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SF Bay Area’s Most Festive Christmas Bars for 2024

Here’s 20+ of the Bay’s most fun holiday pop-ups with secret speakeasies, rooftop bars, comedy clubs, life-size gingerbread houses, arcade bars and more.
By - posted 12/17/2024 No Comment
Miracle Pop-Up

Festive Holiday Bars to Visit in the Bay Area This Winter

The Bay Area is brimming with holiday spirit, and its festive pop-up bars are the perfect way to toast the season. From cozy Christmas hideaways to tiki-style winter wonderlands and even San Francisco’s first Holiday Pop-up Bar Comedy Festival at The Function, there’s something for everyone. Sip on glittery cocktails at Rockwell’s Holly Jolly Holiday Bar, visit the Grinch-themed Grinchville at Thriller Social Club, or head over to Frosty’s Boozy Wonderland for handcrafted drinks and holiday laughs. Whether you’re in San Francisco, the East Bay, Peninsula, South Bay, or North Bay, here’s your guide to the best holiday bars to check out this season.

NEW! Brand new for 2024, don’t miss Frosty’s Boozy Wonderland! Free comedy shows at a pop-up xmas bar w/ 12 holiday cocktails in San Francisco w/ a special Funcheap happy hour ($2 off Xmas cocktails) from 5-6p Tue to Fri.

Hat tip to our friends at DoTheBay, Eater and SecretSF for helping us sleigh this guide to the best holiday bars across the Bay Area!

San Francisco

1. Miracle at Pacific Cocktail Haven

Location: 550 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Dates: Opens November 29, 2024
Miracle brings the ultimate Christmas cheer with kitschy holiday décor and a lineup of festive cocktails. It’s the perfect spot to sip a Christmapolitan or the fan-favorite Christmas Cricket.

2. Grinchville at Thriller Social Club

Location: 508 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Grinchville transforms this arcade bar into a green-and-mean wonderland. Enjoy Grinch-themed cocktails and festive décor that skews naughty over nice.

3. Winter Wonderland at The Vault Garden

Location: 555 California St, San Francisco, CA 94104
Dates: November 29 – December 31, 2024
The Vault Garden’s heated outdoor patio becomes a dazzling winter escape with stunning views of the 80-foot Christmas tree and seasonal drinks like the Gingerbread Mule.

4. Deck The Halls

Location: 1787 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Dates: Opens December 1, 2024
Deck the Halls is back with over-the-top decorations, flaming Krampus shots, and cozy winter cocktails like the s’mores Old Fashioned.

 

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5. Nochebuena at Cavaña

Location: 100 Channel St, 17th Floor, San Francisco (Mission Bay)
Dates: December 1 – 30, 2024
Head to Mission Bay’s Cavaña for Mexican-inspired holiday cocktails like the “Sweet Baby Jesús” and shareable punch bowls in a glowing, festive rooftop setting.

 

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6. Holly Jolly Holiday Bar at Rockwell

Location: 3200 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Rockwell’s newest pop-up delivers tinsel-lined walls, vibrant cocktails, and festive bites perfect for a night of holiday merrymaking.

7. Alchemist Wonderland Christmas Bar

Location: 679 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Alchemist combines cozy holiday vibes with elevated seasonal cocktails and occasional snow flurries. It’s perfect for a laid-back holiday outing.

 

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8. Silent Night Speakeasy: A Winter Wonderland

Location: W San Francisco, 181 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103
A magical hidden speakeasy with wintery decor, soft snowfall, sparkling cocktails, and an upscale festive atmosphere. $75 all inclusive with light bites, holiday cocktails, wine, beer and Champagne.

9. Santa’s Naughty Playhouse at The Blue Light

Location: 1979 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Blue Light transforms into Santa’s rowdiest party with a playful mix of holiday-themed drinks and festive fun.

 

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10. Nikkei Navidad at KAIYŌ Rooftop

Location: 701 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Peruvian-Japanese cocktails get a holiday twist at this chic rooftop bar with dazzling city views and holiday vibes.

 

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11. Brass Tacks

Location: 488 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Known for its understated yet festive charm, Brass Tacks brings seasonal cheer with twinkling lights and classic cocktails.

 

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12. Frosty’s Boozy Wonderland at The Function

Location: 1414 Market St., San Francisco
Dates: All December 2024, 7 Nights a Week – No tickets required for Happy Hour Tue-Fri (5-6p) w/ $2 off cocktails
This brand-new holiday pop-up bar and comedy club experience transforms The Function, San Francisco’s first Black-owned comedy club, into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive decor, and 12 handcrafted cocktails like Yule Be Buzzed Martini and Toasted & Tipsy. Stay for the nightly holiday-themed comedy shows featuring top comics from Punchline, Cobbs, and SF Sketchfest.

  • Comedy Show Times: (RSVP for Guestlist)
    Monday–Thursday: 7 PM + 8:45 PM
    Friday & Saturday: 7 PM + 9 PM
    Sunday: 7 PM + 8:45 PM
    Two-drink minimum applies

 

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East Bay

1. Miracle at The Double Standard

Location: 2424 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
Dates: Opens November 22, 2024
Oakland’s The Double Standard hosts Miracle, where tinsel, stockings, and nostalgic cocktails like the Christmapolitan bring holiday joy to the East Bay.

2. The Avenue

Location: 4822 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
The Avenue is known for its year-round dedication to over-the-top holiday décor, making it a must-stop for Christmas lovers in the East Bay.

3. Miracle at The Fat Pigeon

Location: 2223 First Street, Livermore, CA
Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
The Fat Pigeon brings Miracle’s festive pop-up charm to Livermore with holiday cocktails and plenty of nostalgic cheer.

 

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Peninsula

1. Après Village at Four Seasons

Location: 2050 University Ave, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Dates: Through January 13, 2025
This luxury holiday experience offers mini chalets, cozy fire pits, a synthetic ice rink, and delicious hot beverages for the ultimate festive outing.

South Bay

1. Miracle at Paper Plane

Location: 72 S 1st St, San Jose, CA
Dates: Opens November 20, 2024
San Jose’s Paper Plane hosts Miracle’s holiday takeover with creative seasonal cocktails served in delightfully kitschy glassware.

 

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2. Miracle at Miniboss

Location: 52 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA
Dates: Opens November 20, 2024
Enjoy arcade games, retro vibes, and Miracle’s signature festive cheer in downtown San Jose at Miniboss.

3. Sippin’ Santa at 55 South

Location: 55 S 1st St, San Jose, CA
Sippin’ Santa delivers tropical Christmas cocktails with tiki twists, such as the Ho Ho Hot Buttered Rum.

North Bay

1. Miracle at Brewsters Beer Garden

Location: 229 Water Street North, Petaluma, CA
Dates: Opens November 22, 2024
Petaluma’s Brewsters Beer Garden transforms into a life size Gingerbread house and decks its halls with festive décor and Miracle’s holiday cocktail creations.

2. Sippin’ Santa at The Flamingo Resort

Location: 2777 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA
Head to Santa Rosa for Sippin’ Santa, where Christmas meets tropical tiki in a fun and festive holiday setting.

No matter where you are in the Bay Area, there’s a festive bar or pop-up nearby ready to deliver holiday cheer. Cheers to a bright and merry season!

Looking for more holiday pop-up bars? Check out the excellent round ups on DoTheBay, Eater and SecretSF