeasy. From December 22 to December 30, the San Francisco staple will transform its Ken Fulk-designed penthouse into a discreet winter wonderland. While the restaurant isn’t sharing any specifics from its merry menu, you can expect to enjoy some seasonal sips, snacks, and sweets.
The West Hollywood EDITION
It’s written in the stars: If you find yourself near the Los Angeles hotel on December 17 or 19th, swing by the lobby for a drink. While it’s not exactly a holiday pop-up, astrologer Meghan Rose will be offering 15-minute readings to anyone who orders a Holiday Helper. (The luxe libation is made with Ketel One Vodka, Drambuie, vanilla, lime, and Boiron passion fruit puree, so you won’t need much convincing.) Readings will happen from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will be offered on a first come, first serve basis. In other words? If you want to see what 2025 has in store, you’ll want to beeline it to the West Hollywood EDITION.
