One of the biggest secrets Clevelanders know about Cleveland that out-of-towners often don’t is that Cleveland is an excellent Christmas city! We go all out with decorations, pop-up markets, holiday events, Santa brunches… and Christmas bars!
The pop-up Christmas bar trend has been popular in big US cities for years, but many people don’t know that Cleveland offers SO many of these, too (with new ones cropping up every year). They are such a fun way to get into the festive spirit – and yes, there are a few in the Greater Cleveland area that are family-friendly, too.
If you want to go all-in on the holiday cheer, here are all the Christmas bars (and bar crawls) to check out this year in and around Cleveland.
Cleveland Christmas bar quick guide
We have more than 25 themed holiday bars in Cleveland this year, which is crazy! If you want to narrow down which one to visit, here are some of my personal thoughts:
- The best bar for decor: Christmas Corner Bar (Lakewood); Brew Garden in Strongsville; Jingle Mingle at Amici in North Royalton
- The best themed drinks: Society Lounge (downtown); Sleigh inside JACK Casino (downtown); Deck the Vault
- The best bar for families: ReBar Christmas Bar in Ohio City, Danny Boy’s in Rocky River; Blitzen’s in Hudson; and Let It Snow at Brew Garden in Strongsville are all kid-friendly since they are inside restaurants.
- The best bar for a party atmosphere: Xmas Bar in The Flats; Christmas Corner Bar in Lakewood
- The best low-key bar: Secret Cellar at GLBC; A Winter’s Tale speakeasy at InterContinental Cleveland; Southern Cheer Christmas Bar at Southern Tier; Holiday Hideaway at The Velvet Tango Room; Santa’s Secret at Seeing Double (North Olmsted)
- The best bar with other things to do: Any of the RollHouse pop-ups (Mentor, Solon, North Olmstead)
Best Christmas pop-up bars in Cleveland
Sip holiday themed cocktails or enjoy a Christmas Ale at one of these Christmas-themed pop up bars in and around Cleveland.
Note: Some of these bars are rent-able for private holiday parties. So if you’re going to be making a long drive to visit one, you might want to call ahead just to double-check that the bar you want to visit is open on the day you plan to go!
Downtown Cleveland Christmas bars
1. Saint Nick’s Social Club
2063 E 4th St, Cleveland (at Society Lounge)
When Does It Open? This pop-up opens November 20, 2025. Hours are the regular Society Lounge hours, 5 p.m.-midnight Sunday-Thursday, and 4 p.m.-2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday
Society Lounge underwent a major renovation this year, and its pop-up holiday bar has fresh vibes, too! In the past, Society was part of the nationwide “Miracle” brand of Christmas pop-up, but this year they’re doing their own thing and sticking with their new Gatsby-esque speakeasy vibes.
The decor is a bit more understated this year, but the holiday drinks will be on-point!
Pro tip: Make a reservation if you can (they accept reservations for groups of 6+), or plan to get there right when they open so you (hopefully) don’t have to wait long for a table.
2. Foundation Room Holiday Bar
308 Euclid Ave, Cleveland (second floor of House of Blues)
When does it open? November 20, 2025, and it will be open Thursday-Saturday
The luxury club lounge inside the House of Blues downtown is usually members-only. But it opens up to everyone each winter for a special pop-up Christmas bar!
Along with decor in all the cozy spaces, Foundation Room also has themed cocktails to round out the experience. This is a great, low-key downtown Christmas bar option.
3. Holly Dolly Christmas
2038 E 4th St, Cleveland (at Jolene’s Honky Tonk)
When does it open? November 21, 2025
Yet another option is popping up on E. 4th this year: Jolene’s Holly Dolly rooftop Christmas bar. Jolene’s is already a feast for the eyes with lots of pink, twinkle lights, and a big Dolly Parton mural inside. But this year they’re transforming their rooftop even further.
Head up to the rooftop for a pink Christmas explosion, complete with tinsel, lights, bows, sparkles, and special themed holiday drinks.
They’ve also enclosed this bar area (and added some heaters!) so it’s not an open rooftop at this time of year. In fact, it’s actually pretty cozy!
4. Sleigh
100 Public Square, Cleveland (3rd floor of JACK Casino)
When Does It Open? November 26, 2025; it will be open Thursday-Saturday from 6 p.m.-2 a.m. through December 27.
JACK Casino in downtown Cleveland is once again hosting a pop up bar called Sleigh. It’s located on the 3rd floor of the casino (follow signs for Sleigh) and will be serving festive drinks and have cozy holiday decor.
This bar has grown each year, and is a really fun and cozy spot for a drink. The holiday drinks list here is extensive, with both cold and hot drinks to choose from, plus shots in cute cookie shot glasses. In 2025, the drinks menu is book-inspired.
Sleigh adds more decorations each year, and this year it’s extra festive! It does get crowded here, but is usually not quite as crazy as some of the other local pop-up bars.
5. Deck the Vault
2017 E 9th St, Cleveland (at Vault, inside the Metropolitan at the 9 hotel)
When does it open? November 11, 2025, and it will be open through December 23.
Vault has launched its own low-key, upscale Christmas pop-up bar, with tasteful holiday decor throughout the space, and some great handcrafted festive cocktails. This is another ideal option for a fancy holiday date night.
6. Southern Cheer Christmas Bar
811 Prospect Ave E Ste. E, Cleveland (at Southern Tier Brewery)
When does it open? The pop-up is running November 19-December 23, 2025. Find hours and a menu here.
Southern Tier is transforming into “Southern Cheer” again this holiday season, with festive decor and four special holiday cocktails to enjoy (alongside beer, of course). This is a fun low-key Christmas bar option downtown.
7. Xmas Bar
1052 Old River Road, Cleveland (East Bank Flats)
When Does It Open? November 8, 2025, and it’s open Wednesday-Friday nights, plus Saturday and Sunday starting at noon.
Xmas Bar at Hi 5 is back this holiday season in The Flats! Like last year, Xmas Bar will pop up inside a huge (6000 square foot) space in the Flats East Bank for over nearly 2 months this holiday season. They’ll be serving up holiday cocktails and beer, including the always-popular festive drinks in cups shaped like Christmas tree bulbs. Find the menu here.
And, once again in 2025, Xmas Bar is extending upstairs into the Glamper space, too, with its “Winter Lodge.” Upstairs, there’s a cozy indoor bar with leather couches (last year they were serving boozy hot cocoa here), as well as a large decorated outdoor space that will be open (weather permitting) on Saturday nights.
Next door, I Hate Cowboys will also have a cozy pop-up cocktail bar called Christmas Cowboys.
West side pop-up bars
8. The Christmas Corner Bar
18616 Detroit Ave, Lakewood (at Around the Corner)
When Does It Open? November 13, 2025. Open Monday-Friday from 3 p.m.-close; Saturdays from 11 a.m. and Sundays from noon. Check their Facebook page or website events page for upcoming events.
The beloved Christmas Corner Bar is coming back to Around the Corner in Lakewood! This place explodes with holiday cheer this time of year with a ceiling dripping in holiday decor, famous Christmas movies playing on the TVs, Christmas music on blast, and all the Christmas beers and cocktails you could want.
Along with a special menu of festive holiday drinks and the explosion of decorations, they also host holiday events and even Christmas karaoke nights. In 2025, they are also adding on Christmas brunches every Sunday in December!
Just know that this is also one of the more popular pop-up Christmas bars in the Cleveland area, and they do not take reservations. If you want to be able to get a table, I recommend going early on a weeknight if you can!
9. Secret Cellar Christmas Bar
2516 Market Ave. Cleveland (at Great Lakes Brewing)
When Does it Open? The bar opens on November 21, 2025, and then will be open Friday-Sunday through December 31, plus some select weekdays in the second half of December. You can find opening hours here.
Great Lakes Brewing Co. will once again transform its cellar bar into a cozy Christmas wonderland this year. Enjoy festive decorations as you sip a pint of Christmas Ale, or order off an exclusive holiday cocktail menu.
Seating is first-come, first-served, but the bar is open roughly the same hours that the GLBC brewpub is, so you have lots of chances to check it out!
10. Holiday Land at Nano Brew
1859 W 25th St, Cleveland
When Does It Open? November 21, 2025, with the new Polar Pint Shack opening November 26, 2025. Open 7 days a week through the holiday season.
For the second time, Nano Brew is transforming its entire Ohio City taproom into a Christmas bar! Along with lots of festive decor and lights, they have a menu of holiday beers and a whole page of signature festive cocktails.
You can also expect themed trivia nights, and a DJ on Saturdays. This is a great spot for after-work holiday drinks, and there’s lots of table seating inside.
11. Holiday Hideaway at The Velvet Tango Room
2095 Columbus Rd, Cleveland
When does it open? November 19, 2025, and it’s open Wednesday-Saturday.
The Velvet Tango Room is back with a cozy holiday pop-up bar with special drinks you won’t find anywhere else. And this year it’s a reservation-only affair! You can book a table on OpenTable, or call (216) 241-8869 or email [email protected] to make a booking.
12. ReBar Christmas Bar
1400 W. 25th St, Cleveland
When does it open? November 29, 2025. It’s open Wednesday-Sunday evenings starting at 4 p.m.
New in 2025, Re:bar launched a cozy Christmas bar in Ohio City, in the historic former Forest City Savings & Trust building (Ohio City Galley used to be in here). The pop-up bar is open to all, giving off cozy and nostalgic vibes. The festive drink menu here is really good!
13. Jingle Mingle at McJames Sports Pub
13450 Snow Rd, Brook Park
When does it open? Early December, 2025
McJames Sports Pub has been doing fun pop-ups all year, and it’s bringing a winter wonderland-themed holiday bar to Brook Park this Christmas. The bar will feature holiday cocktails and fun decor. I’ll try to get some more info on this one soon!
East side Christmas pop-ups
14. A Winter Tale Speakeasy
9801 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland (inside the InterContinental hotel)
When does it open? November 14, 2025, and it will be open through December 20, Thursday-Saturday from 4-10 p.m.
For the first time, the InterContinental hotel is opening its own Christmas pop-up bar, speakeasy-style! You’ll need to ask for the password from the hotel’s front desk to find out where it is.
Inside, the cozy bar is serving up festive craft cocktails, along with light bites by Table 45. I tried some of their Christmas cocktails a couple years ago, and they were all SO GOOD.
15. Chill at Etta
12502 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland (at Poppy)
When does it open? November 22, 2025, and it will be open Thursday-Saturday 5-10 p.m.
The new Poppy restaurant on Larchmere has once again transformed its outdoor (heated) bar area into a cozy vintage pop-up. They’ll be serving up tasty and beautiful holiday-inspired cocktails.
The pop-up bar is small and walk-in only, but is worth waiting for!
Holiday pop-up bars a little further away
And the list doesn’t end there! Here are some more holiday pop-up bars to check out if you’re willing to drive a little further:
16. Let It Snow
16555 Southpark Center, Strongsville (at Brew Garden)
When does it open? Mid-November 2025
Brew Garden in Strongsville is once again transforming into a Christmas pop-up bar this year called Let It Snow, with restaurant-wide decorations and fun drink specials.
The whole restaurant and bar area is decked out in festive decor, and this is one of just a couple spots on this list that would be appropriate for the whole family since it’s a restaurant and not just a bar!
There’s a whole list of holiday drink specials alongside the full regular menu (I personally liked the Jack Frost cocktail).
Just note that this spot is very popular and in-demand, and even though it’s a large restaurant, you can expect long wait times on weekends especially. Go early on a weeknight if you don’t want to wait a long time for a table.
17. Jingle Mingle Christmas Bar
13000 Royalton Rd, North Royalton (at Amici Italian Restaurant & Bar)
When does it open? November 14, 2025 and running through January 3, 2026. The bar is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
For the third year, Amici Italian will be transforming into a Christmas bar this holiday season, with unique decor, festive cocktails, and plenty of fun photo ops. The decor here gets more over-the-top by the year, so it’s definitely going to be good!
Amici is an Italian restaurant, so there’s food available in the bar along with drinks. However, note that the decorated bar is reserved for those 21+!
18. Santa’s Speakeasy at Via Roma
Via Roma Event Center & Ristorante, 8922 Ridge Rd, North Royalton
When does it open? November 17, 2025, and it’s open through December 31.
Via Roma is opening up a Christmas bar in The Grotto this year, which is its speakeasy-style space beneath the main restaurant. The Grotto is decked out with twinkle lights and holiday decor, and you’ll find a special cocktail menu.
The Grotto is first-come, first-served, except on Wednesday nights when they are showing Christmas movies – book a slot for movie night here.
19. Seeing Double Christmas Bar
26880 Brookpark Ext, North Olmsted
When does it open? Mid-November 2025
This unassuming spot in North Olmstead turns into a cozy Christmas pop-up around the holidays, with a pretty extensive list of specialty cocktails. They keep up their regular weekly events like live music and trivia nights throughout the season, too, making this an excellent and more low-key pop-up to check out.
You can book a table by calling 440-641-1267, while bar seating is first-come, first-served.
20. Christmas Explosion
7300 Palisades Pkwy, Mentor (inside RollHouse Mentor)
When does it open? November 7, 2025; opening hours are the same as at RollHouse, though it’s 21+ after 9 p.m.
RollHouse is a chain of indoor entertainment facilities throughout northeast Ohio that offer bowling, escape rooms, and more. And the Mentor location is once again opening a pop-up Christmas bar this year!
“Christmas Explosion” will be located inside the Bomb Bar, and feature dangling ornaments and festive scenes themed after classic Christmas movies. They will have a special food and drink menu, with 8 different Christmas ales on draft.
They also offer escape rooms, including a Christmas-themed escape room called “Saving Santa” that would make for a fun night out with friends or the family.
21. Tinsel Tavern
33185 Bainbridge Rd, Solon (inside RollHouse Solon)
When does it open? November 14, 2025, same hours as RollHouse
Similar to RollHouse in Mentor, the Solon location will also be opening a Christmas bar again this season, featuring over 2000 ornaments, trees, and other decorations alongside a special food and drink menu, with themed cocktails and 5 Christmas ales on draft.
They also have a fun karaoke room (maybe request some Christmas tunes??), and next door Escapology also offers the “Saving Santa” Christmas escape room.
22. The Gathering
30 N Main St, Chagrin Falls (top floor of Yours Truly)
When does it open: November 7, 2025; open during regular Yours Truly hours
Yours Truly in Chagrin Falls has transformed its upper bar area into a fun Christmas bar this year called The Gathering. They’ve got themed holiday cocktails on the menu (alongside their regular food/drink menu), Christmas decor, and a cozy room you can book for private events and parties.
Chagrin Falls is one of my favorite Christmas towns in the Greater Cleveland area, so this addition of a Christmas bar there is great!
23. Blitzen’s
80 N Main St., Hudson, OH (inside Hudson’s Restaurant)
When does it open? Blitzen’s switched from a Halloween pop-up to a Christmas explosion in just a couple days, opening this year in early November. It will run through January 3, 2026. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday.
Blitzen’s isn’t in Cleveland, but Hudson is a cute town with a Hallmark-esque town square that’s worth the short drive. Plus, they’ve got a pop-up Christmas bar again this year!
Blitzen’s will take over all of Hudson’s Restaurant again this year, serving up fun holiday-themed drinks in a cozy, decorated space. Hudson has a DORA, too, meaning you can grab a drink to-go and check out the town’s Christmas decorations. (Check out the cocktail menu here.)
You can even get any of their themed cocktails served in a leg lamp cup!
(If you’re looking for a Christmas bar that’s kid-friendly, this one would be my pick! It’s a restaurant first with a family-friendly menu and plenty of seating – though it does get VERY busy this time of year. They do not accept reservations.)
24. The Misfit Bar at Yard on 3rd
38040 3rd St, Willoughby
When does it open? It was open around Thanksgiving, and it opening back up on December 20, 2025 for a Wicked Winter Fest.
New in 2024, the popular summer spot The Yard on 3rd is once again re-opening with a brand new Christmas bar in November 2025! The space will be Island of Misfit Toys-themed this year, featuring Christmas trees and other decor, plus festive cocktails.
Just note that The Yard is mostly outdoors, so definitely dress for the weather if you’ll be checking this one out.
25. Nora’s Public House pop-up
4054 Erie St, Willoughby
When does it open? November 14, 2025, and it’s open 4-11 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 3-10 p.m. on Sunday.
For the first time this year, Nora’s Public House is transforming its upstairs bar into a vintage Christmas bar, complete with nostalgic decor and drink specials.
26. Westel’s Wonderland
4084 Erie St, Willoughby (at Westel’s Speakeasy)
When does it open? November 26, 2025, open every Friday and Saturday through January 3, 2026
This year, Westel’s will be turning their bar into a Winter Wonderland, with floor-to-ceiling Christmas decor and an exclusive Christmas cocktail menu.
27. Grinchmas Bar
5750 S Madison Rd, Madison (at Grand River Cellars)
When does it open? It opens on November 19, 2025, and will be open through January 11, 2026
This northeast Ohio winery will be transforming into a Dr. Seuss-inspired Grinchmas Bar again this holiday season, offering specialty cocktails and a special “Whoobilation Menu” featuring “clever takes on classic comfort food.”
28. Rudolph’s Revenge
7840 Doty Rd, Madison (at Debonné Vineyards)
When does it open? It opens November 29, 2025, and will be open through January 11, 2025
Not far from Grand River, Debonné Vineyards is also hosting a Christmas pop-up this year called Rudolph’s Revenge. There will be holiday decor and photo ops, themed cocktails, and a festive holiday food menu, too.
Debonné is also on this year’s Lake County Hot Chocolate Trail!
29. The Northfield Pole
158 E Aurora Rd, Northfield (at Beer & Belly Sports Grille)
When does it open? Early November 2025
Northfield’s very first Christmas pop-up is happening again at Beer & Belly, which has gone all out to cover its entire interior with wrapping paper and other Christmas decor. They’ll be serving up special holiday drinks Tuesday-Sunday alongside their full pub menu.
This is another place that would be fine to take the whole family!
Check out my complete guide to the Holidays in Cleveland, too!
Best Christmas bar crawls in Cleveland
If you want to take the holiday revelry to another level, you can also sign up for one of these awesome Cleveland Christmas bar crawls!
1. 12 Bars Of Christmas
Dive Bar, 1214 West 6th Street, Cleveland
When: December 6, 2025
The annual 12 Bars of Christmas Bar Crawl is taking place on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 12-8 p.m. Tickets start at $18.45 and include a Santa stadium cup for your drinks, commemorative Santa hat, light up necklace, bar covers, and food/drink specials at participating bars.
You just need to bring your game face and best costume to partake in the fun! Pop on that ugly Christmas sweater, A Christmas Story bunny costume, or perhaps a Santa suit and join in the festivities.
You can purchase tickets in advance here.
2. Santas In Tremont
The South Side, 2207 W 11th St., Cleveland
When: December 13, 2025
As fun as bar crawls are, what about a fun run that ends in a party? That is what Santas in Tremont is all about. This 1-mile run/walk/jog/crawl starts and ends at The South Side on December 13, 2025.
The race starts at 4 p.m. and then there is an after party from 4-8 p.m. at The South Side. Registration/tickets are $25-$30 and include a Santa hat, an event t-shirt, and a free adult beverage at the post-race party.
Get those endorphins going before enjoying a boozy celebration afterward! Register for Santas in Tremont here.
3. Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Downtown Warehouse District West 6th Street Bars
When: December 20, 2025
The annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is taking place on December 20, 2025. From 2-9 p.m., you can crawl around the best nightclubs and bars in Cleveland’s Warehouse District.
Tickets start at $16 and include a welcome party and after-party, drink discounts at participating bars, and more. Come in your best ugly sweater or Christmas costume, and get ready to party!
Snag your ticket here!
4. Christmas Ale Bar Crawl
M Bevy, 87 West St, Chagrin Falls
When: December 6, 2025
Over on the east side in Chagrin Falls, there is a unique bar crawl happening on December 6, from 1-5 p.m. Sport your favorite ugly sweater for the event as you pop around to 8 different locations to enjoy some of the best Christmas Ales the area has to offer.
Prices start at $30 and include Christmas Ale samples, food specials, and a souvenir to keep.
There’s also an ugly sweater contest planned, with a prize of $250!
Register for this bar crawl here.
The holiday season is a fun time to visit Cleveland. As the temperatures drop, you’ll find many great things to do in Cleveland during Christmastime. Bar crawls and Christmas pop up bars will definitely add a bit more holiday spirit to the occasion!
Which bar crawl or pop up bar would you most like to enjoy?
Amanda was born and raised in northeast Ohio, and has always been a fangirl of her home state. Now, she’s sharing her love of the Cleveland area, highlighting all the best things to do, see, and eat in the CLE. She’s been running Cleveland Traveler since January 2019.