Holiday pop-up bars in Atlanta: Festive drinks, cozy vibes and winter fun

Spiked hot chocolate and finger foods with a holiday twist: the season for celebrating is upon us! Whether you’re looking to unwind with an apres ski experience or do a little ice skating before settling in for drinks and food, Atlanta’s holiday-themed offerings mean plenty to choose from. Here’s where to step out with those you love as fabulous pop-up bars appear around the city.

Miracle Bar at Tapa Tapa

This pop-up cocktail bar brings the Christmas cheer to multiple locations across the country each year. In Atlanta, it inhabits Tapa Tapa, a venue that hosts pop-ups throughout the year. This year, enjoy holiday nostalgia complete with themed decor and specialty drinks.

Location: Tapa Tapa; Website: instagram.com/miraclebaratlanta; Dates: Wednesday-Sunday now-Dec. 28; Times: Wednesday-Sunday 5 p.m. to midnight; Admission: Free

Hobnob Halcyon Pop-Up Ski Chalet

Hike on up to this second-floor ski chalet and be enveloped in an apres ski atmosphere that will keep you cozy all night! Snowy-season cocktails by a fire, live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays - it’s all waiting for you at Hobnob Halcyon!

Location: Hobnob Halcyon; Website: hobnobatlanta.com; Dates: now-Dec. 31; Times: Monday-Thursday 3-11 p.m., Wednesday - 3 p.m. to midnight, Friday-Saturday - 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Sunday - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Admission: Free

The Blind Elf

Everything bright and magic about the season will once again come to life at with The Blind Elf, a special pop up at The Blind Pig in Buckhead starting Nov. 29. Reservations for 21-and-over guests include two cocktails and two appetizers per person. Kid-friendly Sundays will open in December. The menu will bring a little something special to the season with offerings like the Polar Express martini, spiked hot chocolate, parmesan snow fries and holiday heat sliders.

Location: The Blind Pig Parlour Bar; Website: theblindpigparlourbar.com; Dates: now-Jan. 4; Times: Wednesday-Thursday - 5 p.m. to midnight, Friday-Saturday - 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., Sunday - 5-10 p.m.; Admission: $74 reservation (recommended - walk-ins limited)

Grinchmas Holiday Pop-up

Forget holiday cheer! It’s everything Grinch this year at the Grinchmas holiday pop-up at Mercantile Social. Experience bites with a Whoville twist and Grinch-themed drinks: Pair a Dump it on Crumpet or Martha May’s Cocolush with Amish Grilled Cheese or calamari.

Location: Mercantile Social; Website: mercantilesocial.com; Dates: now - Jan. 5; Times: Tuesday-Thursday - 5-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday - 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Admission: Free

InterContinental Winter Chalet

Created with the Swiss Alps in mind, the InterContinental has created a Winter Chalet feel with alpine-inspired decor and elegance. Musical artist Maren Morris and interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins contributed their expertise to this limited-time experience. Enjoy eggnog lattes, board games, and a full menu at times throughout the day. And settle into music from local artists in the evenings Wednesdays through Sundays.

Location: Intercontinental Atlanta - Buckhead; Website: ihg.com; Dates: now-February; Times: Sunday-Saturday - 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday - 5-8 p.m.; Admission: Free

Virtue Rooftop Holiday Bar

Jingle in the season with specialty cocktails, light bites and a s’mores board surrounded by holiday music and lights. It’s first come, first served for those 21 and up.

Location: Virtue Rooftop Lounge; Website: k5hospitality.com; Dates: Nov. 15-Dec. 24; Times: Seven nights a week beginning at 5 p.m.; Admission: Free

Snow Globe at District Atlanta

And indoor holiday lights and laser show, holiday cocktails, a hot chocolate bar, vendor food and more! This pop-up experience at District Atlanta promises to get you into the celebratory spirit. Enjoy a menu full of specialty festive cocktails as you create unforgettable memories!

Location: District Atlanta - The Red Room; Website: districtatlanta.com; Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 3; Times: Wednesday-Thursdays - 5-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday - 5-9 p.m.; Admission: $10-$20

Skate the Sky

The Roof at Ponce City Market becomes a winter wonderland beginning Nov. 29. Opportunities abound: ice skating, igloo rentals, cocktail making classes and a pop-up holiday social bar. Show up to skate and stay for dinner with your closest friends in a transparent igloo with an unbeatable view of the city.

Location: The Roof at Ponce City Market; Website: poncecityroof.com; Dates: Nov. 29-Jan. 5; Times: Ties vary - check website; Admission: $22-$150

Tinsel Tavern

Twinkling lights, themed nights and, of course, tinsel abound during the Tinsel Tavern pop-up at Live! At the Battery beginning Nov. 30. Enjoy cocktails and small bits while you try out themed nights like Dancing Elves Silent Disco, Ugly Sweater Party and Sip and Paint.

Location: Live! At the Battery; Website: liveatthebatteryatlanta.com; Dates: Nov. 30-Dec. 23 (check website for prescheduled closures to the public); Times: Times vary - check website; Admission: Free

Apres All Day at Buckhead Village

Every skier (and shopper) needs to kick back after a long day! Buckhead Village district, a destination known for its shopping and dining options, embraces that concept with its propertywide Apres All Day concept featuring live music, seasonal food and beverages, market pop-ups and workshops.

Location: Buckhead Village; Website: buckheadvillagedistrict.com; Dates: Dec. 7; Times: noon to 8 p.m.; Admission: Free