Then, there were the original pop-up bars, Miracle Bar and Sippin' Santa. These are New York City-based concepts that took over the nation with locations popping up in more cities every year. The first time Miracle came to town, the excitement was palpable.
And up until only a few years ago, that was it. Hotel bars got in on their respective resort's decorations to an extent, and some pubs hung garlands and a few lights, but nothing like Miracle.
Then last year, metro Phoenix had enough holiday pop-up bars for us to write a round-up. Five spots around the Valley decked the halls with fervor.
This year, it seems every cocktail bar is now a pop-up holiday bar. Maybe local bar owners thought why let Miracle have all the fun? Maybe, after a few dark years of the pandemic, we are all in need of as much holiday cheer as possible.
Either way, there are so many holiday pop-up bars around the Valley this year, it would be impossible to write a list encompassing them all. Basically, if you're going out for cocktails, there's a good chance the bar will be decorated to the nines.
So if you, like us, are feeling festive but a little overwhelmed with options, here are our picks for six metro Phoenix pop-up bars that stand out in the crowd this holiday season.
The O.G. goes tiki
Sippin' Santa at Bitter & Twisted1 W. Jefferson St. Sippin' Santa is Miracle Bar's spin-off concept, but we're partial to the tiki version for a few reasons. First, paying a visit doesn't take quite so much planning. Many of the Valley's holiday pop-up bars require tickets or advance reservations. But Sippin' Santa takes walk-ins and if the bar is busy, you can join a waitlist online to secure your spot in line. Second, Sippin' Santa takes over Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, one of the very best cocktail destinations in the Valley. So whether you're ordering a Jingle Bird or a Ginger Snapper, these mixologists know how to make a stellar drink. This pop-up runs through Dec. 24.
The Ember Lounge is located inside a giant dome that transports customers to a holiday wonderland far from Phoenix.
The Ember Lounge
Dinner and drinks in a dome
The Ember Lounge at Desert Ridge Marketplace21001 N. Tatum Blvd. Most holiday pop-up bars take over an existing bar space. But The Ember Lounge has sprung up with a space entirely its own. Located in Desert Ridge Marketplace, it's hard to miss. In the walkways between the shops, a giant, white dome intrigues passersby. Enter the experience and you are transported from the north Phoenix shopping center to another world where projectors cast snowflakes and starry skies over the ceiling. Dotted around the edge of the circular space are little cabins to sit inside while you enjoy cocktails and food. In the center of the space, there's a forest of pine trees which are occasionally showered with a sprinkle of bubble snow. Reservations are for 90 minutes and can be made online. The Ember Lounge runs until Dec. 31.
The swanky date night destination
Apres Chalet at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, ScottsdalePretend the McDowell Mountains have a few ski runs and head back to the lodge at this snow-themed pop-up. The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch is hosting the Apres Chalet, a ski chateau-inspired concept in partnership with Veuve Clicquot. The menu includes Champagne and Champagne-based cocktails along with beer, wine and ski shots. The food menu includes sharable charcuterie boards and s'mores kits to roast marshmallows over the multiple fire pits. This event allows customers to have a swanky holiday evening while also supporting a good cause. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Healing Hearts Animal Rescue, an animal rehabilitation ranch in Cave Creek. The event is first-come, first-served and will run from Thursday through Saturday between 4:30 and 10 p.m from Nov. 30 to Dec. 23.
The edgy option
Rudolph's Wrath at the Trophy Room2 N. Central Ave. #101 If you're feeling festive but sickly sweet ribbons and bows aren't your thing, check out the Trophy Room this holiday season. The downtown Phoenix speakeasy-style bar has transformed into Rudolph's Wrath, an immersive experience built around a narrative of Santa being abducted and Rudolph's mission to free him. "Everyone else's holiday bar feels like 'Miracle on 34th Street,'" says owner Teddy Myers, "we wanted to do 'Die Hard.'” There will be six seasonal cocktails to fit the mood of the pop-up experience, which runs from Nov. 22 to Dec. 31. Enter Rudolph's Wrath through Wren & Wolf. Reservations are required and can be made online.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at JoJo's Shake Bar this holiday season.
JoJo's Shake bar
A sweet tooth's dream
Winter Wonderland at JoJo's Shake Bar15037 N Scottsdale Road, Suite J150, ScottsdaleBoosted with booze or enjoyed alcohol-free, the milkshakes at JoJo's are over the top. Now imagine all of that sugary sweetness leveled up for the holidays. JoJo's Shake Bar at the Scottsdale Quarter has evolved into a winter wonderland with thousands of string lights, giant ornaments and an 8-foot-tall nutcracker. To add a little more holiday fun, opt for booze in your milkshake or try one of JoJo's giant Polar Espresso Martinis with a peppermint rim. For those looking to do more than sip and hang out, check out the Holly Jolly Mixology Classes, Ornament Painting Workshop, Wreath Making Workshop, and Gingerbread House Workshop events. Reservations can be made online. If your holiday season gets filled up fast, JoJo's pop-up experience is one of the longest-lasting in the Valley, keeping the holiday cheer going until Jan. 14.
Boozy holiday brunch with the Grinch
The Lola6770 N. Sunrise Blvd. #109, GlendaleNot every holiday pop-up bar is a nighttime destination. Kick off a day of Christmas shopping with a boozy holiday brunch at The Lola. This West Valley destination is decked out for the holidays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday leading up to Christmas, customers can experience a custom menu with holiday-themed cocktails and a special guest. Keep an eye out for the green, grumpy Grinch himself. Reservations can be made online.
