Best Christmas Bars & Holiday Pop-Ups in Philadelphia (2026)
Philly's most decorated bars, holiday pop-ups and winter cabins, with 2026 dates and how to book.
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Philly's Christmas bar scene took off in 2017, when Tinsel moved into a former jewelry store on 12th Street. Now the season runs from McGillin's, pouring since 1860 and covered in garland by early November, to Craftsman Row's 60,000 ornaments and a pop-up you can book at Stateside Live!.
These are the bars that actually go all out for Christmas, plus the winter cabins and lodges that make a good stop between them. Many of the city's pop-ups announce their dates close to opening, so the table below shows what's set right now.
Updated November 2026.
Philly's Best Christmas Bars and Pop-Ups at a Glance
| Bar or pop-up | Neighborhood | 2026 dates | Why it's good | How to book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGillin's Olde Ale House | Midtown Village | Decorated from early November | Philly's oldest tavern, dressed for Christmas | Walk-in only |
| Tinsel | Midtown Village | Usually opens Black Friday | The city's original Christmas pop-up | |
| Craftsman Row Saloon | Jewelers' Row | 60,000 ornaments and a real dinner | Reservations recommended | |
| The Elephant (White Elephant) | Rittenhouse | Espresso martinis and tinsel | Walk-in only | |
| Butcher Bar (Yule Lodge) | Rittenhouse | A plaid lodge on the patio | Through Butcher Bar; ask for the Lodge | |
| Uptown Beer Garden | Center City | Outdoor Christmas bar by LOVE Park | ||
| Walnut Garden (Walnut Wonderland) | Rittenhouse | Heated tent and a shopping break | No reservations | |
| Bridget Foy's (North Pole on South Street) | Headhouse Square | Holiday cocktails with a sit-down dinner | Resy | |
| Santa's Social | South Philly | Nov. 27–Dec. 28 | The pop-up you can book today | $25 per person for a 90-minute table |
| Evil Genius Beer Company | Fishtown | Events Dec. 3, 5, 6 and 20 | Tree lighting, Santa 0.5K and drag brunches | Walk in; some events ticketed |
| Frankford Hall | Fishtown | Fire pits, s'mores and big tables | Walk in | |
| Taqueria Amor | Manayunk | Tacos in a full Christmas makeover | Walk-in only | |
| Libertee Grounds (Jingle Jawn) | Francisville | Mini golf in Christmas lights | Book dinner with golf | |
| Christmas Village | Center City | Nov. 21–22, then Nov. 26–Dec. 27 | Mulled wine and cocktail bars at the market | Free entry |
| Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin | Dilworth Park | Nov. 13–Feb. 21 | Full bar beside the rink | Walk in |
| Frosty's Fireside Lodge | Franklin Square | Nov. 19–Jan. 3 | Cocktails and a free light show | Free entry |
| RiverRink Winterfest | Penn's Landing | Nov. 27–Feb. 28 | Waterfront cabins and fire pits | Free entry; reserve cabins and fire pits |
Best Christmas Bars in Center City
Most of Philly's best Christmas rooms sit within a walk of each other, from Midtown Village to Rittenhouse. Tinsel and McGillin's are a short walk apart, so you can see both in a night.
McGillin's Olde Ale House
1310 Drury St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
It takes 15 people five hours to cover Philly's oldest continuously operating tavern in garland, bows, ornaments and lights, and they start in early November. McGillin's has been pouring since 1860, and at Christmas it's simply a great old pub with a fire going. The holiday cocktails run from the Eggnog Martini to the Fireside and the Mistletoe Margarita, and the prices don't jump for the season. Get there early if you want a table. Details: 1310 Drury St. No reservations. $5 cover after 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Open until 5 p.m. Christmas Eve (kitchen closes at 3). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Jan. 5.
Tinsel
116 S 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
Tinsel crams two floors of a former jewelry store with two bars, a Santa throne, giant installations and decorations in every square inch. Some of the drinks come in glassware you can keep. It's the city's original Christmas pop-up and it usually opens on Black Friday. The space is tight, so eat first and keep Fergie's Pub around the corner at 1214 Sansom St. as your backup. Details: 116 S. 12th St. 2026 dates and door policy to come on Instagram at @tinselphilly.
Craftsman Row Saloon
112 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
Craftsman Row hung more than 60,000 ornaments, 20,000 lights and hundreds of wreaths for last year's Miracle on 8th Street. This is the one to book if you want a real meal inside the Christmas overload: last season's menu had a Christmas Dinner Burger and four huge boozy milkshakes. It's gloriously over the top, so save it for your group and not a quiet date. Details: 112 S. 8th St. Reservations recommended; bar seats are first come and 21+. 2026 Christmas dates to come.
The Elephant (White Elephant)
1500 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
The Elephant started life as White Elephant, a Christmas pop-up that turned into a full-time espresso martini bar, and past holiday editions have filled the room with floor-to-ceiling tinsel, sparkling ornaments and garland. There's a real menu of New American small plates and entrées, so you don't have to leave after one round. Details: 1500 Locust St. Walk-in only. 2026 White Elephant dates to come.
Butcher Bar (Yule Lodge)
2034 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
Yule Lodge turns Butcher Bar's patio and garden into a cozy plaid retreat. Last season brought mulled wine and an eggnog cocktail in Christmas Vacation-inspired reindeer glasses, and it ran through mid-January. Pair it with the whiskey list and a proper dinner, and dress for a night that's partly outdoors. Details: 2034 Chestnut St. Book through Butcher Bar and ask for Yule Lodge seating. 2026 dates to come.
Uptown Beer Garden
1500 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
Last year's Little Workshop filled this outdoor bar with colorful lights, fire pits and Santa's-workshop decor, one minute from Christmas Village. Holiday cocktails came in keepsake cups, with smash burgers and fried mozzarella on the side. There's an enclosed tent and some heaters, but it still gets chilly, so keep your coat on. Details: 1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd. 2026 theme and dates to come.
Walnut Garden (Walnut Wonderland)
1708 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
Last year's Walnut Wonderland packed this cocktail garden with retro character sculptures, towering evergreens and an art installation of wreaths and 1,000 ornaments. It's an easy break from shopping Walnut Street, with table-top s'mores, spiked hot cocoa and a heated tent with TVs for game day. Details: 1708 Walnut St. No reservations. Under-21s need a parent or guardian; leashed dogs are welcome. 2026 dates to come.
Bridget Foy's (North Pole on South Street)
200 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
Bridget Foy's went all in last year for the first time since opening in 1978, lining the dining room with candy canes, nutcrackers, evergreen boughs and strings of lights. The cocktails had names like Ralphie's Red Ryder Negroni, and the kitchen means you can settle in for dinner near Headhouse Square. Details: 200 South St. Book on Resy or call 215-922-1813. 2026 dates to come.
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Official pages: McGillin's · Tinsel · Craftsman Row · The Elephant · Butcher Bar · Uptown · Walnut Garden · Bridget Foy's
Best Christmas Bars Beyond Center City
These are worth a dedicated trip. Pick one neighborhood for the night, since Fishtown, Manayunk and South Philly don't connect easily.
Santa's Social at Stateside Live!
1100 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA
Santa's Social turns 1100 Social at Stateside Live! into an over-the-top winter wonderland, with festive decor, seasonal cocktails, bites and holiday music. Right now it's the one Philly pop-up with both firm dates and a table you can book. It's in the stadium complex, so check the game schedule before you pick a night. Details: 1100 Pattison Ave. Nov. 27–Dec. 28. Reserved tables are $25 per person for 90 minutes; walk-up seating is first come.
Evil Genius Beer Company
1727 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
Last year Evil Genius filled its Fishtown taproom with gingerbread-house murals, massive hanging ornaments and a snowflake light show. The tree lighting on Dec. 3 runs 6–9 p.m. with live music and the release of its Santa! I Know Him! saison. The Santa 0.5K is Dec. 5 ($30 gets you a hat and a free pint), and holiday drag brunches run Dec. 6 and Dec. 20. Details: 1727 N. Front St. The 0.5K and brunches are ticketed. 2026 decorating dates to come.
Frankford Hall
1210 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125, USA
Frankford Hall decorates the beer hall and its patio for the holidays, adding fire pits, heaters, s'mores kits and spiked cider. Last December's Frankford Hall-idays weekends brought kid-friendly activities and Santa, which makes it the easiest Christmas stop here for families. The big shared tables work well for groups, too. Details: 1210 Frankford Ave. Walk in. 2026 Hall-idays dates to come.
Taqueria Amor
4410 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127, USA
Taqueria Amor decks out its Manayunk restaurant inside and out, with colored lights, projector shows and nostalgic holiday movie decor. Last year's Señor Christmas pop-up paired Grinch-A-Ritas with birria tacos. Make a night of Main Street, where the neighborhood's tree lighting is Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at Canal View Park. Details: 4410 Main St. Walk-in only. 2026 theme and dates to come.
Libertee Grounds (Jingle Jawn)
1600 W Girard Ave Ste C5, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA
Last year's Jingle Jawn covered the dining rooms, lounges and all 18 holes of mini golf in lights, ornaments and decorations. Bring friends who want something to do besides drink: there are two indoor nine-hole courses, plus local beer and Asian-American bar food. Details: 1600 W. Girard Ave. Dinner reservations include the option to play; there are no golf-only bookings. 2026 Jingle Jawn dates to come.
Official pages: Santa's Social · Evil Genius events · Frankford Hall · Taqueria Amor · Libertee Grounds
Best Winter Villages and Cabins for a Christmas Drink
These aren't bars, but each one pours and they all have firm 2026 dates. For the full market and light-show rundown, see our Philadelphia Christmas markets guide and Philadelphia Christmas lights guide.
Christmas Village at LOVE Park and City Hall
1500 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
Christmas Village stays open past Christmas for the first time this year, through Dec. 27. Between the wooden huts you'll find mulled wine and honey mead, and a second Snowflake Cocktail Bar opens near the LOVE sign with a new Toasted Marshmallow Martini. Go before dinner, since the market closes early by bar standards. Details: LOVE Park, 1500 Arch St. Preview Nov. 21–22, closed Nov. 23–25, then Nov. 26–Dec. 27. Noon–8 p.m. Sunday–Thursday, noon–9 p.m. Friday–Saturday. Thanksgiving 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Christmas Eve noon–5 p.m., closed Christmas Day. Free entry.
Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin
1 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
This ski-chalet cabin beside the Dilworth Park rink has glowing lights and winter foliage inside, a full bar and fire pits on the terrace outside. Last year's comfort food included grilled cheese with tomato soup and chicken and waffle nachos, and it's free to come in and watch the skaters. Details: 1 S. 15th St. Nov. 13–Feb. 21. Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Drinks start at 5 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. weekends, 21+. No restrooms in the cabin.
Frosty's at Franklin Square
200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Frosty's is the holiday lodge in the middle of Holidays in Franklin Square, serving seasonal sweets and cocktails. The free Electrical Spectacle light show runs every 30 minutes outside, so it works well for a group with kids. Come dressed for time outdoors. Details: 200 N. 6th St. Nov. 19–Jan. 3, 5–9 p.m. (8 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31). Closed Nov. 26, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Free entry.
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Winterfest turns the waterfront into a winter village with a rink, cabins and fire pits. Last year's Lodge had string lights, disco balls and decorated trees, with hot toddies, spiked hot chocolate and Chickie's & Pete's Crabfries. Book a cabin for up to 10 or a fire pit for four if you've got a group. Details: 101 S. Columbus Blvd. Nov. 27–Feb. 28. Free entry; reserve skating, cabins, fire pits and the Rinkside Lounge. Monday–Thursday 1–11 p.m., Friday 1 p.m.–1 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Open 11 a.m.–1 a.m. Dec. 19–Jan. 2, except 1–8:30 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 25. On-site parking is limited.
Official pages: Christmas Village · Rothman Cabin · Holidays in Franklin Square · RiverRink Winterfest
Three Easy Christmas Nights in Philly
Center City classic: Start at Christmas Village while the huts are open, have dinner at McGillin's, then walk over to Tinsel.
Rittenhouse date: Book dinner at Butcher Bar's Yule Lodge, then finish with an espresso martini at The Elephant.
Fishtown with friends: Eat at Frankford Hall, then head to Evil Genius. If you're going for the Dec. 3 tree lighting, flip the order.
Want something ticketed? A Christmas Carol Cocktail Experience stops at the Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre, 20 N. American St., on Dec. 18–19. It's a 90-minute, 21+ show with four cocktails, and tickets start around $55.
Still to announce: Newsroom has said its Northern Liberties speakeasy will convert for a Christmas pop-up again. Last year's Holiday Rewind at The Prime Rib, The Nook at The Notary, Holly Jolly at Juno, Ever Eve at High Street and Mamajuana Cafe's holiday pop-up haven't posted 2026 plans yet.
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