(Courtesy Hudson's Pop-Up Bar)
Blitzen’s Pop-Up Bar
Why we love it: What started off as a bar simply putting up Christmas decorations has turned into a holiday wonderland every winter season. Grab your most festive gear and stop by the Christmas-themed spectacle of a space starting Nov. 7, until the holidays are officially over. Try this: The Melted Snowman ($13) includes Wheatly vodka, Fireball whiskey, RumChata liqueur, vanilla cream and a torched marshmallow. 80 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-650-1955, hudsonspopupbar.com
(Courtesy Around the Corner)
The Christmas Corner Bar
Why we love it: Around the Corner, a 50-year-old Lakewood classic, has transformed its side party room into the Christmas Corner Bar every holiday season since 2017. The space, packed with decorations and twinkling lights, is one of the most festive spots for going out in Northeast Ohio. Try this: If you prefer a more private setting, get cozy in an outdoor igloo. Prior reservations are required, available Nov. 15 through the end of January. 118616 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-4413, facebook.com/thechristmascornerbar
(Local Love & Wanderlust)
Christmas Trio at Rollhouse
Why we love it: Experience three uniquely festive Christmas bars across Rollhouse locations in Mentor, Solon and North Olmsted. Mentor’s Bomb Bar (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 for its annual, appropriately titled Christmas Explosion attraction. 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. 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. 7300 Palisades Parkway, Mentor, 440-946-5131; 33185 Bainbridge Road, Solon, 440-248-4080; 24488 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, 440-777-6363, therollhouse.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. Opening Nov. 6, 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
HOB Holiday Bar
Why we love it: This holiday season, get into the spirit at Foundation Room Holiday Bar at House of Blues. Sip on Christmas-themed cocktails, enjoy live music from talented local artists, and surround yourself with the magic of the season in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere — perfect for a cozy night or a festive celebration with friends. Open Thursdays through Saturdays, from the moment you step in, you'll feel the joy of the season. Try this: The Carol of the Pears ($15) features cinnamon-infused gin, pear juice, cointreau and ginger syrup, and is topped with fresh lemon and grated nutmeg. 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-274-3370, houseofblues.com
(Courtesy Tiki Underground)
Mele Kalikimaka Holiday Pop-Up
Why we love it: Have a very merry Hawaiian Christmas at Tiki Underground’s Mele Kalikimaka-themed pop-up. The eclectic Cuyahoga Falls cocktail bar warms itself up Nov. 25 through Jan. 4 with specialty cocktails made with Pusser’s Rum. The interior is decked in tinsel, ornaments and Santa Claus-hat-wearing tiki heads, creating a coastal castaway holiday hideout. Try this: The Reinkiller ($12) features your choice of Pusser’s Blue or Gunpowder Rum blended with orange and pineapple juices and craft eggnog, topped with cinnamon. 1832 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 234-380-5398,
tikiunderground.com
(Courtesy Society Lounge)
Miracle on East Fourth Street
Why we love it: Head into Society Lounge for a festive takeover of holiday cheer. When the miracle arrives for the season, the Downtown Cleveland cocktail bar sports plenty of decorations and expertly made seasonal cocktails. Guests can revel in themed glassware and even take them home as souvenirs or gifts, up until its final day on New Year's Eve. It’ll take over the space starting on Nov. 13 and run through the holidays, ending Dec. 31. Try this: The Stocking Stuffer ($18) includes bourbon, Pedro Ximénez sherry, amaro, cinnamon syrup, iced “hot” chocolate, aromatic bitters and marshmallow. 2063 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-930-2655, societycleveland.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/
(Courtesy Re:Bar)
Re:bar’s Retro Christmas Bar
Why we love it: Step back in time and experience the nostalgia of Christmas past with Re:Bar’s retro holiday pop-up! Sip on festive cocktails like house-made Coquito, spiked hot cocoa and a cranberry mule, all while surrounded by 90s-inspired decor. Snap photos in front of a vintage TV playing classic Christmas movies, or capture the moment with the provided Polaroid camera for memories that last. You can also sing along to your favorite holiday tunes at Christmas karaoke. This retro Christmas wonderland is sure to fill you with holiday cheer. Try This: The Cookie Dough Coquito ($16) blends coconut milk, rum, cinnamon, vanilla and seasonal spices to warm you up and get the party started. 2130 E 9th St., Cleveland, 216-465-4268, rebarcleveland.com
Why we love it: North Olmsted's Seeing Double is going all-out for the holidays, with tons of decorations and holiday cocktails — and tons of live holiday music performed by local artists. Try this: Sip a Polar Espresso Martini ($15) for a festive take on a classic drink — or, if you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, order the yummy Polar Espresso ($8) from the mocktail menu. 26880 Brookpark Ext., North Olmsted, 440-641-1267, seeingdoublecle.com
(Courtesy Jack Cleveland Casino)
Sleigh
Why we love it: Located in the Higbee Building on the third floor of the Jack Cleveland Casino, this bar projects iconic Christmas movies onto the ceiling, covering every inch of the room in festive decor. It’s impossible to enter without being immersed in holiday cheer. Sleigh will open Nov. 27, and will remain open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through Dec. 28. Try this: Craving something steamy to warm you up? The Peanut Butter Cup ($14) features peanut butter-based whiskey and hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, sprinkled nuts, caramel sauce and a mini peanut butter cup garnish. 100 Public Square, Cleveland, 216-297-4777,
jackentertainment.com/cleveland
(Courtesy Great Lakes Brewing Co.)
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. Brewpub for a warm and cozy atmosphere featuring creative holiday cocktails and, of course, the famous Christmas Ale. Enjoy the ambiance for yourself on weekends and other select dates, from Black Friday until Dec. 31. This pop-up is also collecting donations for Providence House, which works to protect children from abuse. Try this: Ralphie’s Revenge ($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
(Courtesy Southern Tier Brewing Company)
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
Whoville at the Yard on Third
Why We Love It: In celebration of the holiday season, The Yard on 3rd is introducing "The Yard Who Stole Christmas." With twinkling lights, Christmas trees and festive inflatables galore, this event transforms the typical patio space into a winter wonderland. Additionally, the venue offers cozy igloo rentals, providing a unique and warm experience for guests during the colder months. Try this: The “It’s because I’m green, isn't it?” cocktail ($12) will surely light up the night as it mixes vodka, tequila, gin, rum, green fruit punch, and sprite topped with a rubber duck for your collection. 38040 3rd St., Willoughby, 440-527-8070, theyardon3rd.com
(Courtesy Velvet Dog)
Winter Wonderland Bar at Velvet Dog
Why we love it: Step into the “frost” covered second floor and immerse yourself in the glittering, twinkling winter decorations. Guests can make use of the many different photo-ops featuring a wintry forest, a “Swiftie” corner and a candy land backdrop. Open only on Friday and Saturdays, Velvet Dog is sure to satisfy all your holiday desires. Grab some friends and take a shotski together, or sip on a festive cocktail. Try this: The Velvet Drop ($10) comes in a take home ornament filled with vodka, lime, triple sec and cranberry juice. 1280 W 6th St., Cleveland, 216-664-1116, velvetdogcleveland.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
(Courtesy XMAS Bar)
XMAS Bar
Why we love it: This holiday hot spot transforms the East Bank of the Flats' Hi 5 Sports Bar into a Christmas experience Nov. 8 complete with Santa hat chairs, ornament covered ceilings and colored lights galore. With festive decor, themed drinks, a cheerful atmosphere and a pristine view of the Cuyahoga River, this bar is a key figure in Forward Hospitality's expanding lineup, making it a go-to destination for trendy festive gatherings and holiday cheer in Cleveland. Try this: Jingle Juice ($18) features cinnamon-infused Tito’s Handmade Vodka, sweet and spicy syrup and pomegranate all served in a take-home Xmas Bar ornament.1052 Old River Road, Cleveland, 440-409-9158, xmasbar.com/cleveland
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