What better way to get in the holiday spirit than with great food and drinks? I'm bringing you the best Christmas bars and restaurants in Chicago that'll give you all the holiday feels.
Here's your guide to the best Christmas pop-up bars in Chicago for 2024.
Loop, River North + West Loop Holiday Bars and Restaurants
Walnut Room at Macy's
Once you're done strolling down State Street, reading your way through Macy's annual holiday window display, head into the Walnut Room. Definitely make reservations in advance, or you can go during off hours such as weekday mornings. The closer to Christmas, the crazier this place will be. So if you don't get around to going this year, plan accordingly for next year.
Address: 111 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602
Christkindlmarket Chicago
Whether you're heading to the market in the loop or in Wrigleyville or even Milwaukee (yes, MKE!) there are one million things at each market to get you in the Christmas spirit. If sipping on mulled wine or hot chocolate out of the festive mugs, or eating one of the handfuls of food options... this is a must-visit. Plus, you could get a little Christmas shopping done while you're at it.
Location: Daly Plaza (Chicago Loop)
Cindy's Rooftop
This is a rooftop bar that is open year-round in Chicago right across from Millennium Park. Cindy's Rooftop is on top of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel and offers breathtaking views of the park, where you'll find an ice rink, a Christmas tree, and the classic bean. This spot is perfect to take in the Lakefront, and Millennium Park dolled up for the holidays or to even stop in and warm up after a day of ice skating or walking around the city.
Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Happy's Holiday Bar
You can get a 2-for-1 deal at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel! After enjoying a drink at Cindy's overlooking Millennium Park, hop over to their annual holiday bar, Happy's. Happy's Holiday Bar is back with festive drinks, a vintage old-timey holiday ambiance, and some bar bites. Happy's is running from December 4 - December 23, 2024.
Wednesday and Thursday: 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 3 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Plus, they are available for private party bookings for 10-100 guests. If you're interested you can reach out to events@lsdatcaa.com.
Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Fairmont Lodge
Fairmont Chicago is back with their version of a Lodge escape in the middle of a concrete jungle. Open to both the public and hotel guests, they have special food and drinks, indoor "fire pits," games and lots of photo ops. Reservations are required Thursday - Saturday from 5pm - Midnight, and they have live music happening through New Year's Eve every Thursday - Saturday from 6pm - 9pm.
Address: 200 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
LondonHouse Rudolph's Rooftop
LondonHouse has one of the best rooftops in all of Chicago. It's on the eastern end of the Chicago River, and the view is absolutely stunning. From November 16 - January 31, 2024 the rooftop has been transformed into Rudolph's Rooftop. They have fun holiday cocktails, bar bites, igloos and even an Ice Bar!
Address: 85 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
JoJo's Shake Bar
JoJo's Winter Wonderland is available at their River North and Naperville locations! If you're looking for decadent holiday desserts and food that you thought was only possible in your dreams, news flash, it's possible at JoJo's. Milkshakes, cocktails, sweet treats, and savory dishes plus plenty of photo-ops this is a very family-friendly option!
Locations: River North and Naperville
Reindeer Games and Headquarters Beercade
Headquarters Beercade is exactly what it sounds like, it's a huge arcade bar. They totally deck the halls with photo ops, a life-sized sleigh for pics, and a fun and festive holiday cocktail menu, all while being able to have a little friendly competition with all the arcade games you could ever think of. It opens November 22, 2024!
Address: 213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, IL 60610
Jack Frost Winterfest Pop Up
Jack Frost is back again in Fulton Market with ice skating, fun festive cocktails, and plenty of photo-ops for the family. They have holiday pop-up shops, like a little Christmas market, winter bumper cars, axe throwing, and more. If you're driving in, I would recommend searching SpotHero for parking! There's lots of affordable and easy park spots in the West Loop.
Address: 170 N Green St.
Pilsen Christmas Bars
Reindeer Room at Tack Room
Tack Room is the bar located in Thalia Hall. If you haven't been to a show at Thalia Hall, I highly recommend it. The Reindeer Room, however, has nightly live music, festive cocktails and some eats. It's happening Thursdays - Saturdays from 7pm - 1am beginning on Friday, November 29.
Address: 1807 S Allport St, Chicago, IL 60608
Gold Coast + Lincoln Park Christmas Pop-Up Bars
Butch McGuires
Surprise surprise is it a Christmas in Chicago post without the signature Butch McGuire's? It's basically the first on any "Christmas bars in Chicago" lists. They go ALL OUT, and it is a blast. I love Butch McGuires any time of the year, but it'll always be extra special during the holiday season. It's the perfect holiday overload without being over-gimmicky. If you want basic drinks with all the holiday vibes, this is your spot.
Address: 20 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60610
The J. Parker
This is one of the few rooftop bars that are open during the winter in Chicago. On top of Hotel Lincoln right in the heart of Lincoln Park, you'll be able to see the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights from a birds-eye view. Whether you're content with seeing the lights from this rooftop or looking for a place to grab a drink and some grub before going to the zoo, this place offers one of the best views of the city, especially lit up for the holidays.
Address: 1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Homeslice
Cozy on up with pizza, Christmas lights galore, totally IG-worthy neon signs and not to mention drinks at Homeslice. Their back patio is heated in the winter, so that's a win. They have massive booths perfect for a large party, so if anyone has a birthday around Christmas, this is a great place to go. Plus, it's in a faaaaaantastic location within Lincoln Park, so it's perfect to walk around before or after and check out the houses' holiday decor.
Address: 938 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Frosty's Christmas Bar
Frosty's is a Chicago Christmas pop-up bar staple, and it is back again. It's 3 levels with 4 bars, you have. to purchase tickets to gain access to the experience. Along with tickets, you can reserve a table for lunch or dinner.
Address: 809 W Evergreen Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Chicago Christmas Bars - Wrigleyville
Santa Baby Bar
The Bamboo Club yet again went to TOWN for the holidays and totally redecorated for their (now annual) limited edition Santa Baby Bar. Not only has their decor gotten a holiday facelift, but their menu also has too. With festive cocktails and seasonal eats, this is a must-visit if you're on the northside.
Address: 3505 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Elf'd Up
Right down the street after you've had enough Santa Baby, but not enough holiday, there's Elf'd Up. Stretch Bar transformed itself into the real-life movie Elf. Equipped with Buddy the Elf's signature pasta and all.
Address: 3485 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Christmas Club
Throw Christmas Club (Country Club turned Christmas if you didn't know) onto your list of Christmas bars in Wrigleyville. The well-known country bar goes all out decking out its two floors with all things Christmas.
Address: 3462 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Mistletoe at Mordecai
In a sea of sports bars, you will find a few higher-quality bars in Wrigleyville, like Mordecai. They have a cocktail menu that'll give you all the vintage feels, yet they still have a contemporary vibe. It closes on December 23rd, and you have to reserve time blocks.
Address: 3632 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
8 Crazy Nights at Graystone Tavern
Graystone Tavern turns completely blue from November 25th - January 9th to celebrate all things Hannukah. They have fun Hannukah-themed food and drinks, and it's right off Clark Street in Wrigleyville! No tickets or reservations are necessary.
Noche Buena at Moe's Cantina
This is a new Latin-inspired Christmas pop-up at Moe's Cantina in Wrigleyville! They're fusing together traditions, recipes and music from Mexico, Puerto Rico, COlombia and more. It should be noted that they are a 21 and over bar! So unfortunatley, you will be unable to bring any little ones here.
Address: 3518 N Clark St.
Logan Square, Wicker Park, and West Town
Tinseltown at Pink Squirrel
Pink Squirrel is a cozy, true Midwestern-feel cocktail bar in Logan Square that completely transforms into Tinseltown for the holiday season. It is so much fun, and they also have mini bowling and gingerbread house experiences available with reservations. They are 21+, so be sure to plan your Chicago Christmas fun around that!
Address: 2414 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
A Very Dandy Holiday at Dandy Crown
Dandy Crown is a cocktail bar in West Town with a stunning inside and beautiful patio that they completely transform for the month of December. They winterize their patio so you can have all your holiday cheer without the Chicago winter weather. They recommend reservations, but you can always try walking in.
Address: 694 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Holly Jolly Bar
Whiskey Business turns into Holly Jolly Bar complete with festive drinks and rooftop curling! The bar is 21+ so be sure to plan accordingly if you have any little ones.
Address: 1367 N Milwaukee Ave
