Looking for festive fun this holiday season? NoVA has a fantastic lineup of holiday pop-up bars that will get you in the spirit. These limited-time spots offer seasonal cocktails, holiday-themed décor, and plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories with friends and family. Whether you’re into tiki-inspired drinks or cozy winter cabins, these pop-ups have you covered this season.
Northern Virginia
Home Alone for the Holiday Pop-Up
November 28–December 27
Experience Home Alone, minus the booby traps, at Hotel Heron’s holiday pop-up. You’ll find festive décor, themed drinks, and holiday cheer at this cozy winter retreat. Hotel Heron: 699 Prince St., Alexandria
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Mixer at Sense of Thai
Through December 31
Sense of Thai is saying so long to the cold and hello to tropic celebrations. You’ll find specialty Christmas-themed tiki drinks and kitschy holiday decorations that’ll lift even the grouchiest Grinch’s spirits. 20413 Exchange St., Ashburn
Sippin’ Santa at Tiki Thai
Through December 31
Sippin’ Santa is back and bringing a tropical twist. This jolly bar at Tiki Thai, the tropical counterpart to Miracle pop-ups, will transform your holiday celebrations. Picture Santa on a surfboard, palm trees decked with ornaments, and tiki-inspired cocktails. It’s the perfect spot to gather with friends and family and sip festive drinks. 12100 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston
Joy on the Avenue
Through January 4, 2026
Del Ray’s rotating pop-up cocktail bar has been a creative hub since fall 2021. The bar undergoes a remodel each year before Thanksgiving to present the holiday-themed Joy on the Avenue with tinsel, lights, and ornaments. 2312 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Honor Brewing
Through December 31
One of NoVA’s favorite breweries is getting in on the holiday fun. Through the end of the year, the bar will be serving up festive cocktails in glassware that match the holiday vibes, including a gingerbread house and a Christmas Vacation-inspired moose-shaped cup. 42604 Trade West Dr., Sterling; 11250 James Swart Cir., Fairfax
Sedona Taphouse
The holidays are in full swing at Fredericksburg’s Sedona Taphouse. The dining room is full of lights, Santa hats, and other festive decorations. The restaurant even has a specialty cocktail menu for its merry experience. 591 William St., Fredericksburg
BARCA Wonderland
Enjoy waterfront wonderland views when you visit BARCA’s new holiday pop-up bar. The wine bar is all dolled up for the holiday season, with twinkling lights, festive cocktails, and over-the-top décor taking over the outdoor patio. 2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria
Washington, DC
Blitzen Bar at Makers Union
November 28–December 31
Visit the Blitzen Bar and listen to a jolly playlist while sipping craft cocktails. Between the music and decorations, it’s almost like you’ve been transported to the North Pole. 1811 Library St., Reston; 1450 S. Eads St., Arlington; 664 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, DC
Miracle at Black Whiskey
November 28–December 31
Black Whiskey is a welcoming neighborhood bar in DC’s 14th Street corridor. Founded in 2014, it combines over-the-top holiday décor with tasty cocktails. 1410 14th St. NW, Washington, DC
Destination: Dreamlands at Duke’s Grocery
December 4–early January
Make plans to visit all five Duke’s Grocery locations before the holidays end. Each location features a different experience, including Gingerbread Land, Bamboo Land, The North Pole, Through the Cocktail Glass, and The Upside-Down Bar. After collecting stamps at all five locations, guests will receive an invitation to an exclusive Dreamlands Celebration Party. Multiple locations
Holly Jolly Holiday Bar at Puttery
Through December 28
Mini golf is now a must during the holiday season thanks to Puttery’s new pop-up bar. The bar is full of tinsel, ornaments lights, and more. A special menu is also available, so grab a toasted marshmallow cocktail or Jingle Bell Wings before you hit the green. 800 F St. NW, Washington, DC
Wine(ter)garden at Lulu’s
Through early January
This pop-up dazzles with cactus Christmas trees, chimineas, glowing luminarias, and a fully decked-out heated patio. Sip your way through inventive cocktails, like Spritz-mas Cheer or Grand-Ma Got Run Over By A Coyote, that pair perfectly with the New Mexico-meets-Texas style menu. 1940 11th St. NW, Washington, DC
Snowglow Holiday at the Dome
Through January 4
This immersive 90-minute experience will make you feel like you’re in a life-size snow globe. Celebrating winter lights, this year guests will be able to enjoy nostalgic holiday party bites and sips with views of floating candles, firelight, and illuminated ice crystals in the background. 1309 Fifth St. NE, Washington, DC
Winter Chalet at Dirty Habit
Through January 31
Step into a frosty fantasy. This courtyard-turned-winter wonderland is decked out with heaters, photo ops, and a global feast by Chef Derek Watson. Sip on cocktails, like the toasty Hot Buttered Rum or the Naughty and Nice. For those venturing to the DowntownDC Holiday Market, check out the Chalet’s satellite pop-up for more festive bites and sips. 555 Eighth St. NW, Washington, DC
El Chalet at Mercy Me
Escape to South America this winter at El Chalet, the patio pop-up behind Mercy Me. Inspired by Patagonia, this seasonal transformation wraps you in the warmth of pines, hearty South American cuisine, and crackling fires. Sip on hot cocktails and indulge in flavors from Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Brazil. 1143 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Urban Roast
Urban Roast’s annual holiday pop-up features two levels of decorations and four different themes that includes dozens of Christmas trees, dangling snowflakes, and twinkling lights. As if the decorations aren’t enough, grab a seasonal cocktail or flight to spread even more Christmas cheer. 916 G St. NW, Washington, DC
Feature image courtesy Joy on the Avenue
This story originally ran in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
