Winter is creeping in and with that come festive events across our region. While some people want to enjoy a family-friendly outing, others want to enjoy the holiday season with a nice cocktail or brew. Here are a few of our favorite holiday pop-up bars where you can celebrate with friends, family or co-workers.
Looking for presents for loved ones while you’re out? Check out the 2022 NEXT holiday gift guide.
Bob’s Garage
1372 Freeport Road, Blawnox
Bob’s is filled (yes, filled) with illuminated lights and holiday displays. For more than 50 years, Christmas fans have flocked to see this floor-to-ceiling extravaganza. With more than 10,000 lights, the Christmas joy spills over until February.
Hours: Year-round, Monday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Miracle on 6th
136 6th St., Downtown
Mixologist Spencer Warren is the creative force behind one of Pittsburgh’s staple holiday pop-up bars which runs to the end of the year. Patrons get holiday-themed food and drinks, such as the Snowball Old Fashioned and Bad Santa, while also enjoying the vast array of festive decorations and drinkware.
Hours: Sessions daily from 4 p.m. to midnight.
Good Cheer at Ruggers Pub
40 S. 22nd St., South Side
Ruggers Pub brings cheer to this holiday takeover bar with no item on the drink menu above $6. As the official Iron City and IC Light Holiday Takeover Bar in conjunction with Pittsburgh Brewing Co., there are iconic Iron City products, holiday cocktails and karaoke.
Hours: 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday through Sunday.
Griswold at ShuBrew
205 South Main St., Zelienople
This year, the ShuBrew rooftop will be converted into a holiday bar, offering themed drinks, lights and music. In addition to seasonal brews, ShuBrew will stream “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” And 10% of sales from opening night on Dec. 1 will be donated to the Jax Foundation, an international student organization that works to provide necessities across the world.
Hours: Three days only: Dec. 1 to Dec. 3 from 4 to 10 p.m.
The Tipsy Elf: Where Everyday Is Christmas
Hough’s Taproom & Brewpub, 563 Greenfield Ave., Greenfield
The Tipsy Elf is coming back with festive tunes and winter-themed drinks and decorations. Tickets range from $13 to $19.
Hours: Sessions will be offered at various times Wednesdays through Fridays from 5 to 10:30 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Order your ticket online to schedule your session.
Whoville
Hilton Garden Inn, 3454 Forbes Ave., Oakland
Who hasn’t wanted to visit Whoville, the beautifully festive town from the Dr. Seuss classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas?” Head to the Hilton Garden Inn from Dec. 2-23 and you can. Every evening at 5 p.m. the hotel’s mezzanine level lounge will transform into a Whoville Family Living Room, the Grinch’s Lair and other recreations of sets from the iconic Christmas movie. The Grinch himself may even turn up; but beware, he isn’t very friendly. Choose from a selection of Whoville drinks and dishes such as a Mayor Maywho Christmas Manhattan, Who Hash or a Seasick Crocodile. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite ugly holiday sweater or other Whoville attire.
Hours: Dec. 2-23, 5 p.m-hotel close.
