By Molly Given

From twinkling lights to movie-inspired cocktails, the region’s most beloved holiday pop-ups are back—bigger, brighter, and more spirited than ever.

The Wayward

Throughout the month of December, Wonderland at The Wayward will be in full swing with whimsical seasonal cocktails and a festively adorned space full of classic holiday décor. Located in East Market, those visiting the area on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the season can also find carolers, ice sculpting, celebrity DJs, local vendors and a DIY s’mores and hot cocoa cart from 3 to 6 p.m.

1170 Ludlow St., thewayward.com

The Prime Rib

Back again for another year, The Prime Rib’s annual pop-up in its Library Bar has been dubbed Holiday Rewind—an ode to classic films of the season. Locals can find decor inspired by features like  “Home Alone”, “Elf”, and “A Christmas Story”, and cocktails like the Elf’s Hat (a lime Jell-O shot, Titos Vodka, passionfruit simple syrup, fresh lemon juice and a red sugared-rim), Cousin Eddie’s Eggnog (Dorda Sea Salt Caramel Liqueur, Chopin Potato Vodka and house-made eggnog) and more.  Holiday Rewind will also feature a “Movie Snack” made with caramel popcorn, a chocolate drizzle, salted pretzel pieces, cereal and M&Ms.

900 Packer Ave., livech.com

Craftsman Row Saloon

Known for its over-the-top decorations (featuring thousands of lights, ornaments and more) and extravagant milkshake options, Craftsman Row Saloon has pulled out all the stops for the holidays once again with this year’s theme dubbed Miracle on 8th Street. Specialty cocktails include the Peppermint-Ini (vodka, chocolate liqueur, peppermint, cream and a candy cane), the Fireside Chat (Screwball, marshmallow simple, cream and cinnamon sugar), the Gingerbread Man Whiskey Sour (whiskey, amaretto and gingerbread syrup in a keepsake gingerbread cup) and many more spirited options.

Food-wise, locals can find bites like the White Christmas Pizza-Calzone Mashup, Candy Cane Caprese, Buffalo Chicken Seasonal Wreath, Christmas Dinner Burger, Shepard’s Sleigh Pie and more.  

112 S 8th St., craftsmanrowsaloon.com

Bridget Foy’s

For the spirited season, Bridget Foy’s on South Street will be dubbed Bridget Foy’s North Pole. The venue will be decked out in holiday decorations and will also debut a limited-time cocktail menu. Sip options include the Son of a Nutcracker (High West Campfire bourbon blended with chestnut praline and orange bitters, served inside its very own Nutcracker “snowglobe”), Sugar-Plum Cosmopolitan (a mix of vodka, spiced plum, cranberry, lemon, and a festive sugar rim) and the frozen Heat Miser’s Hot Headed Margarita (made with tequila, mango, lime, honey-chili syrup, an aperol float and a tajin rim) among other picks.  

200 South St., bridgetfoys.com

McGillin’s Olde Ale House

Philadelphians can sip on drinks like an Eggnog Martini, Poinsetta Punch and more while at McGillin’s for the holidays. The venue is decked out with seasonal decor, and will also feature a few fun dates to look out for like Ugly Sweater Karaoke on Dec. 17, a Sing a Long Christmas Carol night on Dec. 18 and more.

1310 Drury St., mcgillins.com

Taqueria Amor

Philadelphians can head to Manayunk to check out Taqueria Amor’s annual holiday pop-up, now dubbed ‘Senor Grinch’. Back for its 6th season the locale features savory dishes and themed cocktails like a Hot Tequila Cider (made with apple cider, reposado and Spitball cinnamon whiskey), Cindy Lou’s Spiked Yoo-Hoo (Deep Eddy vodka, Kahlua, Yoo Hoo and cream, with a chocolate sugar rim), the Grinch-A-Rita (silver tequila, Triple Sec, green apple, melon liquer, “Grinch” juice, lime and a red salt rim) and more.  

4410 Main St., taqueriaamor.com

Uptown Beer Garden

Every year, Uptown transforms its large Center City space into a themed holiday experience, with 2025’s decor dubbed Santa’s Workshop. Open now through Dec. 31, this massive pop-up boasts over-the-top decorations, plus, sips like the Heat Miser (aka a cup of hot cider spiked with cinnamon whiskey and a cinnamon stick), Ya Filthy Animal (comprised of hot cocoa and Skrewball whiskey topped with whipped cream and a candy cane) and more. Bites-wise, visitors can order up carnival fries, fried pickles, a smash burger, chicken tenders and other options.  

1500 John F Kennedy Blvd, uptownbeer.com

Tinsel

Tinsel is now open with a run of over-the-top decorations and Christmas cocktails (like the Very Merry Mule and Mail Room Cocoa) on the docket through New Year’s Eve.

116 S 12th St., facebook.com/Tinselphilly

Resorts Casino

Anyone heading down to the beach-side town of Atlantic City can head to Resorts throughout the season to check out the venue’s Candy Cane Lounge. On top of cocktails and decor, the bar will feature DJ music, face painting by Heather Hires (select nights) performances from Holiday Dancers (Saturdays), a take-your-own ornament wall and more.

1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, resortsac.com

Ocean Casino

Another AC pick, Ocean Casino is bringing back a fan favorite, the Jingle Bell Bar. The festive pop-up will return to 1927 Lounge, just steps from the casino floor, with festive cocktails and themed entertainment.

500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, theoceanac.com