Step into a winter wonderland at Emilia’s Havana and enjoy the GingerBerg Nog.
Houston’s weather might keep the city from turning into a true winter wonderland in December, but that doesn’t stop our local watering holes from trying to spread holiday cheer. With bars promising themed cocktails and festive photo opportunities, here’s where to go to get in the holiday spirit.
Uptown
Houstonians have until December 27 to enter Berg Hospitality Group’s 1950s Cuban-inspired speakeasy for a “Havana Holiday” experience. Expect Latin beats, themed decor, and a diverse lineup of Christmas cocktails, including the Santa Clausmopolitan, a White Christmas margarita, a GingerBerg Nog made with Remy 1738, and a decadent Dubai chocolate martini.
Cover on Wednesdays is $25 and includes one complimentary cocktail, while admission on Thursdays through Saturdays is $50 with the first cocktail included. Dinner seatings are also available Thursday through Saturday night 6:30–9pm.
eado
For any Houstonian seeking the ultimate Instagrammable moment, this is the bar to visit this holiday season. Frosty’s Christmas Bar features several photo opportunities across its two levels, including a sleigh, a large Santa chair, a fireplace, and life-size buttons and ornaments. The drinks don’t disappoint either. Try the Naughty and Spice margarita, a Polar Espresso martini, or a candy cane shot for a creamy vanilla treat.
Sip on a holiday cocktail at HiFi at the Finn.
HiFi at the Finn
downtown
This downtown vinyl lounge is ready to celebrate the holiday season with the return of its 12 Days of Christmas. For two weeks, HiFi at the Finn will flaunt seasonal decor, as well as several themed nights with fun activities like holiday musical bingo, Snowy Night burlesque, a Motown Christmas with DJ Flash Sparks, and classes in winter-flavor mixology, ornament decorating, and candle making. To accompany the fun, bargoers can sip on spirited drinks like The Night Before, a holiday-spiced espresso martini; A-Side of Cider & Spice, a whiskey-spiced apple cider served hot; or Fireside Nog.
For holiday festivities, head to Botonica’s Jingle Bell Bar.
River Oaks
Botonica transforms once again this month, but this time to welcome owner Alexis Mijares’s annually anticipated pop-up, Jingle Bell Bar. This usual gothic-themed spot will put on a festive face throughout its three rooms, including a Classic Christmas area at its main bar, which will be decked out in colorful decor and twinkling lights. Head into the downstairs lounge to experience the Candy Cane Lane room, adorned with pastels, gingerbread, candy, and other confections. Round out the visit with a trip upstairs to the mezzanine bar for the Ski Lodge, which exudes a woodland escape. Check the schedule for its special events, including three Jingle Bell Burlesque shows and two cookie-decorating movie nights. More on drinks to come; reservations are recommended.
Downtown
Lyric Market is another downtown destination that’s transforming its traditional digs for the holidays. Now through December 31, the food hall’s Jingle & Mingle welcomes visitors to a winter wonderland complete with lights, themed photo opportunities, and dishes from its various restaurants. The cocktails are especially festive this year, with a Feliz Navidad Nog with Cruzan coconut rum, the vodka-based Peppermint Express made with peppermint RumChata, and the Sugar Plum Fairy that’s crafted with ghost tequila.
Tinsel Town is spreading holiday cheer this year in the Chifley Hotel.
uptown
Take a stroll to the Chifley Hotel and immerse yourself in Tinsel Town. The bar’s holiday pop-up boasts large, glittery ornaments, themed decor, festive tunes, and cocktails ranging from $12 to $16. Sip on drinks like the Let It Snow (light rum, tequila, vodka, and blue curaçao), the Grinch Margarita, Mistletoe Paloma, Yule Mule, or Rum Rum Rudolph. Feed your inner Scrooge with light bites of pimento cheese, deviled eggs, lamb lollipops, and truffle parmesan fries.
northside
Trash Panda Drinking Club is reviving its holiday pop-up once again. This year takes on The Nightmare Before Christmas theme, featuring playful drinks and bites driven by classic Hispanic holiday flavors—think warming spices, hibiscus, Abuelita hot chocolate, and ponche navideño, a Christmas punch. Signature cocktails include the Jack the Halls, a sweet corn coquito; the Dr. Finkelstein, a rum apple old-fashioned; Sandy Claws, a spiced cranberry highball; and the El Tesoro reposado, with notes of grapefruit and butterscotch.
