Deck the Halls: Pop-ups transform two local bars for the holidays

Photo Courtesy by Doug Winship

We love ourselves some Yuletide decor, Columbus, and love it even more when it’s coupled with some festive drinks.

If you’re feeling the need for some holiday spirits, look no further than these two holiday-themed pop-up bars.

Sippin’ Santa at Huli Huli Tiki Lounge, 26 W. Olentangy St. in Powell

This pop-up is new for Huli Huli, and Doug Winship, Huli Huli’s creative director, said this year in particular felt like a good time to give his visitors an extra dose of holiday cheer.

The spirit of a merry kitschy Christmas is evident as soon as you walk into The Tiki Lounge–now drenched in lights, with stockings on the wall and other Christmas decor.

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Winship said he’s found a surprising amount of Tiki and Tiki-adjacent Christmas music as well. “The musical experience is a big part of it,” he said.

Sippin’ Santa opened Nov. 17, and Winship said he’s since been enjoying crowds that are bigger than average.

“They’ve been having a great time,” he said.

For the duration of the pop-up, which runs through Jan. 1, eight Christmas-themed tiki cocktails will be on the menu, as well as the Rum Rum Rudolph, a holiday shot with pineapple and overproof rums and coffee liqueur.

Miracle at the Citizens Trust, 11 W. Gay St. in Columbus

This will be the cocktail bar’s third year hosting this pop-up, which goes live Nov. 27 and runs through New Year’s Eve.

Christmapolitan, Snowball Old-Fashioned, and Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r! are just a few of the themed cocktails that will be on offer.

Bar Manager Lindsey Gerhard said this year walk-ins are still welcome, but reserving seats ahead of time via Instagram or Facebook is recommended.

Visitors will find the cocktail bar packed with presents, several Christmas trees, and a 12-foot igloo.

“It just looks like Christmas exploded,”Gerhard said.

Have a favorite holiday spot we missed? Let us know in the comments below.

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