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’Tis the season to explore a multitude of Raleigh Christmas bar pop-ups.
It’s a Christmas miracle! Adding to the spirited magic, Raleigh’s got six holiday pop-ups to get you frosted—with brand-new Miracle at Killjoy adding some jingle juice to longtime Miracle at The Haymaker, fourth-timer St. Nick’s Christmas House, sophomore Miracle at Broadsides & Brews in Wake Forest and Wye Hill’s Sippin’ Santa, and first-year festive AVA Wonderland in Fenton.
Elfing up the Killjoy Christmas experience is Miracle vet Josh Gagne, who assures there’s more than enough room in the market for all the holiday hooch—and their various vibes. “We’re trying to have a little more fun [by] creating a different experience,” he says.
Decking the halls four ways, Killjoy brings in all the jingle ladies—and gents—for a choose-your-own-adventure winter wonderland, Santa’s workshop, “girly pink Christmas” or the lights-strewn patio, plus such draws as puppy sweater and ugly sweater parties and a drag Christmas show.
For that explosive Christmas-on-steroids feel, there’s classic The Haymaker, while Broadsides is upping the ante. “Every nook and cranny will be filled with something to find and see each time you come in,” emphasizes owner Joni Falvey after a festive first-year experience. (It’s giving Elf on the Shelf and we’re here for it.)
There’s also the Santa hat-adorned 12-foot skeleton, immersive lighting fixtures to keep you lit, Christmas karaoke, Sick of Xmas Music DJ Party, ugly and pup sweater parties, and, the milk to our cookie, a new-this-year Snap Shots with Santa. Read: an exclusive experience in the workshop with the Clauses to snap a shot and take a shot.
On the opposite end of the, ahem, pole, Tiki and Christmas collide in the jingle joyride that is Sippin’ Santa at Wye Hill. “It’s wildly unique,” maintains co-owner Sara Abernethy, whose beachy vision with husband/co-owner Chris Borreson taps into their Cali past. “We are known for our outdoor space, and bringing a little bit of tropical leisure vibes to the holidays really suits the space we have. You really have to go above and beyond to set your experience apart from everybody else out there.”
Clearly, holiday pop-ups are the moment, and that moment is about the mems—and the escapism—natch. “With all the challenges we face throughout the year,” says Falvey, “these Christmas-themed spaces provide a whimsical getaway from the everyday grind”—adding: “What’s more fun for an adult than being reminded of the magic of your childhood Christmas, but in an adult package?” Resting grinch face—gone.
“It’s really fun to put on these events and decorate all out and make these over-the-top cocktails—and see the joy on everybody’s face when they come in.” Sara Abernethy, Wye Hill co-owner
Raleigh Christmas Bar Pop-Ups:
- AVA Wonderland, Cary | Nov. 14–Dec. 29
- Sippin’ Santa at Wye Hill | Nov. 15–Dec. 31
- St. Nick’s Christmas House | Nov. 15–Jan. 11
- Miracle at Broadsides & Brews, Wake Forest | Nov. 27–Dec. 29
- Miracle at The Haymaker | Nov. 29–Dec. 31
- Miracle at Killjoy | Nov. 29–Dec. 31
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