The Best Holiday Pop-Up Bars in LA

It's the most wonderful time of the year… for holiday pop-up bars and festive cocktails! Whether you've been naughty or nice, bars across Los Angeles are welcoming you and your besties with over-the-top decorations and pun-tastic seasonal cocktail menus.

The crew at Big Bar (1929 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles 90027) goes all out with their special events, and the holidays are no different. Get into the spirit of the season and warm up with classics and Big Bar favorites:

• House Irish Coffee - Slane Irish Whiskey, Fonté Dark Roast, brown sugar, hand-whipped cream
• House Hot Toddy - choice of bourbon, Scotch or rum; lemon, honey, Angostura Bitters
• Here's To It to Do It - Patron Reposado Tequila, lemon, agave, citrus peel "party," Forbidden Bitters
• Apricot Nog - Hennessy VS Cognac, green apricot, Clément Rhum Agricole, cream, nutmeg, whole egg
• Bonus Track: I Am the Cosmos - Cointreau, Singani63, Belle de Brillet, cranberry, lemon, Osulloc Wedding Tea

Get cozy in a cabana and imbibe under the snow at Blitzen’s Bar, a festive pop-up overlooking the Holiday Village in The Atrium at Westfield Century City. Enjoy cocktails featuring Starward Whisky, seasonal bites and live performances from the Holiday Village cast. Located on Level 2 on the Bridge above the Atrium.

Enjoy Season's Greetings in the Standing Room at Death & Co (818 E 3rd St, Los Angeles 90013), featuring festive cocktails, holiday highballs and cheeky shooters.

The dangerously good Vintage Eggnog is made with Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon, Courvoisier VSOP Cognac, Overproof Jamaican Rum, Doce Madeira, whole egg, heavy cream and sugar.

Other holiday cocktails include:

• Hot Toddy - Knob Creek 9-year Bourbon, Bowmore 12-year Scotch, Honey, Hot Water, Angostura Bitters
• Ponche Navideño - El Tesoro Blanco Tequila, Cacao Rum, Guava, Hibiscus, Lime
• Polar Espresso - Suntory Haku Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, Cold Brew, Sweet Potato Shochu, Cardamom
• Gingerbread House - Knob Creek D&C Selection Rye, Amaretto, Ginger, Lemon, Blackstrap, Egg White
• Sugar Plum Negroni - Sipsmith London Dry & Sloe Gins, Aperol, Dry Curaçao, Blue Plum, Allspice
• Snowcat - Legent Bourbon, Amaro Ramazzotti, Creme de Menthe

Bar bites include a Popcorn Trio, Peppermint Muddy Buddies, Deviled Eggs, Salt & Vinegar Tots and Buttermilk Fried Chicken.

Season's Greetings is popping up at D&C through December 30. Hours are 7pm-12:30am on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday; and 7pm-1am on Thursday-Saturday.

The Fairmont Century Plaza invites you on a holiday trip to the Alps, no passport needed! Now in its second year, the Swiss Chalet Après-Ski Dining Experience features beautifully built wood chalets and a prix fixe menu that starts with a choice of Fall Salad or Butternut Squash Soup. For entree, choose from Braised Beef Cheek, Pork Schnitzel or Grilled Trout, along with Cassoulet & Herb Spaetzle for the table. Finish with Chocolate Fondue. Enhancements serve 2-3 and include Cheese Fondue and Charcuterie (wagyu salami, prosciutto de parma, piave vecchio, brie).

Toast to the festive season with a glass or bottle of Veuve Clicquot; or sip an Après-Ski cocktail:

• Eggnog of the Century - Bacardi 8 Rum, Amontillado Sherry, Sugar, Whole Milk, Heavy Cream, Holiday Spices
• Glühwein - Nomadica Red Wine, Cloves, Cinnamon Stick, Fresh Orange, Sugar
• Espresski Martini - Casamigos Reposado, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, Espresso, Agave
• Fallen Apple - Old Forester Bourbon, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Calvados, Perrico Farms Apple Cider, Lemon Juice

The Après-Ski Experience is open daily from 5-11pm. Each chalet fits up to 8 guests for the 90-minute experience. Pricing for the prix fixe menu is $105 per person, reservations at OpenTable.

Inspired by its sister property, the Four Seasons Megève in southeastern France, the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills presents Le Chalet Alpin, a chic Après-Ski Lounge where guests can unwind with seasonal cocktails and authentic French and Alpine cuisine:

• Almond crusted brie, pear mostarda, baguette
• Balmoral smoked salmon, dill, cream cheese, salmon roe, crostini
• Cheese gougeres
• Charcuterie board
• Chocolate fondue

Drinks include the signature cocktail of the Four Seasons Megève, the Negroni des Alpes: Gentiane des Peres Chartreux, white vermouth and gin.

• Mont-Blanc Eggnog - tequila, rye whiskey, milk, vanilla, Chile de árbol, cinnamon, cloves, egg, nutmeg
• Mulled Wine from the Cask - red wine, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, cloves orange, apples, vanilla
• The Bear and His Hot Chocolate – non-alcoholic, featuring a marshmallow teddy bear

Founded in Chicago, Frosty's Christmas Bar opened its second location in Times Square and this year is making its Tinseltown debut (6555 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles 90028). The over-the-top immersive experience includes twinkling lights, snowflakes, plenty of photo ops, and of course festive drinks.

• Orange Holiday Fizz - Vodka or Gin, Blood Orange Juice, Simple Syrup, Prosecco
• Mezcal Mule - Mezcal, Agave, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer
• Santa's Mocha - Peppermint Vodka, Kahlua, Creme de Cacao, Cold Brew (Cafe Bustelo)
• Grinch-A-Rita - Tequila, Green Punch, Lemonade, Sprite, Pineapple Juice
• Grinch Punch (Non-Alcoholic) - Lemon Kool Aid, Lemonade, Sprite, Pineapple Juice

Tickets start at $25 with options that include drinks and Frosty's swag. Bottle service available.

Presented by Bucket Listers, the Holly Jolly Holiday Bar is popping up at two locations.

Three Clubs (1123 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038) is hosting the Holly Jolly Holiday Singalong Piano Bar through December 28. Grab a songbook and join your fellow carolers as a live pianist plays timeless Christmas classics and contemporary holiday hits. Tickets start at $23 and include a themed cocktail with each ticket!

The Holly Jolly Holiday Bar is taking over Level 2 at E.P. & L.P. (603 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood 90069). Now through December 30, the second-floor space is decked out in floor-to-ceiling tinsel, trimmings, ornaments and much more. Tickets include a welcome cocktail and start at $30 for a single seat, with table options for groups of 2 to 4 guests.

Preux & Proper chef Sammy Monsour opened Joyce (770 S Grand Ave A, Los Angeles 90017) in the former Red Herring space in August 2023. For Jingle Bells at Joyce, Monsour is featuring a festive menu that includes the Fra-Gee-Lay, A Christmas Story inspired cocktail with Angel's Envy bourbon, Copalli Barrel Rested Rum, Ghost Town Oats oat milk, fresh nutmeg and cinnamon. Other seasonal drinks include the Yippie Kai Yuletide (bourbon, housemade gingerbread syrup, sassafras, sorghum bitters) and Oh Bring Us a Figgy with Haku Vodka, Averna Amaro, lemon juice, fig & vanilla syrup, and club soda.

The dynamic duo behind the Black Lagoon Halloween pop-up, Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage are back at Lost Property (1704 Vine St, Los Angeles 90028) with Krampus' Cove. Based on the macabre Alpine legend, the immersive 90-minute experience upends cheerful holiday traditions with naughty elves, evil snowmen and Krampus himself wandering the bar. The playlist features unexpected versions of your favorite (or least favorite) carols.

Priced at $25, tickets are on sale at Eventbrite and include a welcome sipper of vegan nog. A full list of themed creepy holiday cocktails will be available once guests are seated. During the week, seatings are available at 6pm and 8pm; and on the weekend at 3pm, 5pm or 7pm. The bar will be open with the full menu for un-ticketed walk-in service from 8:30pm on weekends and 9:30pm on weeknights till 2am.

Discreetly located in a Little Tokyo strip mall, The Mermaid (428 E 2nd St, Los Angeles 90012) presents the annual Siren Who Stole Christmas - the tale of Pimu, who ruined the holidays for a ship full of sailors on their way home to their families.

Enjoy holiday cocktails for a cause featuring Cihuatán Rum, with proceeds benefiting Adopt-A-Family LA. Take a Tiki mug home for an additional $20!

• Sinterclaws - Cihuatán Jade Rum, Green Chartreuse, passionfruit, orange lime
• Seven Sirens Swimming - brown butter fat washed Cihuatán Indigo Rum, Allspice Orgeat, cinnamon, pineapple, lime
• Nauti or Nice - Cihuatán Pineapple Rum, Doctor Bird Pineapple Rum, Cointreau Orgeat, cinnamon, lime
• Carols of the Coral - Cihuatán Jade Rum, Spiced Pear Brandy, cranberry, grapefruit, lemon
• A Merry Little Coconut "Coquito" - a festive Latin eggnog with Cihuatán Indigo Rum, coconut cream, coconut milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, spices, orange
• A Dementa Xmas (Shot) - Cihuatán Jade Rum, Om Chocolate Liqueur, Crème de Menthe
• Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum - shot of Cihuatán Jade Rum & beer

The former Rockwell has been transformed into Mirate (1712 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles 90027), a spectacular multi-level dining destination helmed by Michelin-starred chef Joshua Gil, who features an Alta California inspired menu that reflects his upbringing in SoCal and Baja California, along with global influences that reflect LA's diversity.

For the holidays, beverage director Max Reis is offering the rompope-inspired El Pancho Claus, available at the bar or bottled to-go: Sol Tarasco Charanda Hongos, Alambique Serrano Rum Blend #2, Raicilla de Una, housemade pasita, cream, egg and demerara⁠.

Bar Director Tobin Shea has launched his annual Holiday Cocktail Collection at Redbird, available now through New Year's Eve.

• Charlie Chaplin - Bombay Bramble, Apricot Wine, Avua Cachaça, Ruby Port, Mommenpop Blood Orange, citrus
• Harvest - El Tesoro Single Barrel Reposado, Agua del Sol Espadin, Clear Creek Cranberry, PX Sherry, Allspice Dram, lime, ginger
• Yuzu Spritz - Grey Goose, Capurro Pisco, Yuzu Liqueur, Dolin Blanc, Cointreau, ginger, lemon, cherry
• Pumpkin Punch - Jack Daniel’s, King’s Ginger, Lustau East India Sherry, Allspice, Pumpkin Tea, orange, pumpkin pie whip
• The Woods - St. George Terroir, Douglas Fir Brandy, Extra Dry Vermouth, lime
• Rockefeller - Laird's Apple Brandy, Starward Nova, Cocchi Torino, Fino Sherry, maple, cinnamon
• Apples to Apples - Ahus Winter Akvavit, La Quintinye Royal Extra Dry, Apfel, Combier Elixir, Absinthe, Sloe Gin
• Maple Leaf - Maker’s Mark, Courvoisier, St. George Spiced Pear, lemon, maple
• Partridge in a Pear Tree - Sipsmith Gin, St. George Pear Brandy, Royal Tokaji, Dandelion Mead, caramel, absinthe
• Coquito - Bacardi 10-Year Rum, coconut, condensed milk, baking spices, Cantera Negra Cafe Liqueur
• Nochebuena - Old Forester Redbird Single Barrel, La Escondida Sotol, Punt E Mes, Nixta Corn Liqueur, Cocoa Bitters
• Mele Kalikimaka - Havana Club Rum, Falernum, Tempus Fugit Banane, Rooibos-Chamomile Tea
• Verte Chaud - Green Chartreuse, hot chocolate, whipped cream

The Ordinarie (210 The Promenade N, Long Beach 90802) is making Long Beach merry and bright with the 5th annual Miracle, a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting.

• Christmapolitan - Vodka, Elderflower, Dry Vermouth, Spiced Cranberry Sauce, Lime, Rosemary, Absinthe Mist
• Snowball Old-Fashioned - Rye, Gingerbread, Aromatic Bitters, Wormwood Bitters, Orange Essence
• Carol Barrel - Irish Whiskey, Banana Liqueur, Jamaican Navy Strength Rum, Guinness Punch, Lime, Aromatic & Chocolate Bitters, Nutmeg
• Koala Cooler - Applejack, Blanc Vermouth, Aquavit, Spiced Apple, Lime, Celery Shrub, Eucalyptus Bitters, Mint, Soda
• Marshmallows & Unicorns - Gin, Vanilla Liqueur, Velvet Falernum, Cherry Liqueur, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Marshmallow, Lemon, Egg White, Tiki Bitters, Soda
• Christmas Cricket - Blanco Tequila, Vanilla Liqueur, Minty Amaro, Coco Pandan, Cream, Mole Bitters, Dark Chocolate
• Elfing Around #2 - Cognac, Mulled Wine Reduction, Champagne, Lemon, Aromatic Bitters, Absinthe
• Yippee Ki Yay Mother F****r! - Barbados Rum, Rhum Agricole, Trinidad Overproof Rum, Ube & Coconut Orgeat, Acid-Adjusted Pineapple Juice
• Jingle Balls Nog - Cognac, Cream Sherry, Almond Milk, Cream, Egg, Vanilla, Nutmeg
• Rudolph's Replacement - Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, White Creme de Cacao, Orange Curaçao, Chai, Almond Milk, Aromatic Bitters
• The Krampus - Reposado Tequila, Oloroso Sherry, Allspice Dram, Mezcal, Ginger, Hibiscus, Lime, Hellfire Bitters
• Hot Buttered Rum (served hot) - Aged Jamaican Rum, Velvet Falernum, Mixed Spiced Butter, Oat Milk, Nutmeg
• Mulled Wine (served hot) - Mulled Red Wine, Tawny Port, Orange Liqueur, Christmas Spices
• Naughty and Nice Shots

"Miraculous" eats include small plates like White Cheddar & Scallion Popovers, Chicken Pot Pie Bites and Holiday Brussels Sprouts; and Christmas Duck and Holiday Ham Dinner.