Jingle and Mingle at San Diego’s Festive Bars & Holiday Pop-Ups
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas ♫♪…” here in San Diego! Every winter, amidst the coastal breeze and swaying palm trees, our city transforms into a festive playground of merriment and cheer. While San Diego may not be the destination for a snowy Winter Wonderland, we make up for it in our own beachy laidback vibes kind of way. Especially in our bar & restaurant scene…where craft cocktails, yuletide cheer and a touch of nostalgia collide. Feeling festive? Raise a glass to these Santa-inspired speakeasies and holiday pop-ups, ready to get you in the holiday spirit this season! Check out the San Diego Holiday Bars and restaurants we’re enjoying this year.
We’re Feeling Festive at Firefly Eatery & Bar (onsite)
Things are getting jolly here at The Dana on Mission Bay! Whether you’ve treated yourself to a Bayfront getaway with us, or are a local looking to get in the holiday spirit with drinks on Mission Bay- Firefly Eatery & Bar has some fantastic holiday fun to offer. We’re featuring a delicious Christmas and New Year’s Prime Rib dinner, seasonal cocktails, and a New Year’s Eve Champagne Toast. Plan your visit now, to come try our Peppermint Espresso Martini’s, join us for the Mission Bay Parade of Lights, or nurse your NYE hangover with our New Year’s Day mimosa brunch- we’ve got all you need right here at The Dana this December.
Miracle at Draft South Mission (1 mile)
(Photo: @draftsandiego)
Similar to “Sippin’ Santa”, Draft South Mission (located in the iconic Belmont Park) hosts the Miracle pop-up speakeasy, bringing a dash of holiday magic to a beautiful beachside locale- just a mile from our hotel. Experience less of a “White Christmas” and more of a “Blue, Blue Christmas” with the Pacific Ocean as it’s backdrop, along with colorful Christmas lights, fake snow and holiday décor covering every inch of it’s space. Sip on creatively crafted cocktails, like “The Krampus” and the “Christmapolitan”, and then hit the famous rollercoaster for a truly unique evening.
3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109
Sippin’ Santa at The Grass Skirt (2.8 miles)
(Photo: @thegrassskirtsd)
Sippin’ Santa ‘s nationwide Tiki takeover is back this year, trading pine trees for palm trees in San Diego! This holiday season, you’ll find Santa on a tropical vacation at The Grass Skirt speakeasy in nearby Pacific Beach, as well as Chula Vista’s “Lime in the Coconut” location. This tropical oasis transports patrons to a whimsical winter wonderland filled with tiki torches and festive retro-inspired decor. Make reservations in advance to indulge in exotic holiday cocktails served in festive mugs, and let the festive ambiance of this holiday speakeasy carry you away to a tropical paradise. Insider tip- to find the entrance to this secret bar, you’ll need to do some “poke-ing” around…
910 Grand Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Great Dickens at The Duck Dive (2.9 miles)
(Photo: @theduckdive)
Venture to The Duck Dive in Pacific Beach, where “Great Dickens” unfolds as a holiday pop-up speakeasy inspired by the timeless works of Charles Dickens. The cozy atmosphere of The Duck Dive is enhanced with Victorian-era décor, creating an immersive experience that transports patrons back in time. Sip on signature cocktails with Great Dicken’s themed cocktails, like the “Bah-Rum-Bug”, and enjoy the enchanting ambiance of this holiday hideaway by the sea. *This holiday pop-up will be available from 4p-close every evening, and reservations are strongly encouraged!
4650 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
Santa’s Lair at PARQ Nightclub (6.7 miles)
(Photo: @santaslairsd)
Long a popular hotspot in San Diego’s nightlife center Gaslamp Quarter, PARQ Nightclub unveils Santa’s Lair — a holiday speakeasy that blends the excitement of a downtown nightclub with the charm of a winter wonderland. Step into this clandestine corner and discover a world where Santa’s elves mix up festive concoctions while DJs spin holiday beats. With seasonal decorations, photo opportunities with Santa, and an air of exclusive revelry, Santa’s Lair promises a jolly good time for those in the know (thanks to this handy blog!).
Parq Nightclub, 615 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
XmasBar San Diego (6.8 miles)
(Photo: @xmasbarsandiego)
For those seeking a pop-up speakeasy that truly embodies the spirit(s) of the season, XmasBar in San Diego is the first of its kind here in San Diego. XmasBar is taking over the former Tin Roof location, to offer an upbeat atmosphere that’s sure to impart some serious seasonal cheer. From twinkling lights to themed cocktails like the signature “Slay Ride” and jolly “Jingle Juice,” XmasBar offers a delightful escape into a world of yuletide indulgence. *XMAS BAR operates on first come, first serve basis. Arrive early to secure a spot, or reserve bottle service and table after 10pm!
401 G St, San Diego, CA 92101
Elf on The Twelfth Returns to Mister A’s ( 6.9 miles)
(Photo: @misterasrestaurant)
The iconic and stunning Mister A’s restaurant in Bankers Hill, is back with its traditional “Elf on the Twelfth” takeover- paying homage to their loft location on the 12th floor. If you’re looking for a romantic but festive date spot, or want to impress your staff with a holiday outing- this is the place to be. While the restaurant transforms into a holiday wonderland, they’ve also introduced seven new seasonal sips including a Jingle Juice punch bowl, and their signature namesake cocktail made with cinnamon-infused rum, bourbon cream, and green mint whipped cream. Forget Elf on a Shelf, this elf is on the twelfth, overlooking soaring views of San Diego’s skyline. Cheers!
2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego, CA 92103
‘A Cocktail Carol’ at Polite Provisions (7.8 miles)
(Photo: @politeprovisions)
Probably one of the most popular holiday-themed bars among locals, is Polite Provisions, a hip spot in North Park renowned for its expertly crafted cocktails. This holiday season, it transforms into a Dickensian dreamscape with “A Cocktail Carol.” This holiday pop-up pays homage to the classic tale of Scrooge and Tiny Tim with a twist – mixologists conjure up spirited interpretations of holiday classics. Immerse yourself in the cozy atmosphere adorned with festive decor, and sip on cleverly named libations that capture the essence of the season. Tip- make reservations or get there early to ensure a spot. Lines typically form nightly!
4696 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116
Deck The Halls at The Dana
(Photo: @fireflythedana)
If you’re looking to enjoy these holiday pop-ups by making a vacation out of it, we invite you to have a jolly time with us here at The Dana on Mission Bay! Our beautiful bayside resort offers stunning water views, exceptional accommodations, and packages like “Dashing through the Bay” among other seasonal special offers you won’t want to miss.
Once you’ve locked in your dream Dana-cation, make merry at these holiday-themed hot-spots, and tell them we sent you! 😉