5 Holiday Pop Up Bars in San Antonio

By Sara Branstetter | December 10, 2024

Holiday pop up bars in San Antonio are relatively new to our city. While they've been around for years in other places around the country, the Alamo City is just now entering the ring and offering a few fun and festive options. And while there aren't a ton, we do have a handful of great options where you can sip, play, shop, and relax - all in the relative comfort of a bar that looks like Christmas has thrown up on it.

Below are 5 of the best holiday pop up bars in San Antonio for you to checkout and enjoy!

Christmas Lights at The Pearl San Antonio

ABOUT US

We’re Kelsey and Sara, two local foodies with a combined 29 years of eating in San Antonio, two travel books, and millions of blog readers. We adore local spots, rarely visit chain restaurants, and we aren't afraid to tell you the truth. After spending thousands of our own $$$ at hundreds of local hot spots, we're sharing the best with you.

Holiday Pop Up Bars in San Antonio

1. 12 Days of Christmas at the River North Icehouse

The River North Icehouse is kicking off their inaugural 12 days of Christmas beginning on Wednesday, December 11 and running through December 22.

You can expect lots of contests (doggy costume contests, wrapping contests), lots of music, prizes, and of course, a special holiday menu.

WEBSITE | A317 W. Jones Ave., San Antonio, TX 78215

2. Blitzen's at the Omni La Mansion del Rio

Photo Credit: Omni La Mansion del Rio

Lights, tons of tinsel, and amazing drinks - that's what you get at Blitzen's at the Omnio La Mansion del Rio.

Omni has partnered with the celebrity mixologist, Julie Reiner (one of the judges from Netflix's Drink Masters), who has curated a special cocktail menu for locations at a number of Omni properties around the country.

If you are into cocktail artistry, and Christmas-y leg lamps a la A Christmas Story, this is the holiday pop up bar in San Antonio for you.

WEBSITE | 112 College St., San Antonio, TX 78205

3. Miracle at Esquire

Photo Credit: Facebook Esquire Tavern

This is probably the most popular and longest running holiday pop up bar in San Antonio.

Located at the Esquire Tavern in the Downstairs Bar, Miracle at Esquire is a wildly over the top Christmas experience with more decorations than you could possibly imagine. In fact, it is touted as being "immersive" and that description is DEAD ON.

Running through December 31, the Esquire Tavern is offering a limited menu of specialty cocktails and holiday drinks you can only find at the pop up bar like the "Christmasapolitan" and Hot Buttered Rum (and haven't you always wanted to try that?!).

*Highly recommend you get reservations for this one as there is no standing room during Miracle at Esquire. Otherwise, you'll be looking at a pretty significant wait, if you can even get in at all. Reservations are available on the website.

WEBSITE | 155 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78205

4. Sippin' Santa at Hugman's Oasis

Photo Credit: Hugman's Oasis

This tiki bar has gone full Mele Kalikimaka for 2024 by decking itself out in Hawaii-themed Christmas decor.

You'll want to get reservations for this limited experience running through December 31 that will feature speciality cocktails that combine the best of the Aloha State with the best of Christmas.

WEBSITE | 135 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX, 78205

5. The Holiday Hideaway at Chicken N Pickle

Photo Credit: Chicken N Pickle

While best known for its sprawling pickleball facility, Chicken N Pickle transforms into a holiday wonderland for Christmas by re-theming their second story into a ski-lodge style holiday pop up bar in San Antonio. Known as the Hideaway, this cozy pop up bar near UTSA will feature merry cocktails and some seasonal small plates (be sure to make reservations).

Additionally, you can reserve your very own igloo! While not made of snow, these private (or as private as a see-through plastic igloo can get) venues can be rented for you and a group of friends to enjoy your holiday drinks from brightly colored couches inside each igloo. Think private pool cabana, but without the pool and with some holiday flair.

WEBSITE | 5215 UTSA Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78249