The halls have been decked at bars and restaurants across the city, which means it’s time to put on your ugliest sweater and raise a glass of spiked eggnog with a group of friends. There’s no shortage of places to order a holiday-themed cocktail this time of year, as the ever-popular annual pop-ups Miracle and Sippin’ Santa continue to take over a handful of venues around the Bay Area. But there are homegrown favorites worth checking out, too, including the Fairmont’s two-story gingerbread house so big you can dine inside it. Whether you’re a Grinch, an elf, or a cotton-headed ninny muggins, here’s a trail of places to get in the holiday spirit in San Francisco.
Read MoreThe Best Holiday Bars and Restaurants Pop-Ups in San Francisco
‘Tis the season for Christmas bars and eggnog cocktails
Fairmont San Francisco
The historic Fairmont Hotel always does it big for the holidays — and we mean that literally. The hotel has a 22-foot-high, 23-foot-wide two-story Victorian gingerbread house on display made from “thousands of bricks, a ton of royal icing, and candy décor,” according to the hotel’s website. It’s on show from Saturday, November 23 through the holiday season, and if you want to really soak it all in, you can even book a reservation to dine inside (or opt for holiday-themed afternoon tea). The Fairmont’s Cirque Bar is another hot spot for cozy evenings this holiday season.
Winter Wonderland at the Vault Garden
From Friday, November 29 through the new year, the Vault Garden transforms into a winter wonderland strung with garland and dripping in ribbon and wreaths. Best of all, it’s a fully tented space so you can enjoy the decor and views of the enormous tree at 555 California Street without having to brave any weather. There’s also a special cocktail menu: Favorite concoctions from years past have included the “Hot and Buttered,” made with banana and roasted walnut butter. Make a reservation via Open Table.
Miracle at Pacific Cocktail Haven
This winter, New York City–born holiday pop-up Miracle is returning Pacific Cocktail Haven once again, from Friday, November 29 through Tuesday, December 31. Expect over-the-top holiday decor and cocktails served in Santa head-shaped mugs. It’s on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sippin’ Santa at Kona's Street Market
Kona’s Street Market feels pretty festive all year round thanks to its glowing marquee and strings of lights. But through the holiday season, it’s taking things up a notch with the tropical-themed Sippin’ Santa pop-up, which runs through New Year's Eve. Extra lights and tons of tinsel add to the cheer, plus there’s an annual menu of holiday cocktails. It’s best to make a reservation ahead of time.
Thriller Social Club
Head to the second floor of this sprawling SoMa bar to explore Grinchville, a green and grouchy holiday pop-up. Decorations in years past have included strings of colorful lights, a massive inflatable Grinch, and hoards of presents that dangle from the rafters, not to mention green sour apple-flavored cocktails and, of course, dozens of arcade games. Thriller Social Club hasn’t yet announced 2024 Grinchville dates, but stay tuned via Instagram.
Nochebuena at Cavaña
Mission Bay rooftop bar Cavaña takes things down to Latin America with holiday pop-up Nochebuena, which launches on Sunday, December 1. Expect festive decor, and a selection of food and drinks (past favorites have included pozole rojo, mole tamales, and gingerbread cookies with milk). On the beverage front, expect cocktails like rum blended chocolate molé, cardamom cream, and grated Oaxacan chocolate, or a tequila concoction with banana, toasted pepita, cinnamon, egg, and cream sherry, for example. Reservations are recommended.
The Jingle Bar at Swiss Louis
Roving pop-up the Jingle Bar is setting up shop at Swiss Louis Italian & Seafood Restaurant for the holiday season, promising festive decor like twinkling trees and plenty of tinsel, a soundtrack of nonstop holiday hits, games, and festive themed cocktails and bar snacks. Tickets are limited, so get them ahead of time online.
Alchemist Bar & Lounge
For a holiday pop-up bar with a little less over-the-top tinsel and more of a warm, low-key holiday glow, head to Alchemist Bar & Lounge, which launched its Christmas Wonderland pop-up on Friday, November 15. Slip inside for a plate of steak frites and a wintery-themed drink.