Christmas weekend is upon us and December is almost over, which means you only have a few days left to embrace the holiday spirit. There are several holiday pop-up bars in Seattle that have returned this year for over-the-top Christmas spirit, and many other Seattle bars are adding festive cheer to their menus and decor. Whether you want to be surrounded by in-your-face holiday cheer or just want to find a cozy Seattle bar with mulled wine, we have an option on this list for you. Be sure to check them out soon and double-check to see if they are open on Christmas weekend.
Here are the top holiday-themed bars in Seattle to get you into a festive spirit (while you sip on festive spirits)!
1. Miracle on 2nd at Rob Roy, Belltown
Miracle on 2nd is a beloved Seattle holiday pop-up bar at Rob Roy in Belltown. Swing by any day this December between 4:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. to experience the festive lights, cocktails, and overall festive vibe (they will not be taking reservations). They will also be open from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
2. Sippin’ Santa at Navy Strength, Belltown
Sippin’ Santa’s Surf Shack is another holiday pop-up bar in Seattle, located at Navy Strength. It is only a block away from Rob Roy’s Miracle On 2nd pop-up, so you might as well try them both! They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to midnight. They’ll have holiday-themed tiki cocktails and their outdoor patio is dog-friendly in case Fido wants to join in the festive fun.
3. Tinseltown at Shelter Lounge, Green Lake
Shelter Lounge transforms itself into an over-the-top holiday wonderland every December through January 1 with tons of lights and decorations. They have plenty of festive events planned all month, including their Holiday Luau party on December 17th. Note that they will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
4. The Sitting Room, Lower Queen Anne
If you’re looking for a holiday-themed bar in Seattle, The Sitting Room in Lower Queen Anne has a very specific vision ready and waiting for you. They’ve gone all-in on a theme based off of the classic Christmas movie Home Alone. You’ll find festive holiday decor, themed cocktails such as the “Kevin!” and the “Keep the Change, Ya Filthy Animal,” and—of course—the movie Home Alone playing at all times. They will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
5. Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails, Downtown Seattle
Head to the Motif Seattle Hotel to find their rooftop bar Frolik transformed for winter fun. They now have a rooftop curling rink (the only one in Washington state!) that you can enjoy along with hot cocktails. Make reservations in advance.
6. Olympic Bar, Downtown
If you just want to sit and enjoy a quiet drink or two while gazing at one of Seattle’s most stunning Christmas trees, you should head to the bar in the historic Fairmont Olympic Hotel. You can also opt for a classy afternoon tea at the George or slip into Founders Club, a speakeasy hidden behind a bookcase in the hotel’s lobby.
7. Bottlehouse, Madrona
Bottlehouse is a wine bar in Madrona with a lovely outdoor patio that everyone in Seattle frequents during the summer. It’s also worth visiting in December, however, if only for their incredible mulled wine that will warm you up in no time. Their cranberry-cardamom spritzer is another delightfully festive cocktail to try while you’re there.
8. Dreamland, Fremont
Dreamland is a diner in Fremont that has a great drag brunch and a disco ball hallway. They tend to go all out for holidays such as Halloween, and Christmas is no exception. On December 14, you can get tickets for Sweet Dreams, a naughty or nice drag show.
9. Cafe Nordo, Pioneer Square
Cafe Nordo is not exactly a bar; it’s an immersive dining experience. Their holiday spectacular this year is the irreverent Homicide for the Holidays, a three-week show beginning on December 3. Cafe Nordo is closing in 2023 so this is your last chance to check it out.
10. Life On Mars, Capitol Hill
Life On Mars is a bar in Capitol Hill that is well-stocked with vinyl records, plant-based food, and craft cocktails (non-alcoholic options included). They’ve decorated for the holiday season and are encouraging patrons to come by with an ornament for their Christmas tree in exchange for a drink discount.
11. Skål Beer Hall, Ballard
This Nordic beer hall in Ballard always has a cozy, festive vibe this time of year. You can go there all throughout December to enjoy their Jul (aka Christmas) decorations and drink a mug of gløgg by the fire.
12. Pike Place Bar & Grill, Pike Place Market
This cozy diner in Pike Place Market is lit up for the holidays! They’re celebrating their 60th anniversary so swing by for lunch, happy hour, or dinner to support them while enjoying their festive decor.
13. Kamp Social House, Capitol Hill
Named one of the 2022 Best New Restaurants in Seattle by The Infatuation, Kamp has made their restaurant holiday-ready with over-the-top festive decor, holiday cocktails, and even themed soft serve flavors such as eggnog and gingerbread.