’Tis the season for over-the-top décor, nostalgic cocktails, and bars that look like the inside of a Hallmark movie – if Hallmark also served Navy-strength rum. The Valley’s festive pop-up scene is stacked this year, and these spots likely will book up fast, so make reservations whenever you can.
Sippin’ Santa at Bitter & Twisted
Bitter & Twisted turns tropical for the season, decking its downtown Phoenix lounge in tinsel, tiki mugs, and enough string lights to guide Santa from Sky Harbor. Expect rum-heavy holiday cocktails, kitschy glassware, and playful island vibes. It’s the Valley’s most beloved Christmas-tiki mashup – equal parts festive and boozy. Runs through Dec. 31.
Journey to the North Pole at Carry On
Downtown Phoenix’s retro jet cocktail flight transforms into a full-scale Polar Express fantasy. The menu leans into warm spices, ’70s-inspired hot cocktails, and nostalgic treats, while photo ops are everywhere. Come for the immersive set design, stay for the cocktails that taste like holiday vacation mode. Runs through Dec. 30.
Get Merry Holiday Experience at Little Rituals
Little Rituals goes all-in on upscale festive glamour, swapping its downtown Phoenix chic cocktail-bar aesthetic for twinkling lights, luxe garlands, and whimsical glassware. Expect inventive holiday drinks and theatrical presentations. It’s the high-end holiday pop-up for people who want seasonal magic and best-in-class cocktails. Runs through Jan. 4.
Christmas in New York at 36 Below
The subterranean lounge beneath Sip Coffee & Beer in Arcadia channels NYC holiday nostalgia with theatrical lighting, towering décor, and big-city Christmas energy. Five specialty cocktails are themed, dramatic, and highly Instagrammable. Think Rockefeller Center ice skating meets whimsical speakeasy. Runs through Jan. 5.
50 Shades Presents: 50ville
The Scottsdale hotspot unleashes a neon-drenched, Dr. Seuss-inspired Christmas village packed with oversized décor, playful holiday chaos, and cocktails built for the camera roll. Expect loud colors, louder music, and a full send into holiday escapism. If you like your Christmas bold, cheeky, and party-ready, 50ville delivers. Runs through Dec. 29.
Frosty Flamingo at Royale Kitchen & Cocktails
Royale (pictured) flips into a pink-washed winter wonderland with flamingo décor, cheeky tropical-holiday cocktails, and candy-colored photo ops everywhere you turn. Expect playful drinks, over-the-top garnishes, and a holiday vibe that’s more “Miami Christmas Party” than “North Pole.” Perfect for groups that want festive fun with flair. Runs through Jan. 15.
Blitzen’s Bar at Oasis Bar
Omni’s Oasis Bar at the Omni Resort Scottsdale becomes a luxe reindeer-approved hideaway with alpine-inspired décor, twinkling lights, wintery cocktails, and a polished resort atmosphere. Think hot drinks, cozy seating, and a holiday backdrop made for date nights and staycation energy. It’s upscale Christmas without the stuffiness. Runs through Jan. 5.
Feliz Navidad Cantina at Salt & Lime
Salt + Lime’s Scottsdale location leans into cheerful Mexican holiday vibes with bold color, papel picado, Christmas piñatas, and cocktails built around cinnamon, citrus, and agave. Festive shots, spiced margaritas, and full-on cantina energy keep the party going. It’s loud, bright, joyful, and very Scottsdale-holiday-weekend. Runs through Dec. 30.
Santa’s Love Shack at Sunny’s Lounge
Sunny’s transforms into a retro-chic holiday fever dream filled with tinsel explosions, vintage ornaments, glowing lights, and cocktails that embrace full 1970s Christmas nostalgia. Expect boozy cocoa, big colors, and a dance-floor-ready vibe. It’s playful, cheeky, and perfect for late-night merrymakers. Runs through Jan. 5.
Bar Blitzen at Culinary Dropout
Culinary Dropout decks out its Gilbert and Tempe locations with maximalist Christmas décor, themed cocktails, giant ornaments, and a lively, concert-adjacent bar vibe. Expect crowds, Instagram-primed moments, and holiday drinks that go big on fun. There’s a $6 cover supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of Arizona. Runs through Jan. 4.
Miracle at Floor 13 & BLVD
Miracle brings its nationally famous Christmas takeover to two Valley spots: the rooftop at Floor 13 in downtown Phoenix and the open-air patio bar at BLVD in Scottsdale. Expect wall-to-wall decorations, themed holiday cocktails, playful glassware, and big festive energy at both locations. Runs through Dec. 31.
A Griswold Family Christmas at The Living Room
The Living Room’s Chandler location channels peak Griswold chaos with vintage lights, kitschy ornaments, throwback décor, and cocktails that lean into full family-holiday nostalgia. Expect photo ops, playful drinks, and the kind of festive energy only Clark could inspire. Runs through Dec. 31.
Hot Cocoa with Santa aboard Platform 18
Platform 18’s immersive railway bar (pictured) shifts into family-friendly holiday mode with cocoa service, sweet treats, theatrical storytelling, and visits from Santa inside the recreated 20th-century Pullman car in east Phoenix. Expect a full-sensory journey wrapped in classic holiday magic. Runs through Dec. 29.
Cocktails & Candy Canes at Pubblico Italian Eatery
The Scottsdale restaurant goes fully festive with red-and-white décor, shimmering garlands, spirited holiday cocktails, and cozy Italian comfort-food vibes. Expect peppermint-forward drinks, sweet treats, and a warm, intimate setting perfect for date nights or group dinners wrapped in seasonal ambiance. Runs through Dec. 30.
Gingerbread Dreams at Trophy Room
Trophy Room in downtown Phoenix turns into a gingerbread-inspired escape filled with warm lighting, candy-cane accents, and cozy winter textures. Expect dessert-driven cocktails, spiced flavors, and sweet-tooth-friendly sips served in a holiday hideaway that feels like stepping inside a gingerbread house after dark. Runs through Jan. 4.
Melrose Wonderland at Thunderbird Lounge
Thunderbird Lounge transforms into a retro Melrose District Christmas dream – think vibrant colors, blow-mold Santas, vintage décor, themed cocktails, and a nostalgic neighborhood vibe. Patio lights, lively crowds, and old-school holiday charm make it one of Phoenix’s most cheerful hangouts. Runs through Jan. 5.
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