As those advent calendars continue the countdown to Dec. 25, many local watering holes are transforming their interiors into mini winter wonderlands. Staff have sufficiently decked the halls with lights, bows, tinsel, candy canes—you name it—all to create a cozy atmosphere for guests to snap photos and get into the holiday spirit. And, as the star on top of the Christmas tree, many of these bars are also offering specialty drinks (think: toasted marshmallow martinis and “Jingle Juice” cocktails) to round out your very-merry visit.
From vintage Santa statues to flickering fireplaces, even Scrooges will find something to smile at while grabbing a drink at the following spots this season.
Ale Mary’s: Cleverly named “Christmas on Fleet,” the holiday pop-up concept at this Fells Point watering hole has everything you need to feel merry and bright. Enter the bar through the illuminated archway out front and snag a table beneath glimmering ornaments, wreaths, tinsel, and lights strung across the ceiling. (Correctly guess how many ornaments are hanging and win a prize after Christmas!) If the cozy decor and fun photo ops aren’t enough to encourage a visit, check out the list of festive food and drink specials—which includes Santa’s spinach artichoke dip, Tiny Tim’s turkey sandwich, a Gingerbread Man Mule, and the Christmas Carol-themed “Ralphie’s Leg Nog.”
Reservations: No need. But be sure to mark your calendar (and check it twice) for special events like holiday card-making on Dec. 8 and a Christmas movie marathon on Dec. 24.
Ampersea: Beautifully curated with wintry white accents, this waterfront destination in Fells Point has officially brought back its annual pop-up. The dreamy dining room glows with a frosty-blue backlit bar, columns wrapped in fluffy flowers, and thousands of white snowflakes and LEDs hanging from the fabric-draped ceiling. You can also head onto the heated back patio to enjoy a fireside glass of Champagne or a cozy cocktail—like a vanilla vodka and Bailey’s concoction garnished with a flaming marshmallow.
Reservations: Make them via OpenTable, here.
Bar Santa: Just a block up from the Miracle on 34th Street lights in Hampden sits this brand new pop-up bar in the former home of Paulie Gee’s on Chestnut Avenue. David Alima (who owns The Charmery across the street) and chef Craig Falk (of the fan-favorite Big Softy pop-up) have partnered to reinvigorate the space with holiday lights and buzz Thursdays through Sundays from 5-10 p.m.
To accompany Falk’s famous Detroit-style pizzas, local bar veteran Amie Ward will offer a cocktail program highlighting seasonal sips, Union beers, bourbon-spiked Charmery hot cocoa, and dirty sodas.
Reservations: No need, just stop by.
Dutch Courage: It’s the most wonderful time of the year at this Old Goucher favorite, whose annual “Gin-gle Bells” takeover is officially in full swing. Throughout December, the bar and its back patio are festooned with everything from stockings and snowflakes to candy canes and Christmas trees. And the staff puts just as much thought into the seasonal menu as they do the decor.
Pair charcuterie boards, snacks, sammies, and toasts (butternut squash and whipped goat cheese on Motzi bread, anyone?) with an array of creative sips in vintage vessels. You can’t go wrong with the sweet-and-spicy “Partridge in a Pear Tree” gin cocktail, or the “Wild Holiday,” fusing gin, allspice dram, pineapple campari, plum liqueur and cinnamon.
Reservations: Snag them using OpenTable, here.
Lib’s Grill: The Liberatore’s little-sister concept is bringing back its all-out holiday experience aptly named “Cocktails & Candy Canes.” At all three locations in Perry Hall, Maple Lawn, and Bel Air, enjoy eats and drinks amongst floor-to-ceiling snow, stars, and Santas.
But the decor is just the beginning. Throughout the month, the yuletide interior will also be the setting for special events such as Christmas Carol-oke on Dec. 10, a Santa brunch on Dec. 13, an ugly sweater bash on Dec. 18, a weeklong Hanukkah celebration Dec. 14-22, and a pajama recovery party the day after Christmas.
Plan a visit to experience the bar in all of its cheery glory while imbibing a “Buddy the Elf” Old Fashioned, spiced red wine-infused “Santagria,” or a round of “Jack Frost” coconut rum shots, among other holly-jolly drinks.
Reservations: Make them via Resy, here.
M8 Beer: Take a trip Down Under by way of the South Baltimore Brewery District this season. The first-floor taproom at M8 Beer—known for its authentic Australian beers—is now a holiday hangout featuring Aussie Christmas tunes, beachy decor, strung lights, and festively clothed kangaroos.
The pop-up’s accompanying tiki menu offers a “Mistletoe Mai Tai” with spiced cranberry syrup, a blood orange daiquiri, and a “Naughty or Nice” take on a classic eggnog.
Reservations: First-come, first-served.
Miracle Pop-Up Bar: This nationally renowned holiday attraction is making its return to Power Plant Live, once again taking over Leinie’s Lodge and Beer Garden this winter. Open throughout the end of December, the bar pairs festive fun with holiday nostalgia. Every square inch is adorned with tinsel, trinkets, lights, ornaments, sleigh bells, and other snowy surprises. (Don’t be shocked to spot presents hanging from the ceiling or an animatronic Santa behind a DJ booth.)
The themed food and drink menu serves sweet-and-savory snacks (think along the lines of cranberry-glazed turkey meatballs and sprinkle-topped Belgian waffles) with cocktails like the “Chrismapolitan” and “Snowball Old Fashioned.”
Reservations: Make them for via OpenTable, here.
The Perch: Thanks to the designers with The Otherside Creatives, this watering hole in the heart of Federal Hill is now expertly embellished for the holidays. Aptly named Perchmas, the takeover highlights sparkling lights, shiny ornaments, glittering garland, and multiple photo backdrops throughout the bar and its signature mezzanine.
While you enjoy the space, sip cocktails (like the cider and Fireball “Prancer’s Poison” or the citrus and Smirnoff “Jingle Juice”) order snacks for the table (“Bad Santa” Brussels or a “Stocking Stuffer” chili cheese dog) and enjoy planned special events like crafts, drag, and burlesque.
Reservations: Walk-ins welcome. Snag tickets for the special holiday happenings, here.
Sally O’s: The weather might be frightful, but this Highlandtown hangout is keeping it bright inside with tons of shiny tinsel, neon strung lights, sparkly ornaments, snowflakes, and even a white Christmas tree. Aside from serving up highlights on their regular menu (always order the smashburger!), chef/owner Jesse Sandlin and her crew are offering holiday drinks and gearing up for the bar’s annual seven-course Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner on Dec. 23.
Reservations: Grab a table on Resy, here.
Slainte Irish Pub & Restaurant: Equipped with extravagant exterior lights and occasional “snow showers” from the roof, this Thames Street sports hub screams holiday cheer before you even set foot through the doors. Inside, the space is perfect for a holiday-themed game of I-Spy, highlighting everything from wreaths and gingerbread men to colorful blinking lights and paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling.
Reservations: Not necessary, but be sure to follow Slainte on Instagram for announcements on holiday programming—including drink specials in Santa mugs, themed brunches, celebratory crafts, and movie marathons—happening throughout the month.
Sopro Christmas Bar: The team at this Canton Square staple is once again transforming its upstairs bar into a decked-out holiday hub—this year paying homage to everyone’s favorite chaotic, Christmas-hating character. Grab a group and get Grinchy to enjoy green-themed eats and drinks amongst all of the stockings, garland, presents, twinkling lights, and wrapping paper wall panels that double as great photo backdrops.
A kickoff party for the space is set for Dec. 3, followed by dog pics with the Grinch on Dec. 14, a DIY foam Christmas tree activity on Dec. 17, and breakfast with Santa and the Grinch on Dec. 20.
Reservations: Walk-ins only.