The holiday season is in full swing here in Sacramento. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, it’s time to make your holiday bucket list and check it twice to make sure going to one of these Sacramento Christmas pop-up bars is on it.
Image Courtesy of: Melissa Hom
The Snug
You’ve heard of the Miracle on 34th Street, but have you heard of the Miracle on R Street? The warm atmosphere at Sacramento’s The Snug will soon be transformed into the Miracle on R Street featuring dozens of holiday-inspired cocktails starting Nov. 17. Tables at the bar will be first come first serve, so if you're looking to skip the line, be sure to bring a wrapped toy for the Toys For Tots and cut the line.
Details:
The Snug | 2718 J St.
Friday through Sunday | 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Image Courtesy of: Melissa Hom
The Butterscotch Den
Did someone say tinsel? Take a trip back to the tinsel-covered Christmases of the 1970s with The Butterscotch Den's "Miracle on Broadway" holiday bar. Reservations fill up fast, so if the sound of boozy eggnog cocktails or a Santa’s Little Helper made with gin, spiced caraway syrup, eucalyptus and sage makes your mouth water, be sure to make a reservation on the bar’s website.
Details:
The Butterscotch Den | 3406 Broadway
Monday and Tuesday | 4 p.m. to midnight
Friday and Saturday | 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Sunday | 4 p.m. to midnight
Image Courtesy of: Francisco Chavira
The Jungle Bird
Mele Kalikimaka, Sacramento! If you couldn’t make it to the Hawaiian Islands this year, a trip to Midtown’s Jungle Bird is the next best thing. The Sippin’ Santa Christmas popup is transforming The Jungle Bird into a holiday paradise with festive tiki-inspired cocktails and elaborate décor. From the Kris Kringle Colada served in a coconut to Rudolph’s Rum Rhapsody served in a communal tiki tub, you’re sure to get into the holiday spirit, island-style.
Details:
The Jungle Bird | 2516 J St.
Tuesday through Sunday | 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Image Courtesy of: Francisco Chavira
Tiger Restaurant & Lounge
Christmas is coming, which means this two-story restaurant and lounge located in the heart of Downtown has turned into a magical winter wonderland. Throughout the month of December, you can enjoy special holiday cocktails served in festive mugs including the “Keep the Change, You Filthy Animal,” which is a jasmine green tea martini, as well as the “Cold Fashioned,” which is a Camellia Coffee Roasters cold brew old fashioned. After 10 p.m. is when the real fun begins for those 21 and over: “Tiger After Dark” with live DJs and special guest acts.
Details:
Tiger Restaurant & Lounge | 722 K St.
Happy Hour | Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.
Tiger After Dark | Wednesday through Saturday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Image Courtesy of: Francisco Chavira
Bottle & Barlow
A visit to Bottle & Barlow during the holiday season is sure to “sleigh” your Instagram game. This iconic part bar, part barbershop truly knows the meaning of “deck the halls” as you won’t find a wall without some sort of colorful holiday décor there, which you can admire as you sip on holiday cocktails such as the “Just a Bite, Snow White” with tequila, apple, citrus, allspice, champagne, and hard-cider or the “Gingerbread Martini” with vodka, ginger, almond, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.
Details:
Bottle & Barlow | 1120 R St.
Monday through Thursday | 4 p.m. to midnight
Friday | 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Saturday | 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Sunday | Noon to midnight
Image Courtesy of: John Hernandez
The Shady Lady Saloon
There’s truly snow place like this 1920s bar in Sacramento during the holiday season. On Sunday, Dec. 17, you can get dressed up and enjoy an evening of glitz, glamor, and festive fun at the Shady Lady Saloon’s 14th annual Snowfall holiday soiree. The event features holiday cocktails, small bites, and live Christmas tunes from Shaun Slaughter.
Details:
The Shady Lady Saloon | 1409 R St.
Snowfall | Sunday, Dec. 17 beginning at 8 p.m.
Monday through Wednesday | 3 p.m. to midnight
Thursday and Friday | 3 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday | 10 a.m. to midnight
Image Courtesy of: Downtown Sac
The Old Sacramento Waterfront
This year, the Old Sacramento bars are going head-to-head to see who’s the merriest of them all. Join in on the fun by going to your favorite bar and placing your vote for the best-dressed holiday bar. Participating bars include: Brannan Manor, La Terraza, Finnegans, Vega's, Last Stop Saloon, Bear & Crown, Delta King, and Fanny Ann’s.
For more information, read our guide to the Old Sacramento Waterfront holiday happenings.
