‘Tis the season for lots of holiday cheers. Get in the spirit at these pop-up bars around Pittsburgh.
📍Downtown
The Omni William Penn is going maximalist this holiday season. Enjoy extravagant tipples, nightcaps on ice, and cocktails that sleigh from celebrity mixologist Julie Reiner. The special 10-drink menu includes two non-alc options. Open 5-11 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through Jan. 11.
📍North Shore, The Waterfront
These North Pole-inspired retro-tainment spaces pair special holiday food and cocktail menus with over-the-top decor, including more than 1,000 ornaments and lights. Serving Nov. 29-Dec. 29 at both locations.
📍Cranberry
This pop-up is one weekend only. Look for cozy, over-the-top holiday decor, a sprinkle of holiday mischief, and all the Christmas spirit you can handle in the lobby of this Butler County hotel, 5 p.m. to midnight Dec. 5-7. Admission is $10. All proceeds benefit The Lighthouse Foundation.
📍Downtown
Meet Lady Whistledahn and dance the night away with Regency-era drinks — from classic punches to aromatic brandy blends. Instructors will lead the crowd in the period’s most popular dances. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. A $12 ticket gets you inside, plus one complimentary drink. Open Nov. 22 through Dec. 28.
The upscale Industrialist is going 1950s retro. (Megan Harris / City Cast Pittsburgh)
📍Downtown
Try their spin on eight classic 1950s cocktails in the second-floor lounge decked out with old-timey holiday displays, colored lights, and pink and silver Christmas trees. We’re especially excited about the Rum Rum Rudolph, a Puerto Rican coquito — similar to egg nog, with coconut milk and spiced rum. The "Retro Holiday Cocktail Lounge" is open daily at 5 p.m., Nov. 23-Dec. 31.
📍Strip District
The PA Market is now pouring its winter cocktails. Open Fridays and Saturdays at 5 p.m., the first-floor pop-up features flavors from the tropics, a frothy mint concoction, delicious mules, and even a spicy jalapeño drink. Check out their Vendor Holiday Market Nov. 23, then get warm by the fire pits and come back for brunch.
📍Downtown
Look for trivia, live music, karaoke, and DJs at this open-every-day spot in Market Square featuring $12-13 cocktails like the Mount Crumpit (vodka, Rumchata, and blackberry liqueur) and You’re an Idiot (Fireball + apple cider).
Sip on something sparkly like. (Rose Colored Creative / Courtesy of Ritual House)
📍Downtown
Bundle up for a one-night-only pop-up on Nov. 30 under the new Aurora light display in Mellon Square. Ritual House is serving caviar bites, sleigh bell sangria, hot chocolate, and more, and if you need to defrost, they’ll have a luxe “lodge” open across the street. Tickets are $75.
📍East Liberty & Squirrel Hill
Need to get away from the gray? Lorelei and Hidden Harbor are collaborating on a tropical holiday pop-up at both locations starting Nov. 29 — with help from The Independent and Golden Age Beer Co. Find something fruity to make your spirits bright on their 12-drink menu.
📍Homestead
Warm up by the fire with a toasted cocktail and s’mores, then step inside this cozy outpost for specialty drinks, award-winning BBQ, and top-to-bottom Christmas cheer.
📍Downtown
Find this vintage-style pop-up bar at Streetside Bourbon Bar inside the Renaissance Hotel, starting December 6. They’re serving from a menu of specially curated cocktails and holiday-inspired, all packed with seasonal flavor.
Holiday pop-up bars are making spirits bright! (Courtesy of Miracle on 7th)
📍Downtown
Stop in for a “Run Run Reindeer” mulled wine drink at this Liberty Avenue bar filled with all of your grandma’s favorite holiday decor and more. It’s open daily at 4 p.m. starting Nov. 22. A portion of proceeds goes to local charities like PAAR.
📍Sewickley
Hear holiday tunes on the piano while sipping a craft cocktail — like peppermint espresso martinis! — at the new bar in the Sewickley Quarter on Beaver Street starting Nov. 27. Slide on in 5-10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in December.
📍Blawnox
This classic ode to tacky holiday decorations is a year-round bar and restaurant with reasonably-priced drinks and decor stuffed into every possible nook and cranny. Check it out Monday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Jingle all the way to Wigle Wonderland. (Courtesy of Wigle Whiskey)
📍Strip District
Sip on a Frosty the Eggnog or Candy Cane Lane Espresso Martini at Wigle Whiskey’s magical distillery bar, decorated with a ceiling of twinkling fairy lights. It’s open Thursdays and Fridays, 5-11 p.m. and Saturdays, 4-11 p.m.
📍Downtown
Imbibe in a snowglobe at Il Tetto’s jolly rooftop bar with a Rudolph-themed cocktail menu that “will make your nose glow,” all starting Nov. 23 at Sienna Mercato. And don’t forget to don your jolliest fit at their Ugly Sweater Party Dec.13!
📍Downtown
Wish you were on a tropical island this winter? Transport yourself somewhere sunny at the tiki-themed holiday bar on Wood Street, open daily 4 p.m. to midnight. Go for the adorable reindeer shot glasses, and stay for this spicy cold brew cocktail.
Have yourself a Very Merry Mixtape holiday. (Courtesy of Mixtape)
📍Garfield
Get your ticket to experience this North Pole-themed bar with thousands of twinkle lights, dazzling ornaments, and magical immersive sets like Santa’s Workshop, the Sugarplum Candy Lounge, and the White Christmas Forest. It’s open Nov. 23, and sessions before 7 p.m. are open to guests under 21. Entry is $16 plus fees.
- Discount! Use code MERRY20 for 20% off through Nov. 29.
📍South Side
This very merry, very official collaboration with Iron City and I.C. Light is open every day Nov. 29 through Jan. 1, featuring seasonal cocktails and specials like the Tinsel Bomb (Goldschlager and an energy drink), The Swiss Mistress (candy cane vodka, hot chocolate, and marshmallows), whiskey cider, and pudding shots.
📍Downtown
Sure, it hasn’t snowed yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pretend to “après-ski.” Step into a magical chalet filled with warm cocktails, seasonal flavors, and all the cozy winter vibes. Open Wednesdays through Sundays starting Nov. 22.
