Holiday Pop-up Bars in Raleigh

 ’Tis the season to get in the spirit(s). 

Forget the cocoa—this year’s real holiday spirit comes shaken, stirred and served under twinkly lights. Raleigh bars are upping the seasonal buzz in more ways than one, with a plethora of themed pop-ups decking the halls with cheery cocktails, over-the-top decor and can’t-miss moments. Because after all, who needs mistletoe when you have mezcal. Here’s where to eat, drink and be merry. 

Miracle at Killjoy | Nov. 19–Dec. 31
It’s a Christmas miracle! The official Miracle pop-up is once again decking out Killjoy for the second year in a row with decor galore and, ahem, miraculous sips like the new Candy Cane Lane (white rum, vanilla liqueur, dark creme de cacao, minty amaro, candy cane, soy milk) and Dancing Sugarplums (gin, limoncello, plum wine, plum milk syrup, lemon, tiki bitters, nutmeg). Further raising spirits, Killjoy will host multiple events per week like Christmas karaoke, girly nights, DJs and more—ugly sweaters encouraged. And, yes, your fave glassware will be for sale. Yippee-ki-yay! @killjoycocktail

Sippin’ Santa at Wye Hill | Nov. 14–Dec. 28
Cowabunga, dude! Santa’s surfin’ back into Wye Hill for the third season, bringing Christmas-in-July vibes a la a tropical theme feat. all-out interior + exterior lights and decorations (no corner untouched!), Tiki-inspired drinks, and memorable festivities. Escape the cold and surf straight to the warm West Coast with brand-new cocktails like the Frost Bite with tequila, sage, pineapple, lime, cranberry syrup and spiced cranberry bitters; and Coco Ho Ho Ho with gold Jamaican rum, lime, coconut, pineapple, pandan syrup and banana liqueur—plus a selection of mocktails to keep everyone merry. And stay tuned for a Christmas drag brunch and Santa photo ops—because we could all use a little extra leisure amid the holiday hustle. @wyehill

Nutcracker Pop-up at Clockwork | Nov. 10–Jan. 31
If the North Pole had fun boozy drinks, Christmas movies on repeat and house DJs, it would be Clockwork’s Nutcracker Pop-up. Delivering holiday vibes on high, the bar will be decked top-to-bottom with ornaments, lights and over 60 nutcrackers (natch)—with plenty of ’tails to get you in the spirit. And new this year: a Christmas Workshop with themed classes, from custom nutcracker painting to ornament making to cocktail classes and more. Let’s make magic! @nutcrackerpopupbar_raleigh

Boxcar Jingle Bar | Begins Nov. 18
Holiday cheer is on tap—in more ways than one—at Boxcar’s Christmas takeover. The arcade bar gets a jolly glow-up (think oodles of lights and decor), with extended hours to boot during the season. “Because sometimes the best part about being home for the holidays… is leaving the house.” @boxcarral

A Dickens Christmas at Watts & Ward | Nov. 20–Dec. 21
The ghost of Christmas past, present and future comes to life at Watts’ brand-new A Christmas Carol-inspired pop-up. The swanky speakeasy has transformed its Library into a Dickens-inspired escape, complete with moody twinkle lights and candles, vintage decor, and themed cocktails—think espresso martinis (original, peppermint, gingerbread and cinnamon) and a Scrooge & Marley number with Buffalo Trace bourbon creme and Buffalo Trace. @wattsandward

Tinsel Tavern at Sports & Social | Nov. 20–Dec. 28
An explosion of tinsel (naturally) and colorful twinkling lights set the scene for the Fenton sports bar’s immersive holiday pop-up experience, complete with several themed events (think cookie and decorating, ornament crafting, and holiday mixology), unique photo ops, holiday-inspired cocktails and small bites. Santa would be sooo jealous. @sportssocialnccary

Miracle at The Haymaker | Nov. 20–Dec. 30
’Twas the night(mare) before Christmas when all through the bar the cocktails were flowing and the vibes were on par. … Raleigh’s longest-running Miracle pop-up is switching things up this year with a The Nightmare Before Christmas + Christmas Town theme feat. spooky-meets-jolly decor and TBD drinks and events. But if it’s anything like every other holiday season at Haymaker, you know it’s going to be a hit. @haymakerraleigh

Flask Cocktail Bar | Nov. 28–Jan. 1 
The best time of the year… celebrated with a whole lot of cheer(s). Christmas cocktails, holiday music and colorful decor combine at Flask for a jolly-good time even Clark Griswold would be jealous of. Belly up for a special bev, catch a flick on one of the TVs and look out for visits from Santa—so be sure to stay on the nice list. @flaskcocktailbar

Le Dive Griswold Family Christmas | Dec. 1–31
Get lit like the Griswolds’ house. Le Dive’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation pop-up is going full Griswold mayhem with wall-to-wall tinsel, “questionable” holiday cocktails and full-blown festival chaos. Call it a slapstick staycation. @le.dive.bar

Wolfe & Porter | Dec. 1–31
Equal parts festive and rowdy, Wolfe & Porter’s upstairs holiday pop-up ~sleighs~ with over-the-top decorations, special cocktails like peppermint mochas and pomegranate spritzes, Christmas karaoke, a gingerbread house showdown, and more chaotic (in the best way) cheer, all while raising funds for local charities—aka guaranteeing you a spot on the nice list. @wolfeandporter

Disco Candyland at North Street Beer Station | Dec. 4–Jan. 4
Boogie nights 🤝 holiday lights. Get down with your bad self at North Street, teeming with special cocktails, music and dance-party vibes to keep the holiday spirit on high. Here’s hoping they bring back the Disco Holiday Singalong Party so you can deck the halls with disco balls. @northstreetbeer 

Junction West | Dec. 6, 13, 19, 20
Sleigh what?! The former bar hangout-turned-event venue is opening back up to the public to spread some holiday cheer(s) via festive cocktails and decor on select days in December. So make a list, check it twice, and plan for a jolly ole time. @junctionwestnc

The Grinch Pop-up at Peggy’s
You’re a mean one… Peggy’s is bringing the Whoville vibes to Raleigh via its The Grinch pop-up feat. themed drinks like the Three Sizes Too Small old-fashioned, the bubbly Fah Who Foraze, and The Night Before espresso martini. Clear your schedule, find something nice to wear and drink up! @peggysatthepub