San Diego, December 2, 2025

San Diego is gearing up for the holiday season with a variety of festive pop-up bars that offer unique experiences. These seasonal venues not only create joyous atmospheres but also promote local entrepreneurship and community engagement. From themed cocktails to interactive activities, residents and visitors can explore enticing holiday experiences in vibrant locales like Margaritaville Hotel and Little Italy. The variety of themed pop-up bars reflects the local dedication to celebrating the season while fostering connections among community members.

San Diego’s Holiday Pop-Up Bars 2025: Festive Spots To Visit This Holiday Season

San Diego is embracing the holiday spirit with a variety of festive pop-up bars offering unique experiences throughout the season. With local creativity and a spirit of entrepreneurship, these seasonal venues not only provide fun and festive atmospheres but also contribute to the vibrancy of the city’s community engagement. Reduced bureaucracy often fosters innovative events like these, allowing for more dynamic interactions among residents and visitors alike.

As the holiday season approaches, San Diego’s landscape lights up with themed bars, each bringing its own flavor of celebration. These establishments reflect the dedication of local business owners who strive to bring joy and connection to their communities, offering everything from themed cocktails to interactive activities. Let’s explore some of the top pop-up bars to check out this year.

Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego

From November 22 to December 31, 2025, the LandShark Bar & Grill at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego transforms into the “Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern.” This pirate-themed pop-up features festive décor, themed cocktails, seasonal food specials, and live pirate appearances every Saturday evening from 7 to 9 pm. Highlights include The Kraken sandwich, Davy Jones’s Linguini, Chai Old Fashioned, and The Garnet Garland. The venue operates daily from 11 am.

Golden Girls Christmas Experience in Little Italy

Running through January 11, 2026, the Golden Girls Christmas Experience in Little Italy offers fans a nostalgic journey with themed cocktails, a special menu, holiday décor, and interactive activities like trivia and photo opportunities in the iconic living room setting. The venue is open Wednesday through Sunday, with specific hours varying by day.

Winter Wonderland at Draft Mission Beach

From November 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026, Draft Mission Beach presents “Winter Wonderland,” a Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up adorned with extensive holiday decorations and collectible mugs. Guests can enjoy exclusive, handcrafted cocktails celebrating seasonal flavors. The venue operates daily, with specific hours available on their website.

‘Miracle’ at Coaster Saloon

Every week from November 17 to December 31, 2025, Coaster Saloon hosts “Miracle,” the original holiday-themed pop-up cocktail bar. This event features festive original cocktails, elaborate decorations, and new mug designs to enhance the holiday experience. The venue operates Sunday through Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm.

‘Miracle’ at Botanica Bar

From November 18, 2025, to January 4, 2026, Botanica Bar in North Park hosts “Miracle,” offering festive original cocktails, over-the-top decorations, and exciting new mug designs. The venue operates Sunday through Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 11:59 pm.

Holly Jolly Holiday Bar

Running from November 12 to December 28, 2025, the Holly Jolly Holiday Bar offers an immersive holiday experience with floor-to-ceiling décor, festive cocktails, and mocktails. The venue operates daily with multiple time slots available each day.

Xmas Bar at Good Night John Boy

Starting November 15, 2024, and running through January, the 11,000-square-foot space at Good Night John Boy in the Gaslamp Quarter transforms into Xmas Bar. The venue is decorated with holiday lights, ornaments, and festive displays, offering a festive cocktail menu featuring holiday-inspired creations. The bar operates with extended hours until midnight on Thursdays and until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Additional Holiday Pop-Up Bars in San Diego

• Miracle at Draft: A waterfront Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up at Draft Mission Beach, running through January 5, 2026.
• Sippin’ Santa at The Grass Skirt: An island-themed Christmas bar at The Grass Skirt in Pacific Beach, available through December 31, 2025.
• A Great Dickens Holiday Pop-Up at The Duck Dive: A festive pop-up at The Duck Dive in Pacific Beach, running through December 31, 2025.
• Mavericks Holiday Experience: A holiday pop-up at Mavericks Beach Club in Pacific Beach, available through December 24, 2025.
• The Frosty Saddle at Estancia La Jolla: A winter wonderland at Estancia La Jolla’s Greenfinch Bar, running through December 31, 2025.
• Barbarella Winter Wonderland: A festive pop-up at Barbarella Restaurant in La Jolla, available through December 2025.

These pop-up bars offer a variety of festive experiences to celebrate the holiday season in San Diego. It’s advisable to check each venue’s official website or contact them directly for the most current information on hours, reservations, and special events.

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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER

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