Dreaming of a megawatt spectacle that gives Clark Griswold a run for his money? Or a magical wonderland that skews more family-friendly? Whatever your wish, these pop-up bars are the answer. They’ve done the heavy lifting, decking the halls and crafting cozy cocktails. Just don your best ugliest sweater and get ready to unwrap a very merry season.
Holiday Movie Themed
Whether you’re Buddy the Elf’s number-one fan or can quote the Home Alone franchise front to back, these are the pop-ups for you. Cinephiles can also test their knowledge at themed trivia nights.
Who’s-Ville Holiday Pop-Up Bar
STARTS NOV. 25 AT WHO’S ON THIRD
All the Whos down on Third Street liked Christmas a lot – so much, in fact, that they’re hosting a very Grinch-y pop-up at Who’s on Third with themed drinks, merry decor and festive mischief. Stop by for Holiday Movie Trivia on December 11, or the Holiday Party on December 16, complete with a grinch photo-op. Who’s on Layton will also be Grinch-ified and hosting their Holiday Party on December 18.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Home Alone Igloos
NOV. 28-JAN. 31 AT THE TAP YARD MENOMONEE FALLS
Calling all filthy animals! This 90-minute igloo experience (reservations required) features a menu inspired by the movie including Kevin’s Mac & Cheese, Little Nero’s Cheese Pizza and a Wet Bandit Raspberry Mule. Igloos fit up-to eight people, each with a heater and speaker for playing your own tunes.
Home Alone 2 Igloos
NOV. 28-JAN. 31 AT THE TAP YARD BROOKFIELD
Ready to get Lost in New York? Cozy greenhouse-style igloos seat up-to six for a 90-minute experience (reservations required). Food and drink offerings are the same at both Tap Yard locations.
Elf Pop-Up Bar at Lost Whale
DEC. 1-31 AT LOST WHALE
This year, Lost Whale is celebrating a ginormous milestone: 5 years of their Elf holiday pop-up. Expect crazy-festive decor, drinks like the Son of a Nutcracker and World’s Best Cup of Coffee (N/A options too), plus food by Pallino Burger on the patio.
Elf Movie Trivia
DEC. 16 AT X-RAY ARCADE
Santa? I know him! But do you know all the answers to Elf Trivia? It’s free to play, with six people max per team (have your clever team names ready), and themed outfits are encouraged. Snag samples and swag from Surly Brewing Co., plus prizes for the top-three trivia teams.
Christmas Movie Trivia
DEC. 23 AT COUNTY CLARE IRISH INN AND PUB
Ring in Christmas Eve Eve at the Inn. County Clare is already a known cozy favorite in Milwaukee, and this year they’re hosting Christmas movie trivia, complete with prizes.
Outrageous Decorations
The theme is: holiday decorations that even Santa and the Missus would flip for. From 2,000 ornaments to 40+ years of over-the-top festive festoonery, these are the vibes that make the season extra special.
Santa’s Tavern
THROUGH DEC. 20 AT THE SOCIAL AMERICAN TAVERN
Tacky is a thing of beauty at Santa’s Tavern. The area is decked in layers of twinkling lights, a tangle of tinsel and glittering garland. At Santa’s, the cocktails are trimmed with peppermint twists and sugared rims – and the hot cocoa is spiked.
Boscos Ornament Ceiling
ALL SEASON AT BOSCOS SOCIAL CLUB
2,000 vintage (or vintage-looking) ornaments hanging from the ceiling? That’s one way to keep things merry and bright. Boscos in Waukesha is known for its karaoke, DJ sets, trivia, dog-friendly patio – and its commitment to decking the halls.
Best Decorations’ at Erv’s
THROUGH JAN. 10 AT ERV’S MUG
Erv’s is a family-run spot in Oak Creek that’s been serving up over-the-top Christmas decorations since the 80s. It started with red bows and just kept growing. One scene that’s stayed the same? A flying sled full of stuffed animals.
Family-Friendly
These jolly joints aren’t just for families – but they each have something for the kids at some point in their seasonal run. With hot cocoa, festive photo-ops, gingerbread workshops and more, merriment is always on the menu.
Countdown to Christmas
NOV. 30 AT CAMP BAR WAUWATOSA
While Santa Camp decks the halls at Camp Bars across town, Camp Wauwatosa hosts its annual family-friendly start to the season. Countdown to Christmas runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 30, complete with letters to Santa and photo ops, a local makers market, kids games and crafts, plus trees and wreaths for sale.
The Elf Bar: Christmas Pop-Up Experience
DEC. 4-24 AT MO’S IRISH PUB DOWNTOWN
Mo’s Irish Pub is about to be overrun with elves. This ticketed pop-up event promises hundreds of elves and dazzling décor, with a handful of family-friendly bookings. These all-ages sessions are available at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. each Saturday in December through Christmas.
Miracle on 2nd
NOV. 28-JAN. 4 AT TIN WIDOW
The countdown to the Tin Widow’s annual Christmas explosion, Miracle on 2nd, has already begun. Not only will they have extended hours (daytime on Thursdays and Fridays), they’re also running their kid-friendly Cocoa Bar every Saturday and Sunday in December from 11 a.m to 3:30 p.m. Along with a variety of mocktails, grown-ups can indulge in new drinks, like a spiked coconut hot chocolate.
Magic of the Pfister
STARTS NOV. 28 AT THE PFISTER HOTEL
The Pfister Hotel feels made for Christmas. Stop in the lobby for a photo in front of the tree, cozy up by the Lobby Lounge fire or plan an outing at one of The Pfister’s family-friendly holiday events. The Christmas Tree Lighting on November 28 kicks off a season full of Breakfasts With Santa and Gingerbread Workshops.
Unique Experiences
Go outside the (gift) box with a tiki wonderland, ice cream drinks in outdoor huts, a pop-up inspired by Paris at Christmastime, a trip to Cedarburg and heated domes on the Menomonee River.
Sippin’ Santa
STARTS NOV. 21 AT PUFFERFISH
Seasons greetings from Christmas Island! Pufferfish tiki bar at the top of the Milwaukee Athletic Club is transforming once more into a tropical holiday wonderland. Both indoor bars will be open and serving a festive menu, and the upper deck has been winterized with space heaters and a fireplace. Limited edition glassware (available for purchase) is the perfect stocking stuffer.
Magic Forest
STARTS NOV. 21 AT AT RANDOM
The ever-merry At Random patio is all set with heated huts, colorful lights and a menu of warming concoctions, ice cream drinks and seasonal cocktails. All ages are welcome in the Magic Forest until 8 p.m. when things switch to a 21+ experience. Walk-ins welcome, reservations recommended–especially the week of Christmas.
Noël à Paris
NOV. 28-DEC. 31 AT CHARLES E. FROMAGE
This is one holiday pop-up with a certain je ne sais quoi. Step back in time to 1950s Montmartre, Paris, France. Charles E. Fromage is transforming into an immersive holiday experience for the month of December. Among the menu of curated cocktails, you’ll find the Madeleine au Macaron: a macaron-inspired creation served with a full macaron garnish.
The Tipsy Elf
THROUGH DEC. 27 AT CEDARBURG CULTURAL CENTER
Elves are taking over the historic Kuhefuss House in Cedarburg. At The Tipsy Elf, you’ll find twinkling lights, glittering trees and elves galore. Enjoy festive cocktails at this 21+ experience, and warm up your vocal cords for Karaoke Karoling on Saturday nights.
Twisted Santa’s Ice Camp
STARTS NOV. 20 AT TWISTED FISHERMAN
A Christmas pop-up bar and heated domes are back at Twisted Fisherman. Sip on specialty warm drinks like Rum Rum Rudolph and Ho Ho Hot Toddy, or NA hot cocoa and apple cider. Hungry? The seasonal menu ranges from cozy soups to steamed lobster tails. Dome rentals are available daily through mid-March.
