New for 2025. It’s that time of year again when San Diego transforms into a festive wonderland. The 2025 San Diego Holiday Pop-Up bars and restaurants are now open, and there are more than ever before. Some are returning favorites, and others are brand new this season.
Many San Diego Holiday Pop-Up experiences are in the Gaslamp Quarter. It’s the best area if you plan to visit more than one in a night. Many offer immersive holiday experiences with creative décor and themed drinks. You can tell how much effort went into the details.
Of course, not every spot delivers. A few rely on cheap decorations and lack real holiday magic. But the best San Diego Holiday Pop-Up experiences are worth it. They’re fun, festive, and perfect for photos.
Check online before you go. Some require reservations or have cover charges, while others are free. Grab your friends, order something merry, and enjoy the season in true San Diego style.
Events typically run from mid-November through early January 2026. I’ve compiled this based on the latest announcements, focusing on confirmed 2025 openings.
Scroll down to see San Diego Holiday Pop-Up in:
- Pacific Beach
- Hillcrest
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Mission Beach
- Mission Hills
- Little Italy
- San Marcos
- Downtown San Diego
- North Park/Normal Heights/South Park
- La Costa
- Rancho Bernado
- La Jolla
- Miramar
- Encinitas
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Chula Vista
I am updating this list with new experiences as they are being announced. Add your email below to be updated on new 2025 San Diego holiday pop-ups.
Pacific Beach:
Great Dicken's Holiday Pop-Up
Located in Duck Dive
The Great Dickens Holiday Popup returns to The Duck Dive. Enjoy seasonal drinks like the Berry Christmas, Everyone!, Scrooged, and The Great Dickens. This San Diego Holiday Pop-Up brings festive cheer to the city.
Starts Friday, November 28th
Free
Reservations available by calling (858)-273-3825
Sippin' Santa
Located in The Grass Skirt
Sipping Santa returns. It is a tropical, playful, and retro-kitsch Christmas pop-up. Enjoy themed cocktails like the “Frosty the Snowman”, “Yule Tide”, and A Snowball’s Chance In Hilo.” Plus, you can buy the mugs as a keepsake.
Free
Online reservations are not yet available
The Jingle Bar
Located in Molly’s in Mission Beach
A dazzling pop-up filled with twinkling lights, heartwarming holiday moments, and festive fun around every corner. Festive Decor. Holiday Hits & Jolly Jingles. Festive Cocktails & Tasty Treats. Don’t miss the photo ops at this San Diego Holiday Pop-Up.
Ticket prices start at $13.50
Online reservations
Holiday Experience
Located in Mavericks Beach Club
Mavericks Holiday Experience will have a Special Holiday Cocktail Menu. All 20k+ sqft covered head to toe in lights, trees, and tinsel.
Starts December 1
hillcrest:
HOLIDAY OASIS EXPERIENCE
Located in insideOUT.
This year’s event debuts a brand-new, breathtaking light show. It’s guaranteed to give you elevated Christmas vibes and fill you with festive cheer. Enjoy seasonal cocktails and bites. Lots of photo-worthy moments.
Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis with full bar service. Reservations are encouraged, but not required. Individuals may set an alert on OpenTable for reservations (tables are released 30 days in advance). No reservations are needed for cocktails in the atrium lounge (see host). Don’t miss this standout among the 2025 San Diego Holiday Pop-Up experiences.
Through January 5, 2026
Free
Book through OpenTable.
Beary Christmas pop-up
Located in Urban Mo’s
Urban Mo’s promises to go overboard this year, with their San Diego Holiday Pop-Up. Hundreds of teddy bears, twinkling lights, garland everywhere, and Christmas spirit.
November 13 through the end of the year
Free
gaslamp quarter:
Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern Pop-Up
Located in LandShark Bar & Grill in Margaritaville Gaslamp Quarter.
This is a new San Diego Holiday Pop-Up experience with a pirate pop-up experience. Featuring festive cocktails and pirate-inspired décor. Stay for the pirate appearances, and seasonal food and beverage specials.
From November 22 through December 31
Free
No reservations required
Sip & Sleigh
Located in 207 Bar and Nightclub Hard Rock San Diego.
Sip & Sleigh is one of the festive San Diego Holiday Pop-Up experiences you won’t want to miss. This holiday-themed bar brings bright lights, seasonal drinks, and creative cocktails that feel like winter in every sip. Whether you’re stopping by after work or making a night of it with friends, Sip & Sleigh delivers a fun, holiday vibe right in the heart of the city.
Free
No reservations required
xmas bar
The Xmas Bar holiday returns on November 7th inside Good Night John Boy. It is one of the standout 2025 San Diego Holiday Pop-Up. It brings the holidays with a retro twist, featuring cocktails like Jolly Hopper and Santa’s Lil Night Cap.
Dance the night away to Christmas tunes. Get a kiss under the mistletoe. Take a selfie with all the fun holiday décor.
Starts November 7th
Free
No reservations are required
Emo Christmas SD
Located in EI After Social Club
815 5th Ave, San Diego, CA
A San Diego Holiday Pop-Up that’s far from merry and bright. Dive into your nostalgic side, where they trade in the jingle bells for sad songs and sing-alongs.
November 14 through December 28
General Admission starting at $19.90 (includes a welcome cocktail)
Tickets online
Santa’s Lair
Located in Parq Nightclub
Escape to a holiday-themed bar with creative cocktails. A San Diego Holiday Pop-Up ticketed event with tables/seats available on a first-come, first-served basis
Tickets will be available online.
Deck the Halls
Located in Nason’s Beer Hall
Features over-the-top festive decor, holiday cocktails, seasonal bites, and beers. Specialty cocktails include Sleigh My Name, Jolly Good Rye, Jingle Juice, and Cousin Eddie’s Hot Cocoa. Foodies will enjoy the tasty treats at this San Diego Holiday Pop-Up.
Runs from December to January
Free
Tickets aren’t required, but reservations are highly recommended
Nightmare Before Christmas
San Diego Holiday Pop-Up located in Tipsy Crow
Details TBA
Après Tavern
Located at Plaza de Panamá in Balboa Park (1450 El Prado, San Diego, 92101)
This is a new European alpine-themed San Diego Holiday Pop-Up experience with a themed bar. It will feature craft cocktails, seasonal food, games, and rustic decor.
Starts Friday, December 5th
Runs daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Free
No reservations required
Holly Jolly Bar
Located at F6ix (526 F St)
Get into the holiday spirit at Holly Jolly Bar. The halls will be decked with floor-to-ceiling tinsel, trimmings, ornaments, and more. Warm up with seasonal cocktails and bring your friends to partake in some holiday cheers. Expect plenty of drinks at this San Diego Holiday Pop-Up.
November 13th – December 28th
General Admission starts at $22 per person (including fees)
Each ticket includes a 90-minute open seating and a welcome drink
MISSION BEACH:
Winter Wonderland at Draft
Located in Draft, Belmont Park.
Decked out with over-the-top holiday decor. A great spot to sip on handcrafted cocktails that celebrate the season. This San Diego Holiday Pop-Up adds something special to the winter season.
November 28 – January 4th
Free
No reservations required
Miracle Holiday Pop-Up
Located in Coaster Saloon.
Featuring festive original cocktails, over-the-top decorations, and exciting new mug designs. It is the original San Diego Holiday Pop-Up. The creative mugs can be purchased to take home.
Through December 1
Free
No reservations required
Mission HILLS:
Snowed Inn
Located in Fort Oak Restaurant.
A San Diego Holiday Pop-Up bar with themed decor and festive holiday cocktails. There are 12 holiday-inspired craft cocktails, small bites, and festive ice cream.
5 p.m. to Midnight
uns through December 31st
Free
No reservations
Little Italy
False Idol
San Diego Holiday Pop-Up with holiday decor and themed cocktails.
Free
No reservations required
Santas Cabana
Located in Brisa
The restaurant has transformed into a Christmas Pop-Up Bar. Tulum vibes will meet holiday magic. Think twinkling lights, festive cocktails, and a tropical twist on Christmas cheer.
Free
No reservations required
Giant Gingerbread House
Located in Queenstown Public House
The restaurant has again been turned into a giant gingerbread house for the holiday season. They have holiday decor and themed cocktails.
Free
No reservations required
Christmas Decor
Located in Nolita Hall
Holiday decor, food and drinks.
Dec 1st through 28th
Free
No reservations required
Lala-Land
Located in Lala
Expect over-the-top décor, lights, photo backdrops, and a special themed cocktail list at this San Diego Holiday Pop-Up. Drinks include Cinna Claus, North Pole Old Fashioned, and Busa Espresso Martini.
Free
No reservations required
San Marcos:
Winter Wonderland at Brickmans
Located in Brickmans Restaurant & Bar.
The restaurant is transformed into a Winter Wonderland filled with over-the-top holiday decor and professionally crafted cocktails. A San Diego Holiday Pop-Up you won’t want to miss.
November 28th through December 31st
Walk-Ins Only in Bar Area
Dine-In reservations
downtown san diego:
Sleigh Bell Social
Located in the Marriott Marquis San Diego.
Step into a bayside winter wonderland with snowfall, twinkling lights, and endless cheer. Get photos with Santa, Buddy the Elf, and stilt walkers. Make new memories and soak in the festive warmth. This San Diego Holiday Pop-Up brings the holiday magic to life.
Free.
5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Make reservations online
Elf on the 12th
Located at Mister A’s.
This San Diego holiday pop-up starts December 12th
Free
No reservations required
Clicquot in the Clouds
Located on the 32nd floor of the Manchester Grand Hyatt.
An elegant lounge featuring Veuve Clicquot, created in partnership with Moët Hennessy. This normally private venue opens its doors to the public. Guests can enjoy Veuve Clicquot Dom Pérignon by the glass. A San Diego Holiday Pop-Up serving festive drinks you’ll love.
Open Fridays – Sundays from Thanksgiving through Christmas and then all weeklong Christmas Day through New Year’s Eve. (Closed December 12-14)
Hours: 4 pm-11 pm
Free
More information
The Golden Girls Christmas Experience
Located in Bayside Kitchen and Bar
An immersive Golden Girls San Diego holiday pop-up. Celebrate like Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia. The decor recreates the lanai, kitchen table photos, shuffleboard, bedroom wall ops, drag brunches, trivia, high tea, and bingo. This San Diego Holiday Pop-Up goes all out on décor. Sip on the Shady Pines Spritz, Blanche’s Hot Buttered Rum and Sophia’s Spiked Eggnog.
November 19 through Early January
Tickets Required
Ugly Christmas Sweater Pop-Up Shop
Located in Punch Bowl Social
Punch Bowl Social has partnered with The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop for this San Diego holiday pop-up. You can buy ugly sweaters and can also enjoy seasonal cocktails.
November 14 to December 28
Free
CHRistmas Island
Located in Craft & Commerce
San Diego holiday pop-up focused on holiday cocktails like the Yippie Ki Yay, MF.
Through December 28
Free
No reservations necessary
Blitzen's at Ace Porter
Located in Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark.
Experience Omni’s Christmas-themed San Diego holiday pop-up. It is where the cocktails shine. They fill the space with ornaments, twinkle lights, tinsel, and more. This is its second season. Omni teamed up with mixologist and author Julie Reiner to create exclusive cocktails. It’s a solid way to start the season.
November 28 – January 4
Thursdays – Saturdays
4 to 11 p.m.
Free
No reservations required
Holiday Odysea at The Overlook
Located in Hilton San Diego Bayfront
This San Diego holiday pop-up is back for 2025. Guests will enjoy sweeping bay views, festive décor, and creative holiday cocktails. This experience is in collaboration with Grand Marnier. Drinks include the Grand Noël Cocoa, Marnier Glow, and Frosted Fruit Sangria.
Through December 31
Free
No reservations required
North Park/normal heights/South park:
Miracle at Botanica Bar
Located in Botanica Bar in North Park
A San Diego Holiday Pop-Up bar known for its festive, over-the-top holiday decor. They will be offering special seasonal cocktails.
Free
No reservations required
The Elf Bar
Located in AIR CONDITIONED Lounge.
Details have not been announced
Christmas Village
Located in The Lafayette Hotel
The hotel will be decorated for the holidays. Check out the lobby festive holiday decorations. A special Holiday Tea Service will be available in the hotel’s lobby Monday-Friday from noon to 4 pm.
Free
No reservations required
A Cocktail Carol
Located in Polite Provisions
Polite Provisions is transformed into “A Cocktail Carol” for their annual San Diego holiday pop-up. Cocktails include “Hyde Park Punch” and “Let it Snow.”
Free
No reservations required
Lost On Holiday
Located in Mothership
An immersive, sci-fi-themed holiday San Diego holiday pop-up experience. Guests can join the “marooned crew” of Mothership. Features special holiday cocktails and remasters of existing ones.
Free
No reservations required
La Costa
Blitzen's
Located in Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.
Experience Omni’s Signature Christmas-Themed Pop-Up Bar, Where the Cocktails Sleigh. They’re decking the halls with ornaments, twinkle lights, tinsel, and more. Returning for its second season. Omni is partnering with renowned mixologist, bar owner, and author Julie Reiner for exclusive cocktails. Visiting this San Diego Holiday Pop-Up is a great way to kick off the holidays.
Thursdays – Saturdays
5 to 9 p.m.
Free
No reservations required
LA JOLLA
The Frosty Saddle
Located in Estancia La Jolla
Mustangs & Burros transforms into a festive pop-up bar. Sip on holiday-inspired cocktails and savor seasonal bites in a cozy, spirited setting. This San Diego Holiday Pop-Up makes every corner photo-worthy. Drinks include “Thin Ice”, “California Christmas”, and the “Alpine Eggnog.”
Now open
Free
No reservations required
Holiday Decor
Located in Barbarella
This San Diego Holiday Pop-Up add a holiday theme to dining out.
Free
No reservations required
Rancho Bernado
Tis The Season Tavern
Located in Veranda Restaurant in Rancho Bernardo Inn
A festive seasonal bar that brings cheer to every toast. Twinkling lights, holiday décor, and merry music set the scene for seasonal cocktails and bites. Sip on the Fireplace Feelings Rum, Resting Grinch Face, or Gin-gle All The Way. You’ll feel the holiday magic at this San Diego Holiday Pop-Up.
November 28 through January
Free
No reservations required
Miramar
Winter Lodge
Located in Cutwater Tasting Room and Kitchen.
Sip, savor, and enjoy the spirit of the season. Enjoy twinkling lights and cozy lodge-inspired décor at this San Diego Holiday Pop-Up.
November 20 to December 22nd
4 – 7 p.m.
ENCINITAS
Miracle on Coast
Located in Union Kitchen Encinitas
The bar transforms into a San Diego holiday pop-up. Enjoy a limited-edition cocktail menu, twinkling lights and holiday fun.
November 28 through January 4
Tue – Thurs: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday – Sat: 5 p.m. – midnight
Free
No reservations available
The North Pole
Located in Herb & Sea
Sip on holiday cocktails and enjoy twinkling décor at this San Diego holiday pop-up.
Starts November 28th
Rancho Santa Fe
Clicquot Inn the Snow
Located in The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
Clicquot Inn the Snow is a new San Diego holiday pop-up at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. The Inn is turning its Croquet Cottage into a warm alpine-style chalet with champagne, cocktails, and fondue. Guests get a welcome glass of Veuve Clicquot and can order tastings, including a special champagne flight.
Starts December 4th
Chula Vista
Bar St. Nick
Located in Lime in the Coconut
A tropical themed San Diego holiday pop-up. Offering holiday drinks and food.
Through December 28th
