Maybe it’s our North Pole-like latitude, or our transcendent ability to romanticize wintertime, but the holidays feel a bit more magical in Minnesota. Each November, the Twin Cities transforms into a landscape of snowflakes and spectacle—tree lights flicker on, European-style markets crowd the streets, and bars and restaurants slip into their holiday alter egos for the season.
Ahead of the holidays, we’ve rounded up the state’s most stylized and immersive holiday pop-ups and bars, from busy city blocks to cozy small-town hideaways. Whether you’re slipping into Red Cow’s elegant Snow Globe Social to sip on a White Christmas Russian, or enjoying a twinkling round of mini golf at Puttery’s Miracle Christmas Pop-up, you’re sure to find thoughtful details, inventive sips, and spirit of wonder that feel distinctly Minnesotan.
Sippin’ Santa
Where: AC Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown
When: Through Dec. 30
A national holiday pop-up chain curated by tiki connoisseur Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, Sippin’ Santa is bringing the Mele kalikimaka spirit to the AC Hotel in downtown Minneapolis, with the tiki pop-up taking over through Dec. 30. The tropical island counterpart to global pop-up chain Miracle (taking over Puttery in Minneapolis) unties the best aspects of beach life and Christmas cheer, with island-inspired cocktails, ornate tiki decor, and of course, the iconic imagery of Santa Claus surfing an island wave. sippinsantapopup.com
AC Hotel Minneapolis
Dorit’s Tavern
Where: Surly Brewing Co. (Minneapolis)
When: Through Dec. 31
Step into Surly’s mid-’80s dive bar pop-up, Dorit’s Tavern—an homage to the infamous watering hole in the 1984 film “Gremlins.” With pickle roll-ups, Jell-O shots, and a lineup of seasonal brews and cocktails, the second floor transforms into a low-lit, high-character hangout for the holidays.
Surly Brewing Co.
Miracle at Puttery
Where: Puttery (North Loop)
When: Through Dec. 31
The global holiday pop-up concept known as Miracle selected Puttery as its sole Minnesota location this year, transforming the interactive mini golf bar into an over-the-top wonderland of holiday festivities and cheer. Play a round of golf on one of Puttery’s design-forward courses as you take in the shimmering decor, sip holiday-themed cocktails, enjoy ornate photo opportunities, and ring in the Miracle of Christmas. puttery.com
Miracle at Puttery
Northern Starlight Express
Where: Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot
When: Through Dec. 31
Step into a beautifully curated journey of holiday nostalgia and gourmet dining at The Depot’s Northern Starlight Express. The exclusive private experience is rentable for up to 16 guests, and is designed whisk diners on a 2-hour train car adventure through multiple courses of handcrafted cocktails and chef-curated seasonal bites. Elegant, experiential, and littered with the magic of holidays past, the excursion will make for the perfect family outing or “friendsmas” celebration this season. mariott.com
Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot
Welcome to the Jingle
Where: Hola Arepa (Minneapolis)
When: Through Dec. 31
Everyone’s favorite upbeat Latin street food joint is curating a wild holiday jungle for the month of December, inviting guests to celebrate the “hola-days” tropical style. The themed cocktail list carries transportive surprises like the Santa Banana, Coconuts Roasting on an Open Fire, and the Glitter Blizzard. Guests can even indulge in the limited-time Shot Ski offering with groups of three or four—a perfect holiday-themed photo op from your time in the jungle. Walk in or make a reservation at holaarepa.com.
Hola Arepa
Blitzen’s
Where: Omni Viking Lakes Hotel (Eagan)
When: Through Jan. 2
Returning for its second season, Blitzen’s will take over the Omni Viking Lakes lobby lounge with an explosion of ornaments, tinsel, and glittering lights, transforming the Eagan hotel into an ornate display of holiday cheer. Explore the limited holiday drink menu—including signature cocktails like the Naughty or Spice and the Va Va Vixen—to experience the fullness of this boozy wonderland experience, created in partnership with renowned mixologist ad author Julie Reiner. omnihotels.com
Omni Hotels
Jingle Bar
Where: Lola’s Lakehouse (Waconia)
When: Through Jan. 4
What could be more Minnesotan than an ornate holiday pop-up staged on the shores of a glistening frozen lake? This season, Lola’s Lakehouse will trade marina for merriment with the return of its festive Jingle Bar pop-up on the shores of Lake Waconia—capturing the coziness of winter lake life among its serene wintry backdrop. Expect themed craft cocktails and mocktails, live music, visits from Santa, an ugly sweater contest, a festive heated patio, and more, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis through Jan. 4. lolaslakehouse.com
Lola's Lakehouse
Nico’s Holiday Pop-Ups
Where: Nico’s Taco and Tequila Bar locations (Penn Avenue, Minneapolis; Uptown Minneapolis; and St. Paul)
When: Through Jan. 4
This Twin Cities tequila staple is tripling the fun for the holiday season, with distinct pop-up experiences at all three of its locations. Step into a maximalist display of tinsel, lights, and ornate decor at the Uptown location, where the team has curated five themed rooms including the Frozen Room, Grinch’s Whoville, Candy Cane Bar, Silver and Gold, and Balls to the Wall. At the Penn Avenue location, you’ll find a winter wonderland display, featuring a vibrant Candyland room and the newly opened Christmas Cove on the lower level, available to reserve for private parties. Across the river in St. Paul, diners will find themselves whisked away on a tropical holiday escape, at the festive island-themed pop-up Nico’s All the Way, featuring a little bit of everything—and a lot of tequila. nicostacobar.com
Nico's Taco and Tequila Bar
Bina’s Tiki Christmas
Where: Bina’s Bar (Minneapolis)
When: Through early January
Sip on pina coladas as you soak in the island-style holiday spirit at Bina’s Tiki Christmas Pop-up, a festive tropical excursion serving up inventive cocktails like Mai Tai Goodbye, Jingle Juice, and Cousin Eddie, to name a few. Stop in for a dose of island relaxation while you snap a photo with these aesthetically transportive cocktails. binasbar.com
Bina's Bar
Holiday Spirits at King Coil Spirits
Where: King Coil Spirits (St. Paul)
When: Through Dec. 31
King Coil Spirits is diving headfirst into holiday mode with Holiday Spirits, a Christmas pop-up decked out in twinkling lights, garlands, and a cheer-infused cocktail list. Expect playful sips like the Sugar Plum Fairy Old Fashioned—made with rye and house plum syrup—or the decadent Abominable Snowman, shaken with blackstrap rum, cream, and spiced maple.
Beyond the bar, King Coil is rolling out a slate of festive programming all season long. Think cozy ornament-painting nights, holiday movie–themed trivia, and even a Make-Your-Own Bitters workshop for the DIY-inclined. It’s all wrapped in community spirit, too—bring a toy or food donation and snag a buy-one-get-one cocktail. kingcoilspirits.com
King Coil Spirits
Winter Wonderland
Where: Mall of America (Bloomington)
When: Through Jan. 15
Just when you thought this part go-kart-racing, part axe-throwing, part arcade amusement center couldn’t get any more immersive, it doubled down for the holidays. Introducing Winter Wonderland at The Fair on 4—a shimmering winter landscape complete with frosted tree, icicles, imaginative photo backdrops, and a holiday-themed menu featuring “Frost Bites” and Cabin Crafts” like the Minty Hot Chocolate and the Toasty Tot Hot Dish. mallofamerica.com
The Fair on 4
Winter Wonder Bar
Where: Creekside Supper Club (Minneapolis)
When: Through Jan. 18
Step into a cozy nook of Christmas overload at Creekside Supper Club’s Winter Wonder Bar pop-up, a nostalgic display of twinkling lights, vintage animatronics, holiday-inspired glassware, and red-and-green everything. “The Winter Wonder Bar is definitely not tastefully decorated; every single nook and cranny of the restaurant has some kind of decor,” says owner Ward Johnson. “Every time you come in, you’ll notice something new. And this year we’ve doubled the amount of decor compared to last year.” Stop in for an old-school supper club dinner, or enjoy a brunch buffet on Saturday or Sunday. Reservations are encouraged at creeksidemn.com.
Jingle Giles
Where: Earl Giles (Northeast Minneapolis)
When: Through Jan. 24
The magic of Jingle Giles returns to Quincy Street this year, with seven weeks of twinkling lights, imaginative cocktails, ugly sweaters, and curated gift shopping. A testament to its year-round commitment to detail, the Earl Giles team has decked out their distillery space in over 100,000 Christmas lights, topping it off with an 18-foot tree lit from head to toe. Savor seasonal cocktails and dishes as you shop a curated selection of cocktail gift kits, perfect for that distinguished spirit connoisseur in your life. As the holidays approach, stay on the lookout for a mini version of Jingle Giles, popping up at the nostalgic Dayton’s Project in downtown Minneapolis. earlgiles.com
Earl Giles
Nutcracker Suite
Where: Sovereign Estate (Waconia)
When: Nov. 21-Dec. 31
What happens when you combine the sophistication of Sovereign Estate’s fine wines and sprawling vineyards with the magic of Minnesota winter? The Nutcracker Suite. Inspired on the beloved Tchaikovsky ballet, Sovereign Estate is converting its winery lounge into an enchanting Christmas cocktail bar for the holiday season, complete with inventive themed cocktails like the Sugar Plum Fairy Martini and the Black Russian Cookie, as well as an array cozy holiday appetizers. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for a duration of 90 minutes. sovereignestatewine.com
Sovereign Estate
Red Nose Room and Snow Globe Social
Where: Red Cow (Uptown and Wayzata)
When: Nov. 21-Jan. 1
Amid a noteworthy year of transformation, Red Cow celebrates the holidays with two unique pop-ups at its Uptown and Wayzata locations. A longtime seasonal favorite, Red Cow’s Red Nose Room returns to Uptown Nov. 21, bringing its characteristic bright-red merriment, plus a few noteworthy upgrades. In addition to the colorful main dining room, Uptown’s enclosed patio will transform into an Après Ski Chalet, featuring Aperol Spritzes, holidays shots and cocktails, and a chair lift photo opportunity among the winter elements.
Over in Wayzata, Red Cow will also launch Snow Globe Social for its first year, a sophisticated, wintry concept with cocktail creations ranging from Aperol Spritzmas to Sleigh Ride Cider. Offering a stark contrast to Red Nose Room’s loud primaries and sparkling tinsel, Snow Globe Social unites muted silvers and golds with delicate snowflake motifs, curating an atmosphere of whimsy and romance. redcowmn.com
Red Cow
Holiday Flight Club
Where: Travail Kitchen + Amusements (Ribbinsdale)
When: Nov. 21-Jan. 3
It seems only fitting that this Robbinsdale restaurant, known for experience-based dining out-of-the-box surprises, is flying diners around the world for the holidays. You may not need a passport, but when you visit Travail Kitchen’s Holiday Flight Club—which will take over its basement level starting Nov. 21—you will be strapped in for a global adventure across diverse holiday food traditions, including creative cocktails, festive decor, harmonious wine pairings, and an overall spirit of curiosity and wonder. Secure tickets ahead of time at travailkitchen.com.
Travail Collective
Down Through the Chimney
Where: Hotel Emery (Minneapolis)
When: Nov. 26-Dec. 27
The first step at Hotel Emery’s immersive holiday pop-up bar is shimmying yourself down the life-size chimney. The second is downing a minty Caboose Shot in the aptly decorated Gingerbread Toy Factory. With mini surprises and delights hidden around every corner, Hotel Emery’s Down Through the Chimney experience is more than just a pop-up bar, but a full-blown holiday playground. Write letters to Santa, give him a ring on the Santa Hotline, engage in the quirky “Find the Pickle” scavenger hunt, or bring a toy to the Twin Cities Toy Drive to receive a Santa Scratch-Off card and the chance to win a free drink. Book your reservation now at hotelemery.com.
Hotel Emery
Frosty’s Bar
Where: Brit’s Pub (Minneapolis)
When: Nov. 28-Jan. 4
This December, the North Pole comes to life in the heart of Minneapolis, with Brit’s Pub’s immersive holiday pop-up, Frosty’s Bar. Led by Frosty himself, diners will cross a threshold into a far-away winter world when they step into this twinkling dining experience, which includes a glass of complimentary “welcome bubbles,” themed food and drinks, riddles and games based on the whimsical North Pole, and a surprise visit from Frosty himself—all set among a shimmering landscape of string lights, cozy fireplaces, and mesmerizing snowflakes. Limited sessions are available and selling fast–secure your tickets at britspub.com.
‘No Coal For You!’
Where: Black Sheep pizza (North Loop)
When: Nov. 28-Jan. 6
In all its charcoal-chalky glory, Black Sheep Pizza’s “No Coal For You!” returns for a second year, a clever holiday spin on its popular coal-fired pizza concept. The North Loop location has been transformed into a retro holiday escape, where diners can expect a multitude of surprises and delights—including random tableside visits from Santa Clause, who will be delivering miniature bags of coal (some with hidden gift cards!), free merchandise, and complimentary food and beverages. Whether they’re admiring the festive sheep-drawn sleigh, writing letters to Santa Clause at the North Pole Mailbox (which are all guaranteed a response), or savoring seasonal cocktails like the Frosty Snowbank or the Gum Drop Flight, guests are sure to leave wishing for more Black Sheep-style coal in their stockings this Christmas. Blacksheeppizza.com
Black Sheep pizza
Hell-a-Dazzle
Where: Hell’s Kitchen (Minneapolis)
When: Nov. 28-early January
Hell’s Kitchen—an always-theatrical Minneapolis Staple—is stepping it up for holidays, inviting diners into its downstairs lair for Hell-a-Dazzle, a vibrant Christmas pop-up dressed to the nines in ornaments, wreaths, tinsel, and life-size gingerbread men. Enjoy the joint’s iconic brunch (famous for its homemade peanut butter and lemon ricotta hotcakes) and splurge on seasonal specials at this limited time holiday takeover. hellskitcheninc.com
Gaelic Glow
Where: The Local (Minneapolis)
When: Nov. 28-mid-January
For the first time in over a decade, The Local in Minneapolis will transform for the holiday season, becoming Gaelic Glow—a swirl of jewel-tone lights, upside down trees, and distinct Irish touches that recreate the warmth and spirit of an overseas holiday. Enjoy a limited-time menu of holiday-themed cocktails, including the Stout Old Fashioned, Kindred Spirit, and Winter Orchard, bringing Irish pub-stye conviviality to the heart of Minneapolis. And keep your eyes out for Gaelic Glow’s series of special events, from The Sparkle Sessions—an Irish pub concert-meets-sing-along—to upside down brunches and visits from Santa himself. Secure limited event tickets at thelocalminneapolis.com.
The Naughty List
Where: Umbra at Canopy by Hilton (Minneapolis)
When: Dec. 1-30
The Naughty List returns to Umbra at the Canopy by Hilton in Minneapolis with its usual red and green fanfare. Make sure to check the drink list twice—this year’s concoctions are as diverse as they are elaborate, with everything from a spiced Caribbean rum to an eggnog-infused Kentucky Bourbon. Enjoy the decked-out bar area as you sip, with plenty of photo opportunities for a last-minute Christmas card. The pop-up runs daily, with no reservations required. umbrampls.com
