Pittsburgh is brimming with festive cheer this holiday season, thanks to an incredible lineup of pop-up bars.
From tropical escapes to vintage vibes and over-the-top Christmas decor, these spots are bringing holiday magic to the Steel City.
Here’s your guide to the best pop-up bars in and around Pittsburgh.
Sippin’ Santa
📍 Downtown
Wish you were on a tropical island? This tiki-themed holiday bar on Wood Street is serving up reindeer shot glasses, a spicy cold brew cocktail, and plenty of island-inspired holiday vibes.
🕒 Open daily, 4 p.m. to midnight.
Blitzen’s at Mellon Square Coffee
📍 Downtown
The Omni William Penn is going maximalist with this holiday pop-up. Celebrity mixologist Julie Reiner created a 10-drink menu featuring extravagant cocktails, nightcaps on ice, and two non-alcoholic options.
🕒 Open Thursdays-Saturdays, 5-11 p.m., through Jan. 11.
Shorty’s Santa Shop
📍 North Shore & The Waterfront
Transforming into North Pole-inspired retro-tainment spaces, these pop-ups feature over 1,000 ornaments and lights alongside festive food and cocktail menus.
🕒 Open Nov. 29-Dec. 29.
Holiday Lounge at The Industrialist
📍 Downtown
Travel back to the 1950s at this lounge with retro holiday decor, including pink and silver trees. Sip on a Rum Rum Rudolph, a Puerto Rican coquito with spiced rum.
🕒 Open daily at 5 p.m., Nov. 23-Dec. 31.
Miracle on 7th
📍 Downtown
Decked out in nostalgic decor, this Liberty Avenue bar offers mulled wine, festive cocktails, and holiday cheer for a cause, with proceeds supporting local charities.
🕒 Open daily at 4 p.m., starting Nov. 22.
A Very Merry Mixtape
📍 Garfield
Step into an immersive holiday experience with dazzling sets like Santa’s Workshop and the White Christmas Forest. Sessions before 7 p.m. are family-friendly. Tickets are $16 plus fees.
🕒 Open Nov. 23. Discount code: MERRY20 (20% off through Nov. 29).
Elf’ed Up! at Pittsburgh Marriott North
📍 Cranberry
This one-weekend-only pop-up offers cozy decor, holiday mischief, and Christmas spirit galore. Admission is $10, with proceeds benefiting The Lighthouse Foundation.
🕒 Dec. 5-7, 5 p.m. to midnight.
Rudolph’s Rooftop
📍 Downtown
Enjoy snowglobe views and Rudolph-themed cocktails at Il Tetto’s rooftop bar. Don’t miss their Ugly Sweater Party on Dec. 13!
🕒 Open daily at Sienna Mercato starting Nov. 23.
Good Cheer at Ruggers Pub
📍 South Side
Celebrate the season with pudding shots, whiskey cider, and cocktails like The Swiss Mistress (peppermint vodka and hot chocolate).
🕒 Open daily Nov. 29-Jan. 1.
Krampus Island
📍 East Liberty & Squirrel Hill
Escape to the tropics with fruity, festive drinks at this collaborative pop-up between Lorelei and Hidden Harbor. Expect a bright and boozy 12-drink menu.
🕒 Starting Nov. 29.
Sewickley Sleigh
📍 Sewickley
Sip on peppermint espresso martinis while enjoying live piano music at this festive new pop-up in Sewickley Quarter.
🕒 Thursdays-Saturdays, 5-10 p.m., in December.
Bridgertahn at Space Bar
📍 Downtown
Channel your inner Lady Whistledahn with Regency-era cocktails and guided period dances. Costumes are encouraged but not required. A $12 ticket includes one drink.
🕒 Open Nov. 22-Dec. 28.
Holiday Tavern at The PA Market
📍 Strip District
Warm up by the fire with tropical cocktails and spicy mules, then browse their Vendor Holiday Market on Nov. 23.
🕒 Open Fridays and Saturdays at 5 p.m.
Bob’s Garage
📍 Blawnox
For over-the-top tacky holiday decor, look no further than this year-round classic. You’ll find festive cheer stuffed into every nook and cranny.
🕒 Monday-Saturday, 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Wigle Wonderland
📍 Strip District
Wigle Whiskey transforms its distillery into a magical space with twinkling fairy lights and cocktails like Frosty the Eggnog and Candy Cane Lane Espresso Martini.
🕒 Open Thursdays-Saturdays, starting Nov. 22.
The Grinch Who Stole Pittsburgh
📍 Downtown
Find this Grinch-themed spot in Market Square offering trivia, karaoke, and themed cocktails like Mount Crumpit and You’re an Idiot.
🕒 Open every day.
A Rogue Christmas
📍 Homestead
Warm up with s’mores and toasted cocktails at this cozy outpost featuring specialty drinks and award-winning BBQ.
🕒 Open daily.
Merry Little Christmas at The Renaissance
📍 Downtown
This vintage-inspired pop-up at Streetside Bourbon Bar offers cocktails packed with seasonal flavors and festive vibes.
🕒 Starting Dec. 6.
Après-Ski at Ritual House
📍 Downtown
Bundle up for this one-night-only pop-up under Mellon Square’s Aurora lights. Sip sleigh bell sangria and enjoy luxe lodge vibes. Tickets are $75.
🕒 Nov. 30.
Aspen at Spritzery
📍 Downtown
Pretend you’re at a ski chalet while sipping warm cocktails in this magical winter wonderland.
🕒 Open Wednesdays-Sundays starting Nov. 22.
It's Christmas 365 