San Diego, December 19, 2025
San Diego is celebrating the holiday season with a variety of festive Christmas bars and holiday pop-ups that offer unique experiences filled with holiday cheer. These venues feature themed cocktails, elaborate decorations, and immersive environments. From waterfront venues to island-themed bars, San Diego’s holiday attractions provide a range of seasonal delights for everyone to enjoy.
San Diego’s Festive Christmas Bars and Holiday Pop-Ups
Experience the Christmas Spirit at San Diego’s Unique Holiday Venues
San Diego is embracing the holiday season with a variety of festive Christmas bars and holiday pop-ups, offering residents and visitors unique experiences filled with seasonal cheer. These venues feature elaborate decorations, themed cocktails, and immersive environments that capture the spirit of the holidays.
Mission Bay & Beaches
Miracle at Draft
Location: 3190 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA 92109
Dates: Through January 5, 2026
Description: This waterfront Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up at Draft is adorned with over-the-top holiday décor and collectible mugs. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy exclusive, handcrafted cocktails that celebrate the flavors of the season after a day at the Winter Wonder Beachside at Belmont Park.
Sippin’ Santa at The Grass Skirt
Location: 910 Grand Ave., San Diego, CA 92109
Dates: Through December 31, 2025
Description: San Diego’s island-themed Christmas bar, Sippin’ Santa, is popping up at The Grass Skirt in Pacific Beach. Guests can enjoy tiki-inspired food and drinks while being transported to a festive island paradise.
A Great Dickens Holiday Pop-Up at The Duck Dive
Location: 4650 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA 92109
Dates: Through December 31, 2025
Description: Trade the sands of Pacific Beach for holiday spirits at The Duck Dive. Enjoy classic festive décor while sipping on signature cocktails like the Bah-Rum-Bug or Fizziwig’s Ball.
Mavericks Holiday Experience
Location: 860 Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109
Dates: Through December 24, 2025
Description: Mavericks Beach Club enhances the festive cheer with over 10,000 feet of lights, 3,000 feet of garlands, a 25-foot Christmas tree, and additional trees. The venue offers Christmas cocktails and visits from Santa, adding to the holiday magic.
La Jolla
The Frosty Saddle at Estancia La Jolla
Location: 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
Dates: Through December 31, 2025
Description: The Greenfinch Bar at Estancia La Jolla transforms into The Frosty Saddle, a winter wonderland offering cozy holiday cheer and delightful libations. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of specialty cocktails and mocktails, along with signature mulled wine and freshly brewed eggnog.
Barbarella Winter Wonderland
Location: 2171 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
Dates: Through December 2025
Description: Barbarella Restaurant in La Jolla goes all-out for the holidays with over-the-top decorations and plenty of festive spirits, including the Ornamentini, Eggnog Cocktail, and holiday shots.
Gaslamp Quarter
XMAS Bar at Good Night John Boy
Location: 615 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
Dates: Through December 28, 2025
Description: XMAS Bar San Diego brings the holidays to the Gaslamp Quarter with a full takeover of Good Night John Boy. The venue is transformed into a glittering, palm-lined winter wonderland, featuring disco lights, Christmas decorations, and a mix of 70s funk and holiday classics. It’s the perfect blend of retro nostalgia and Southern California holiday spirit.
Holly Jolly Holiday Bar at F6ix
Location: 526 F Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Dates: Through December 28, 2025
Description: F6ix hosts the Holly Jolly Holiday Bar, featuring floor-to-ceiling tinsel, glittering ornaments, and festive cheer. Guests can sip on seasonal cocktails and enjoy the over-the-top décor, celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with friends. General admission starts at $22 and includes a welcome drink.
Additional Events
Emo Christmas at 815 Fifth Ave.
Location: 815 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Dates: November 14 – December 28, 2025
Description: This special holiday pop-up tribute to the emo life is being called “a special emo/pop punk throwback holiday twist!” Emo Christmas is a month-long pop-up that will feature music-related festivities, including a Pop Punk Prom and a Themed Label Sad Hour.
Annual Holiday Pop-Up Market at The Cordova Bar
Location: 1319 Morena Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92110
Dates: December 10, 2025
Description: The Cordova Bar hosts its Annual Holiday Pop-Up Market, featuring local vendors, festive holiday cocktails, a hot cocoa bar, live music with Trevor Davis, raffles, giveaways, and happy hour specials from 5-8 PM. This free event is 21+ only.
Santas Bar Fest in Pacific Beach
Location: Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109
Dates: December 13, 2025
Description: Mad City Bar Fest presents the Pacific Beach Santa’s Bar Fest, featuring drink specials, live DJs, and more at the most frequented bars and nightclubs in Pacific Beach. Festive holiday attire is highly encouraged. Check-in at the bar where you purchased your ticket between 12-4 PM to receive a wristband that grants access to all participating bars and drink specials. The bar fest will take place from 12-8 PM.
These festive bars and pop-ups offer a variety of experiences to celebrate the holiday season in San Diego. Whether you’re looking for a tropical island vibe, a winter wonderland, or a retro holiday atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
FAQ
What are some of the holiday pop-up bars in San Diego?
San Diego offers a variety of festive holiday pop-up bars, including Miracle at Draft, Sippin’ Santa at The Grass Skirt, A Great Dickens Holiday Pop-Up at The Duck Dive, Mavericks Holiday Experience, XMAS Bar at Good Night John Boy, Holly Jolly Holiday Bar at F6ix, Emo Christmas at 815 Fifth Ave., Annual Holiday Pop-Up Market at The Cordova Bar, and Santas Bar Fest in Pacific Beach.
When do these holiday pop-up bars take place?
The dates for these holiday pop-up bars vary. For example, Miracle at Draft runs through January 5, 2026, while Sippin’ Santa at The Grass Skirt is available through December 31, 2025. It’s recommended to check the specific dates for each event to plan your visit accordingly.
Are these events family-friendly?
Many of these events are 21+ only, such as the Annual Holiday Pop-Up Market at The Cordova Bar. However, some venues may offer family-friendly activities or have specific hours suitable for all ages. It’s advisable to check the event details for age restrictions and family-friendly options.
Do I need to make reservations for these events?
Reservations are recommended for some events, especially those with limited capacity or special programming. It’s best to check each venue’s website or contact them directly for reservation information and any dress codes or special events.
Are there any special events or performances during these holiday pop-ups?
Yes, some venues offer special events or performances. For instance, the Annual Holiday Pop-Up Market at The Cordova Bar features live music with Trevor Davis, raffles, giveaways, and happy hour specials. It’s advisable to check the event details for specific programming and performances.
Key Features of San Diego’s Holiday Pop-Up Bars
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Elaborate Decorations | Venues are adorned with festive décor, including lights, ornaments, and themed displays. |
| Themed Cocktails | Specialty drinks crafted to reflect the holiday spirit, often with unique twists. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego Embraces Festive Cocktails and Appetizers for the Holiday Season
Experience San Diego’s Holiday Magic with Festive Events
San Diego’s Holiday Pop-Up Bars Bring Festive Cheer to the City
San Diego’s Winter Wonderland Pop-Ups Bring Holiday Cheer
San Diego’s Festive Season: Holiday Cocktails and Events
La Jolla’s Holiday Season Brims with Festive Events and Activities
Southern California’s Holiday Events: A Festive Guide
Unwrap Holiday Cheer with Free San Diego Events
San Diego’s Holiday Pop-Up Bars: Festive Spots to Visit
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
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