Little Spirit in Inman Park becomes Little Christmas Spirit once again for the holidays. The petite cocktail haunt with its musical patron saints, like David Bowie and Biggie Smalls, plans to serve festive drinks throughout the season, including hot toddies, boozy hot chocolate, and mulled wine.

Known for nearly a quarter century now for over-the-top decorations all year round and themes so viral and immersive that Warner Brothers made them cease and desist, it’s no surprise that the season hits straight magic here. Expect appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus nearly every other day and opportunities to write and mail letters to the couple while enjoying a kid-friendly meal for $20. Adults can partake in a special prix fixe, a la carte classics, and themed cocktails in the meantime, with holiday tunes all to tie together the young and young at heart. 

For those who feel like spooky season doesn’t last nearly long enough, this holiday mashup is better than a Monster Mash. The meadery hosts a Dark Yule event, Corsets and Caviar party, Wicked Holiday artist market, and more embrace the darker elements of winter. Expect to find drinks like the Ghosted Scrooge and herb-infused cocktails like the Plague Doctor.

Beginning November 29, you can rock the night away to live tunes and DJ sets with Disco Santa, Dancing Elves, and even competing Grinches getting footloose at this holiday extravaganza. It’s open every Wednesday to Sunday through New Year’s Eve. The indoor/outdoor space will be slinging holiday-themed drinks.

From November 27 to December 28, Wednesdays through Saturdays, every corner of this already eye-catching lounge will become even more exciting, with lights over garlands, vintage Christmas ornaments, trinkets scattered about, and a menu of snacks that changes each year. You can count on boozy hot chocolate and eggnog to make their appearances.

This speakeasy is one of the worst-kept secrets in the city, with seats hard to snag without a reservation, but that’s no surprise when every re-theme does the absolute most. They rotate their motif every few months, and The Blind Elf is one of their most hotly anticipated each cold season. It’s officially back on November 28, complete with candy cane shots, holiday-themed drinks, twinkling lights overhead, and no end of Instagrammable corners. 

It sounds improbable to be an Alpine snow bunny in Atlanta, but the transformation of this swanky hotel’s Great Hall into The Winter Chalet makes it more possible. From November through January 31 (a thankfully extended season), Wednesdays through Saturdays from 4 to 10 p.m., you can book a nook to enjoy live music (Thursday to Saturday, 5 to 8 p.m.), seasonal drinks and treats by Scott Conant’s The Americano, and the company of companions as you cuddle up in fluffy, furry blankets, fat pillows, and with cozy art and rustic tables under the soft lights of mini chandeliers. 

It’s a winter wonderland each year at Bistro Niko. Giant nutcrackers, garlands, and carousel-sized reindeer make up the holiday takeover at this French restaurant. Expect specialty cocktails for the season. The transformation will be complete by November 6.

Beginning the weekend after Thanksgiving to the end of the month, the festive spirit is taking over at The Jingle Bar on Tre Vele’s top floor. Expect themed food specials and cocktails like cinnamon-infused tequila and a poinsettia Champagne spritz. Reservations are required since the popularity of this recurring pop-up has become a Sandy Springs staple and books up fast.

Another venue known for its decor, this elegant Sandy Springs staple is once again transforming their already stunning bar and conservatory into an immersive wintery experience — this time with a fully programmed interactive video screen on the Insta-famous ceiling to enhance the baubles and upside-down Christmas trees that have become their signature since the pandemic. Expect a Thanksgiving unveiling, both of the infinitely photogenic space and themed specials, from boozy riffs on cold-weather classics and desserts that will be as gorgeous as the space. 

Beware of booby traps! Marietta’s accessible, family-friendly favorite pays homage to both Home Alone and Home Alone 2 this year, with the return of the doorknob heater and new features like Marv the burglar’s famous electrocution, tributes to New York City’s Plaza Hotel, and plenty of pigeons (and birdseed, too). And of course, the pinball machine gallery is a year-round opportunity to show off some retro gaming tricks.

Head up to Alpharetta for a change of scenery as this venue transforms into a wall-to-wall homage to the holidays. The dress code is your ugliest sweater, and drinks like cinnamon-spiked hot cocoa with toasted marshmallows, the Rum, Rum Rudolph, a signature bottled cocktail, and “Santa’s Little Helper” shooters are a-plenty. A selection of zero-proof drinks will also be offered.

Get your picture against the wall of a whimsical setup that includes snow above the seating area, gift-wrapped pillars, and an elaborate Christmas tree decorated to the nines. Cocktails here are also doing the most: a marg with rosemary antlers and a cherry nose, candy cane rims, and a spritz with a take-home ornament. Spots for the Kids Craft Brunch (December 8) and the annual Brunch & Brews with Santa (December 14) will be up for reservations.