Get your ugly sweaters on and get ready to hit the most Instagrammable bars this holiday season!
It's not every day your local watering hole transforms into a holiday paradise (though we wish they would more often). Get ready to jingle and mingle as San Diego gets a festive makeover with a lineup of holiday pop-up bars. From sugary cocktails to immersive experiences, getting naughty never tasted so nice.
Updated: November 2025
Photo: @michelleortega
2101 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
This spot is giving full Tulum-but-make-it-Little-Italy energy, with tropical twists that feel like a mini vacation. The drinks are festive (and strong) like the Grinch Stole My Matchtatini, and Feliz Guavidad (guava margarita)… all the festive flavors your inner ‘summer-time in winter-time girl’ deserves. It’s perfect for a cute night of apps and drinks or a whole sit-down feast if the squad is feeling hungry. Basically: a very San Diego winter vibe can be found here at this pop-up. Make sure you check out their IG for some special holiday events like paint and sip, sushi making class, gingerbread house party, or even holiday trivia night!
Photo: @goldengirlskitchen
2137 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
Open Now-Jan 11
Golden Girls fans, get ready to live your best Golden Girls life, because this pop-up is serving all the holiday vibes all season long! GA starts at $20 and comes with a welcome drink (yes, you can spike it… you know Blanche would.) Hit Thursday trivia if you’re a REAL fan, or swing by for Shady Pines Tea Time on Thursdays. Weekends bring Drag Brunch with entrees, and honestly… The whole place is a Golden Girls photo-op dream.
Photo: Omni Hotels
2100 Coasta Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, CA 92009
November 28-January 4
Slide into the holiday spirit at this Hotel at the Ballpark pop-up, serving cozy holiday vibes Thursday-Saturday from 5-9pm. It’s totally free and no reservations are needed - just roll up and enjoy. The most iconic part: seasonal sips are crafted by Julie Reiner (yes, that misologist from Netflix’s Drink Masters), so you know the drinks are about to hit. Consider this your low-effort, high vibes winter hangout spot.
860 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Mavericks Beach Club is turning a little wholesome this December, with classics like Home Alone, Love Actually, The Grinch, and ELF playing every Tuesday at 6:30. Grab your crew, claim a spot, and lean into the holiday chaos. Bonus: half-off drinks Monday-Friday from 2-7pm, so you can get a lil naughty and pregame your festive feels on a budget. It’s basically your new Tuesday tradition.
Photo: @thelafayette
2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104
This trendy hotel is going full holiday glow-up, with a lobby decked out in festive decor perfect for a little stroll and all your instagram cute pics. If you’re a SD local, you’re going to want to be here. Swing by Monday-Friday from noon to 4pm for the special Holiday Tea Service if you’re feeling fancy. The best part? Coming here is free and no reservations are needed, so you can just wander in and vibe. Pro tip: Uber here, cause finding parking will kill your magical holiday spirit (or there’s valet for $15.)
Photo: @cutwatertastingroom
9750 Distribution Ave, San Diego, CA 92121
Open now-December 23
Cutwater’s Winter Lodge is back this year with their winter magic! Live music, seasonal cocktails, and even a snow machine for those fake-flakes (cause we lowkey wish it would snow in SD.) You can sip, sample, and check out their barrel pick while you’re at it. They even have a fake gondola photo opp for your iconic IG holiday pics. It’s basically apres-ski without the skiing and with all the drinking.
616 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
Open now-January 2 (Giveaway closes 12/12!*)
Sail on over to LandShark Bar & Grill located in the Margaritaville Hotel now for the ultimate holiday takeover! Grab your mate-ys and sip on seasonal cocktails, like our personal fav: the Salted Caramel Apple, complete with a caramel apple lollipop for a sweet treat. Plus, dig into their curated lineup of seasonal holiday meals. With special live pirate appearances every Saturday from 7-9pm, you’re in for all the nautical vibes. If that’s not exciting enough… enjoy holiday and coastal tunes Wednesday-Saturday from 6-9pm and weekend jams Saturday-Sunday 11am-2pm! This spot is the ultimate treasure.
3770 Mission Blvd, San Diego CA 92109
At the spot, expect allll the pink decor, festive cocktails, tasty holiday bites, nonstop xmas hits, and jolly games hosted by the “Christmas Miracle Makers.” Wednesdays bring Cocktails and Carols with a free ‘welcome drink’ cause you deserve it. Weekends offer all-ages sessions with crafts, karaoke, and family-friendly fun! Tickets are $13.50 and reservations can be made online… so grab yours before they’re gone and get ready to sip, sing, and sparkle all season long.
Photo: @xmasbarsandiego
401 G St, San Diego, CA 92101
Holiday magic meets groovy vibes here! This spot is serving limited-time cocktails like Rudolph’s Toast - a salted caramel espresso martini that gives all the christmas vibes in a drink. The place is decked out in full holiday decor, complete with a disco ball, dance floor, and a cozy little patio that feels like a ‘party at your friend’s house.’ Hours run Thursday-Sunday (Tues-Thurs: 7-late, Fri: 6-late, Sat-Sun: 4-late,) and if you’re feeling fancy and wanna treat yourself, you can call or text for VIP: 619-403-2646.
Photo: Estancia La Jolla
9700 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
In the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, The Frosty Saddle is serving holiday magic daily from 4-10pm. Mustangs & Burros transforms into a festive wonderland with twinkling lights, fun holiday decor, and sweet vibes. Sip on seasonal cocktails, snack on festive bites, and settle in for the perfect night with friends, family, and loved ones. It’s the kind of pop-up that makes you want to stay for ‘just one more drink.’
Photo: @insideoutsd
1642 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Open now-January 4
InsideOUT always delivers, and the Holiday Oasis Experience is no exception. Step into a seasonal wonderland of dazzling lights, festive trees, and intricate holiday decor that strikes the perfect balance between cozy and sophisticated. It’s a picture-perfect setting (your Instagram story will love it). Reservations are highly recommended, but for light bites and drinks, the Eitol Atrium Lounge welcomes walk-ins. Open to guests 18+!
Photo: @theglassskirtsd
910 Grand Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Open now-December 31
As if we couldn't love The Grass Skirt even more... Sippin' Santa is back at the speakeasy in Pacific Beach, bringing a tropical twist to your holiday season. Sip on tiki-inspired cocktails in a festive, island-themed setting decked out for the season. Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say.
Photo: @socalyums
1011 Fort Stockton Dr, Mission Hills, 92103
Open now - Jan 3
Jingle all the way to Snowed In at Fort Oak, San Diego’s ultimate holiday cocktail bar! Step through the Art Deco doors into a magical winter wonderland, complete with glittering snowflakes and festive cheer. Sip on heartwarming seasonal cocktails in a cozy atmosphere, perfect for both spontaneous nights out and planned holiday gatherings. Walk-ins are welcome from 4 PM to midnight - don't miss this enchanting experience! FYI: they will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day!
photo: @coastersaloon
744 Ventura Pl, San Diego, CA 92109
Miracle is back... but this time at Coaster Saloon with all the festive flair! Open now, this beachside spot is decked out in over-the-top holiday decor and offers an extensive lineup of handcrafted cocktails served in cutie and collectible mugs (Our favorite? Yippee Ki Yay Mother F***r!). Check out their calendar for themed events like gingerbread house decorating!
