’Twas the month before Christmas and all through Music City bars were popping up and boy, were they pretty! With holiday cocktails and seasonal bites, these limited-time spots are perfect for cold winter’s nights.
Samantha Labrecque
Come out and Play
The Fairlane always shows out with their signature seasonal pop-up bars, and the holidays are no exception. Enter the Misfit Toy Bar, a playful winter wonderland dressed to the nines opening November 18. Grab a cozy seat and indulge in a Christmas cocktail like the Light My Fire (bourbon, lemon, vanilla-nut syrup, star anise, and cinnamon) or the Gettin’ Blitzen (blanco tequila, orange liqueur, lime, white cranberry, and coconut milk). Don’t forget the snacks, whether you make like Santa and munch on a mix of Christmas themed cookies or go traditional with a Yule Log, there’s a holiday snack for everyone—naughty or nice. (fairlanehotel.com)
A Shot of Holiday Spirits
Throughout the month of December, let L.A. Jackson usher you into the season with a boozy twist on holiday traditions. The rooftop indoor-outdoor playground at Thompson will be transformed into a “White Christmas” for the holidays. It seems Santa was feeling naughty, because he wrapped 12 bottles of liquors for the month and guests will be able to roll the dice to see which mystery shot will be warming them on a cold winter’s night. (And while many of these shots are nice, watch out for the not-so-nice options— roll carefully!) Specialty cocktails will also be on the menu, including the Filthy Animal—a mix of Brandy, Sherry, Falernum, Crème de Cacao, Grenadine and more. (lajacksonbar.com)
Samantha Labrecque
Down Through the Chimney Comes Ole...
Saint Nicky’s pops up at Nicky’s Coal Fired for another year of holiday fun around the hearth of Enrico the pizza oven. From November 26 to December 28, enjoy themed cocktail and food specials, seasonal decorations and music, photos with Santa, a Christmas pajama party brunch, and of course, the Feast of the Seven Fishes (by reservation). (nickysnashville.com)
Christmas on High
If you’re looking for an elevated holiday experience, look no further than Chalet 27. Sitting high atop the Westin Hotel, this French Alp-inspired après ski pop-up is wrapped in faux fur and alpine accents (and boasts central heat for chilly Nashville nights). You can even enjoy seasonally inspired fondue and cocktails in your own private cabana! Be sure to make a reservation—this chic spot will book up fast. (l27nashville.com)
Samantha Labrecque
A Holiday Escape
The Hampton Social is giving Nashvillians a chance to celebrate the season with a coastal flare at their Holidays at the The Hamptons pop-up starting December 1. Escape the stress of the season and decompress with specialty cocktails, holiday music and movies, and surprises galore all culminating in a killer New Year’s Eve party on December 31. (thehamptonsocial.com)
Camp Out for Christmas
Opening November 12 on the Bobby Hotel rooftop, the ’70s-inspired campsite and retrofitted 1956 Scenicruiser returns for another holiday season. With its famous igloos, personal campfires, fun snacks, and themed libations, Camp Bobby will transport any weary traveler to a groovy winter escape in the heart of Nashville. Indulge in cozy cocktails like the Pumpkin Spice Martini, the Apple Cider Bourbon Smash, and more as you relax in your own private igloo. Just remember to book ahead: This is one of Music City’s most popular seasonal attractions (bobbyhotel.com/rooftoplounge)
A Sweet Holiday
Candy Cane Jane’s will return, this time on the East side at Jane’s Hideaway’s new location. During the month of December, Candy Cane Jane’s will feature a forest of Christmas trees and other lavish decorations, paired with holiday themed craft cocktails and snacks as well as the regular full dinner and drink menus. Pop in to check out the new digs and get a dose of holiday spirit while you’re there! (janeshideaway.com)
Samantha Labrecque
That’s A Honey of a Bar, Clark
Enjoy the season in the warm embrace of kith and kin at the Hidden Bar at Noelle Hotel. This year the annual holiday pop-up bar theme is Hidden Bar’s Holiday Vacation. Step beyond the storage closet doors and be transformed to the Griswold’s memorable holiday gathering. The beloved holiday movie comes to life complete with nostalgic moments from the film, along with Christmas Vacation-inspired cocktail and snack menus. The Hidden Bar will be spreading holiday cheer through January 7, so you have time to hop in the (Uber) station wagon and make your way to the festivities. (noelle-nashville.com/experiences/hidden-bar)
Samantha Labrecque
Ho-ho-holidays at Holston House
The Downtown hotel's dine-in option, TENN, has transformed into an Old Fashioned Christmas Bar, complete with traditional drinks and bites that will take you back to childhood. Rat Pack-style live entertainment is on show every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Plus, check out their family-friendly tea with Santa where kids and kids at heart can enjoy tea, cookies, and hot cocoa, and pictures with the man in the big red suit. (hyatt.com)
Samantha Labrecque
Whiskey Wonderland
What do you get when you combine:
- 300 lbs. of organic honey
- 400 lbs. of powdered sugar
- 800 egg whites
- 400 whole eggs
- 250 lbs. granulated sugar
- 12 lbs. ground cinnamon
- 45 lbs. ground ginger
- 15 lbs. baking powder
- 10 lbs. baking soda
- 400 lbs. flour
Result: One large gingerbread distillery! Step inside JW Marriott's life-size gingerbread whiskey bar and sip festive cocktails while sitting fireside. (jwmarriottnashvilledining.com/whiskeywonderland)
Samantha Labrecque
Babes in Toyland
Who says rooftop season needs to end? Virgin Hotels Nashville has transformed their rooftop oasis into a holiday winter wonderland pop-up. Larger-than-life toys, colorful Christmas trees, arcade games, a massive ball pit, and a giant Frosty the snowman inflatable, plus a walking piano (like the one from Big), pulls inspiration from the iconic toy store, FAO Schwarz, plus everyone's fav holiday movies. (virginhotels.com/nashville/dine-and-drink/rooftop/)
Samantha Labrecque
It's the World's Best Cup of Coffee, Buddy
You did it! Congratulations! World’s best cup of coffee. Great job everybody! The Harpeth Hotel in Franklin has decked their coffee shop halls as the World's Best Cup of Coffee Christmas Bar. Scenes from Elf like the iconic toy store glam-up featuring paper snowflakes and a Lite-Brite Santa sign offer up an immersive Christmas experience. Festive cocktails like the Jelly of the Month Club (served in a jelly jar with vodka-infused jelly on the side) are as creative as can be. (harpethhotel.com/happenings/christmas-pop-up-bar)
Samantha Labrecque
Penguins are Popping Up
Grand Hyatt Nashville's fifth floor pool deck and restaurant is brrrr-eaking into a winter wonderland with an Antarctic Penguin Experience. Penguin Express features weekly events, festive cocktails, and live music. The best part? It benefits Oceana and its mission to protect the world's oceans. (penguinexpressnashville.com)
Fool Proof Festive Fun
The Lodge at PROOF, a winter experience on the rooftop of W Nashville, is a winter village with a small-town vibe featuring snow, pine trees, and glowing lamp posts. Two translucent cabins filled with cozy couches, rustic fireplace, and alpine chic décor accommodate up to eight people and feature clear paneling to keep you comfy, while still being able to soak in the Music City skyline. (proofnashville.com)
A Caked Christmas
Each restaurant floor at Layer Cake (located just off Broadway) offers a different holiday-inspired theme with over-the-top decorations and photo ops. Festive cocktails are served alongside holiday decor, and every Tuesday, two-holiday movies are shown at 6 and 9 p.m. with a variety of seating options. (layercakenashville.com)
Seas & Greetings
Bode Nashville is getting in the spirit with their Seas & Greetings pop-up, a tropical tiki-themed takeover, at Sidebar. Featuring themed specialty cocktails, beach décor, and shareable bites, the reimagined cocktail bar will run through the month of December. (bode.co/downtown-nashville-hotel)