San Diego, December 12, 2025
San Diego is filled with holiday cheer as various venues host festive pop-up events featuring themed cocktails and unique culinary delights. From Miracle at Draft to Sippin’ Santa at The Grass Skirt, residents and visitors can enjoy a range of spirited experiences, including holiday-inspired dishes like feta fries. These seasonal offerings create a vibrant atmosphere for holiday celebrations across the city, inviting everyone to partake in the culinary and social festivities.
San Diego’s Festive Season: Holiday Cocktails, Feta Fries, and Pop-Up Events
San Diego is embracing the holiday season with a variety of festive events and culinary delights. Residents and visitors can enjoy themed cocktails, unique dishes like feta fries, and a range of holiday pop-up experiences throughout the city.
Holiday Cocktail Pop-Ups
Several venues in San Diego are transforming into holiday-themed pop-up bars, offering exclusive cocktails and immersive decorations:
- Miracle at Draft: Located at 3190 Mission Blvd., this waterfront Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up runs through January 5, 2026. The venue is adorned with over-the-top holiday decor and offers collectible mugs alongside a menu of exclusive, handcrafted cocktails celebrating the flavors of the season.
- Sippin’ Santa at The Grass Skirt: Situated at 910 Grand Ave., this island-themed Christmas bar is open through December 31, 2025. Patrons can enjoy tiki-inspired food and drinks in a festive island paradise setting.
- A Great Dickens Holiday Pop-Up at The Duck Dive: Found at 4650 Mission Blvd., this venue offers classic festive décor and holiday-themed cocktails through December 31, 2025.
- Mavericks Holiday Experience: Located at 860 Garnet Ave., this pop-up features five indoor/outdoor bars, over 10,000 feet of lights, a 25-foot Christmas tree, and holiday cocktails. The experience runs through December 24, 2025.
- La Jolla’s The Frosty Saddle at Estancia La Jolla: This transformed Greenfinch Bar offers cozy holiday cheer with specialty cocktails and mocktails, including mulled wine and freshly brewed eggnog, through December 31, 2025.
- Barbarella Winter Wonderland: Located at 2171 Avenida De La Playa, this venue goes all-out for the holidays with over-the-top decorations and festive spirits, including the Ornamentini and Eggnog Cocktail, throughout December.
Festive Culinary Offerings
San Diego’s eateries are serving up holiday-inspired dishes to delight food enthusiasts:
- Feta Fries at The Duck Dive: Enjoy a festive twist on a classic dish with feta cheese topping crispy fries, available through December 31, 2025.
- Holiday Pop-Up at Mavericks Beach Club: Indulge in holiday-themed bars and a selection of seasonal drinks, including the Ho Ho Horchata Martini and Bad Santa hot chocolate, through December 24, 2025.
- Holiday Odysea at The Overlook at Hilton San Diego Bayfront: Sip on festive cocktails like the Grand Noël Cocoa and Marnier Glow Spiced Toddy while enjoying bay views and cozy winter décor through December 31, 2025.
Additional Holiday Events
Beyond food and drinks, San Diego offers a variety of holiday events to celebrate the season:
- Golden Girls Christmas Experience: Located in Little Italy along Pacific Highway, this pop-up restaurant offers themed cocktails, a special menu, holiday décor, and interactive activities like trivia and photo opportunities in the iconic Golden Girls’ living room. Open through January 11, 2026.
- Holly Jolly Holiday Bar: This festive pop-up bar features immersive floor-to-ceiling décor, creating a perfect backdrop for holiday memories. Open through December 28, 2025.
- Christmas Bar at Good Night John Boy: Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, this venue transforms into a glittering, palm-lined winter wonderland with holiday cocktails and festive décor. Open Tuesday through Sunday.
- Margaritaville Holiday Pop-Bar: Held at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego, this event offers a cozy, decorated atmosphere with signature holiday cocktails, live music, and lively holiday spirit on December 6, 13, and 20, 2025.
With these diverse offerings, San Diego provides a vibrant and festive atmosphere for all to enjoy during the holiday season.
Key Features
| Event | Location | Dates | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miracle at Draft | 3190 Mission Blvd. | Through January 5, 2026 | Waterfront Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up with over-the-top holiday decor and collectible mugs. |
| Sippin’ Santa at The Grass Skirt | 910 Grand Ave. | Through December 31, 2025 | Island-themed Christmas bar offering tiki-inspired food and drinks in a festive island paradise setting. |
| A Great Dickens Holiday Pop-Up at The Duck Dive | 4650 Mission Blvd. | Through December 31, 2025 | Classic festive décor and holiday-themed cocktails. |
| Mavericks Holiday Experience | 860 Garnet Ave. | Through December 24, 2025 | Five indoor/outdoor bars, over 10,000 feet of lights, a 25-foot Christmas tree, and holiday cocktails. |
| La Jolla’s The Frosty Saddle at Estancia La Jolla | 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla | Through December 31, 2025 | Transformed Greenfinch Bar offering cozy holiday cheer with specialty cocktails and mocktails. |
| Barbarella Winter Wonderland | 2171 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla | Through December | Over-the-top decorations and festive spirits, including the Ornamentini and Eggnog Cocktail. |
| Golden Girls Christmas Experience | Little Italy along Pacific Highway | Through January 11, 2026 | Themed cocktails, special menu, holiday décor, and interactive activities like trivia and photo opportunities. |
| Holly Jolly Holiday Bar | Various locations | Through December 28, 2025 | Immersive floor-to-ceiling décor creating a perfect backdrop for holiday memories. |
| Christmas Bar at Good Night John Boy | Gaslamp Quarter | Tuesday through Sunday | Glittering, palm-lined winter wonderland with holiday cocktails and festive décor. |
| Margaritaville Holiday Pop-Bar | Margaritaville Hotel San Diego | December 6, 13, and 20, 2025 | Cozy atmosphere with signature holiday cocktails, live music, and lively holiday spirit. |
FAQ
What are the dates for the Miracle at Draft pop-up?
The Miracle at Draft pop-up runs through January 5, 2026.
Where is the Golden Girls Christmas Experience located?
The Golden Girls Christmas Experience is located in Little Italy along Pacific Highway.
What is the duration of the Mavericks Holiday Experience?
The Mavericks Holiday Experience runs through December 24, 2025.
When is the Margaritaville Holiday Pop-Bar event held?
The Margaritaville Holiday Pop-Bar event is held on December 6, 13, and 20, 2025.
Where can I find the Christmas Bar in San Diego?
The Christmas Bar is located inside Good Night John Boy in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
La Mesa Traffic Safety: Alarming Crash Rates on Spring Street
Weekend Events in San Diego
Mild and Dry Winter Expected for San Diego
Celebrate Local Creativity at the Makers Arcade Holiday Fair
San Diego’s Ocean Beach Holiday Parade Celebrates Galactic Theme
Aztecs Triumph Over Wildcats and Toreros Face Defeat
San Diego City Council Approves $30 Million Police Shooting Settlement
San Diego’s Craft Beer Scene Faces Challenges Amidst Achievements
San Diego County Secures $12 Million Grant to Tackle Homelessness
Operation Holiday Joy Brings Cheer to Military Families in San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
