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Tinsel Time at Trade Routes kicks off December 1.
Trade Routes

All of the Most Decked-Out Holiday Bars and Restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area

Tis the season for Christmas bar pop-ups and eggnog cocktails

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Tinsel Time at Trade Routes kicks off December 1.
| Trade Routes

The halls have been decked at bars and restaurants across the Bay Area, 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 region. There are some 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 are 20 places to get in the holiday spirit in San Francisco and around the Bay Area.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Miracle at the Holbrooke

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Iron Door Speakeasy at the Holbrooke Hotel flips into the Miracle pop-up on November 21 and stays that way through the end of the year. The historic Gold Country hotel — and former speakeasy — is bringing in festive decor, special cocktails, and the option to book private Christmas-themed parties. There’s also plenty of programming on the calendar including ugly sweater happy hours, Christmas karaoke, and more. Reservations can be made on the Iron Door Speakeasy website via Resy

Miracle on J Street

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Miracle arrives at Sacramento’s Red Rabbit Kitchen + Bar on November 23 and runs until December 30. Reservations can be made on the bar’s website via OpenTable for anyone interested in boozy eggnog cocktails or a Santa’s Little Helper made with gin, spiced caraway syrup, eucalyptus, and sage. 

Sippin’ Santa at Lazeaway Club at the Flamingo Resort

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Sippin’ Santa, the tropical spin-off of holiday cocktail pop-up Miracle, is headed to Sonoma County.  Beginning Thursday, November 17 through the end of December head to the Santa Rosa hotel for festive drinks like the Kris Kringle Colada and Undertow Toddy, a hot cocktail made with cognac, Chartreuse, curaçao, and chocolate hazelnut syrup. Chef Chris Ricketts also has a food menu to pair with the drinks including options such as “Christmas Ham,” or slow-cooked char siu pork belly, grilled pineapple, cherry, and cloves, and “Mele Kalikimaka,” or Hawaiian sweet bread stuffing croquettes with cranberry sauce. 

Miracle at Napa Yard 

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Head to Napa Yard for a dose of Christmas cheer in wine country. The pop-up starts November 25 and goes until December 31, bringing festive decor and Christmas-y cocktails to the spacious outdoor drinking and dining destination nestled down by the Napa River. Reservations are available online via OpenTable

Miracle on Telegraph at The Double Standard

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Gather ’round a barrel and raise a toast to the season at this no-frills East Bay bar. The holidays land early in Oakland: Miracle on Telegraph kicks off on November 21 at the Double Standard, that solid cocktail destination with a killer back patio. If the decor is anything like last year expect a heck of a lot of string lights. 

Red Window

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Starting Friday, November 25 through December 31, Red Window is transforming into a holiday-themed destination with seasonal decor and a new menu of low-ABV drinks. The special menu includes mini-shots in flavors like Boozy Egg Nog, Mistletoe, and Espresso Martini and a whole list of full-size cocktails including the Nice List made with low-proof spiced rum, spices, and apple cider — all served hot, of course.

Trade Routes

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For the second year, Trade Routes co-owners Chen-Chen Huo, Jay Ryoo, and Ryan McCargar have personally decked the halls for the bar’s holiday pop-up Tinsel Time. Now through the end of December, pop over to the Polk Street bar for a special menu of festival cocktails including the Tinsel ‘Tini made with vodka, elderflower, and peppermint or a Frosty the Slushie. Plus lots — and we mean lots — of tinsel.

Trade Routes

Fairmont San Francisco

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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 through the holiday season and if you want to really soak it all in, you can even book a reservation to dine inside.

A two-story gingerbread house with candy decorations. Fairmont San Francisco

Winter Wonderland at the Vault Garden

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Friday, November 25 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 absolutely enormous tree at 555 California Street without having to brave any weather. There’s also a special cocktail menu on tap including warm concoctions such as the Polar Express made with mezcal and house-made hot chocolate.

Waterbar Restaurant

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Both Waterbar Restaurant and sister restaurant Epic Steak, which is located just next door, continue the tradition of displaying some seriously impressive gingerbread creations this year. Head to Waterbar to see Pastry Chef Erica Land’s The Grinch Who Stole Christmas-themed structure, which stands at an impressive 3 feet tall. Next door at Epic Steak the theme is A Charlie Brown Christmas complete with Snoopy sleeping in his dog house.

Miracle at Pacific Cocktail Haven

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Starting Friday, November 25 New York City–born holiday pop-up Miracle returns to Pacific Cocktail Haven once again — though take note that the bar has relocated to its new home just up the street. Expect over-the-top holiday decor and cocktails served in Santa head-shaped mugs. It’s on a first-come, first-served basis only, and there’s a $10 cover at the door.

Sippin’ Santa at Kona's Street Market

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Kona’s Street Market feels pretty festival 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 starting Friday, November 25, and running through New Year's Eve. Extra lights and tons of tinsel add to the cheer, plus there’s an annual menu of rum-filled festive cocktails. There’s a $10 cover (cash only) and it’s walk-ins only.

Rye Cocktail Bar

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Feeling festive but in a more ... subdued kind of way? Then perhaps the Rye Krampus pop-up is more your speed. The bar is hosting its own gritty little holiday event this December with drinks including the Black Nog, a boozy blend of cognac, black rum, sherry, black sesame, dark maple syrup, eggs, and whole milk.

Rye Bar

Tinseltown at Trademark Bar 

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From the folks who installed a Peter Pan-themed bar in the same space earlier this year comes Tinseltown, an over-the-top Christmas pop-up that starts on November 30. The halls will be decked out to the max with baubles, bows, hanging trees, and wreaths but this is a reservations-required situation, not a casual spot to pop in. Tickets cost $22 and include a 90-minute stay inside the bar plus one drink upon arrival. 

Horsefeather

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The first-ever Holidays at the Horse brings a fresh menu of a dozen seasonal drinks to the Divisidero cocktail bar. Options include a hot cocktail dubbed Reindeer Games made with a fragrant blend of brandy, clarified apple cider, chardonnay, and warming spices, or a Rebel Without a Cause starring sweet and savory ingredients like pineapple rum, Biscoff-blackstrap rum brulee, salted brown butter, and bergamot.

Après Village at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

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Enjoy all the glorious warmth of an aprés ski village without having to endure any frigid temps at the Four Seasons Hotel in Silicon Valley. They’ve once again transformed the Quattro Terrace and other outdoor locations at the hotel with mini-chalets, lights, cozy fires, and a life-size snow globe that’s just perfect for photo opps. The menu is meant to stick-to-your ribs with options like fondue, French onion soup, and poutine — plus, signature s’mores and hot beverages.

Marianna Jamadi

Miracle at Miniboss

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Downtown San Jose arcade bar Miniboss is going all-in on the holiday theme this year hosting the Mircale pop-up from November 23 through the end of the year. 

Miracle on 1st at Paper Plane

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Paper Plane bar in downtown San Jose is also participating in the Miracle bar pop-up this year. As of November 23 come through for festival cocktails and a whole heck of a lot of tinsel. The pop-up runs through the end of the year.

Sippin’ Santa on 1st St at 55 South

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It’s a very tiki Christmas at San Jose’s 55 South, complete with Santa in sunglasses and festive cocktails served with the requisite tiny umbrella.

Modernist Craft Cocktail Bar

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Modernist cocktail bar in Fresno will host the Miracle Christmas pop-up from November 23 through Christmas week. From Tuesday, November 30 through Sunday, December 20 the bar will accept a limited number of reservations on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks will be first come, first served. For more details about reservations or to make one, message the Miracle at Modernist Instagram account

Miracle at the Holbrooke

Iron Door Speakeasy at the Holbrooke Hotel flips into the Miracle pop-up on November 21 and stays that way through the end of the year. The historic Gold Country hotel — and former speakeasy — is bringing in festive decor, special cocktails, and the option to book private Christmas-themed parties. There’s also plenty of programming on the calendar including ugly sweater happy hours, Christmas karaoke, and more. Reservations can be made on the Iron Door Speakeasy website via Resy

Miracle on J Street

Miracle arrives at Sacramento’s Red Rabbit Kitchen + Bar on November 23 and runs until December 30. Reservations can be made on the bar’s website via OpenTable for anyone interested in boozy eggnog cocktails or a Santa’s Little Helper made with gin, spiced caraway syrup, eucalyptus, and sage. 

Sippin’ Santa at Lazeaway Club at the Flamingo Resort

Sippin’ Santa, the tropical spin-off of holiday cocktail pop-up Miracle, is headed to Sonoma County.  Beginning Thursday, November 17 through the end of December head to the Santa Rosa hotel for festive drinks like the Kris Kringle Colada and Undertow Toddy, a hot cocktail made with cognac, Chartreuse, curaçao, and chocolate hazelnut syrup. Chef Chris Ricketts also has a food menu to pair with the drinks including options such as “Christmas Ham,” or slow-cooked char siu pork belly, grilled pineapple, cherry, and cloves, and “Mele Kalikimaka,” or Hawaiian sweet bread stuffing croquettes with cranberry sauce. 

Miracle at Napa Yard 

Head to Napa Yard for a dose of Christmas cheer in wine country. The pop-up starts November 25 and goes until December 31, bringing festive decor and Christmas-y cocktails to the spacious outdoor drinking and dining destination nestled down by the Napa River. Reservations are available online via OpenTable

Miracle on Telegraph at The Double Standard

Gather ’round a barrel and raise a toast to the season at this no-frills East Bay bar. The holidays land early in Oakland: Miracle on Telegraph kicks off on November 21 at the Double Standard, that solid cocktail destination with a killer back patio. If the decor is anything like last year expect a heck of a lot of string lights. 

Red Window

Starting Friday, November 25 through December 31, Red Window is transforming into a holiday-themed destination with seasonal decor and a new menu of low-ABV drinks. The special menu includes mini-shots in flavors like Boozy Egg Nog, Mistletoe, and Espresso Martini and a whole list of full-size cocktails including the Nice List made with low-proof spiced rum, spices, and apple cider — all served hot, of course.

Trade Routes

For the second year, Trade Routes co-owners Chen-Chen Huo, Jay Ryoo, and Ryan McCargar have personally decked the halls for the bar’s holiday pop-up Tinsel Time. Now through the end of December, pop over to the Polk Street bar for a special menu of festival cocktails including the Tinsel ‘Tini made with vodka, elderflower, and peppermint or a Frosty the Slushie. Plus lots — and we mean lots — of tinsel.

Trade Routes

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 through the holiday season and if you want to really soak it all in, you can even book a reservation to dine inside.

A two-story gingerbread house with candy decorations. Fairmont San Francisco

Winter Wonderland at the Vault Garden

Friday, November 25 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 absolutely enormous tree at 555 California Street without having to brave any weather. There’s also a special cocktail menu on tap including warm concoctions such as the Polar Express made with mezcal and house-made hot chocolate.

Waterbar Restaurant

Both Waterbar Restaurant and sister restaurant Epic Steak, which is located just next door, continue the tradition of displaying some seriously impressive gingerbread creations this year. Head to Waterbar to see Pastry Chef Erica Land’s The Grinch Who Stole Christmas-themed structure, which stands at an impressive 3 feet tall. Next door at Epic Steak the theme is A Charlie Brown Christmas complete with Snoopy sleeping in his dog house.

Miracle at Pacific Cocktail Haven

Starting Friday, November 25 New York City–born holiday pop-up Miracle returns to Pacific Cocktail Haven once again — though take note that the bar has relocated to its new home just up the street. Expect over-the-top holiday decor and cocktails served in Santa head-shaped mugs. It’s on a first-come, first-served basis only, and there’s a $10 cover at the door.

Sippin’ Santa at Kona's Street Market

Kona’s Street Market feels pretty festival 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 starting Friday, November 25, and running through New Year's Eve. Extra lights and tons of tinsel add to the cheer, plus there’s an annual menu of rum-filled festive cocktails. There’s a $10 cover (cash only) and it’s walk-ins only.

Rye Cocktail Bar

Feeling festive but in a more ... subdued kind of way? Then perhaps the Rye Krampus pop-up is more your speed. The bar is hosting its own gritty little holiday event this December with drinks including the Black Nog, a boozy blend of cognac, black rum, sherry, black sesame, dark maple syrup, eggs, and whole milk.

Rye Bar

Tinseltown at Trademark Bar 

From the folks who installed a Peter Pan-themed bar in the same space earlier this year comes Tinseltown, an over-the-top Christmas pop-up that starts on November 30. The halls will be decked out to the max with baubles, bows, hanging trees, and wreaths but this is a reservations-required situation, not a casual spot to pop in. Tickets cost $22 and include a 90-minute stay inside the bar plus one drink upon arrival. 

Horsefeather

The first-ever Holidays at the Horse brings a fresh menu of a dozen seasonal drinks to the Divisidero cocktail bar. Options include a hot cocktail dubbed Reindeer Games made with a fragrant blend of brandy, clarified apple cider, chardonnay, and warming spices, or a Rebel Without a Cause starring sweet and savory ingredients like pineapple rum, Biscoff-blackstrap rum brulee, salted brown butter, and bergamot.

Related Maps

Après Village at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

Enjoy all the glorious warmth of an aprés ski village without having to endure any frigid temps at the Four Seasons Hotel in Silicon Valley. They’ve once again transformed the Quattro Terrace and other outdoor locations at the hotel with mini-chalets, lights, cozy fires, and a life-size snow globe that’s just perfect for photo opps. The menu is meant to stick-to-your ribs with options like fondue, French onion soup, and poutine — plus, signature s’mores and hot beverages.

Marianna Jamadi

Miracle at Miniboss

Downtown San Jose arcade bar Miniboss is going all-in on the holiday theme this year hosting the Mircale pop-up from November 23 through the end of the year. 

Miracle on 1st at Paper Plane

Paper Plane bar in downtown San Jose is also participating in the Miracle bar pop-up this year. As of November 23 come through for festival cocktails and a whole heck of a lot of tinsel. The pop-up runs through the end of the year.

Sippin’ Santa on 1st St at 55 South

It’s a very tiki Christmas at San Jose’s 55 South, complete with Santa in sunglasses and festive cocktails served with the requisite tiny umbrella.

Modernist Craft Cocktail Bar

Modernist cocktail bar in Fresno will host the Miracle Christmas pop-up from November 23 through Christmas week. From Tuesday, November 30 through Sunday, December 20 the bar will accept a limited number of reservations on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks will be first come, first served. For more details about reservations or to make one, message the Miracle at Modernist Instagram account

Related Maps