Christmas Pop-Up Bars to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

Six places around town to get your holiday cheer on.
Tracy Chan,

 

The holiday season is officially here, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than by checking out some Christmas pop-up bars around town? With twinkling lights, photo ops and special holiday drinks, each bar offers a unique twist on holiday cheer. Whether you’re craving a cozy place to sip on spiked eggnog or a merry, bustling spot to gather with friends, grab your (light) scarves and ugly sweaters, round up your crew, and get ready to make some memories.

 

SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings on O‘ahu

 

The Christmas Bar at Tiki’s Grill & Bar

Get ready for a floor-to-ceiling festive experience at The Christmas Bar inside Tiki’s Grill & Bar! Every year, the team—led by Bill Tobin, Albert Ake, and Michael Miller—creates an over-the-top winter wonderland with crazy holiday decorations and seasonal drinks like the sweet Butter Beer or the Hot Snowflake Mint Mocha, paired with delicious charcuterie plates and desserts. With free valet parking, you won’t have to worry about finding a spot in Waikīkī. Just note: this is one of the busiest pop-ups, so be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends.

 

Nov. 29 to Dec. 24 from 2 to 11:30 p.m. weekdays and noon to 11:30 p.m. weekends; no reservations; keiki welcome during earlier hours; Tiki’s Grill & Bar at the Twin Fin Hotel (formerly Aston Waikīkī Beach Hotel), 2570 Kalākaua Ave., christmasbarhawaii.com, @thechristmasbarhawaii

 

 

Yule’s Truly at AC Hotel Honolulu

Throughout December, the cozy tiki speakeasy inside AC Hotel’s posh retro cocktail lounge transforms into a secret holiday getaway featuring five festive specialty cocktails priced at $17 and up. Outside, the main bar offers craft cocktails, punch bowls, beer and wine.

 

Wednesday and Thursday 5 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to midnight, 1111 Bishop St., yourstrulyhawaii.com, @yourstrulyhnl

 

 

decorations at a Chistmas Bar

Photo: Courtesy of Noa Laporga

 

Christmas Lodge at Pearlridge Center

This new project by 17A Productions takes over the former Chili’s Restaurant at Pearlridge Center with cozy and chill holiday decor presided over by a soon-to-be iconic moose head. Keep an eye out for the fun photo ops this crew is known for. Take a peek inside in this reel.

 

21+, Dec. 1–28, 5 p.m. to midnight daily, 98-130 Pali Momi St., ‘Aiea, @christmaslodgehawaii

 

 

patrons line a bar at a holiday pop-up

Photo: Tracy Chan

 

Winter Wonderland Bar at Ala Moana Center

Step into a dazzling escape at the Winter Wonderland Bar, brought to you by the elves at 17A Productions. This Christmas-themed pop-up is packed with decorations, twinkling lights and shimmering tinsel, with custom cocktails. Whether you’re looking for the perfect photo op or a holiday-inspired drink, you get the full seasonal experience. Just be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends, as this pop-up is on lots of people’s must-go list.

 

Dec. 1–28, 5 p.m. to midnight daily, 21+, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Space 1310 (former Surfer’s Bakery), winterwonderlandhonolulu.com, @winterwonderlandhonolulu

 

 

tropical themed christmas bar

Photo: Courtesy of Prince Waikīkī

 

Sippin’ Santa at Prince Waikīkī

This festive spot combines custom crafted tiki drinks and over-the-top decor with a holiday garden theme this year. It’s the 10th anniversary of Miracle and Sippin’ Santa locations worldwide, so don’t miss out on the collectible mugs and photo ops. Preview the bar in this reel.

 

Prince Waikīkī, a stop on the Holly Jolly Waikīkī Trolley’s holiday lights tour, is hosting other events like the Aloha Maker’s Market (Fridays), special performances by Ballet Hawai‘i and hula dancers, and Holidaze Workshops where you can create your own treasures.

 

Nov. 29 to Dec. 30, Monday to Thursday 5 to 9:30 p.m., Friday to Sunday 5 to 10 p.m., 100 Holomoana St., @sippinsantaprincewaikiki

 

SEE ALSO: Can’t-Miss Local Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs on O‘ahu

 

holiday decor at a pop-up bar

Photo: Tracy Chan

 

Secret Santa Pop-up at The Underground Lounge

This underground Chinatown pop-up bar returns with crafted cocktails, a menu of holiday treats and fun photo ops in a space filled with holiday decor on Hotel Street.

 

Dec. 1–30, Wednesday and Thursday 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., 42 N. Hotel St., @secretsantahi

 

 

12 Bars of Christmas Chinatown Bar Crawl

The locally organized and produced event, a partnership by the same Chinatown bars that brought you Halloween’s Crawl of the Undead, gives you lots of participating bars to jingle and mingle at for just one wristband. Plus, a portion of ticket sales is earmarked for a local nonprofit supporting families in need this holiday season.

Participating venues:

  • Proof Social Club
  • Red Bar
  • NextDoor
  • Secret Santa
  • The Dragon Upstairs
  • The Manifest
  • Royal Arcade
  • Hank’s Cafe
  • Nighthawk
  • Bar 35
  • J. Dolan’s
  • Black Shamrock
  • The Otherside Diner
  • The Lei Stand

 

 

21+, $20 presale (pick up 6 to 10 p.m. at Proof, Redbar, Nextdoor, Secret Santa and Dragon), $30 at the door, Saturday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., @12barshnl

 

 

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