Here's your guide to the best and merriest holiday pop-ups in Atlanta.
Holiday on the Roof at Ponce City Roof
May your days be merry and bright! We were treated to a holiday preview of Ponce City Roof’s Holiday On The Roof full of socially distant Igloos, chilly ice skating, and sipping on cocktails at Holiday Social Bar! Igloos are a unique holiday offering at Ponce City Roof and 9 Mile Station! A little champagne, cozy seats, and bites. Wouldn’t that be divine? You can choose from family friendly, 21 plus around the skating rink (shown), and full-service dining experience at 9 Mile Station. We saw they had unique decor like fire or ice too. Plus, Each Igloo is sanitized between groups! Grab the spirits of the season with a selection of holiday themed cocktails from two themed bars: Holiday Social Bar and MixMas at 12 Cocktail. At Holiday Social Bar (free with admission) sip on drinks like Die Hard is a Christmas Movie!, This Christmas I Gave You a Daiquiri, and The Krampus Cane. They also have kitschy, eclectic decor, and a wall of nutcrackers. Plus, they have a fantastic dancing light Christmas tree that was captivating. MixMax reservations are encouraged for an upscale experience. Let’s not forget the skating either. Slide on your skates and hit the ice! There is also Ice Queen residence on Sat and Sun for the kiddos.
Holiday on the Roof is located at Ponce City Market on their roof. 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308
Miracle Bars – all locations including newest at The Fox Theater Marquee Club
Merry Christmas, Y’all! The Christmas season officially kicked off with a visit to Miracle at the Fox Marquee Club! The decor is so over the top awesome in a beautiful, swanky club downstair while you wait! Then, upstairs in the pop-up, presents hang from the ceiling, tons of Santas and Christmas trees, and even a winter village. Sit inside or out, you’ll feel in the Christmas SPIRIT! Speaking of spirits, Miracle never disappoints with their cocktails! Like our favorite, the Yippee Ki Yay Mother F****: Santa pants and all, the pumpkin-almond orgeat brighten this boozy cocktail and sprinkles it with the magical dusting of Christmas cheer. Yes, we agree, it’s about time Die Hard was given its due as a Christmas movie! Also, the SanTaRex is a beyond cute mug with a fantastic concoction inside. Tequila, coconut, and pineapple all come together like a holiday-inspired pina colada. Such tiny arms too but watch out T-Rexes like to hunt in packs. We witnessed them all together behind the bar on the prowl.
Miracle Bars have other locations, all with over-the-top décor, and delicious cocktails! Check out the details:
Miracle at Wonderkid, new to the scene, is excited to welcome in a new era of Miracle in Atlanta. Located at Atlanta Dairies, Wonderkid will be decked in holiday gear and ready to serve up Christmas off Memorial. If being inside still isn’t something you want this year, The Yard at Atlanta Dairies will be in on the fun, making Miracle a safe and accessible experience for everyone.
Miracle on Highland is back for its third year at PARISH in Inman Park and ready to serve up cheer with a side of safety. The beautifully decorated spot is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but ready for you throughout the rest of the week.
Bon Ton’s Sippin’ Santa, the all-ages tiki twin to Miracle, returns for its third year at Bon Ton along with a new location at Golden Eagle. The tiki-themed meets Christmas atmosphere is perfect for those who didn’t get to take their beach vacations this year. Bon Ton will keep its regular hours for lunch and dinner but won’t offer its traditional drink menu during Sippin’ Santa. Golden Eagle will be operating inside and outside and serving up the holiday-meets-paradise drink menu Atlantans have come to love.
Tiki Tango Holiday Oasis
“How’d you like to spend Christmas, on Christmas Island?” – Bob Dylan covers Christmas Island. Now you can! Tiki Tango, in Midtown, has morphed from tiki hut to island holiday oasis filled with presents, lights, and tons of island holiday cheer. While we were there we sipped on the Campfire, a rum blend with cocoa, vermouth, lime and espresso and topped with marshmallows and lit on fire! This drink is one part tiki and one part Christmas and embodies what Christmas on an island would feel like. The Bodi Hai is Tiki Tango’s own brand of rum mixed with coffee rum and pineapple, this one is mellow and smooth like an island breeze. The coffee adds a little bit of smoke and bitter. They also have some fun Christmas themed entrees like the fantastic sleigh bell sliders with plank fries. We’re in love with their wasabi aioli, so slather it on. They also have wings, dips, and a more. The decor is phenomenal, and you should definitely get over there for an unforgettable time.
Tiki Tango is located in Midtown at 57 13th Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
Foxtrot Liquor Bar’s Home Alone Pop-Up
Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal! We think we all agree, Home Alone is no doubt an iconic Christmas Movie and our friends at Foxtrot Liquor Bar has transformed their bar into a homage to the movie, Kevin’s classic scream and all! With some fantastic cocktails and food here’s some of the fun menu items we tried! The Milk & Cookies cocktail is one that Santa would approve! Not at all milky, but just smooth cocktail that tastes EXACTLY like milk and cookies, plus adorned with a cookie on the side and in this cute Kevin glass. The Wet Bandits is a beer and a shot combo, only this one a dark beer (Sweetwater Festive Ale) and a sweet shot. That’ll hit you in the face with a paint bucket! BEST THING ON THE MENU is the fabulous Holiday Board. It is jammed full with cookies, pumpkin pie and ginger snaps combo, apples and whipped cream, candied nuts, and John’s favorite sausage balls, it’s a smorgasbord of holiday delights. Ya Filthy Animal plate is a take on a loco moco this dish reminds us of Salisbury steak and rice then smothered in gravy and topped with a perfectly presented egg. It’s comforting and hearty! Imagine Kevin eating this all alone at his large dining table. They also have everything from frozen eggnog, poutine, wings, and a ton of other festive drinks. We had so much fun and even spied a leg lamp from last year’s A Christmas Story pop-up.
Foxtrot Liquor Bar is located next to Tiki Tango at 45 13th Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
Joy Café’s 1st Annual Naughty or Nice Holiday Pop-up
With a GINORMOUS live Christmas tree anchoring the dining room, Joy Café has decorated their dining room and feature an array of Christmas cocktails to be sure to make you naughty or nice. On the nice list is the Stocking Stuffer. It’s sweet of a frothy egg white up front with striking peppermint on the back. It balances on the line between sweet and savory. Along side this one, are the Milk & Cookies Santa Really Wants where the name says it all. This Santa approved cocktail comes with a cookie glass that you have to eat after you shoot the milky Kahlua! Santa may leave you more presents for this! Now on the naughty list is the Cuddly as a Cactus. This Grinch-inspired green drink, with slightly smoky mezcal, chartreuse, and very citrus forward. The balance on this one is incredible. This was the favorite of the Christmas cocktails! Whatever you do, stay for some FANTASTIC southern-inspired fare like fried chicken, pork belly ribs, ceviche, salmon, and even pie.
Joy Café is located in Midtown at 1110 Peachtree St. NE 110, Atlanta, GA 30309
Best End Brewing Mingle & Jingle Holiday Pop-Up
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree.” Down at Best End Brewing, they’ve transformed one of their rooms into the Mingle and Jingle Bar full of creamy Christmas cocktails, photo ops, and holiday cheer! Starting with a Christmas bow wall and a larger-than-life glowing teddy bear to take photo with, the décor is over the top fun that Buddy the Elf himself would approve of! While we were there, here’s some of the bites and sips we sampled. Of the cocktails, Partridge in a Pear Tree is a pear purée, brandy, lemon drinks with a frosty, sugar rum, this was the best drink they have with a sweet fruity start and then boozy on the throat. Then, the Call Me Elf One More Time was the favorite of the creamy drinks. It was sweet up front but had a cool, peppermint on the back of the sip. Creamy and cool! They also have creamy numbers like Santa’s Kiss with brandy, creamy, and honey, as well as School of Hard Nog, a boozy egg nog. A Classic! If you’re looking for beer, the Santa Sleigh Bomb is a pick a beer and a shot, all delivered on a sleigh. Santa would approve. This pop-up has the BEST HOLIDAY POP-UP BITE, Die Hard is a Christmas Movie. This giant, feeds two and the angus beef patty has so much flavor, you could eat it alone. On top of that, you get crunchy hash browns, sauce, and an egg?? Divine! Mingle & Jingle has partnered with United Way Atlanta to provide giveback opportunities. You can also enter the Drunken Reindeer Raffle to win an overstuffed stocking filled with goodies.
Best End Brewing is located in West End at 1036 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
The Elf Room at The Blind Pig Parlour
“There’s room for everyone on the Nice List.” -Buddy, Elf. We agree, The Blind Elf at The Blind Pig Parlour has definitely been added to Santa’s Nice List this year for its fabulous array of festive cocktails, sweet and savory bites, and fun holiday decor. When you enter, you notice tastefully adorned Christmas décor around a swanky bar. The cutest little spot is the big deer (reindeer?) surrounded by a huge wreath. They have a great array of cocktails like our favorite, All Cider Dram. It’s rich with allspice and reminiscent of hot cider, this beauty is sassy and sweet with a buttery finish from the caramel rim. Another one we loved was the Mid-Winter Blast. Be prepared for this one to nip at your nose with the chill of spearmint and crushed ice paired with the warming bourbon and sweet blackberry. So balanced and cool. If bubbles are your thing, the Blind Cherub classes it up with edible glitter and candy pearls on top of the guava and bubbles. You can also drink your dessert with The Dude. Just like the famed Dude and his White Russians, this cocktail mixes vodka, chocolate liquor, Kahlua and a sweet, toasted meringue. It’s smooth and like eating a piece of holiday pie. They also have an array of small plates like the chili-glazed and pecan smoked pork belly skewers, savory mini sausages with a honey mustard dipping sauce, and divine dark chocolate dipped candied oranges. There’s something that will make your nice list here too.
The Blind Pig Parlour is located in Buckhead at 128 East Andrews Dr. Atlanta, Ga BEHIND Chido & Padres.
Jingle Bar at Three Sheets
“Santa baby, hurry down the chimney tonight.” Get over to Three Sheets to see how they’ve transitioned into Jingle Bar full of frisky cocktails, dancing lights, and some solid Santa approved bites! When you enter, you’re greeted with a huge lighted Santa and reindeers flanked by Christmas trees. Behind it, are a ton of lights from floor to ceiling that dance to the Christmas music. Of the cocktails we sampled, the first was Elsa’s Hawaiian Vacation. It was our first frozen cocktail at a pop up is a sassy, frosty number with vodka, pineapple, Curaçao, and the coconut sweet rim that balances it out. Plus a little sweet and a little crunch. On the opposite spectrum was the Cocoa Caliente. This was HOT CHOCOLATE with cinnamon infused tequila and Aztec bitters, topped with a ton of whipped cream. Just like childhood the night before Christmas, without the booze of course. They have several light and full bites to choose from like the Charcuterie & Cheer Board we sampled all the way to lamb pops. The board has three cheeses, salami, crispy toast, and a fantastic jam to make a great bite. Love the addition of the grapes.
Three Sheets is located in Sandy Springs at 6017 Sandy Springs Circle. Atlanta, GA 30328
West Pole Village at McCray’s Tavern Smyrna
Step into a West Pole Wonderland at McCray’s Tavern Smyrna. With several festive cocktails, holiday decor, and fantastic food, you’ll definitely feel the Christmas Spirit here. The second you walk in you see tons of lights, Christmas tree, and giant blow-up santas, plus they have several great holiday cocktails to choose from, and you MUST stay for dinner! You’d be in for a treat. While there, we tried the Frozen Egg Nog. It’s just what Santa wants you to leave out instead of boring cookies and milk, some eggnog and booze. Amiright? Also sampled the The St Nick and this one one SMELLED like Christmas! You could roll it up in a candle and have in your home! With cloves, rum, and cinnamon forward with the only sweetness from the whipped cream, it’s a tasty treat. One of our favorites was the Holiday Bounce, a old fashioned with cinnamon. Just imagine sitting by the fire and sipping this warming drink. Classic. Then there was the The Mistletoe, the wine spritzer of Christmas! Delighted by this one because it marries sake, bubbles, cranberry, and booze so well! Sweet, bubbly, and pretty.
Remember we said to stay for dinner? Here’s why! They have a new menu item, the Duck Ramen where the duck was perfection! Then mixed with green tea earthy noodles, savory sauce, it’s a solid ramen. One of our favorites was the Scottish Salmon that was medium cooked and melted into the rich broth below and paired with earthy spinach. All-around great bite. Then, there was the wild, most interesting (in a good way) bite, the Pork Belly. It has coffee rub and truffle on top! It’s fantastic! The cassoulet was tasty below with beans and a slightly spicy sauce. Why not stay for dessert too? They have a stellar bread pudding that’s crunchy on the edges, ooey and gooey on the inside. Top it with caramel and chocolate drizzle, plus a scoop of ice cream and you’ve got something fantastic.
McCray’s Tavern Smyrna is located at 4500 West Village Place. Smyrna, Ga 30080.
Park Tavern’s The Rink and Miracle on 10th
Miraculous, Merry, Majestic. The Rink and Miracle on 10th at Park Tavern at Piedmont Park is all of this plus a dash Christmas SPIRIT of and a pinch of holiday magic. Back at it again this year, Park Tavern is always a great spot to go ice skating, but they’ve upped their game with IG photo spots, tons of holiday kitsch and even gotten into the festive glass wear game. We sampled the Campfire Hot Toddy in the Snowman mug and served warm with cinnamon. It’s Jack Daniel’s apple, sweet brown sugar are paired in an adult apple cider that will remind you of those cold winter nights by the fire. Our second cocktail was the Holiday Mule in a Santa Boot. It’s spicy ginger beer, lime, and either whiskey or vodka. The perfect sipper.
Park Tavern is located in Midtown on the edge of Piedmont Park, 500 10th Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.
The Blitzen Room
Biltong Bar – the acclaimed South African-inspired restaurant and bar specializing in dry-aged beef jerky and craft cocktails – will kick off the holiday season with its signature Blitzen Room. The pop-up will take place at the Ponce City Market and Buckhead Village locations, and near Biltong Bar’s newest location at Avalon in collaboration with Maker’s Mark. Blitzen Room will run from late November through early 2021 and feature swanky, vintage decor, festive seasonal libations and more.
Launching on November 22 and lasting until January 3 as part of Avalon’s Holiday Market, Biltong Bar’s newly opened location in Alpharetta will host Blitzen Room in collaboration with Maker’s Mark. Located inside Avalon’s Holiday Market, the pop-up Blitzen Room bar will feature a menu of seasonal libations made with Maker’s Mark, like Stave Me An Old Fashioned with Maker’s Mark, Calvados, Walnut, Bitters; Comet’s Cider featuring Maker’s Mark, Spiced Cider, Maple, Lemon; and Not Your Grandma’s Eggnog, served frozen and made with Jim Beam Rye, Courvoisier VSOP, Rum, Sherry, Egg, Sugar, Cream, Spice.. The pop-up bar will be separate from Biltong Bar’s location at the property and will include an awkward family photo wall where guests can snap pictures in addition to festive decor. Maker’s Mark will be on-site throughout the season hosting events and activations.
Launching at Buckhead Village on November 24 and at Ponce City Market on November 25, Blitzen Room will also return to Biltong Bar’s intown Atlanta locations this year. Guests can expect to get “Up to Snow Good” with seasonally themed cocktails including Chartreuse Hot Chocolate, green chartreuse, almond, drinking chocolate, white chocolate whipped cream; The Famous Eggnog, brandy, rye, rum, pedro ximenez, milk, eggs, spices; and Elf on the Top Shelf, rye, calvados, oloroso, champagne gum, brown butter. The restaurant’s moody interior will once again transform into a winter wonderland complete with swanky, vintage Christmas decorations, trees with twinkling lights and more.
Originally opened in 2016 at Ponce City Market, later in 2018 at Buckhead Village and most recently at Avalon, Biltong Bar is part of restaurateur Justin Anthony’s South African-inspired hospitality group, True Story Brands. In 2019, Biltong Bar was recognized as one of Thrillist’s “21 Best Cocktail Bars in the Country” for its standout cocktail program.
Biltong Bar values the safety and comfort of all guests and is following safety precautions including socially distanced tables and limited seating capacity, extensive sanitation measures, a mask requirement for guests and staff and more.