Holiday vibes are in full swing, and Calgary’s Christmas-themed pop-up bars are bringing the festive cheer! Whether you’re all about cozy cocktails, over-the-top holiday décor, or just want to live your best Buddy the Elf life, these spots have you covered. Let’s unwrap the must-visit festive hotspots lighting up the city this season!
Sippin Santa at Ricardo’s Hideaway
First up, we’ve got Sippin’ Santa at Ricardo’s Hideaway, and let us tell you—this isn’t your average tiki bar! Starting November 19, this tropical hideaway will transform into a festive wonderland, complete with holiday cheer and Christmas-themed cocktails that are as fun as they are delicious. Picture yourself sipping on a Jingle Bird or a Merry Spritzmas, or dive into a Sugar Plum Mai Tai—served in jolly Santa mugs that you can even take home!
And if you’re ready to share, don’t miss the Snowball’s Chance in Hilo, a festive cocktail made for friends. It’s a Christmas party in a glass! So grab your holiday crew and mark your calendars, because this is one festive pop-up you won’t want to miss!
- When: Nov 19 – Dec 31, 2024
- Where: Ricardo’s Hideaway – 1530 5th Street SW, Calgary
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Nightmare on 1st Street at Shelter Cocktail Bar
Next up, it’s the 6th annual A Nightmare on 1st Street at Shelter Cocktail Bar & Lounge—and trust us, it’s a holiday tradition you don’t want to miss. Known for their next-level creative mixology, Shelter is bringing the Christmas vibes with a cocktail menu that’s as festive as it is unforgettable.
Get ready to sip on the Gingerbread Flip, a silky, spiced delight that feels like a hug in a glass. Feeling a little cheeky? Go for I Hate Grandma’s Fruitcake—it’s dried fruit and nostalgia, minus the questionable cake. And for the bold and adventurous, the Nightmare on 1st Street delivers smoky, spicy, and boozy perfection.
With Shelter’s moody, cool vibe and these epic drinks, this pop-up is like stepping into a holiday movie… with way better cocktails. Gather your crew and head over for a festive night out—you’ll thank us later!
- When: Nov 27 – Dec
- Where: Shelter Cocktail Bar – 1210 1st Street SW, Calgary
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RED NOSE at Frenchie Wine Bar
Heads up, Calgary—there’s a new festive pop-up in town, and it’s too good to miss. UNA Pizza + Wine and Frenchie Wine Bar have teamed up to create RED NOSE, opening November 22 behind UNA Takeaway on 17th Avenue.
This cozy holiday hideaway is serving up cocktails with a festive twist—think seasonal flavors and holiday vibes for days. And while you won’t find your usual UNA or Frenchie classics, trust us, what they’re shaking up is pure holiday magic.
Keep an eye on @frenchiewinebar for sneak peeks and all the deets. You’re going to want to add this one to your holiday hit list!
- When: November 22 – December 23, 2024
- Where: Frenchie Wine Bar, 616 17th Ave SW, Calgary
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MIRACLE at Proof
Get ready to jingle and mingle because Miracle is back at Proof, bringing all the festive vibes! This Christmas pop-up is decked out with the most over-the-top holiday décor and cocktails that’ll make even the grouchiest grinch feel the cheer. Think drinks like the Christmapolitan and Yippee Ki Yay Mother F*****! served in adorable Santa mugs (yes, you can take them home!).
Born in NYC and now spreading holiday magic worldwide, Miracle’s here to make your season unforgettable. Plus, they’re donating a portion of mug sales to Seva Foundation, helping to restore sight globally. So grab your crew, sip some holiday spirit, and let’s toast to the season at Proof!
- When: November 15 – December 24, 2024
- Where: Proof, 1302 1 St SW, Calgary
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Home Alone at Eighty Eight Brewing
Feeling like Kevin McCallister this holiday season? Head over to Eighty Eight Brewing Co. for their Home Alone pop-up! This cozy holiday takeover is packed with ‘90s nostalgia, festive decor, and beers that’ll make you feel right at home (minus the burglars, of course). Sip on seasonal brews while surrounded by scenes straight out of the iconic movie—paint cans, Christmas lights, and all the unforgettable Home Alone vibes you love.
Perfect for a holiday hangout with friends or a date night with a side of nostalgia, Eighty Eight Brewing Co. has nailed the festive feels. Don’t miss out—this pop-up is here for a good time, not a long time!
- When: November 19 – December 29, 2024
- Where: Eighty Eight Brewing Co., 2600 Portland St SE #1070, Calgary
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Holiday Pop Up at Truth Bar
Ready to jingle all the way to another galaxy? The Truth YYC on 17th Ave has taken holiday vibes to a whole new level—think festive decor with a dash of stardust! This celestial-themed bar is serving up zodiac-inspired holiday cocktails that’ll have you feeling both merry and out-of-this-world.
Grab your crew, a date, or your besties and get ready to sip on cosmic holiday creations in a spacey winter wonderland. If you’re looking to add a little sparkle (and a lot of fun) to your holiday plans, The Truth YYC is the spot to blast off this season!
- When: November 15 – late December
- Where: The Truth Bar, 608 17 Ave SW, Calgary
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Potions & Presents at The Potion Room
Holiday magic lovers, listen up—The Potion Room is bringing the festive vibes big time with their Potions & Presents pop-up. On a regular day, this place is a haven for wizards, witches, and non-magical folk to sip on potions and elixirs that are next-level magical. But now? They’ve gone full-on Christmas with decked-out holiday decor and a special menu to match.
You can still get their iconic 20+ margarita flavors and custom shots, but now there’s a whole lineup of seasonal cocktails to make your spirits extra bright. Grab your crew, don your coziest holiday robes (or ugly sweater, we won’t judge), and get ready for a night of festive sipping in the most magical spot in town. Trust us, The Potion Room gets holiday cheer—and you’re going to love every second of it!
- When: Until Dec
- Where: The Potion Room Bar, 1211 9 Ave SE, Calgary
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Whether you’re into tiki-themed Christmas cocktails, magical potions with a holiday twist, or festive vibes that scream holiday cheer, these pop-ups are here to make your season unforgettable. So, rally your crew, throw on your favorite holiday sweater, and get ready to toast to the most wonderful time of the year at Calgary’s coolest holiday hangouts!