Don’t you just love sipping on a holiday cocktail while being surrounded by decorations? We sure do! Many local bars and restaurants are taking holiday decorations to a new level with their holiday pop-ups. So, get into the holiday spirit with some spirits and immerse yourself in the snow globe effect of the holidays.
SnowGlobe DSM
Exile Brewing turns into a winter wonderland with a SnowGlobe concept, first popularized in Lawrence, Kansas. The restaurant and bar areas get a Clark Griswold makeover, with over a mile of Christmas lights, a semi-truck full of décor, and a Instagrammable “Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animals” neon sign in the basement. Reservations recommended.
Where: Exile Brewing, 1514 Walnut Street, Des Moines
When: November 11 — January 11, regular hours with additional Saturday and Sunday brunch hours from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Rudolph's Rooftop
Head to The Republic on Grand to experience Rudolph's Rooftop Bar this holiday season. With specialty cocktails, a charming rooftop adorned with dazzling decorations, and a festive atmosphere, this bar is sure to put even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit. Pair your cocktail with an artisanal chef's favorite, and you'll be set for the perfect girls' night out or date night.
Where: The Republic on Grand, 401 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines
When: November 14 — December 31
Miracle on Ingersoll
Head over to Dugan’s Hideaway, the hidden gem dive bar attached to The Station on Ingersoll to get your fix of holiday cheer and spirits. The TVs show a continuous loop of Christmas Vacation, and the vibe is very much “grandma’s basement, if grandma was a Christmas hoarder.” Holiday drinks are served in fun glassware (dinosaur with a Santa hat, anyone?) that will be available for purchase when they close shop on January 3.
Where: Dugan’s Hideaway, 3124 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines
Dates: November 20 — January 3
Miracle at Jordan Creek
Miracle has expanded with their newest location at Jordan Creek Mall for this holiday season. With a bigger space, this allows for more holiday fun. Enjoy all the same seasonal cocktails as the OG Miracle, as well as appetizers and more. Reservations are suggested, you can secure yours here.
Where: Jordan Creek Mall, 101 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines
Dates: November 18 — December 31
The Naughty List
Known for their seasonal pop-ups, Good News, Darling, is the one naughty list that you want to get your name on. Expect cool kid holiday décor paired with some of their famous experimental cocktails that also receive a holiday makeover. Holiday nostalgia at its most delicious. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Where: Good News, Darling 717 Locust Street, Des Moines (check in at Hello, Marjorie host stand)
Dates: November 12 — December 30
The Nice List
You can’t have a naughty list without a nice list. Sister bar to Good News, Darling, Secret Admirer will be hosting The Nice List pop-up Christmas bar. Better try them both to see what list suits you best.
Where: Secret Admirer, 110 SW 5th Street
Dates: November 12 — December 30
Elfed Up
Head out to Destination Grille in Grimes for their returning holiday pop-up, Elfed Up. Located on their rooftop terrace, enjoy specialty cocktails, their full menu, and holiday decor to the max.
Where: Destination Grille, 2491 East 1st Street, Grimes
Dates: November 28 — December 27, check the calendar on their site to see days it is open to the public
Tinsel at Either/Or
One of the new kids on the block for Holiday pop-ups, Tinsel at Either/Or is full of experiences for the entire holiday season. Enjoy the décor inside or explore their giant patio full of holiday lights and photo ops all under the warmth of heaters. They have fun holiday events all month long, including their hot cocoa bar with all the fixings every Monday.
Where: Either/Or, 6222 Grand Ave, Des Moines
Dates: November 4 — January 4
Santa Paws
Our furry friends deserve to celebrate the holidays too, right? Paws & Pints is launching their own pop-up this year, Santa Paws. Their entire resort will be transformed into a winter wonderland, perfect for pups and humans alike. Reminder that dogs aren't allowed in the indoor restaurant, but are allowed on the patio or in the park.
Where: Paws & Pints, 6218 Willowmere Drive, Des Moines
Dates: November 14 — December 30
Urban Cellar in West Des Moines is getting merry with its festive pop-up, Santa's Cellar. Step into a cozy, twinkling wonderland filled with holiday cheer, featuring speciality cocktails, exclusive tasting, and a jolly dose of seasonal spirit. Whether you’re sipping something spiced or sparkling, this pop-up is the perfect spot to toast the holidays in style.
Where: Urban Cellar, 640 South 50th Street, West Des Moines
When: November 17 — January 4
El Presidenté transforms into a holiday hideaway with its El Grinch pop-up bar in Ankeny. The tequila-focused spot decks the halls with colorful lights, cheeky Grinch-inspired décor, and a dash of mischievous holiday spirit. Sip on festive tequila cocktails, snack from a limited holiday menu, and soak in the over-the-top, photo-ready atmosphere. Perfect for anyone who likes their Christmas with a little attitude and a lot of tequila.
Where: El Presidenté, 1465 SW Park Square Dr Suite 102, Ankeny
When: Now — December 31
Head west to Cumming and step into the magic of Wilson's Orchard's Winter Wonderland pop-up. Wander through the twinkling holiday market, where you’ll find homemade treasures perfect for gifting (or keeping!). Then make your way to The Ciderhouse where the scent of wood-fired pizza fills the air and the bar is serving up cozy seasonal cocktails. Sip on a sugar cookie martini for a touch of sweetness, or wrap your hands around a steaming mug of hot buttered rum for the ultimate winter comfort.
Where: Wilson's Orchard, 3201 15th Ave., Cumming
When: November 15 — January 15
A Kramp-ish Christmas at Hessen Haus
Hessen Haus is bringing the spirit this year with their holiday pop-up, A Kramp-ish Christmas. They’re decked out with festive decorations that turn the place into a wild yet cozy winter den. Expect six signature cocktails, holiday shots, and a brand-new seasonal dessert.
Where: Hessen Haus, 101 SW 4th Street, Des Moines
Dates: December 1 — December 29
Abbie's
In Bondurant, this tucked-away pizza spot is transforming into a full-on holiday haven. With lights, ornaments, and wrapping paper covering nearly every surface, it’s impossible not to feel the cheer. Pair the cozy atmosphere with onion rings and a fresh slice, and the holiday spirit kicks in fast.
Where: 210 Lincoln St. NE, Bondurant
Winter Wonderland at Nightingale
Nightingale Cocktail in the Historic East Village is embracing winter with their Winter Wonderland pop-up. Every 30 minutes, the vibe cranks up with immersive video, light and sound shows set to your favorite seasonal hits. Your ticket includes one of their festive holiday drinks, perfect for sipping and watching the show.
Where: Nightingale Cocktail, 435 East Grand Ave, Des Moines
Dates: November 21 — January 2
The Jingle Bar
Pour Choices in Grimes is the responsible choice for those on the hunt for the best pickle balls in town, and now you can pair those fried nuggets of joy with an ample dose of holiday cheer, thanks to their new pop-up, The Jingle Bar. The inside is decorated like an elf’s fever dream, and the only cure is to down one or two of their seasonal drinks like the Merry Mule, Reindeer Fuel, or Fireside Old Fashioned. There are no poor choices here this December!
Extra Cheer Round
These places may not have catchy pop-up names but are decked out in their holiday best.
Fiesta Mexican Restaurant (West Des Moines)
Bubba Southern Comforts (Des Moines)
Merll’s Pub & Patio (Waukee)
Striking Sparrow (Des Moines)
