San Diego, December 17, 2025
San Diego is celebrating the holiday season with an array of unique pop-up bars, each offering themed cocktails, immersive decor, and a festive atmosphere. These venues allow residents and visitors to enjoy a distinctive holiday experience while supporting local entrepreneurs. As the economy thrives, these pop-ups highlight the creativity and resilience of small businesses, making them a perfect destination for those looking to celebrate the season.
San Diego’s Holiday Pop-Up Bars Bring Festive Cheer to the City
Discover Unique Experiences This Holiday Season
San Diego captures the spirit of the holiday season through a vibrant selection of temporary pop-up bars, each offering a unique flair, themed cocktails, and immersive decor. These venues not only provide festive cheer but also support local entrepreneurs and foster community engagement, highlighting the resilience and creativity synonymous with small businesses in the region.
As San Diego’s economy continues to recover and thrive, these pop-up bars symbolize a refreshing instance of entrepreneurial innovation. With limited regulatory barriers, they can offer uniquely tailored experiences that attract both residents and visitors, reinforcing the importance of supporting local establishments to enhance community growth and economic vitality.
Featured Holiday Pop-Up Bars in San Diego
Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern at LandShark Bar & Grill
This pirate-themed pop-up at 435 6th Avenue invites guests to enjoy a variety of seasonal food specials and themed cocktails alongside decor straight from the high seas. Live pirate appearances every Saturday evening set the stage for an unforgettable experience. The tavern is open from November 22 to December 31, 2025, with daily hours starting at 11 am.
The Golden Girls Christmas Experience
Located in Little Italy, this pop-up allows fans of “The Golden Girls” to immerse themselves in an interactive setting featuring themed cocktails, a special menu, and trivia games. Open until January 11, 2026, the experience is a great way to celebrate nostalgia amid the festive season.
Winter Wonderland at Draft Mission Beach
Draft Mission Beach, found at 3105 Ocean Front Walk, offers a holiday cocktail pop-up adorned with extensive holiday decorations. The exclusive, handcrafted cocktails celebrate seasonal flavors, making it a delightful stop from December 12, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
XMAS Bar at Good Night John Boy
Transforming the Gaslamp Quarter’s Good Night John Boy into a dazzling winter wonderland, the XMAS Bar features festive cocktails and lively holiday music. This pop-up operates Tuesday through Sunday, extending its hours on weekends.
‘Snowed In’ Holiday Pop-Up Bar at Fort Oak
At 1011 Fort Stockton Drive, Fort Oak presents the “Snowed In” bar, delivering a cozy winter scene with festive decor and holiday-themed cocktails available daily from December 4, 2025, to January 3, 2026.
‘Miracle’ at Coaster Saloon
Coaster Saloon offers a festive atmosphere with its “Miracle” pop-up, featuring original holiday cocktails and elaborate decorations. The pop-up runs daily from November 17 to December 31, 2025.
‘Miracle’ at Botanica Bar
Botanica Bar invites patrons to experience their version of the “Miracle” pop-up, showcasing decorative flair and unique cocktails open Tuesday through Sunday from November 18, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
San Diego SantaCon Bar Crawl 2025
The San Diego SantaCon Bar Crawl, set for Saturday, December 13, 2025, invites cheerful participants to wear festive costumes while enjoying drink specials and live DJs across multiple venues. This lively event runs from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, fostering a sense of community and festive spirit.
Additional Holiday Pop-Up Bars in San Diego
- Great Dicken’s Holiday Pop-Up at The Duck Dive: Enjoy seasonal drinks like the Berry Christmas, Scrooged, and The Great Dickens starting Friday, November 28th. Free entry; reservations available by calling (858)-273-3825.
- Sippin’ Santa at The Grass Skirt: A playful, tropical Christmas pop-up featuring cocktails like “Frosty the Snowman” and “Yule Tide.” Free entry; online reservations not yet available.
- The Jingle Bar at Molly’s in Mission Beach: Featuring twinkling lights, festive cocktails, and tasty treats, ticket prices start at $13.50, with online reservations available.
- Holiday Experience at Mavericks Beach Club: Enjoy a special holiday cocktail menu with the venue adorned in festive lights and decorations from December 1.
- Holly Jolly Holiday Bar: An immersive bar with a festive atmosphere, tickets start at $18, including a welcome spiked hot chocolate with a 90-minute reservation.
Planning Your Visit
San Diego’s holiday pop-up bars offer diverse experiences to cater to different tastes. It’s wise to verify each venue’s website or contact them for current information on operating hours, reservations, and special events. Each pop-up provides a wonderful way to celebrate the season with cocktails, décor, and community camaraderie.
FAQ
What are holiday pop-up bars?
Holiday pop-up bars are temporary venues that transform existing bars or restaurants into festive, holiday-themed spaces. They offer unique decorations, themed cocktails, and special events to celebrate the season.
When do these pop-up bars operate?
Most holiday pop-up bars in San Diego operate from mid-November through early January, aligning with the holiday season. Specific dates vary by venue.
Do I need to make reservations?
It’s advisable to check each venue’s official website or contact them directly for the most current information on reservations, as some venues may require them, especially during peak times.
Are these events family-friendly?
Many holiday pop-up bars are 21+ venues. It’s important to check the age restrictions of each venue before planning your visit.
How can I find more information about these events?
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official websites or social media pages of the venues you’re interested in. They often provide details on operating hours, special events, and any changes to their schedules.
Key Features of San Diego’s Holiday Pop-Up Bars
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Themed Decorations | Venues are adorned with festive décor, creating an immersive holiday atmosphere. |
| Specialty Cocktails | Unique, holiday-inspired drinks are crafted to enhance the seasonal experience. |
| Special Events | Activities such as live music, trivia, and themed nights are often featured. |
| Limited-Time Engagements | These pop-ups operate for a short period, typically from mid-November to early January. |
| Age Restrictions | Many venues are 21+; it’s important to check age requirements before visiting. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Halloween Events Kick Off in San Diego
San Diego Hosts an Array of Events This Week
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.
