‘Tis the Season for Drinking at the Best Holiday Pop-Up Bars in Las Vegas

Where themed cocktails are fun and festive

Off The Strip is celebrating the holiday season with a 30-days of stories counting down to the big day Dec. 25! Our #WYD Holiday Guide features all the best places to go, experiences to have, festive displays, party destinations, holiday cocktails and dinners—plus where to shop local and cool ways to give back! Check out the features »

Raise a glass and toast to the growing trend of holiday pop-up bars in Las Vegas. The winter season is upon us and between gift wrapping and ice skating you’ll want to find time for a stiff cocktail. Check out the following holiday pop-up bars going above and beyond in the days leading up to Christmas. 

Miracle on Spring Mountain

The Sand Dollar Lounge is the official Las Vegas home for the “Miracle” series of holiday pop-up bars across the country. Miracle on Spring Mountain runs until New Year’s Day with more than $20,000 worth of colorful decorations and 10 holiday cocktails on the menu with playful glassware (also sold separately as holiday gifts). As always, Sand Dollar Lounge hosts live music nightly and is putting its own spin on the Miracle concept with special pizza nights with guest chefs. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Project REAL and the International Problem Gambling Center.  

Must-try cocktail: The SanTaRex (a combination of tequila, mezcal, melon liqueur, orgeat, lime and tiki bitters in a ceramic Tyrannosaurus Rex glass). 

Merry Crimson

The Red Rock Resort is once again transforming its Crimson lounge space into Merry Crimson — with a “Tinsel Town” theme this year. Mix and mingle indoors and grab some fresh air outdoors, where the pool deck has cozy igloos and fire pits for roasting s’mores. Light up your Instagram feed by posing in front of several selfie stations and enjoy music by a live DJ. The drink menu includes at least a dozen themed cocktails, spiked hot chocolate, holiday punch bowls and nine Grey Goose holiday shooters served in a sleigh Santa would love. 

Must-try cocktail: Gingerbread Kisses & Holiday Wishes (Captain Morgan Gingerbread Rum with amaretto, gingerbread syrup, vanilla whipped cream and caramel drizzle with a gingerbread man as garnish).

Nightmare Before Xmas

Mas Por Favor (a taco joint and hidden speakeasy in Chinatown) is taking on a Nightmare Before Xmas theme based on Tim Burton’s classic 1993 movie. Expect to see decor and glassware inspired by Jack Skellington and other characters from the film. 

Must-try cocktail: Anything with tequila. 

Bad Elf Pop-Up Bar

This holiday watering hole comes with a naughty side. The Bad Elf Pop-Up Bar takes over the Shady Grove Lounge at the Silverton casino, which includes seating inside a bedazzled Airstream. You’ll also see festive lights and decorations, including ornaments, oversized packages, garland and a Christmas tree while snuggling up alongside the fireplace. Nearly 30 elves dangle from the ceiling to put a playful spin on the holiday. The cocktails are heavy on vodka recipes, although it’s hard to argue with the price: each one is just $10. 

Must-try cocktail: Shady Graham Central (Baileys, white creme de cacao and vanilla vodka with a chocolate graham cracker rim and roasted marshmallows). 

Enchant

The Las Vegas Ballpark in Downtown Summerlin is now Enchant, a pop-up holiday village with ice skating, shopping, food and yes, cocktails. Enjoy a few sips before making your way through an illuminated maze, where every corner provides a fantastic backdrop for a holiday photo. Just remember to try the soft pretzel stuffed with charcuterie.  Must-try cocktail: Holiday Cheer (vodka, sour mix, lemon, lime and cantaloupe liqueur inside a twinkling light bulb cup).

Holiday Bar Crawl

Why visit one bar when you can visit five? The Dashing Through the Bars holiday bar crawl is a journey down the Fremont Street Experience with stops at the Legacy Club, Vegas Vickie’s and Mega Bar at Circa, One Bar at the Golden Gate and Bar Canada at The D. Each destination has a special holiday-themed cocktail. Tickets are available for $100 per person through Dec. 30. Must-try cocktail: Son of a Nutcracker (an ambitious blend of Buffalo Trace, Fernet Branca, Avua Amburana, apple brandy, spice syrup and cranberry with a sugar cookie garnish) at the Legacy Club, a rooftop lounge at Circa with gorgeous views and an outdoor patio.


This post is part of Off The Strip’s 30 Days of Christmas series.

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