Where to find holiday bars and Christmas drinks in Austin this December

Earl Hopkins, Austin American-Statesman
·4 min read

When the Christmas lights are gleaming, the carolers are humming and the spiked eggnog is poured, you know you're in for a magical holiday season. Lucky for you, you're in the right place for that last part.

Austin's most festive holiday bars have again sprung onto the scene, handing out festive booze like Santa Claus delivers presents. Here are a few of pop-up spots and fixtures that go all out worth exploring in December.

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Gabriella Bustamante prepares festive holiday-themed drinks at Miracle on 5th Street, a Christmas-themed pop-up bar hosted at the Eleanor, on Nov. 17.
Gabriella Bustamante prepares festive holiday-themed drinks at Miracle on 5th Street, a Christmas-themed pop-up bar hosted at the Eleanor, on Nov. 17.

Miracle on 5th Street Pop-Up at the Eleanor

We love our classic Christmas flicks, but this holiday miracle happens on Fifth Street. The Miracle on 5th Street pop-up, one of Austin's most decked-out holiday bars, has returned to the Eleanor for another season. Stop by for some pictures at Santa's Throne, or to sip festive cocktails like the Chimney Cricket and the Jingle Balls Nog before things wrap up on Dec. 27. (307 W. Fifth St.; miracleon5thst.com)

Après Ski Holiday Bar at The W

We Texans don't expect much snow around the holidays, but the W Austin is curating ski-themed décor at its Secret Bar this year. Transport yourself to the Alps at the hotel's après ski-themed bar, which will feature a food menu and a list of holiday-themed cocktails like the Earl Grey hot toddy and a mint chocolate espresso drink. The experience opens up on Dec. 1 and wraps up for the holidays on Dec. 28; no RSVP is required. (200 Lavaca St.; marriott.com)

East Austin bar Kitty Cohen’s has brought back their annual pop-up Hanukkah bar, called Get Lit.
East Austin bar Kitty Cohen’s has brought back their annual pop-up Hanukkah bar, called Get Lit.

Kitty Cohen’s Get Lit Hanukkah bar

Get Lit with Kitty Cohen's this season — enough said. The annual Hanukkah pop-up returns to the East Austin bar with lively decorations and a menu filled with Hanukkah-inspired cocktails, like the Maccabee's Knees and Oy Fashioned. A percentage of the proceeds from Get Lit will be donated to JCC of Austin, the city's Jewish community center. The fun begins on Dec. 1 and runs until the end of the year. (2211 Webberville Road, No. 3548; kittycohens.com)

The South Pole at Geraldine's

Geraldine's, located inside the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt, will have rentable igloos filled with board games, a record player and a menu full of craft cocktails and food available to order from Dec. 1-24. Experience a cozy evening in the arctic by reserving an igloo on Eventbrite. (605 Davis St.; geraldinesaustin.com)

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Tinseltown: Where Everyday is Christmas

Bursting with Christmas wreaths, classic holiday tunes and cocktails with a festive twist, explore Tinseltown as the Wanderlust Wine Co.'s downtown location transforms into a wonderland of cheer through Dec. 30. (610 N. Interstate 35; wanderlustwine.com)

Guy Benson enjoys a Sippin' Santa cocktail while chatting with guests at the Christmas-themed tiki pop-up cocktail bar at Nickel City in 2018.
Guy Benson enjoys a Sippin' Santa cocktail while chatting with guests at the Christmas-themed tiki pop-up cocktail bar at Nickel City in 2018.

Sippin’ Santa at Nickel City

The Sippin' Santa pop-up at Nickel City is like an escape to the North Pole. This always festive, multi-city experience returns to the East Austin watering hole, offering Tiki-style holiday drinks like the Kris Kringle Colada, Holiday On Ice and Island of Misfit Toys for patrons to enjoy. (1133 E. 11th St.; sippinsantapopup.com)

Lala’s Little Nugget

Since it celebrates Christmas year-round, Lala's Little Nugget, an Austin institution for half a century, knows a thing or two about holiday cheer. Along with wall-to-wall décor, the bar will be serving signature cocktails like the Lump of Cole (Pernod and fernet) and Gingerbread (Irish cream, butterscotch and Fireball). (2207 Justin Lane; lalasaustintexas.com)

Gibson Street bar, located on South Lamar Boulevard, transforms into Gibson Wonderland for the holidays.
Gibson Street bar, located on South Lamar Boulevard, transforms into Gibson Wonderland for the holidays.

Gibson Wonderland at Gibson Street Bar

Gibson Wonderland is a rush of holiday joy, with the bar's string of reindeer lights and towering candy canes transforming the space into an oasis of Christmas cheer. Make your way to Gibson Street Bar starting Dec. 1 for some holiday-themed bevs that offer a taste of the holidays ahead of Christmas Day. (1109 S. Lamar Blvd.; gibsonstreetbar.com)

Donn's Depot

Christmas-themed drink specials are a tradition at Donn's Depot in December.
Christmas-themed drink specials are a tradition at Donn's Depot in December.

The iconic two-steppin' bar just west of downtown is decked out for Christmas, and they'll serve their beloved seasonal menu in December. (1600 W. Fifth St.; donnsdepot.com)

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Wonder Bar

The glowing lights and vibrant backdrops are what make Wonder Bar one of the most Instagrammable spots in North Austin. This interactive bar, located at Domain Northside, has been flipped into a ravine of festivity and the perfect spot for Christmas card pics. (1500 Rock Rose Ave., Suite D; wonderbaratx.com)

Lucille’s Patio Lounge

This charming Rainey Street gem Lucille's Patio Lounge is a perfect place to cozy up for some seasonal beverages this December. Embrace the homey fireside vibe we cling to around yuletide, and enjoy offerings like spiked apple cider, mulled wine, spiked hot chocolate and other holiday-inspired drinks at the bar. (77 Rainey St.; lucilleaustin.com)

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin holiday pop-up bars and Christmas drinks to try in 2022