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DC’s Best Holiday Pop-Up Bars

Posted on December 12, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

Miracle at Death Punch

Miracle at Death Punch (Candice Norris/Death Punch)

Your favorite local bars are going all out this year with over-the-top holiday decor, outrageous mugs, and cocktails that taste like Christmas trees. These pop-ups last through the end of December. Here are the six you won’t want to miss.

D.C.’s most elaborate holiday bar, Miracle breaks out the Home Alone-esque decor with a giant nutcracker, trains, and ornaments. Try the hot buttered rum or the Rudolf’s Replacement with vodka, creme, chai, and bitters. (Adams Morgan, Open until Dec. 31)

This Hanukkah-themed bar at Ivy & Coney has latkes, sufgani-shots (jelly donuts in shot form), Manischewitz, and nightly festivities. Don’t miss out on the shot menorah, #ShotNorah, like a shotski but more questionable. (Shaw, Open until Dec. 31)

This iconic holiday bar used to be hosted by Archipelago (RIP) and has now found a new home at Black Whiskey. They have hot and cold tiki drinks served in outrageous reindeer and Santa mugs. (14th Street NW, Open until Dec. 31)

Holiday cocktail at Lulu’s Wine Garden.

Holiday cocktail at Lulu’s Wine Garden. (Courtesy of Lulu’s Wine Garden)

Lulu’s Wine Bar is transforming into a southwest holiday wonderland with cactus Christmas trees and colorful blankets. Grab comfort food and cookie-adorned gingerbread cocktails, Chimayos, or hot mulled wine/toddies by the thermos. (U Street Corridor, Open until Dec. 31)

Decadent Christmas cocktails, late night DJs, karaoke, hookah, and Afro-Caribbean food are all on tap at Lydia on H Street NE this month. (H Street NE, Open until Dec. 29)

Lapis is hosting a pop-up with popular Afghan holiday drinks including mulled wine, eggnog, Puerto Rican coquito, and mocktails. There is a $5 entry fee, but you get a welcome taster shot with it. (Adams Morgan, Dec. 19 - 23)

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