In just under a decade, Richmond has gone from a few festive spots with holiday tree lightings and fancy Christmas decorations (we’re looking at you, The Jefferson) to full-on temporary name changes and themed menu drops. Today, you can’t swing a stocking without hitting a holiday pop-up bar.
So we’ve gathered them up, from the new to the tried and true, for your December drinking pleasure. That’s right, you’ve found the only guide you’ll need for Richmond’s sleighful of sparkling holiday bars and pop-ups. Check out our two experienced writers’ brief notes on the vibes, menus, prime hours, reservation details and even dress codes for nearly 40 spots (yes, you read that right). Most of them are local, with a few out-of-town suggestions.
We’ve even got “A Poem” to kick things off. What more could you ask for?
For anything else, go directly to the big guy in red.
A Poem
‘Twas the month before Christmas in 2016
No holiday bar stirring, they hadn’t yet hit the scene.
Decorations were hung, maybe a festive piñata
But a dedicated theme? Nothing, zilch, zip, nada
Fast-forward now to a fading 2024
And our city is rife with holiday bars galore!
On eggnog! On glitter! On tinsel and toddies!
Happy hangover to all and to all a great party.
That New New
Christmas Movie Marathon at Black Lodge
3200 Rockbridge St. suite 101
The vibe: Your favorite high-end dive bar got a holiday makeover.
The menu: Everything is a reference to a movie. Chef and owner Brittanny Anderson says it is “as over-the-top as possible.” Think tiki cocktails, coquitos, rumple minze/underberg 50/50s, oh my.
Times, dates, reservations: It opened Dec. 2 and it’s first come, first served. Weekdays are the best days to go, either early or late. As for weekends, the move is to eat at Brenner Pass and then roll over for a frozen cereal milk egg nog nightcap.
Wear: Doc Martens, but with tinsel
Gingerbread Cove at Little Nickel
Times, dates, reservations: Runs from 4 p.m. to close daily through New Year’s Eve. How to get in? Little Nickel is notoriously busy during main dinner hours, so stop in during off evening hours or right at 4 p.m.
Wear: The outfit you bought for Aspen or a hula skirt with Ugg boots.
Harry’s Glitz + Glam Holidays
Harry’s at the Hofheimer
2818 W. Broad St.
The vibe: Three stories of sexy, Sexy, SEXY! Cuz, you know, Christmas is sexy!
The menu: Festive tipples, such as the Harry Kiss cocktail made with prosecco foam and Aperol, and a Holiday Affair with spiced rum and lemon. There are also two seasonal shooters.
Times, dates, reservations: Regular business hours. Book reservations at the website. Make a reservation or check the website for special events throughout the month.
Wear: A trench coat; what’s underneath is up to you.
Jingle Belle at JewFro
1721 E. Franklin St.
The vibe: This might be Richmond’s first prix fixe holiday pop-up. Settle in for a full meal amid seasonal decor.
The menu: For $65, you get four fancy courses with optional upgrades. There’s a latke tostada, a scallop snowman and even a build-your-own gingerbread house for dessert. You can add a cocktail pairing for $35, or go a la carte with options like a smoked persimmon mezcal margarita.
Times, dates, reservations: The special menu is available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in December. You can also order a la carte all day Thursday and every day at the bar. Reservations can be made via Resy or at the website. Make a reservation or roll in on Thursday.
Wear: Your tacky Santa sweater and sequined stretchy pants (four courses!)
Krampustown at Révéler Experiences
3108 W. Cary St.
The vibe: Take Révéler’s already eclectic atmosphere and add the darker side of festive folklore.
The menu: The special menu features four yuletide monster-inspired cocktails. Want to know more? Go read the menu; each gets a full page complete with a monster story in the menu booklet.
Times, dates, reservations: Open during regular hours through the end of the year. Friday nights bring a new late-night game show called The Nice + Naughty list. Get tickets at the website. To get in, either buy a ticket for one of Révéler’s many events or go for happy hour, which runs weekdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Wear: Holiday goth. You know what that means, right?
Make Spirits Bright at Revel Market and Bar
6223 Lakeside Ave.
The vibe: Festival decorations and holiday cocktails. An ideal stop before or after Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, just voted the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights for the second year in a row by USA Today.
The menu: Try the Pink Grinch martini. The name says it all.
Times, dates, reservations: Runs through New Year’s Eve during regular business hours; walk-in only. Revel’s happy hour is a fantastic way to stretch your holiday budget, so go from Tuesday to Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m.
Wear: Bring a coat and handwarmers (see above).
Noel at Beaucoup
111 N. Robinson St.
The vibe: A Parisian spin on Christmas with classy décor and a miniature train running through the restaurant.
The menu: Equal parts nostalgia and high-level service with a lot of cocktails. Think loads of champagne and holiday hors d’oeuvres such as Swedish meatballs, clam casino and pigs in blankets, and of course, oysters. Don’t miss Inverno a Ravello, a must-try riff on an espresso martini made with anejo tequila, Laird’s Applejack brandy, Campari Averna amaro, Coco Lopez, whole egg and espresso. Off-menu tip: Order a bottle of champagne and you get an order of French fries–classique.
Times, dates, reservations: Runs Dec. 1 until New Year’s Day during regular restaurant hours. Reservations are available for all-size parties and can be made at the website, but they are pretty much booked. Reservations don’t start until 5:30 and generally wrap by 9:30 p.m., so go early (like 4 p.m. on the dot) or late-night.
Wear: Button-down shirts with black-and-white stripes, open to the navel, cropped pants and a beret.
Sugar Plum Tini at Quirk Hotel RVA
201 W. Broad St.
The vibe: An oasis of the year’s it-drink amid Quirk Hotel’s signature, sparkly pink-and-white decor.
The menu: All the holiday espresso martinis you can shake a pink stick at. Choose from four varieties — Sugar and Spice featuring tequila and cinnamon was our favorite — there’s also boozy cider and cocoa.
Times, dates, reservations: The pop-up opened Nov 21 and continues through Dec. 27 and is walk-in only. It’s a Christmas miracle! Just walk in.
Wear: All things pink and sparkly. May we suggest repurposing your Taylor Swift Eras tour ensemble?
The West Pole at Bar West
5811 Grove Ave.
The vibe: Christmas trees, walls covered in wrapping paper, lights galore.
The menu: Fuel your Libbie and Grove holiday shopping with a Grinch burger, topped with chimichurri sauce, and an I’m All Toasty Inside shooter featuring vodka, espresso and gingerbread syrup.
Times, dates, reservations: Runs through Jan. 5. Do happy hour with Santa on Dec. 12 or brunch with the big guy on Dec. 22. Walk in or book your reservations at their website.
Wear: That red-and-green North Face you bought as a gift to you, from you.
Winter Wonderland at Napa Kitchen and Wine
15825 WC Main Street (Midlothian) in Westchester Commons
The vibe: Over-the-top trimmings, music, themed glassware; the restaurant is dripping with decorations. It’s calling itself “the largest Winter Wonderland in Chesterfield County.”
The menu: There’s a special prohibition cocktail menu complete with themed glassware. Try mulled wine, a spiced old fashioned, or a pomegranate gimlet.
Times, dates, reservations: Open through the new year. Reservations are available at the website; make a reservation or just roll up to the wine bar.
Wear: Something lit. There are 10,000-plus holiday lights to be seen by.
Call ’em a Comeback
The Evergreen at Birdie’s Bar and Cafe
305 W. Broad St.
The vibe: The cute, open-to-the-public cafe in front of Common House social club has tinsel and glitter from top to bottom. This is one of the most popular pop-ups with lines that flow down the street.
The menu: Pretty similar to their daily menu food-wise, but add in specialty drinks like a gingerbready-espresso concoction and frozen eggnog. There is a drink called Yellow Snow –it’s up to you if you want to brave it.
Times, dates, reservations: The holiday bar will be rockin’ around the Xmas tree through Jan. 6, 2025. Reservations are taken at all hours they are open, and Mondays are reserved for walk-ins. If you’ve got a crew, you can also book a prix fixe dinner in the decked-out wine cellar; it fits five to eight people with seatings at 5 and 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. You can get a set three-course menu for $99 per person, plus seasonal cocktails available for purchase. Reservations are released on Mondays in batches for upcoming weeks. Last year, there were lines at night during dinner hours, so go during the day for brunch. If you are waiting, pop across the street to Sweet P’s for a cocktail or wander down to walk-in-friendly Quirk Hotel.
Wear: Festive corduroy and/or a sparkly headband (do it for the Insta!)
Miracle on Cary at The Jasper
3113 W. Cary St.
The vibe: Richmond’s OG holiday pop-up bar is known for pounds of décor, creative drinks and lines that wind down Cary Street.
The menu: Some similarities to last year, like our favorite “those grape jelly meatballs” along with newbies like a potato-aquavit combo. Cocktails come in themed glasses and you can even buy them and take them home! Our choice for the name alone: the Yipee Ki Yay Mother F*****! This boozy blend of rum, ube, coconut and pineapple might have you yelling like Bruce Willis, too.
Times, dates, reservations: Open through New Year’s Eve, reservations are available for parties of 10 or more, but they are long gone. You’ll have to wait in line with the masses. Best advice? Go late. Forget about 5 p.m., it’s bonkers during those early hours. Grab a corn dog from newly opened Hots and Brats next door while you’re queuing — they’re specially available during miracle season.
Wear: Your ugly Christmas sweater. And three coats for waiting in line, two fuzzy furs and a partridge in a pear tree.
Rum & Reindeer at Island Shrimp Co.
11 Orleans St.
The vibe: Santa hits the tropics with frosty tiki vibes. You can also rent an igloo for $120.
The menu: Themed cocktails in festive glassware. Get the Snowflake Sunburn: rum, brandy, orgeat, pear liqueur, Cointreau, cinnamon syrup and lemon comes in a tiki cup shaped like Santa in a hula skirt.
Times, dates and reservations: It will stay lit up until New Year’s Eve. Reservations are available at the website above and, as of publication, several are still available. Do the igloo, you know you want to.
Wear: A floor-length faux fur coat over a swimsuit.
Santa’s Cocktail Shop at Cirrus Vodka
1603 Ownby Lane
cirrusvodka.com/pages/santas-cocktail-shop
The vibe: Cozy holiday decor inside and outside.
The menu: Choose from Merry Martinis, Caroling Cocktails and Cozy Slipper Sippers hot drinks. Our favorite is the Pink Reindeer Club that’s a refreshing, yet on-theme blend of the namesake vodka, Aperol, grapefruit, house-made holiday syrup and club soda. Cirrus is also offering a full selection of make-at-home holiday cocktail kits that are ideal for easy gifting.
Times, dates and reservations: Runs through Dec. 29. Walk-ins welcome. Don’t worry. Have you seen how big this place is? It’s busy, but you can squeeze in somewhere.
Wear: Who cares about outfits here? Bring your largest Santa-style sack for all those cocktail kits and your dog in his finest holiday sweater..
Sippin’ Santa at Emerald Lounge
2416 Jefferson Ave. C1
The vibe: A tropical take on Christmas with island-getaway themed drinks and glasses.
The menu: Try Frosty the Merman, a spicy, fruity combination of rye, vanilla-clove syrup, pear, apricot and allspice liqueurs. Pair it with retro-fun snacks like a cheese ball or oysters topped with caviar, crème fraiche and chive oil.
Times, dates, reservations: It’s first come, first serve, seven days a week from 5 p.m. to midnight and until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Try late-to-mid-evening on a weeknight. Or plan to wait in line.
Wear: You never thought you’d wear that Santa-themed Hawaiian shirt from Uncle Bob. You were wrong.
Tinsel and Tequila at Casa Del Barco
Two locations: Canal Walk and Short Pump
The vibe: Lights. Cactus. Action!
The menu: Do the Oaxacan Snowglobe, a riff on an old fashioned with tequila and mezcal complete with your own personal smoke bubble.
Times, dates, reservations: The tinsel will twinkle though New Year’s Eve. Reservations are available at the website or through Open Table. Grab a few friends and head in for a holiday Sunday-Funday brunch.
Wear: The sombrero that’s been by your front door since you had that birthday party you can’t remember.
Yuletide at Session RVA
318 E. Grace St.
The vibe: Exposed brick with lots of red and green, plus twinkly lights.
The menu: Oysters and 10 special cocktails. Go cozy with Tom & Jerry, a hot blend of house-made batter (yes, you read that right, batter), cognac, dark rum, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Or, take it tiki with a coconut cranberry spice margarita.
Times, dates, reservations: Stop in from now through Jan. 2, walk-in only. Stop by pre- or post-dinner in the area.
Wear: Whatever one wears when drinking cake batter. Stretchy pants? A caftan? Just your Santa pants?
Winter Wonderland at Bingo Beer Company
2900 W. Broad St.
The vibe: Richmond’s favorite family-friendly bar and late-night hot spot (yes, they co-exist) goes holiday with decorations inside and full festive tent.
The menu: There’s a special, reindeer-inspired cocktail menu with options like Cupid’s Cocoa. You also don’t want to miss the Coquito Stout that’s aged in rum casks with dried coconut, cinnamon, vanilla beans and nutmeg.
Times, dates, reservations: Bingo is big, did you hear us say tent of decorations? Check the website for special events. Bingo offers half-off drinks Tuesday through Friday from open until 6 p.m. Who isn’t playing hooky from work this time of year? Bring the whole office! Check their website for events like a Very Merry ’80s Dance Party. We’re also partial to Bingo at Bingo on Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
Wear: In the daytime, your most demure holiday lewk. In the evening … mindful (or a slutty Santa dress).
WinterFreuden Apres Ski Chalet at Hotel Greene
508 E. Franklin St.
The vibe: Richmond apres ski cocktailing meets a different kind of pole (a golf pole. Get it? Sports! Santa!)
The menu: Eggnog spiked with apple brandy and Jamaican rum, plus several hot tipples like Glüwein, a boozy combo of red wine mulled with winter spices.
Times, dates, reservations: The chalet is walk-in only other than brunch hours on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. It is 21 and over after 5 p.m. Reserve at their website. Make a reservation for brunch. As of publication, there are still brunch reservations open.
Wear: Tennis shoes. You golf in those, right? Santa! Sports!
More Festive Fittings
Beauvine: Don’t miss the burger bar’s special holiday menu featuring boozy cocoas, house-made eggnog, a dirty chai-tini, three frozen drinks, and boozy milkshakes. The Son of a Nutcracker candy cane shake with Rumple Minze plus a side of duck-fat fries sounds like the ideal holiday girl dinner. https://www.beauvineburger.com/
Blue Bee Cider: The new tasting room has been festively decorated with a Christmas tree and traditional trimmings. It’s an ideal spot for holiday vibes without the wait. https://www.bluebeecider.com/
Cameo Cakery & Café: During December, Cameo Cakery & Café transforms into a life-size gingerbread house with loads of pink, sparkly décor all over the patio and interior. There’s also a special menu of Christmas spirits, with or without booze. Check their Instagram page for special events like brunch with Santa, too. https://www.cameocakery.com/
Can Can: A Carytown standby for lights, fun decor and that cozy holiday glow, Can Can’s coffee house has also reopened if you’re looking for a festive morning spot. If you want a reservation, book it soon! Can Can fills up fast for holiday meals. https://cancanrva.com/
Gather and Hem: You don’t want to miss the holiday martini tree, a very ‘gram-worthy tower of a Very Merry cranmartini, a Polar Espresso martini, a Gingerbells martini, and a Naughty but Nice martini. https://www.gatherandhem.com/menus/drinks
Fall Line: One of Richmond’s standbys for igloo dining. Igloos are equipped with heaters, lavish decor and a Bluetooth speaker so you can play your favorite holiday hits. Igloo fee varies by time of day. https://www.falllinerestaurant.com/
Fuzzy Cactus: If a Santa skeleton, excellent chicken tenders and saucy wings are more your holiday vibe, stop here for a rock ‘n’ roll spin on the season. There’s also a special cocktail menu. https://fuzzycactusrva.com/
Get Tight Lounge: The restaurant has been decked out. Visit for the live music and disco balls. Get Tight has also taken the holidays as an opportunity to show off the talents of its new chef with elevated food offerings like filet Oscar and rockfish piccata. Don’t skip the crab dip. The holiday drink menu features three types of eggnog, a holiday painkiller and other seasonal sippers. https://www.gettightrva.com/
Juan’s Cantina: Winter igloos stay up through Feb. 16, 2025. Book one for dinner for up to eight guests for $50. There’s also a special Narnia igloo brunch event every Sunday with a curated menu, special drinks and winter wonder vibes. https://juanscafeandcantina.com/rooftop/
Helen’s: Another Fan classic and quite possibly the oldest “holiday bar” in Richmond, Helen’s is a seasonal must-stop for festive fun and cocktails. Dinner reservations are tight for the rest of the year, but you can walk in for brunch or late-night for a bevvy. https://www.helensrva.com/
Lunch and Supper: Another seasonal cocktail menu must, choose from options like Olive the Other Reindeer featuring rum, extra virgin olive oil-washed simple syrup, lemon, amaretto, olive oil and foam, or Santa’s Nightcap made with Nutella-infused bourbon, banana liqueur, coffee and whipped cream. https://www.lunchorsupper.com/
The Jefferson: Richmond’s standby for the big, classic tree, the big, classic gingerbread house and big and classy decorations. Grab a themed cocktail at Lemaire’s side bar for decor wandering. As it gets closer to Christmas, this place gets packed. We like going late-night and watching post-holiday-party patrons mingle with the masses. https://www.jeffersonhotel.com/
Tobacco Company: Another classic go-to for holiday decor with a revamped holiday cocktail menu featuring lots of local spirits. Check the website for the live music schedule–jazz trios playing Christmas tunes make for a classy holi-date. https://www.thetobaccocompany.com/
Virago: This distillery’s creative cocktail menu is a must-try every holiday season. Try Pa’s eggnog, a fig old fashioned, a spiced cosmopolitan, or hot buttered rum. Also check out the events schedule for special cocktail classes throughout the month; it’s a fun Christmas gift for those looking for experiences instead of things. https://www.viragospirits.com/
Maybe a day trip is on your holiday docket?
Road trip-worthy light shows and snacks
The Sweet Spot in Virginia Beach
An over-the-top (just like their ice cream treats) pink wonderland situated close to the ocean front. There are pink trees, pink presents and pink chairs. Outside, find pink igloos and floofy pink tinsel. Enjoy a pink (sensing a theme, here?) Snowy Night Sangria while snapping photos with the Grinch and Santa every Sunday and Monday in December. https://www.facebook.com/thesweetspotvb/
The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club
Over 100 lit-up reindeer adorn the huge lawn in front of the Historic Cavalier and extend across the street to the neighboring properties. Poinsettias sit on every available surface along with pine-scented greenery, lanterns and twinkly lights. Holiday tea in the Raleigh Room still has available reservations (though very few) and heated igloos at Becca Restaurant can be reserved for two to six people for breakfast, brunch and dinner for $50 per party. Reservations can be made on their website or Resy. https://www.cavalierresortvb.com/holidays
Miracle and Sippin’ Santa around the state:
Richmond isn’t the only town where you can snag a Holiday on Ice cold brew vodka cocktail with ancho chili or Naughty and Nice shots (rye whiskey with gingerbread and tequila with habanero, respectively). The traveling holiday-themed bars pop up all over the nation and in Europe. All other locations in Virginia can be found here.
Veritas Illuminated at Veritas Winery
Celebrate Veritas’ 25th year in style by walking the winery’s half-mile of light installations and festive decor throughout the vineyard and its surrounding wooded areas. Sip mulled local wine and enjoy a brie grilled cheese topped with local Nelson County apples from the Veritas kitchen. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.
Magical Christmas Village and Marketplace at Mountain Lake Lodge
It’s not just where “Dirty Dancing” was filmed. Enjoy a ride on the Pine Cone Express, take a turn through Marshmallow Way or settle in for a few beverages at the Winter Biergarten. There is a whole dedicated holiday resort guide to help plan your magical holiday away.
