Festive Philly Bars for the Holiday-Obsessed Among Us
Want to fuel your love of Christmas by drinking out of ornaments and sitting under twinkle lights? You’ve come to the right place.
Holiday cocktails at Craftsman Row, transformed into a Christmas bar for the holidays / Photograph by Eddy Marenco
The holidays are upon us, which means it’s time to get into the spirit — with spirits. (I only get to use that pun once a year; forgive me.) Want to throw on an ugly sweater and go somewhere you can drink a cocktail out of an ornament while surrounded by festive decorations for no reason other than to fuel your love of Christmas? You’ve come to the right place.
Tinsel
Tinsel / Photograph by Society Hill Films
Leading off with the Christmas bar that arguably started the trend in Philly, it’s the hyper-festive Tinsel. This former Midtown Village jewelry store is crammed with holiday cheer in every square inch, this year taking up two floors with two bars. Expect some very festive photos, with giant installations (including some Rakin/Bass characters and a Santa throne), all the lights and decorations they could find, and a soundtrack to match. Even better, some of the themed drinks come in cute glassware you can keep (think: snow globes, snowmen, and a Santa boot). Try the “the Canned Good,” which comes in a custom Tinsel can and for which a portion of the proceeds goes to MANNA. Tinsel opens on Black Friday each year.
Through December 31st, 116 South 12th Street, Midtown Village.
Craftsman Row
Craftsman Row decked out for the holidays / Photograph by Eddy Marenco
This Jewelers’ Row bar and restaurant goes all out for the holidays with ornaments (over 60,000 to be exact) cascading from the ceilings and garland everywhere, plus themed menu items, cocktails, and over-the-top milkshakes (all of which can be made boozy). Cocktails include a Candy Cane-tini, 100% That Grinch (featuring their house-made coquito), the Snow Globe Spritz (featuring edible glitter), and the Ornament Globe that actually comes in a glass ball ornament! Meanwhile, the Christmas Dinner Burger is topped with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato fries; the milkshakes come topped with candy, cake, and cookies. If you’re looking to bring the whole family, this is one of the few places that works for that too: They are also open for lunch daily.
Holiday-themed through January 1st, 112 South 8th Street, Washington Square West.
Butcher Bar
Yule Lodge at Butcher Bar / Photograph by Laura Swartz
The Yule Lodge has returned for the season, transforming Butcher Bar’s patio and garden into a cozy, plaid refuge filled with holiday-themed drinks, including mulled wine, naturally. They even have National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation-inspired reindeer glasses. If you’re looking to get nuts, go for the Shotski: two shots of Bailey’s served on a ski, to be experienced in tandem, like so:
The Shotski / Photograph courtesy of Butcher Bar
Through January 17th, 2034 Chestnut Street, Rittenhouse.
Taqueria Amor
Taqueria Amor / Photograph by Laura Swartz
For their fourth season, this Manayunk spot transforms into “Senor Grinch’s.” The restaurant is covered in lights, garland, and more festive decor — you’ll find Clark Griswold and the Heat Miser on the walls, too. There’s also a projector showing holiday movie clips all night. They also add seven special holiday cocktails to the menu, including the Grincharita and Cindy Lou Who’s Spiked Yoo-Hoo.
Through January 1st, 4410 Main Street, Manayunk.
The Prime Rib
“Drinks in Toyland” holiday bar at Prime Rib / Photograph courtesy of Live Casino
The Library Bar inside Live Casino’s Prime Rib is transformed for the holiday season — into “Drink in Toyland.” Think vintage toys, a photo op with oversize ornaments, and holiday movies on loop. Specialty holiday cocktails include a Toy Shop Sangria with pear liqueur, a gingerbread-espresso martini, and the eggnog-inspired Naughty But Nice. Be sure to bring a new, unwrapped toy to drop in the on-site Toys for Tots box! This experience is only available from Thursdays through Saturdays and is reservation-only (book here).
Thursdays through Saturdays from 4:30 to 11 p.m. through January 11th, 900 Packer Avenue, South Philly.
Assembly Rooftop Lounge
Alpine Heights at Assembly Rooftop Lounge / Photograph courtesy of Punch Media
For the holiday season, Assembly transforms into Alpine Heights, a ski lodge-themed experience with fire pits, boozy hot chocolate and spiked apple cider, themed decor, blankets, and more. And food items include sweet and savory fondues. Plus, the Parkway views can’t be beat. Assembly Rooftop Lounge is open for walk-ins based on availability, or you can make reservations here.
Through February 28th, 1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Logan Square.
Black Girl Magic Holiday Pop-Up
Black Girl Magic Holiday Pop-Up at the Divine Lorraine / Photograph by Cody Aldrich
The mother-daughter duo behind the Wine Garden went all out this season. They’ve designed a lush, very pink holiday experience that feels like sitting in your poshest friend’s living room that just happens to have a bar in it. There’s a hot chocolate bar. There are many cocktails. There’s a Christmas tree adorned with giant pink bows. It’s decadent, yet small and cozy enough to feel intimate. It’s in the annex of the Divine Lorraine, so getting there feels exclusive in itself — as does the ticketing system. Stay with me: The pop-up is only open on weekends, and you need to buy timed tickets. On Friday nights, there are two time slots (4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) for $29 a person, which includes a complimentary holiday welcome cocktail. On Saturdays and Sundays, time slots run from noon to 7 p.m., and tickets start at $45, but that also includes the welcome cocktail and holiday hors d’oeuvres. Friday nights are for grown-ups only, but you can bring kids on Saturdays and Sundays, with children’s tickets for $15 (they get a non-alcoholic drink). Add on the boutique hot chocolate bar for $10. That’s a lot of logistics, but just go with it.
Through December 29th, annex at The Divine Lorraine Hotel, 699 North Broad Street, Poplar.
Frankford Hall
This German beer hall-inspired Fishtown spot gets decorated for the holidays, including their outdoor patio with cozy fire pits and heaters, s’mores kits, and warm drinks like spiked apple cider. But families especially should be on the lookout for their popular “Frankford Hall-idays” weekends in December when they’ll have kid-friendly activities and visits from Santa. Frankford Hall is also selling holiday ornaments, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Lutheran Settlement House, a Fishtown-based nonprofit supporting families in need.
1210 Frankford Avenue, Fishtown.
Uptown Beer Garden
Holiday pop-up at Uptown Beer Garden / Photograph by Society Hill Films
If you’re looking for an outdoor spot to grab a festive drink and festive photos, head to Uptown Beer Garden. (Though, bundle up, because while there is an enclosed-tent section and some heaters, it still gets very chilly.) This year, UBG’s holiday “Uptown Express” pop-up is inspired by classic Christmas movies. Whimsical decorations include a Christmas tree surrounded by Whos, Heat Miser, and, yes, a Polar Express train. As for drinks, you can choose hot and regular-temperature-themed cocktails, along with beer. (Get the boozy hot cocoa!) And because Uptown shares an owner with Tinsel, you can also get the Canned Good cocktail here. You’re also in a prime location, as this one sits right across from Christmas Village in LOVE Park.
Through December 31st, 1500 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Center City.
Walnut Garden
Holiday drinks at Walnut Garden / Photograph by Laura Swartz
The Rittenhouse beer garden is Walnut Wonderland for the season, with holiday drinks, tons of twinkle lights, giant inflatables, and a Christmas tree you can walk through! Really! Head to the heated tent when it gets too cold to imbibe outdoors. And better yet, Santa is coming! The big guy will be there on December 8th and 15th during Open Streets West Walnut. Bring your kids! Bring your dogs!
Theming through December 31st, 1708 Walnut Street, Rittenhouse.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House
McGillin’s all dressed up for the holidays / Photograph by Laura Swartz
According to their website, the beer taps have been flowing at McGillin’s since 1860. But it’s not just one of Philly’s oldest bars; it’s also a holiday standby for generations of Philadelphians. Visiting the decked-out McGillin’s is a Philly holiday tradition, like the Macy’s light show or complaining about crowds at the Macy’s light show. They’ve got themed cocktails, including an eggnog martini, a cranberry-heavy Poinsettia punch, and Ho-Ho-Hot Chocolate. Stop by on Wednesdays and Sundays at 9 p.m. for Ugly Sweater Karaoke nights. They’re also hosting a holiday pop-up shop a block away at Juniper and Sansom with Philly-themed gifts as well as Irish imports.
1310 Drury Street, Midtown Village.
White Elephant
White Elephant / Photograph courtesy of Craft Concepts Group
Returning from last year, the espresso martini-focused Elephant is all Galinda-fied for the holiday season. Think lots of pink, disco balls, and furry accessories. Call her White Elephant till New Year’s, thanks. In addition to their espresso martinis, they’ve got some non-espresso holiday drinks, including a peppermint bark martini, eggnog old-fashioned, and a gingerbread White Russian.
Theming through 31st, 1500 Locust Street.
Evil Genius
Evil Genius in its holiday best / Photograph courtesy of Evil Genius
“Santa! I know him!” Evil Genius has turned that Elf quote into a seasonal beer, as well as a guiding principle at their Lab in Fishtown. The holiday saison is brewed with rose hips, chamomile, black currants, and dark Belgian candi syrup. The Lab, meanwhile, is decked out with a 20-foot-tall Christmas tree, which they’ll light on December 5th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in their kickoff holiday party. Outside, the beer garden will also be decorated for the season. Special events include the Santa 0.5K charity race around the block on December 7th and a Nightmare Before Christmas-themed drag brunch on December 15th.
1727 Front Street, Fishtown.
Drury Beer Garden
DBG’s holiday pop-up / Photograph by Laura Swartz
For the holiday season, DBG’s patio has been transformed into “Santa’s Workshop” — and don’t worry, it’s heated. You know the drill: Lots of lights, holiday decorations, a few holiday special cocktails (Grinch’s Elixr, Winter Wonderland Mojito, and a sangria), and festive vibes. It’s not that deep, but it doesn’t have to be.
Through December 31st, 1311 Sansom Street, Midtown Village.
