10 Christmas pop-up bars to check out this holiday season in Toronto

Toronto Latest

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Published November 20, 2024 at 3:31 pm

christmas bars toronto

You’ve likely seen it all over town: bars and restaurants are donning bows, lights and wreaths to signal that they’re transforming into winter wonderlands inside.

Christmas pop-up bars are the places to go to feel festive and sip themed drinks with decorations all around. They sometimes also have themed food and activities, too. The best part is, since they’re all over the place, there’s probably a pop-up in your neighbourhood if you’re looking to check one out this holiday season. Some of them are even already open in November.

Here are some of the jolliest holiday bars that are popping up in Toronto this winter.

Ricky + Olivia

This restaurant on Queen East has created a lounge themed around “A Christmas Story” complete with leg lamp. Cocktails include the “Only I Didn’t Say Fudge…” with rum and eggnog, the Quite The Soap Connoisseur with jalapeno moonshine and cilantro, the Fra-Gee-Lay Spagliato and the “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!” with smoked tea, gin and maple.

Miracle

Festive cocktails, drinkware, drag shows and even Santa himself are all a part of this Bloor West pop-up bar. Drinks include Rudolph’s Replacement, the Christmasaurus Mug and the Crooked Antler.

Giggly Xmas

This annual pop-up at Project Gigglewater on Dundas West features cocktails like a Cranberita and Nog Nog Who’s There. They’re also serving festive small plates like brussel sprouts and fries. Tons of lights and decorations are hanging from the ceiling, tables are wrapped up in wrapping paper and there are huge inflatable decorations inside.

Mistletoe & Margaritas

Mexican restaurant Papi Chulo’s on Ossington hosts this holiday pop-up bar that’s one of the only ones where you can pair wintry drinks with tacos. When it comes to the decorations, it’s full-on kitsch.

 

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Ginger’s

Bakery Le Dolci in the Junction is branching out from their usual fare of cakes and cupcakes and offering winter sips at their upstairs space.

Java Jingle

Head to Portland Street to check out the way Indonesian restaurant Little Sister has transformed into a holly jolly wonderland. It starts from the outside with all kinds of lights and decorations, and the cheer keeps coming inside. What’s more joyful than eating Indonesian food?

Christmas on Queen

You can spot this holiday bar popping up at Queen West restaurant Aleria a mile away, as the outside is covered in a huge light display. All kinds of bar food plus themed cocktails can be found on the menu inside.

 

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Santa’s Hideout

The Dive Shop on Gerrard East is transforming into a holiday paradise with cozy cocktails and decor.

 

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Christmas Carol

Want to feel like you’re stepping into classic holiday tale A Christmas Carol? Look no further than Compton Ave. on Dundas West, where the dimly lit interior has been decked out with decorations and a Christmas tree. There’s also a full cocktail menu inspired by A Christmas Carol.

 

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Tipsy Reindeer

Head to Symes Road to find this Christmas pop-up bar with seasonal music, sparkling lights, gourmet snacks and holiday cocktails.