Get in the Christmas spirit at holiday popup bars around metro Phoenix

Endia Fontanez, Arizona Republic
Updated ·3 min read

The weather is getting colder—or, as cold as Phoenix ever gets—and Christmas lights are beginning to twinkle on homes and businesses across the Valley. Lights at the Farm is back, as is the Chandler Tumbleweed Tree and metro Phoenix bars are offering an extra dose of holiday cheer as they transform into winter wonderlands with over-the-top decor and festive cocktails.

If you prefer to celebrate the winter holidays with boozy candy cane milkshakes, cocktails served in Santa tiki cups or s'mores roasting over an open fire, these metro Phoenix bars and pop-up experiences have you covered.

These are the 8 best holiday popup bars around metro Phoenix.

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Après Chalet

This year's holiday pop-up bar from Hyatt Regency Scottsdale features seasonal cocktails in a snowy, ski-lodge inspired setting. Drinks include the Altitude made with Ford's Gin and crisp bubbles and the Maplenut made with Volcan reposado tequila, Maraska Orahivac green walnut liqueur and Woodinville maple. Bar bites include charcuterie boards and marshmallows that guests can roast themselves over a fire pit for s'mores.

A portion of all proceeds from the holiday lounge will benefit Healing Hearts Animal Rescue.

Details: 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale. 480-444-1234, hyatt.com.

Bar Blitzen

Holiday cocktails from Bar Blitzen.
Holiday cocktails from Bar Blitzen.

Culinary Dropout Tempe debuted its first ever holiday popup bar last year at The Coop. This year, Bar Blitzen is back in Tempe and is making its Gilbert debut. Highlights include festive cocktails and Christmas decor. A $5 cover charge per check will benefit Toys for Tots.

Details: 149 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe. Also, 383 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert. culinarydropout.com.

Feliz Navidad Cantina

Santa Clause ornament hangs next to glassware at Salt and Lime after decorations transform it into the Feliz Navidad Cantina for the holidays on Nov. 29, 2021, in Scottsdale.
Santa Clause ornament hangs next to glassware at Salt and Lime after decorations transform it into the Feliz Navidad Cantina for the holidays on Nov. 29, 2021, in Scottsdale.

Salt and Lime Modern Mexican Grill in Scottsdale has once again transformed into Feliz Navidad Cantina, now through early January. The festive menu includes Christmas enchiladas and mistletoe Martinis. Look out for weekly appearances from Santa Claus and the Grinch and enjoy the decked-out holiday decor. The cantina is also collecting new, unwrapped toys for its holiday toy drive.

Details: 9397 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 115, Scottsdale. 480-661-5463, saltandlimeaz.com.

Miracle at Floor 13

Bartender Rebecca Hollis makes a drink for a customer at the pop-up Miracle Bar at Floor 13.
Bartender Rebecca Hollis makes a drink for a customer at the pop-up Miracle Bar at Floor 13.

Hilton Garden Inn's rooftop bar in downtown Phoenix features kitschy holiday decor and cocktails, including Naughty and Nice shots and the Christmapolitan made with vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, lime, rosemary and absinthe mist. Food specials include candy cane charcuterie and Elf Yourself flatbread.

Details: 15 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-396-7168, floor13rooftopbar.com/miracle-bar.

Saguaro Summit Ski Lodge

The annual holiday cocktail pop-up bar from Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix and Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails returns on Nov. 27. The festive cocktail menu includes Reindeer Fly-By made with aperol, strawberry vodka, alpine amaro and lemon juice and a hot cocoa featuring High West bourbon.

Details: 2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-258-0231, bluehoundkitchen.com.

Sippin' Santa

Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour transformed into a tiki Christmas wonderland for the Sippin' Santa pop up bar.
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour transformed into a tiki Christmas wonderland for the Sippin' Santa pop up bar.

Located at Bitter and Twisted in downtown Phoenix, Sippin' Santa holiday is a uniquely festive tiki bar. Try the Merry Spritzmas or North Pole Bowl for two served with two straws in a tiki tub.

Details: 1 W. Jefferson, Phoenix. 602-340-1924. bitterandtwistedaz.com.

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Winter Wonderland at JoJo's ShakeBAR

Winter Wonderland at JoJo's ShakeBAR includes boozy peppermint milkshakes, Polar Espresso martinis and a Santa Sangria. From now until January 14, the restaurant will also be hosting a variety of Christmas activities like Holly Jolly Mixology classes, ornament painting, wreath making and gingerbread house decorating.

Details: 15037 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite J150, Scottsdale. 520-636-5572, jojosshakebar.com.

50 Shades of Christmas

50 Shades of Christmas presented by 50 Shades of Rosé features festive drinks and decor.
50 Shades of Christmas presented by 50 Shades of Rosé features festive drinks and decor.

The Scottsdale bar 50 Shades of Rosé is hosting a Christmas popup experience featuring cinnamon toast shots, Christmas cookie martini, gingerbread man cocktails and more. The Old Town Scottsdale bar also has DJs and festive photo ops for guests to enjoy.

Details: 7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale. 50shadesofroseaz.com.

Reach the reporter at endia.fontanez@gannett.com. Follow @EndiaFontanez on X, formerly Twitter.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Get jolly at Christmas pop-up bars in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe