10 holiday pop-up bar experiences you don’t want to miss in Central Ohio

It’s the most wonderful time of the year….for the coziest cocktails. And Columbus has you (and your out-of-town guests) covered.

From tiki bars decked out in Christmas Tropicana vibes, to a cozy Charles Dickens-themed hideaway, here’s 9 bars that will definitely get you in the holiday spirit:

1. The Citizen’s Trust Miracle Pop-Up
   11 W. Gay St.
   Until December 23rd, you might as well lean into the “kitschy” side of the holidays, and there’s no better place to do that than the Miracle Pop-Up Bar at The Citizens Trust. With a giant, 14 ft inflatable igloo, Christmas themed drinks in Christmas themed cups, and Christmas trees everywhere, it’s the ultimate bar takeover that would make even the biggest Grinch smile.
   
2. Lawbird Tiki Pop-Up
   740 S. High St.
   Forget the snow and the 20 degree weather and pretend you’ve escaped a traditional Christmas and opted for a tropical one instead at a night out at Lawbird. Lasting all month long in December, this German Village cocktail bar is going all out tiki—with a new Christmas Tiki themed menu and cocktails served in Christmas tiki mugs, plus all new decorations, you’ll forget that you’re celebrating the holidays in good ol’ Ohio. Make sure to reserve your spot!
   
3. Ebenezer’s at The Bottle Shop
   237 King Ave.
   This notoriously cozy bar is now somehow even cozier now that it’s a Charles Dickens themed pop-up called Ebenezer’s, a nod to Dickens’ iconic Ebenezer Scrooge character in A Christmas Carol. You’ll find Victorian era-inspired cocktails, including ones that have been found in Dickens’ writings, such as a hot mulled port wine punch served by Scrooge himself at the end of A Christmas Carol. The bar will be outfitted in Victorian Gothic decor, with candles hanging from the ceiling, Krampus pillows, and black chandeliers the rest of the month of December. And no, you absolutely will not hear any Mariah Carey Christmas songs.
   
4. Land Grant Brewing’s Holiday Bar & Winter Garden
   424 W. Town St.
   Christmas spiced-flavor beer tastes better in a Christmas-themed bar. It’s science. Land Grant not only has their Winter Garden up & running, with ice bumper cars, keg curling, and heated igloos, but the actual brewery & bar space is also decked out for the holidays!
   
5. Teddy’s Christmas Bar at The Roosevelt Room
   6544 Longshore St. Dublin, OH
   If Teddy Roosevelt had a Christmas-themed tavern of his own, this is exactly what it would look like. All month long, The Roosevelt Room is hosting “Teddy’s Christmas Bar,” with holiday inspired drinks and chic Christmas decor. Stop in on December 20th for a community Christmas party.

Teddy’s Christmas Bar; Photo via Instagram

6. Goodnight John Boy
   906 N. High St.
   You can kiss under a mistletoe and disco ball here. This fun 70s-themed nightclub transformed their space into a Christmas bar, with twinkling lights and red & green everything. It lasts all month!
   
7. Tacky Christmas at BrewDog Short North
   1175 N. High St.
   Until December 31, lean into the tacky side of Christmas, paper snowflakes, silver tinsel, gift-wrapped walls, and all.

Photo via Instagram

8. Santa Baby Bar at The Junto
   Santa Baby…just slip an espresso martini under the tree for me. While some of the pop-ups on this list slip into the more nostalgic territory, this pop-up is sexy and modern. Until January 3, enjoy lavish cocktails in a sleek, red-drenched lounge.
   
9. Tracksuit Santa Taproom at Columbus Brewing Co.
   2555 Harrison Dr.
   Through Jan. 4, Tracksuit Taproom will boast festive vibes as it’s transformed into a “cozy holiday haven,” complete with themed music, decor and more. The reopening of Columbus Brewing Co. will also coincide with this year’s launch of the taproom’s namesake beer (Tracksuit Santa), a spiced holiday ale.
   
10. Huli Huli Tiki Lounge
    26 W. Olentangy St. Powell, OH
    Every year, we anticipate the highly popular “Huli Holidays” takeover at this Powell tiki lounge, which is one of Central Ohio’s hidden gems. Starting now until New Years, they swap out their tropical tiki mugs for special Christmas themed ones, like vintage Santas and Rudolphs, and switch their entire menu to focus more on spiced rums and seasonal fruits. With fun, cheesy but charming tchotchkes, bright lights on palm trees, and their signature tiki decor, it almost feels as if you’re celebrating Christmas in the Pacific Islands.

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