13+ Festive Christmas Bars Atlanta Loves to Imbibe In for Holiday ‘Spirit’ in 2023

Tis the season for a bevy of Christmas bars Atlanta finds inspiring! At these fun bars and lounges, you’ll find delicious themed cocktails, plus tons of festive decorations.

Expect over-the-top decor, seasonal cocktails, festive food specials, and plenty of photo opportunities at holiday-themed bars all around the city. And don’t dawdle — most of the pageantry disappears after the new year.

Ready to grab a festive drink? Here are 13+ Christmas bars Atlanta loves!

Note: We’re continuing to update this article in 2023 as we get new info!

CHRISTMAS BARS ATLANTA LOVES

THE BLITZEN ROOM AT BILTONG BAR

Ponce City Market and Buckhead Village
DATES: Opening November 22, 2023

Biltong Bar is “Up to Snow Good” as they transform their space for the fourth annual holiday pop-up: The Blitzen Room. The restaurant will feature swanky, vintage Christmas decor and seasonally themed cocktails like Chartreuse Hot Chocolate and Frozen Egg Nog.

A MIRACLE ON 10TH STREET AT PARK TAVERN

Park Tavern | Piedmont Park | Atlanta
Dates: November 23, 2023 – January 15, 2024

Step into a winter wonderland at A Miracle on 10th Street at Park Tavern. Their festive holiday lights and kitschy decor set the stage for an Instagram-worthy adventure. The ambiance is perfect for creating lasting memories and capturing those picture-perfect moments.

The Park Tavern offers an array of seasonal cocktails in playful glassware. Try a Cheek Warmer or a Drunken Girl Scout as you cozy up by the fire pits. They also offer delightful non-alcoholic beverages, hot chocolate, s’mores and more!

A Miracle on 10th Street offers spacious areas with various themes, ensuring that you have plenty of room to relax and enjoy the festivities. Whether you’re sitting by one of the fire pits or fireplaces, hitting the ice skating rink with friends, or watching your favorite football team on one of the 20+ flatscreen TVs, there’s a spot for you and your crew.

Year-round the Park Tavern welcomes your furry friends to join the celebration! Their expansive patio overlooks Piedmont Park and the Midtown skyline, providing a stunning backdrop for your holiday moments — including moments with your pets!

TINSEL TAVERN AT THE BATTERY

The Battery Atlanta
Dates: November 30 – December 23, 2023

 Live! at The Battery – the entertainment destination located in the heart of The Battery Atlanta – announces the return of its second annual holiday pop-up bar Tinsel Tavern! Guests are invited to step into the magical fun throughout the merriest time of year and experience an explosion of tinsel and twinkling lights, holiday-inspired cocktails and small bites, and photo moments. The whimsical experience will be open daily Thursday, November 30 through Saturday, December 23. Hours will be 4pm-midnight Sunday through Thursday and 4pm until close on Friday and Saturday (excluding select days for private events).

Throughout the season, Tinsel Tavern will host festive, themed nights including a Holiday Karaoke Party on December 2 from 8pm–midnight (free), an Ugly Sweater Party on December 16 from 9pm–1am ($5 per person) and a Dancing Elves Silent Disco on December 23 from 9pm–1am ($5 per headset).

Thursday through Saturday at 8pm, the staff will lead a flash sing-along to a favorite holiday song, and every Thursday, guests can join holiday line dancing at PBR Atlanta. People will be able to make reservations here beginning November 9 or can walk in for drinks and socializing.

APRES SKI AT RANGER STATION

Ranger Station (located above Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall) | Atlanta
DATES: December 1-31, 2023

Throughout the month of December, Ranger Station’s Après Ski Holiday Bar will transport you to a ’70s-inspired winter wonderland featuring a festive menu of seasonal cocktails, shotskis, and fondue (both savory and sweet!) to keep you warm. There will also be interactive photo opportunities, retro holiday movies, and more. 

You’ll find a fun cocktail menu with items such as the Bunny Hill (fig, gin, vanilla, cardomom, lemon and yogurt), the Black Diamond (charanda mushroom rum, rye whiskey, lemongrass, strawberry, angostura, peychauds), the Gondola to Heaven (bourbon, lemon, red wine, pumpkin spice, cassis, turmeric black pepper orange foam), and more. Check out the menu here.

Ranger Station is located above Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall on John Wesley Dobbs Avenue in Atlanta. Doors open at 5pm. Walk-ins welcome, no reservations required.

HOT CHOCOLATE POP-UP AT WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA BUCKHEAD

Brassica | Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead
DATES: November 24, December 8 and 15, 2023 from 2-4pm

How about a Hot Chocolate Pop-Up? Guests at Brassica at Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead can stop by for a seasonal specialty such as the Waldorf Astoria Hot Chocolate, with recommended additions of Peppermint Schnapps, Aged Rum or Rye Whiskey, and the Spiced Gingerbread Eggnog featuring Brown Butter Bourbon and Ginger Spiced Syrup to sip on during this magical time of year. Light fare like Chocolate Hazelnut Tarts, Vanilla Puffs, Cinnamon Madeline and more will be available alongside these drinks.

Feeling extra festive? Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite over-the-top holiday sweater for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the hotel’s fabulous Black-Tie New Year’s Eve Gala. 

In addition to the hot chocolate, you’ll also find a lineup of themed cocktails at Brassica this holiday season. Presented in a glass ornament, the Merry & Bright Cosmopolitan features house-spiced Jamaican Tea, Belvedere and Grand Marnier, putting an elevated, holiday-esque twist on the classic cocktail. The Chocolate Peppermint Mezcal is the ideal libation for any chocolate lover, and the seasonal favorite Brassica Hot Toddy has graced the menu once again.

CHURCH STREET VACATION AT THE THIRD DOOR

The Third Door | Marietta Square
BEGINS: Nov. 29, 2023

The Third Door in Marietta Square will transform for the third year in a row into the Church Street Vacation in December, a holiday pop-up that’s themed after National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

At this pop-up, you’ll find cocktails like the “I Don’t Know Margo!” (a vodka gimlet made with candy cane cordial), the “Where’s the Tylenol” (a baking spice infused Old Fashioned), and the “Little Full, Lotta Sap” (a hot toddy featuring blended scotch, lemon, honey and pine).

The Third Door is all decked out in holiday decor to make the experience super merry. You may even see Cousin Eddie while you’re there!

MIRACLE AT THE EXPAT

The Expat Athens | 1680 S Lumpkin St. | Athens
Dates: November 24-December 30, 2023

Miracle at The Expat in Athens will feature a holiday oasis with over-the-top kitschy, festive decor and a themed cocktail menu with fan favorites such as the Christmapolitan and Christmas Cricket. New this year is Rudolph’s Replacement, The Krampus, and Marshmallows & Unicorns. Additionally, there will be special holiday food menu items such as White Chocolate Budino, S’mores Tart, and Panforte Scuro.

I’ve been to The Expat during the holiday season and it cannot be missed! Such a fun and unique atmosphere and the food is divine.

The Expat is also offering Tacky Sweater night every Tuesday in December! Wear your most festive, funky attire!

MOUNTAIN LODGE POP-UP AT HAMPTON + HUDSON

Hampton + Hudson | Inman Park | Atlanta
Dates: Dec. 11-23, 2023

This holiday season, Hampton + Hudson, the community bar and restaurant in Atlanta’s Inman Park neighborhood offering elevated pub food, craft cocktails, beer and wine, will host a Mountain Lodge Pop-up to celebrate the most joyful and cozy time of year from Monday, December 11 through Saturday, December 23. The pop-up will be open 6-11pm nightly, and walk-ins are welcome.

JINGLE BAR AT TRE VELE

Tre Vele | 6017 Sandy Springs Cir | Atlanta
Dates: Begins December 1, 2023

Tre Vele is keeping all things merry and bright this season with their Jingle Bar. Their favorite tradition will continue on with the transformation of their rooftop patio into a holiday wonderland.

Guests can sip on one of their fun and festive cocktails, such as Santa’s Spiked Eggnog, You’re a Mean One or the Poinsettia Spritz alongside a selection of appetizers.

The Jingle Bar will be open from 5-10pm Sunday-Thursday, and 5-11pm Friday-Saturday. Reservations are required.

ROOFTOP HOLIDAY BAR AT 5CHURCH MIDTOWN

5Church Midtown | Colony Square
Dates: November 17 – December 29, 2023

‘Tis the season for celebrating, and 5Church Midtown kicks off the festivities with the launch of its Rooftop Holiday Bar at Virtue Rooftop.

Located above 5Church Midtown in Colony Square, they’re transforming their space into a true holly jolly wonderland with twinkly lights, unobstructed Midtown views, and delightful holiday music. 

They will be offering a special interactive and shareable S’MORES BOARD featuring house-made graham crackers, marshmallows, pumpkin cheesecake bites, caramel popcorn, a hot chocolate bomb cookie, and a rich hot fudge for dipping, alongside their full rooftop menu. Enjoy drinks like Candy Cane Lane, Christmas Mule, and Santa’s Espresso Martini.

Rooftop Holiday Bar will be open 7 days a week, starting at 5 p.m., and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis for those aged 21 and over, with no cover charge. 

CHRISTMAS BARS ATLANTA: THE BLIND ELF

Blind Pig Parlour Bar | Buckhead
BEGINS: November 10, 2023

Experience holiday magic at The Blind Elf in Buckhead this holiday season! The Blind Pig Parlour Bar will reopen as The Blind Elf to spread cheer throughout the holiday season! Guests can expect a festive, holiday-themed bar adorned with twinkling lights and holiday decor.

Guests enter a festive wonderland of over-the-top décor and twinkling lights to discover a variety of warm and chilly holiday-themed drinks, candy cane shots, beer, wine, and bubbles to ensure a spirited mood. Highlights of the Instagram-worthy drink menu include:

• Polar Express Martini. Vodka, espresso & peppermint liqueurs, cold brew, coconut, vanilla whip
• Mistletoe Margarita. Tequila, lime, cranberry, rosemary-sage syrup
• Rudolf’s Spiked Eggnog. Classic eggnog with brandy
• Mama Clausmopolitan. Vanilla vodka, cranberry, pomegranate, lime, triple sec
• Nightmare Before Christmas. Gin, red bull blue edition, peach & ginger liqueurs, lime
• Down the Chimney. Bourbon, St. George spiced pear brandy, smith & cross rum
• Ugly Sweater Party. Mezcal, angostura, orgeat, lemon
• Donny & Blitzen. Gin, lime, cranberry-clove syrup
• Jingle Juice Mocktail. Pineapple, lime, rosemary-sage syrup

The Blind Elf’s food menu is as festive as the cocktails! Here are some of the offerings this year:

• Reindeer chips and dip with house-made French onion dip with chips and veggies.
• Santa Hammy Sandwich made with ham, gouda, and tomato jam.
• Holly Torte with brie cheese, granny smith apples, and cranberry jam.
• And the Mini Beef Wellies include puff pastry, filet mignon, mushroom, mustard, and horseradish sauce.
• Sweets such as Snowman on Fire and Jack Frost Snowballs, along with others.

The Blind Elf will be doing an a la carte service every Wednesday through Saturday evening beginning Nov. 10, 2023. Starting November 27th, they will be open 7 days a week. Then, the Blind Elf Experience will launch on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. The Blind Elf Experience ($54 plus gratuity and tax) features two cocktails and two food items per person. 

All guests must be at least 21 years of age or older to join The Blind Elf nightly. They will be doing kid-friendly daytime sessions again this year, and more info about that will be announced on their Facebook page.

Reservations open up 30 days in advance and are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are welcome based on limited availability.

SKI CHALET HOLIDAY POPUP AT HOBNOB NEIGHBORHOOD TAVERN

Halcyon | Alpharetta
DATE: November 8, 2023 – February 29, 2024

Get into the winter spirit with the Ski Chalet Holiday Pop-up at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern at Halcyon in Alpharetta.

Escape to the comfort of their ski chalet beginning November 8th and running through the winter. Try some of the best Apres-ski fare east of the Rockies plus new seasonal cocktails. Enjoy their snowy-season cocktails by the fireplace and their tabletop s’mores! Entertainment every Friday and Saturday.

CAROLS AT OVER THE TOP BURGER BAR

Over the Top Burger Bar | Buford
DATES: December 1-31, 2023

Head over to Over the Top Burger Bar in Buford and experience their pop-up bar this year — Tinsels! This holiday-themed pop-up will have Christmas cocktails, décor & inspired food.

With live entertainment and decorations galore, this is one you’ve got to see.

Awesome burgers, yummy milkshakes, and some majorly awesome theming make this a must-do! They’ve got a kids menu too, so your little ones can join in on the fun.

HAPPY WHO-LIDAYS AT MERCANTILE SOCIAL

Mercantile Social | Alpharetta
BEGINS: November 9, 2023

Drink up, Grinches! Mercantile Social is up to SOOO good with a Who-ville transformation this month. Insta-perfect Christmas decor and a menu to match make this Alpharetta stop a must. Try the Grinchs Lair, the That Feels Good, the Mayor of Mule Ville, or the all-new (and impressive to look at) Holiday Cheermeister Fudge Judge to get you in the spirit.

Hungry? They’re even carving a Roast Beast!!

HOLIDAY SOCIAL BAR ON THE ROOF

Holiday Social Bar | The Roof at Ponce City Market
BEGINS: Friday, November 17, 2023

Just inside the tower lobby, the Holiday Social Bar will welcome Roof-goers with an over-the-top experience bursting with whimsical, floor-to-ceiling decor and holiday-inspired cocktails from an award-winning beverage team.

Drinks include the likes of Sleigh Fuel, served hot with Old Grandad BIB Bourbon, Eggnog, Cinnamon & vanilla, and Christmas in Miami, made with Coconut Cartel Rum, mint, lime, bitter orange & angostura. No reservations required.

MIXMAS AT 12 COCKTAIL BAR

12 Cocktail Bar | Ponce City Market
BEGINS: Friday, November 17, 2023

12 Cocktail Bar will be home to a swanky holiday bar located in the tower on The Roof this holiday season, and every Friday night, they’ll host holiday themed cocktail classes. Reservations are highly recommended and can be booked at 12cocktailbar.com.

FELIZ NAVIDAD POP-UP BAR AT PACHENGO’S

Pachengo’s | Buckhead Village
Dates: Open now-December 31, 2023

Pachengo’s at Buckhead Village is getting into the holiday spirit with the opening of its Feliz Navidad Pop-Up Bar, now open Sunday-Thursday from 11:30am-10pm and Friday & Saturday from 11:30am-11pm. Through the end of the year, guests are invited to step into a festive wonderland decked out with holiday décor, music and Mexican-inspired beverages, welcoming guests with a Christmas playlist and festive atmosphere.

Additionally, Pachengo’s is serving holiday-themed cocktails to pair with its traditional menu of tacos, enchiladas and starters such as queso blanco, tostadas and elote. 

Holiday beverages include: 

• Sour Grinch – Pachengo’s take on a pisco sour 
• Abuelita Borracha –  Abuelita’s hot chocolate with choice of Patron or Angel’s Envy
• Pachengo’s Ponche – Classic Mexican party punch with choice of Patron or Angel’s Envy
• Ornamentini – Grey Goose rosemary peach martini served in an ornament
• Ho Ho Horchata – Santa Teresa horchata made with coconut

Reservations can be made via OpenTable.

“ROCKIN’ AROUND THE URBANTREE” AT URBANTREE CIDERY

UrbanTree Cidery | 1465 Howell Mill Rd NW | Atlanta
DATES: November 22, 2023 – January 7, 2024

UrbanTree Cidery is bringing back their second annual “Rockin’ Around the UrbanTree” Holiday Pop-Up Bar!

Their Christmas bar will host its grand opening on November 22, 2023, from 5PM-12AM, where there will be a number of fun activities. The festivities will include specialty holiday-themed cocktails and shooters, multiple photo-ops throughout the tasting room, Karaoke every Wednesday from 8-11pm, Trivia every Thursday at 7pm, special holiday events throughout the month, and more.

The specialty holiday menu will include two hot cocktails, eight cold cocktails and two festive shooters.

The tasting room is always child and dog-friendly– so bring the whole family! No reservations or ticket purchases are required to attend.

GETAWAY IN A GLASS

While not a pop up, it’s still worth sharing the Loews Atlanta Getaway in a Glass flavors for those who prefer to sip under the colorful lights of their own tree. Here’s your make-at-home Midtown Gin + Tonic recipe so you can create their iconic drink for your family.

• 1.5oz Hendrick’s Gin

• Top with Q Bottled Tonic

• Serve in snifter over crushed ice

Garnish – Rose petals, juniper berries, cucumber ribbons (or thin slices). Fill a snifter with crushed ice. Pour gin into glass. Top with tonic. Place garnish inside and on top of the cocktail to your liking using cocktail tweezers.

For those looking to enjoy the Midtown Gin + Tonic and have a complete Loews Atlanta Hotel experience, try Park, Play, Extend Your Stay. 

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOLIDAY FUN IN ATLANTA:

• CHRISTMAS EVENTS: Christmas in Atlanta: Your Festive Guide To The Best Holiday Events
• LAKE LANIER ISLANDS LIGHTS: Lakeside Lights Spectacular Returns
• GARDEN LIGHTS: Atlanta Botanical Garden Lights: Brilliant Holiday Fun
• STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS: Tips & Tricks for Maximum Fun At Stone Mountain’s Christmas Event
• ICE SKATING: The Best Rinks in Atlanta for Kids, Teens & Adults