Cleveland's Best Christmas Pop-Up Bars for the Holiday Season

Blitzen’s Pop-Up Bar

Why we love it: What began as a bar simply decking the halls has evolved into a full-blown holiday wonderland each winter. Grab your most festive gear and stop by the Christmas-themed spectacle now through Dec. 30. Sip on seasonal classics and snack on a holiday-inspired menu filled with Santa’s favorites. Try this: The Melted Snowman ($14) includes Wheatly vodka, cinnamon whiskey, RumChata, vanilla cream and a torched marshmallow. 80 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-650-1955, hudsonspopupbar.com

The Christmas Corner Bar 

Why we love it: Around the Corner takes its holiday spirit to new heights starting Nov. 14, transforming all four of its bars into uniquely festive spaces filled with dazzling lights, themed decor and signature cocktails. Between the new multi-bar setup, Christmas karaoke and cozy igloo rentals, this Lakewood favorite delivers holiday magic on every level. Try this: The Dirty Grinch ($14) is a legendary classic, featuring vanilla vodka, creme de menthe, creme de cacao and a creamy chocolate drizzle.118616 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-4413, facebook.com/thechristmascornerbar

Christmas Quartet at Rollhouse

Why we love it: Experience four uniquely festive Christmas bars across Rollhouse locations in Mentor, Solon, Parma and North Olmsted. Mentor’s Christmas Explosion (open Nov. 7) goes heavy on the decor, with 4,000 ornaments, a 9-foot Nutcracker, 12-foot Christmas tree and wall-to-wall decorations. Solon’s Tinsel Tavern (open Nov. 14) is adorned in iconic holiday decor, including a Grinch Christmas tree. Enter North Olmsted’s Holiday Hideaway (open Nov. 21) with glistening lights and silver decorations resembling a snow blizzard. And for the first time, Parma will be hosting a mini Christmas pop-up featuring the classic red and green decor loaded with a nostalgic holiday vibe. Try this: At Rollhouse Mentor and Solon's escape room, it’s up to you to solve the puzzles and unlock the clues to find and free Santa before it’s too late — rescue him in time to save Christmas. Various locations, therollhouse.com

Deck the Vault

Why we love it: Once home to guarded treasures, the historic vault beneath The 9 now glows with golden holiday magic during Deck the Vault. From November 11 through December 23, this luxurious underground pop-up transforms the 1906 bank vault into a golden, festive escape filled with music, sparkling lights and elegant photo ops. Try this: The Snickerdoodle Martini ($18) blends Grey Goose, Disaronno, cream, Madagascar vanilla bean paste and cinnamon simple syrup for a rich, dessert-inspired holiday indulgence. 2017 E. 9th St., Cleveland, Level B1, metropolitancleveland.com

Elf’d Up in Medina   

Why we love it: Have a good ol’ fashioned country Christmas as Thirsty Cowboys transforms into a winter wonderland. This pop-up serves guests Wednesday through Saturday every week until the year ends. Try this: Line dancing remains open on the weekends, so don an ugly sweater, grab a festive cocktail and jump in for dancing, food and fun. 2743 Medina Road, Medina, 330-722-5400, facebook.com/medinapopupbar

Erie & Vine’s Spiked Nostalgia Christmas Bar 

Why we love it: Celebrate the season with a throwback twist as this Downtown Willoughby bar rewinds to the late ’90s and early 2000s for a themed holiday pop-up filled with retro cheer starting Nov. 26. Expect nostalgic decor, holiday hits and eight themed cocktails served all season long. Try this: Don’t miss the shareable showstopper, the Ho Ho Ho Holy Sh*t That’s Strong ($50), a jumbo Sugar Cookie Martini made with vanilla vodka, amaretto and RumChata, garnished with an actual sugar cookie.  4027 Erie St., Willoughby, 440-671-7500, erieandvine.com

HOB Holiday Bar

Why we love it: This holiday season, step into a winter wonderland at the Holiday Bar inside the Foundation Room at House of Blues. Twinkling lights, a glowing fireplace and live music from talented local artists set the stage for festive cocktails and plenty of holiday cheer. Open Thursday through Saturday, it’s the perfect spot for a cozy night in the city or a lively celebration with friends, all within a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Try this: The Christmaspolitan ($16) gives the classic cosmo a merry makeover with hibiscus-infused vodka, house-made cranberry juice, fresh lemon and Grand Marnier, finished with a sugar rim and candy cane. 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-274-3370, houseofblues.com

Jolene’s Honky Tonk Holiday Bar

Why we love it: Saddle up for a Dolly-fied Christmas from Nov. 20 through Jan. 4 at Jolene’s rooftop bar. Step into a pink, sparkly winter wonderland filled with glittering lights, country charm and over-the-top festive flair. It’s a down-home holiday bash where Nashville spirit takes center stage. Grab your sequins and cowboy boots, then sway along to Southern tunes. Try this: The Frosty Jolene ($15) offers a bright mix of vanilla vodka, ginger ale and cranberry that’ll have you singing before the night’s through. 2038 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-205-4368, instagram.com/jolenescle

Mele Kalikimaka Holiday Pop-Up    

Why we love it: Trade in your snowshoes for flip-flops and have a very merry Hawaiian Christmas at Tiki Underground’s holiday pop-up. The Cuyahoga Falls cocktail bar transforms into a castaway Christmas hideout Nov. 24 through Jan. 3. Santa-hatted tiki heads and twinkling tinsel set the scene, while the bar shakes up a seasonal menu featuring Pusser’s Rum cocktails. Try this: The Reinkiller ($14) features your choice of Pusser’s Blue Label or Gunpowder Proof Rum blended with orange and pineapple juices, craft eggnog and a dash of cinnamon on top. 1832 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 234-380-5398, tikiunderground.com

Nano Brew's HolidayLAND

Why we love it: Nano Brew has transformed with string lights and decor for the season. The Ohio City restaurant and bar is decked out with holiday fun — with festive programming like holiday trivia, DJ Saturdays and craft cocktails on the docket. Also expect holiday beers from Market Garden Brewery, the restaurant's flagship concept just down the street. Try this: Sip a Festivus Holiday Spiced Ale from Market Garden Brewery ($7). The smooth, slightly spicy beer has hints of brown sugar, nutmeg and ginger. 1859 West 25th St. Cleveland,  216-862-6631, nanobrewcleveland.com

The Misfit Bar at The Yard on 3rd

Why we love it: At The Misfit Bar, holiday spirit takes a walk on the wild side. This tongue-in-cheek, apres-ski-meets-trailer-
park pop-up turns this spot into a cozy chaos of spiked stockings, cheeky decor and igloo rentals. Open Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 26 to Jan. 4, it’s the perfect place to warm up and party this winter. Strong, spirited and sweet, the bar's cocktails pack a punch to keep you toasty all night. Try this: The Blitzened Berry ($15) is a frosty mix of Blackberry Crown Royal, lemon, simple syrup and Sprite. 38040 Third St., Willoughby, 440-527-8070, theyardon3rd.com

Saint Nick’s Social Club

Why we love it: Step back in time and sip your way through the Roaring ’20s at Society Lounge’s annual holiday takeover. From Nov. 21 to Dec. 31, this Downtown speakeasy transforms into a glitzy, Gatsby-style celebration. This year’s theme brings a charming twist to holiday tradition. Expect jazzy tunes and just enough mischief to test whether you’ve been naughty or nice. Try this: Smolder and Spice ($18) was created by De’ja Lloyd and brings festive flavor with Basil Hayden rye, spiced apple syrup and a hint of lemon, topped with an allspice dram floater. 2063 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-930-2655, societycleveland.com

Seeing Double's Christmas Bar

Why we love it: For the fifth year, this North Olmsted bar becomes a holiday wonderland packed with merry decor, themed cocktails and live holiday music performances. This holiday takeover runs Nov. 4 through Jan. 4 and introduces two limited-time cocktail menus, one for November and another for December.  Try this: Toast the season with a Cookie Dough Old Fashioned ($15). Not drinking? There’s a whole lineup of non-alcoholic creations that deliver all the holiday magic, minus the buzz. 26880 Brookpark Ext., North Olmsted, 440-641-1267, seeingdoublecle.com

Sleigh

Why we love it: The story continues with a brand-new literary twist as Sleigh returns to The Library bar inside the JACK Casino. From Nov. 26 through Dec. 27, guests can sip cocktails inspired by classic tales among Christmas trees made of books and a wintry Cleveland storybook backdrop. Try this: The menu is divided into “Short Stories,” “Chilly Chapters” and “Warm & Cozy Reads,” offering everything from an edible cookie shot glass to spirited sips. The Candy Cane Chronicles ($14) is fresh and fruity with vodka, Starry, grenadine and lime with a crushed candy cane rim. 100 Public Square, Cleveland, 216-297-4777, jackentertainment.com/cleveland

Secret Cellar Christmas Bar 

Why we love it: Hoppy holidays! For more of a speakeasy feel, head to the basement of Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s Brewpub for an explosion of sparkling lights and garland galore. Known for its creative holiday cocktails and, of course, its famous Christmas Ale, the bar offers a cozy atmosphere to keep warm in. Enjoy the ambiance on weekends and other select dates, Nov. 26 through Dec. 31. Try this: The Red Ryder boilermaker ($12) is great for beer and liquor lovers, combining a pint of Christmas Ale and a Fireball shot. 2516 Market Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-4404, greatlakesbrewing.com

Southern Cheer Christmas Pop-Up Bar

Why we love it: Southern Tier? More like Southern Cheer. The Downtown brewery flips to a festive version of itself and stays that way up until Dec. 23. Descend into the taproom basement for craft beer, jolly cocktails and other fun. Try this: The strong Old Man Winter Ale ($7.83 for a draft pour) is a caramel- and toffee-flavored take on a winter warmer. 811 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, 440-484-4045, facebook.com/stbcbeercle

The Misfit Bar at The Yard on 3rd

Why we love it: At The Misfit Bar, holiday spirit takes a walk on the wild side. This tongue-in-cheek, apres-ski-meets-trailer-
park pop-up turns this spot into a cozy chaos of spiked stockings, cheeky decor and igloo rentals. Open Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 26 to Jan. 4, it’s the perfect place to warm up and party this winter. Strong, spirited and sweet, the bar's cocktails pack a punch to keep you toasty all night. Try this: The Blitzened Berry ($15) is a frosty mix of Blackberry Crown Royal, lemon, simple syrup and Sprite.     38040 Third St., Willoughby, 440-527-8070, theyardon3rd.com

Winter Wonderland at My Corner Bar

Why we love it: Each weekend through February, this bar hosts live music and karaoke, with tons of festive garb. Visitors have a chance to troll the ancient Yuletide carol live, and belt their finest "fa-la-la-la-la's" for a live audience. The space will also host a Krampus night ahead of the holidays, on Dec. 21. Try this: The Grinch ($13) mixes up Blue Curacao, rum, orange juice, peach schnapps and Sprite — and is topped with a candy stick or candycane. 6211 W. 130th St., Parma Heights, 216-267-4447, facebook.com/MyCornerBarParmaHts

XMAS Bar

Why we love it:  This Flats bar gets a merry makeover in early November. XMAS Bar on the East Bank turns up the holiday spirit with Santa hat chairs, ornament-covered ceilings and twinkling lights, plus flavorful cocktails and plenty of cheer as part of Forward Hospitality’s seasonal pop-up lineup.  Try this: The Jingle Juice ($18) blends vodka and sweet citrus with a touch of sparkle from 7-Up, served in a take-home ornament. 1052 Old River Road, Cleveland, 216-644-8885, xmasbar.com/cleveland

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