Share a glass of cheer with friends at these seasonal pop-up venues
By Mario Boucher
Are you feeling festive? Needing a little holiday pick-me-up? Visit one of many holiday-themed pop-up bars in Raleigh and beyond!
Adorned with lights, tinsels, ribbons, ornaments and other seasonal decorations, several local bars and restaurants are serving patrons festive drinks and yuletide-themed cocktails. You can drink from a Santa cup or other holiday-spirited containers.
These venues spark nostalgia in people looking for fun and comfort amidst uncertain times, providing a place to relax and be merry. Here are a few pop-up locations to visit and enjoy some over-the-top holiday-themed fun. (Keep in mind that most of these venues require reservations.)
AVA Rooftop Bar Cary has opened up as an immersive “Wonderland” holiday experience, featuring an explosion of tinsel and twinkling lights, holiday-inspired cocktails and small bites, several unique holiday photo opportunities, and private igloos for reservation (919-363-8888). Location: 301 Fenton Gateway Drive, atop Sports & Social Cary.
St. Nick’s provides a non-traditional Christmas experience at a historic house across from Moore Square in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Holiday cheers through jolly decors, drinks, and events. Have your picture taken with its famous Brandcam photobooth. Location: 306 E Hargett St, Raleigh. RSVP at to book a private event or check out https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-nicks-raleigh-jolly-pop-up-house-tickets-1037267042647?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Corpse Reviver has transformed into a festive holiday bar with creative décor and fabulous cocktails such as ‘Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer.’ Modeled after London’s luxe, modern gin bars, Corpse Reviver is a natural extension of their award-winning Conniption Gin brand. Location: ground floor beneath Durham Distillery, 715 Washington St, Suite B, Durham. RSVP for a party of six or more people at https://tables.toasttab.com/restaurants/eb052a55-85c1-4939-acec-d800accfcdbf/findTime.
Miracle at Killjoy offers classic Miracle cocktails along with some new arrivals. On Mondays, you can sip on $8 house margaritas while singing your favorite tunes during karaoke from 7–10 p.m. Or you can have your picture taken with Santa on Saturdays. Location: 116 N West St., Raleigh. RSVP: https://killjoycocktail.com/host-an-event-at-killjoy/.
Another Miracle Christmas-themed pop-up bar has returned to The Haymaker Raleigh with holiday spirit, fun decorations, and a Christmas-themed cocktail menu. Sippin’ Santa and Friends offers guests 21+ seasonally themed cocktails in a cheery setting. Location: 555 Fayetteville St, #115, Raleigh. RSVP: 919-647-7354.
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing has decked its taproom and patio to celebrate the holidays with over-the-top festive decorations and Tiki cocktails with a holiday twist. Visitors can enjoy a taste of the San Diego surf culture with food and fun for everyone. Location: 201 Boylan Ave, Raleigh. RSVP at https://wyehillkitchenandbrewing.tripleseat.com/party_request/9876.
Above images are a selection of holiday-themed cocktails available at Corpse Reviver.
These are just some local bars and restaurants offering a little Christmas spirit. Most establishments operate as 21-and-over venues—and remember, never drink and drive. Book an Uber or other ride-share service or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
