The holiday season is in full swing, and some restaurants, bars, and hotels around San Antonio are really getting into the spirit. With just over a week to go before Christmas (and in most cases, some time to extend it afterward), bar-goers can reach the peak of holiday fun with festive pop-up bars presenting seasonal drinks, eats, whimsical decor, and other fun activities.
Three Star Bar
521 E. Grayson St.
This Pearl-area bar is home to Krampus’ Cove, which celebrates the creepy German legend and Santa Claus’ adversary. Krampus’ Cove features seasonal drinks, naughty elves, evil snowmen, some humorous alternate versions of classic Christmas carols, and perhaps even a visit from Krampus himself. Krampus’ Cove is open through December 25.
InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk
111 E. Pecan St.
The High Praise Rooftop Bar is the space for Peppermint Peak. Guests can enjoy views of a wonderland of lights, downtown skyline views, fancy s'mores, outdoor space heaters, and more. Christmas movie-inspired libations on the menu high in the sky include Son of a Nutcracker, Ya Filthy Animal, Hap Hap Happiest Cocktail, and I Think You Are Cute Espresso Martini. Peppermint Peak is open through December 27.
Esquire Tavern
155 E. Commerce St.
Visitors to Esquire’s Christmas-themed pop-up bar, Miracle on Commerce Street, can find all sorts of holiday decorations inside an immersive setting. The drink menu includes the Christmapolitan, a vodka-based cocktail with spiced cranberry sauce; the Krampus with reposado tequila and Hellfire Bitters; and Crooked Antler, featuring brandy, hazelnut, and a ruby port. Group reservations are required, and the space is available for private functions. Miracle is open at the Esquire’s downstairs bar now through December 31.
Hugman’s Oasis
135 E. Commerce St.
At the tropical-themed Sippin’ Santa pop-up, special cocktails are poured into classic Hugman’s Oasis tiki glasses that are decked out for the holidays. Offerings include Frosty the Merman, Choquito, Sugar Plum Mai Tai, Yule Tide, Merry Spritzmas, and a Snowball’s Chance in Hilo. This pop-up is ongoing through December 31.
Chicken N Pickle
5215 UTSA Blvd.
Chicken N Pickle’s Holiday Hideaway offers wintry lodge vibes with outdoor fire pits, Christmas decorations, rooftop views, and 10 seasonal cocktails. All reservations include a shareable dish of red pepper hummus and charcuterie. Reservations are encouraged. Holiday Hideaway is open though December 31.
Omni La Mansion Del Rio Hotel
112 College St.
El Colegio bar at the River Walk hotel is putting on the blitz with Blitzen’s Bar, a colorful Christmas pop-up bar overseen by guest mixologist Julie Reiner, famed for her work renowned at several New York City hot spots. The fun is happening at Blitzen’s Bar now through December 31.
Plaza San Antonio Hotel and Spa
555 S. Alamo St.
Miracle on Arciniega St., at this downtown hotel’s Anaqua Garden Bar, features eight holiday cocktails, such as Rudolph's Red Nosed Martini. A s'mores board or a seasonal cookie plate completes the festive spread. The bar is open now through December 31.
Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
103 E. Jones St.
Elsewhere welcomes visitors to Whoville with a Grinch-inspired atmosphere featuring colorful, bright, whimsical displays. Similarly, there will be themed drinks and bites such as Mrs. Claws Punch, Grinch Potion, and a Grinch burger, all through December.
Bar America
723 S. Alamo St.
Bar America in Southtown is spending the holiday season celebrating the iconic Christmas Eve action movie Die Hard with a variety of fun special activities, and offering cocktails such as the Yippie Rye Yay, MF. This pop-up is open "now through January," the bar's social media says.
Green Lantern
20626 Stone Oak Pkwy.
This Stone Oak lounge is also known this holiday season as Apres Ski Lodge, where the wintry cocktail menu includes Fernet Navidad, Sweater Weather, Silent Night, and Apply Ever After, with the latter featuring cask-strength bourbon by Still Austin Whiskey Co. The holiday menu is available for an unspecified time.
