Columbus is turning up the holiday sparkle once again, transforming its most beloved bars and lounges into immersive, joy-filled Christmas pop-ups that make even the grinchiest spirits bright. From disco-era nostalgia drenched in twinkle lights to elegant winter hideaways serving lavish cocktails, the city’s festive bar scene offers a little something for every kind of holiday reveler.
Here’s where to sip, savor and celebrate your way through Columbus this holiday season.
Xmas Bar at Good Night John Boy
The holidays have descended on your favorite disco dance bar, Good Night John Boy. Studio 54 meets your grandparents’ funky 1970s basement, right in the heart of Short North and this season, it's all decked out for Christmas. Enjoy festive sips and bites along with beats that are guaranteed to get you off your feet.
Visit Good Night John Boy at 906 N. High St.
Santa Baby at The Junto. Source: Melissa Chu for The Junto.
NEW! Santa Baby Bar at The Junto
New this year, head to The Junto's Santa Baby Bar, an elevated seasonal escape featuring lavish cocktails, decadent surroundings and a festive energy that’s indulgent, alluring and unlike anywhere else. Stick around for more seasonal fun by heading upstairs to Brass Eye, where you can book the "Winter Haus" private dining experience.
Visit The Junto at 77 Belle St.
Photo credit: Miracle Pop-Up Facebook.
Miracle at The Citizens Trust
Santa is making a list and checking it twice at The Citizens Trust, which will once again welcome Miracle – the national Christmas bar popping up in major U.S. cities–starting on November 28. Don your favorite Christmas sweater while you sip Santa-themed cocktails out of holiday mugs, surrounded by a 14-foot-tall inflatable igloo, Christmas trees and Christmas lights galore. There will be holiday music playing all night long (obviously), giving you more reason to sing when drinks like the “Snowball Old Fashioned” or “Elfing Around” start to kick in. Reservations aren’t accepted, so get there early to avoid being a Grinch.
Visit Miracle at 11 W. Gay St.
The Elf Bar: Christmas Pop-Up Experience
Proclaimed "A Naughty Little Holiday Pop-Up," The Elf Bar is a Christmas wonderland bursting with twinkling light and a little North Pole chaos. Timed tickets required. Family-friendly hours available at 1 pm and 2:30 pm, Saturdays. Learn more.
Tracksuit Taproom at Columbus Brewing Company
The Columbus Brewing Company's taproom is opening back up for a limited time to bring you Tracksuit Taproom, named after their "Tracksuit Santa" spiced holiday ale. This cozy holiday haven will offer guests the perfect backdrop to try the CBC's expanding list of holiday beverages.
Visit the CBC Taproom at 2555 Harrison Dr.
Photo credit, Land-Grant Brewing Facebook.
Land-Grant Brewing Taproom
Coming soon, Land-Grant Brewing is turning its taproom into an over-the-top Christmas Bar featuring a special holiday drink menu, seasonal beers and cocktails.
Visit Land-Grant at 424 W. Town St.
Ebenezer’s at The Bottle Shop
Don’t be a Scrooge – unless you’re going to The Bottle Shop. This sommelier-owned neighborhood cocktail bar is transforming into Ebenezer’s, a Charles Dickens-themed watering hole with gothic decor from the Victorian era, “floating” candles, Krampus pillows, black chandeliers and period-inspired cocktails like hot mulled port wine punch, which Dickens fans might remember from the end of A Christmas Carol. Unlike other holiday-themed bars, this one is for the more “laidback” Christmas fans. You know the ones we’re talking about; Mariah Carey songs make them say “bah humbug.”
Visit Ebenezer’s at 237 King Ave.
A Rockwell Christmas at The Marmont
Turn back the hands of time with a visit to A Rockwell Christmas, a holiday pop-up at The Marmont, Forno's speakeasy. Enjoy new specialty drinks and don't forget to order some warm fondue for the group. Reservations are recommended; book your table in advance.
Photo credit, Huli Huli Facebook.
Huli Holidays at Huli Huli Powell
Mele Kalikimaka! Once again, Powell’s Huli Huli Tiki Lounge & Bar will trade in its signature tiki mugs for ones with carvings of Santa and snowmen, and fill them to the brim with spiced cocktails – like the “She Wrapped Up Her Damn Cat,” with Evan Williams Huli Spiced Bourbon, ginger shrub, clove orange rosemary syrup, passion fruit, pomegranate and cranberry bitters. Like any good tiki bar, the vibe is fun and kitschy. Expect tropical Santa shirts, colorful Christmas lights, Hawaiian statues wearing Santa hats, Christmas wreaths with hibiscus flowers and maybe even a ukulele version of your favorite holiday tune. You’ll need your winter coat to get to the door, but once you're through, it’s all warm wishes and sunny salutations.
Visit Huli Holidays at 26 W Olentangy St.
Pop into one of these pop-ups and get in the holiday spirit! Bring us along by tagging your photos with #yesColumbus, and check out all the holiday events happening in Columbus here.
