Decked Out Distilleries: 13 Holiday Pop-Up Bars to Ring in the Season

While they’re already serving up robust cocktails in inviting atmospheres, these distilleries are getting a makeover this holiday season—transformed into pop-up bars with festive lights, holiday decor, and playful themes to bring holiday cheer. We’ve rounded up 13 distilleries that are pulling out all the stops, with looks ranging from winter wonderlands to iconic Christmas movie-themed makeovers. There’s plenty of yule-themed fun at these distilleries.

Artisan Distillery & Craft Bar – The Elf Bar

San Antonio, Texas
Open through December 24^th

Artisan Distillery and Craft Bar in downtown San Antonio mainly makes vodka, though it also produces a handful of whiskeys. This holiday season, its downtown location has been turned into a North Pole-themed wonderland inspired by the film “Elf”. Book a table and enjoy an interactive experience filled with surprises, karaoke, Christmas trivia, and of course, specialty cocktails to sip while you indulge in the fun. Choose between two whiskey beverages: The Green Harvest made with the brand's Bexar Ridge bourbon, and apple and lemon infusion and the Peanut Butter Cookie, a nutty concoction inspired by the classic American treat. Kids can join in the family-friendly sessions on Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Evening bar-goers can choose from three time slots: 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. Entry tickets are $15.50 and must be purchased in advance online.

Among Artisan’s whiskey offerings is a unique gift to pick up after visiting the bar: a nutty, one-of-a-kind dram, Pecan Ridge. Not a flavored expression, but a whiskey aged with native soft-shelled pecans and smoked pecan wood staves, the label claims it’s the first of its kind.

Blackland Distillery

Fort Worth, Texas
Now through December 27th

This Fort-Worth, Texas based distillery has revamped its upscale cocktail lounge with Christmas-themed touches to go along with its menu of holiday-themed drinks. For a dark fruity kick, try Mary’s Merry Berry Smash, made with Blackland 100 Proof bourbon, cranberry syrup, and lemon juice, or the Violet Rye made with Blackland 100 Proof rye, blackberry liqueur, and lavender bitters. Warm drinks come spiked in a bourbon Hot Toddy and Cowtown Cocoa, a whiskey indulgence with peppermint and chocolate flavors. Two festive mocktails are also available. Reservations are available, but not required.

Grey Matter Distillery “Grinch Matter”

Jacksonville, Florida
Now through January 4^th

Jacksonville’s Grey Matter Distillery has embraced the classic Christmas gremlin–The Grinch–in its greened-out holiday decor for its fifth year of holiday cheer. This craft distillery is well-known for going all out during the holidays, conceptualizing over-the-top themed experiences and exciting menu selections. Peppered throughout the month are movie trivia nights, ugly sweater parties, festive music events, and scavenger hunts with prizes. The beloved Grinch will make appearances on December 13th, 20th, and 27th. As activities abound, so do specialty cocktails inspired by the whimsy of Whoville.

Launched in 2014, Grey Matter makes a few spirits focused on local flair. Live Oak Whiskey composed of four grains–oats, barley, corn, and rye–joins Mayport Moonshine, Ribault Rum, and Carve Craft Vodka in the label’s portfolio.

Holladay Distillery - Holidays at Holladay

Weston, Missouri
December 19th-20th

If you're in or around Kansas City, Missouri, consider a short trek 45 minutes northwest to Weston, MO for a visit to Holladay Distillery. For two nights this month, the place is throwing a yule-themed bash in the newest addition to the distillery grounds, Warehouse E. A dedicated event space, pay special attention to the bar–it’s a one-of-kind construction made from their old copper still.

Both nights will include festive sips, live music, and light bites. They’ll be serving up neat pours and in inventive cocktails. The Cinnamon Snap Old Fashioned is a luxurious riff on the classic cocktail, here made with the label’s Soft Red Wheat bourbon, brown sugar-vanilla syrup, and cinnamon bitters. Dive into a lighter option, the Prancer's Pomegranate Smash, made with Ben Holladay 1856 Original Bourbon, pomegranate syrup, lemon, and rosemary. Tickets are $50/person and include entry, two cocktails, and appetizers.

Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm Holiday Open House

Loretto, Kentucky
December 12th

While not a pop-up bar per se, Star Hill Farm, the historic 1,100-acre property that Maker’s Mark calls home, is hosting a holiday open house for one night only. It offers plenty of holiday cheer as guests can walk the decorated grounds, enjoy carolers singing, and cozy up to a warm cocktail made with classic Maker’s Mark bourbon, apple cider, spices, and chai tea, alongside a seasonal sweet treat. Bring the kids along for photo opportunities with Santa, too. Plus, ticket-holders will have the opportunity to purchase exclusive bottles, with the option to dip your own bottle in Maker’s Mark signature wax. Tickets are $20 and must be booked in advance online.

Pursuit Trial + Error The Lodge

Louisville
Now through January 3^rd, 2026

Trial + Error, the downstairs cocktail lounge at blending house Pursuit United, has become The Lodge this holiday season, evoking the snug, rustic luxury of a ski lodge. Inside are twinkling lights and warming bourbon and rye drinks with playful nods to holiday films to match. Keeping pop culture in mind, Kevin! (the infamous line from the film, “Home Alone”) is an elevated hot cocoa with a kick of cayenne, cinnamon, oat and coconut milks, and Pursuit United bourbon. Some tropical cocktails are a refreshing addition, with the heavy hitter being Turbo Man, a cocktail named after the legendary sold-out action figure from 1996’s holiday comedy “Jingle All The Way.” Made with a base of the label’s Barrel proof rye, it also includes pineapple rum and mezcal, sweetened with a pineapple sorghum syrup. An apple Whiskey Sour gets an extra dose of fruitiness from banana liqueur and a mulled wine foam. Its name–I’m sorry I ruined your lives and crammed 11 cookies into the VCR–is a playful homage to the famous line from the movie “Elf.” Elsewhere, private barrel picks and distillery exclusives are available among the 100-plus Pursuit Spirit expressions.

Rabbit Hole Distillery - Mistletoed

Louisville
Now through December 27th

Located in the heart of Louisville’s artsy NuLu district is Rabbit Hole’s Overlook Bar, which sees a transformation into a Mistletoed Bar pop-up this season. The distillery’s first foray into seasonal bar concepts, it's celebrating with a new release to match the excitement with a distillery exclusive, Amrûlé, the label’s signature sour mash rye finished in maple brûlé barrels. These barrels previously held maple syrup before being re-toasted (or brûléed) to impart toasted sugar notes. Try the newest expression in a Maple Brûlé Old Fashioned or as a neat pour.

The seasonal menu comprises six cocktails, four of which are made with Rabbit Hole whiskeys. Indulge in a Muletide featuring its Boxergrail rye, white cranberry, fig, honey, and gingerbread. Or settle into a Stocking Stuffer, a combination of the brand’s sherry-finished Dareringer bourbon, orange, spiced brown sugar, chocolate bitters, and a chocolate orange garnish. Whiskey flights are available, ranging from the label’s core lineup to its single barrel picks, Distillery Series, and Founder’s Collection.

Reservoir Distillery

Richmond, Virginia
Now Through December 31st

This distillery in the industrial area of Richmond, near the James River, is decked out in winter wonderland-themed decor, and guests in this cozy space can enjoy one of the several seasonal drinks on the Under the Christmas Tree cocktail menu. Highlighting the label’s Hunter & Bibb bourbon, select from caffeinated tipples such as the Fa-La-La-La-Latte made with coffee-infused bourbon, peppermint syrup, and a candy cane garnish. Get in the spirit with warm Stave the Chill featuring bourbon, white grape juice, oranges, and spices. A plus for smokeheads: any cocktail can come with smoked ice for an additional $1.

Short Path Distillery - Whiskey Wonderland at Barrelhouse Bar

Everett, Massachusetts.
December 12th, 19th, and 26th

North of Boston sits Short Path Distillery. Its on-site speakeasy-style bar, Barrelhouse Bar, has been transformed for the holidays every Friday this month. Whiskey enthusiasts will be pleased to know the festive cocktail menu is whiskey-focused. On offer: The Polar Espresso, a dolled-up hot cocoa with coffee liqueur and torched marshmallows and Comin’ Down the Chimney, a smoky libation made with apple brandy, cranberry, and maple. Both feature the label’s flagship Concord rye. The Nutcracker’s Revenge is made with the company's single malt, Fernet, pistachio, and Angostura bitters. Whiskey cocktail flights and straight pours of its three whiskeys, alongside specialty liqueurs are also available. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.

Silk City Distillers “A Silk City Story” Pop-Up Bar

Clifton, New Jersey
Now through January 11th, 2026

Silk City Distillery’s cocktail bar takes its theme from the classic film “A Christmas Story.” An opulent Christmas tree, garlands, and classic red and green decor command the space. Elegant cocktails made with house spirits are the main draw, served in holiday-themed vessels–think colorful Christmas trees and Santa Clauses. Sip from a ceramic gingerbread house full of the Feared Furnace Fighter featuring the distillery’s Golden Grahams-infused straight bourbon, toasted marshmallow, and chocolate bitters. Reservations recommended, but not required. Reservations can be made online.

Sons of Liberty Spirits Co. - Winter Wonderland Holiday Bazaar

South Kingstown, Rhode Island
December 12th - 13th

Sons of Liberty Spirits Co. is ringing in the season with its 11th annual Holiday Bazaar. Peruse potential gifts from an array of Rhode Island artisans. Refuel after shopping with one of several holiday-themed cocktails, made with its American straight malts, bourbons, vodka, and gin. The distillery’s newest expression that will launch at the bazaar: True Born, a bourbon barrel-rested gin. Local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment will also be on-site. The event is free to attend, and children are welcome.

Sugarlands Distilling Co. - Mountain Moonshine Christmas and Carols and Barrels

Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Now through January 4th, 2026

Sugarlands Distilling Co., based in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains in Eastern Tennessee, is hosting two holiday pop-up bars in partnership with the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. The first, Mountain Moonshine, is at their cocktail bar, Back Porch, spruced up with plenty of colorful lights and festive greenery. Guests can choose from several moonshine cocktails or whiskey cocktails featuring its Roaming Man bourbon and rye. Partake in one of many Tennessee Carol & Barrel Pop-ups here, wherein patrons collect stamps on a digital passport through each visit to a different participating location, with a prize in store once submitted.

Wigle Whiskey Wigle Wonderland

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Now through December 27th

For the third year in a row, Wigle Whiskey is back with its holiday pop-up, Wigle Wonderland, at its location in the heart of Pittsburgh. The distillery is transformed into an intimate cabin space, with glowing fairy lights descending into the gathering area. A few whiskeys make their way into the cocktail menu, including Whiskey Blend, a warm apple cider concoction, and it’s PA Bourbon in an Old Fashioned. Elsewhere, big flavors are tucked into “spirited” shots, which are more or less miniature cocktails. Whiskey options are a Shot Toddy with Wigle Frageelay Spiced bourbon, Wigle spiced liqueur, black tea, and lemon, and Turtleluge featuring Wigle Apres Ski whiskey, cocoa-infused Wigle Whiskey blend, chocolate, and sweet cream.

Roughly 15 minutes north of the Pittsburgh Distillery is the Wigle Cocktail Bar at Ross Mall which has its own list of specialty seasonal cocktails. A standout is the unusual corn-themed Elote for Days made with Wigle Oak & Ember Smoked bourbon, Wigle Rum Cask rye, Elote simple syrup, mango puree, and bubbly cider.