‘Tis the season: Holiday pop-ups for festive food and drink

Celina Colby

Celina Colby is an arts and travel reporter with a fondness for Russian novels.... VIEW BIO

It’s the most festive time of the year, and food and drink are essential parts of celebrating the holidays. At these themed pop-ups at local bars and restaurants, you can enjoy a seasonal beverage with a hefty side of holiday décor.

The Bowery’s Winter Wonderland Yurts

When: Nov. 4-March 31
Where: Dorchester
Info: As the weather chills, The Bowery keeps outdoor dining season going with a collection of reservable heated yurts decorated with all the festivity of a ski lodge during the holidays.

The Lounge at the Seaport Holiday Market

When: Nov. 10-Dec. 31
Where: Seaport
Info: Yes, the Seaport Holiday Market features dozens of small businesses for holiday shopping, including lots of great Black-and Latinx-owned shops, but it also features three different holiday-themed bars dishing out seasonal cocktails and local eats.

APRÈS… at Deck 12

When: Nov. 4-March 3
Where: Seaport
Info: We may not have any mountains in Boston proper (although the Porter Square T stop stairs come close), but you can still enjoy the après ski experience at Deck 12 featuring fondue, heated gondolas and other ski-themed furniture, and breathtaking views of Boston.

Winter Wonderland at Bully Boy Distillery

When: Dec. 1-Jan. 1
Where: Roxbury
Info: Bully Boy is decking the distillery halls this season with tinsel, garlands, twinkle lights and a few holiday characters who have been enjoying the onsite spirits. This pop-up also marks the launch of Bully Boy’s winter drink menu.

Upside Down Holiday Trees at the Liberty Hotel Lobby Bar

When: Nov. 13-Dec. 31
Where: Beacon Hill
Info: ’Tis the season for the holiday trees to go a little crazy at The Liberty Hotel. The hotel’s annual display of upside-down Christmas trees has become a tradition, and it’s best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand. 

Miracle Pop-up Bar at Mystic Station

When: Nov. 22-Dec. 31
Where: Malden
Info: The Mystic Station Eatery & Bar is unrecognizable in its floor-to-ceiling holiday décor, complete with Santa hats for every chair and a cocktail menu that boasts drinks like “Rudolph’s Replacement” and “Jingle Balls Nog.”

Festive drinks are on the menu at Shore Leave. PHOTO: RANDY SCHMIDT

Sippin’ Santa at Shore Leave

When: Nov. 21-Jan. 1
Where: South End
Info: Shore Leave is usually a haven for sushi and Tiki drinks, but this month it becomes the hot spot for all things holiday. In addition to a lavishly decorated kitschy Christmas space, Shore Leave will be mixing up a whole menu of festive drinks.

Maccabee Hanukkah Pop-Up Bar

When: Nov. 29-Dec. 31
Where: Harvard Square
Info: You will be amazed what can be done with Manischewitz wine and latkes at this Hanukkah pop-up bar in the Charles Hotel, where you’ll spy dreidels decorating the walls and a menu full of craft cocktails and festive noshes.

Santa’s Cantina at Loco Fenway

When: Nov. 29-Jan. 13
Where: Fenway
Info: Santa’s speaking Spanish this year at Santa’s Cantina, the Loco Taqueria holiday pop-up in Fenway. Every inch of the 9,500-square-foot space has been decorated for the season, and a pop-up menu boasts themed drinks and eats.

Miracle Pop-up Bar at the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel

When: Nov. 24-Dec. 24
Where: Cambridge
Info: Instead of a doorman, you’ll be greeted at the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel by a 6-foot-tall Santa and delightfully kitschy holiday décor at the Miracle Pop-up Bar. The holiday-themed cocktail menu is also served in whimsical glassware.

Après Ski Pop-up Lodge at Publico

When: Dec. 8-March 31
Where: South Boston
Info: Skiing is not required to enjoy the cozy, pop-up lodge at Publico Street Bistro & Garden, where you can enjoy festive beverages in a lodge space complete with faux moose heads, a vintage ski lift and flannel blankets galore.