In just two years, the Christmas pop-up bar has grown from a quirky curiosity to a full-blown phenomenon. They're everywhere in the city, with nearly a dozen on Clark Street alone. With so many festive places to do your holiday imbibing this year, it makes it nearly impossible to decide which ones are worth visiting in such a short season. We checked out as many of the Wrigleyville pop-ups as possible to give you a rundown on what makes each one special.
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1 / 38
Christmas Club (Country Club, 3462 N. Clark St.)
Imagine that, when you were 11, your parents gave you an unlimited budget and free rein to decorate the house for the holidays. That’s Christmas Club. There’s an overload of Christmas lights, but it somehow seems normal, even in all of its excess. It’s picturesque, for sure, but not devoted to the pursuit of the perfect holiday selfie — just a fun place to wear an ugly Christmas sweater and drink one too many Cousin Eddie’s Eggnogs.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
2 / 38
Christmas Club (Country Club, 3462 N. Clark St.)
Imagine that, when you were 11, your parents gave you an unlimited budget and free rein to decorate the house for the holidays. That’s Christmas Club. There’s an overload of Christmas lights, but it somehow seems normal, even in all of its excess. It’s picturesque, for sure, but not devoted to the pursuit of the perfect holiday selfie — just a fun place to wear an ugly Christmas sweater and drink one too many Cousin Eddie’s Eggnogs.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
3 / 38
Christmas Club (Country Club, 3462 N. Clark St.)
Imagine that, when you were 11, your parents gave you an unlimited budget and free rein to decorate the house for the holidays. That’s Christmas Club. There’s an overload of Christmas lights, but it somehow seems normal, even in all of its excess. It’s picturesque, for sure, but not devoted to the pursuit of the perfect holiday selfie — just a fun place to wear an ugly Christmas sweater and drink one too many Cousin Eddie’s Eggnogs.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
4 / 38
Eight Crazy Nights (Graystone Tavern, 3441 N. Sheffield Ave.)
Bathed in a blanket of twinkling blue and silver lights, and offering up drinks like the Gelt Martini and Manischewitz Sangria, Eight Crazy Nights is Chicago’s first Hanukkah pop-up bar. But the holiday is more than a schtick at this cozy tavern — the spot has teamed up with local Jewish community groups to offer special happy hours and charity fundraising nights.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
5 / 38
Eight Crazy Nights (Graystone Tavern, 3441 N. Sheffield Ave.)
Bathed in a blanket of twinkling blue and silver lights, and offering up drinks like the Gelt Martini and Manischewitz Sangria, Eight Crazy Nights is Chicago’s first Hanukkah pop-up bar. But the holiday is more than a schtick at this cozy tavern — the spot has teamed up with local Jewish community groups to offer special happy hours and charity fundraising nights.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
6 / 38
Eight Crazy Nights (Graystone Tavern, 3441 N. Sheffield Ave.)
Bathed in a blanket of twinkling blue and silver lights, and offering up drinks like the Gelt Martini and Manischewitz Sangria, Eight Crazy Nights is Chicago’s first Hanukkah pop-up bar. But the holiday is more than a schtick at this cozy tavern — the spot has teamed up with local Jewish community groups to offer special happy hours and charity fundraising nights.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
7 / 38
Eight Crazy Nights (Graystone Tavern, 3441 N. Sheffield Ave.)
Bathed in a blanket of twinkling blue and silver lights, and offering up drinks like the Gelt Martini and Manischewitz Sangria, Eight Crazy Nights is Chicago’s first Hanukkah pop-up bar. But the holiday is more than a schtick at this cozy tavern — the spot has teamed up with local Jewish community groups to offer special happy hours and charity fundraising nights.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
8 / 38
Elf’d Up (Stretch Bar & Grill, 3485 N. Clark St.)
For some, Santa isn’t the quintessential Christmas character: It’s Buddy the Elf. If that describes you, you'll love Elf’d Up. The bar celebrates all things Elf, from Buddy's catchphrases to his favorite meal (you can actually order his “breakfast pasta,” which consists of spaghetti topped with maple syrup, chocolate fudge, marshmallows, and pop tarts). Or, opt for a drink like the Ninny Muggins, a questionable combo of cinnamon cream rum, Fireball, whipped cream, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch flakes. On weekend nights, Buddy himself even stops by for photo ops.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
9 / 38
Elf’d Up (Stretch Bar & Grill, 3485 N. Clark St.)
For some, Santa isn’t the quintessential Christmas character: It’s Buddy the Elf. If that describes you, you'll love Elf’d Up. The bar celebrates all things Elf, from Buddy's catchphrases to his favorite meal (you can actually order his “breakfast pasta,” which consists of spaghetti topped with maple syrup, chocolate fudge, marshmallows, and pop tarts). Or, opt for a drink like the Ninny Muggins, a questionable combo of cinnamon cream rum, Fireball, whipped cream, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch flakes. On weekend nights, Buddy himself even stops by for photo ops.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
10 / 38
Elf’d Up (Stretch Bar & Grill, 3485 N. Clark St.)
For some, Santa isn’t the quintessential Christmas character: It’s Buddy the Elf. If that describes you, you'll love Elf’d Up. The bar celebrates all things Elf, from Buddy's catchphrases to his favorite meal (you can actually order his “breakfast pasta,” which consists of spaghetti topped with maple syrup, chocolate fudge, marshmallows, and pop tarts). Or, opt for a drink like the Ninny Muggins, a questionable combo of cinnamon cream rum, Fireball, whipped cream, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch flakes. On weekend nights, Buddy himself even stops by for photo ops.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
11 / 38
Elf’d Up (Stretch Bar & Grill, 3485 N. Clark St.)
For some, Santa isn’t the quintessential Christmas character: It’s Buddy the Elf. If that describes you, you'll love Elf’d Up. The bar celebrates all things Elf, from Buddy's catchphrases to his favorite meal (you can actually order his “breakfast pasta,” which consists of spaghetti topped with maple syrup, chocolate fudge, marshmallows, and pop tarts). Or, opt for a drink like the Ninny Muggins, a questionable combo of cinnamon cream rum, Fireball, whipped cream, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch flakes. On weekend nights, Buddy himself even stops by for photo ops.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
12 / 38
Griswold’s (Houndstooth Saloon, 3369 N. Clark St.)
If your Christmas isn’t complete until you’ve viewed National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation at least a half-dozen times, head to this pop-up named after the perennially hapless Chicago family. While Griswold’s is a little light on the interior decor — you won’t find much beyond a charred Christmas tree and luau-inspired scene in the backroom — the real draws are the excessive exterior lights and Cousin Eddie’s RV parked out front.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
13 / 38
Griswold’s (Houndstooth Saloon, 3369 N. Clark St.)
If your Christmas isn’t complete until you’ve viewed National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation at least a half-dozen times, head to this pop-up named after the perennially hapless Chicago family. While Griswold’s is a little light on the interior decor — you won’t find much beyond a charred Christmas tree and luau-inspired scene in the backroom — the real draws are the excessive exterior lights and Cousin Eddie’s RV parked out front.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
14 / 38
Griswold’s (Houndstooth Saloon, 3369 N. Clark St.)
If your Christmas isn’t complete until you’ve viewed National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation at least a half-dozen times, head to this pop-up named after the perennially hapless Chicago family. While Griswold’s is a little light on the interior decor — you won’t find much beyond a charred Christmas tree and luau-inspired scene in the backroom — the real draws are the excessive exterior lights and Cousin Eddie’s RV parked out front.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
15 / 38
Griswold’s (Houndstooth Saloon, 3369 N. Clark St.)
If your Christmas isn’t complete until you’ve viewed National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation at least a half-dozen times, head to this pop-up named after the perennially hapless Chicago family. While Griswold’s is a little light on the interior decor — you won’t find much beyond a charred Christmas tree and luau-inspired scene in the backroom — the real draws are the excessive exterior lights and Cousin Eddie’s RV parked out front.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
16 / 38
Jingle Junkie (Route 66 Roadhouse, 3478 N. Clark St.)
This laid-back bar and grill has transformed itself into a cozy ski lodge. Hang out in the main room under a ceiling covered in colorful lights, sipping on sugary craft cocktails like the Peanut Butter Pretzel, made with peanut butter whiskey and Godiva white chocolate liqueur. Then, head out to the enclosed patio for a photo on a chairlift or by the (video) fireplace.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
17 / 38
Jingle Junkie (Route 66 Roadhouse, 3478 N. Clark St.)
This laid-back bar and grill has transformed itself into a cozy ski lodge. Hang out in the main room under a ceiling covered in colorful lights, sipping on sugary craft cocktails like the Peanut Butter Pretzel, made with peanut butter whiskey and Godiva white chocolate liqueur. Then, head out to the enclosed patio for a photo on a chairlift or by the (video) fireplace.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
18 / 38
Jingle Junkie (Route 66 Roadhouse, 3478 N. Clark St.)
This laid-back bar and grill has transformed itself into a cozy ski lodge. Hang out in the main room under a ceiling covered in colorful lights, sipping on sugary craft cocktails like the Peanut Butter Pretzel, made with peanut butter whiskey and Godiva white chocolate liqueur. Then, head out to the enclosed patio for a photo on a chairlift or by the (video) fireplace.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
19 / 38
Jingle Junkie (Route 66 Roadhouse, 3478 N. Clark St.)
This laid-back bar and grill has transformed itself into a cozy ski lodge. Hang out in the main room under a ceiling covered in colorful lights, sipping on sugary craft cocktails like the Peanut Butter Pretzel, made with peanut butter whiskey and Godiva white chocolate liqueur. Then, head out to the enclosed patio for a photo on a chairlift or by the (video) fireplace.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
20 / 38
Mistletoe (Hush Money, 3632 N. Clark St.)
Because every Christmas celebration needs an adult table. This cozy, whiskey-centric bar has been serving up some of Chicago’s smartest cocktails for the last year and a half. But a sophisticated vibe doesn’t mean they can’t get in on the holiday fun. As Mistletoe, they’ve decked the halls with plenty of classy Christmas cheer and rolled out a small menu of festive craft cocktails. Try Santa’s Munchies, a CBD-infused tequila and horchata drink served with a fresh-baked snickerdoodle.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
21 / 38
Mistletoe (Hush Money, 3632 N. Clark St.)
Because every Christmas celebration needs an adult table. This cozy, whiskey-centric bar has been serving up some of Chicago’s smartest cocktails for the last year and a half. But a sophisticated vibe doesn’t mean they can’t get in on the holiday fun. As Mistletoe, they’ve decked the halls with plenty of classy Christmas cheer and rolled out a small menu of festive craft cocktails. Try Santa’s Munchies, a CBD-infused tequila and horchata drink served with a fresh-baked snickerdoodle.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
22 / 38
Mistletoe (Hush Money, 3632 N. Clark St.)
Because every Christmas celebration needs an adult table. This cozy, whiskey-centric bar has been serving up some of Chicago’s smartest cocktails for the last year and a half. But a sophisticated vibe doesn’t mean they can’t get in on the holiday fun. As Mistletoe, they’ve decked the halls with plenty of classy Christmas cheer and rolled out a small menu of festive craft cocktails. Try Santa’s Munchies, a CBD-infused tequila and horchata drink served with a fresh-baked snickerdoodle.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
23 / 38
Mistletoe (Hush Money, 3632 N. Clark St.)
Because every Christmas celebration needs an adult table. This cozy, whiskey-centric bar has been serving up some of Chicago’s smartest cocktails for the last year and a half. But a sophisticated vibe doesn’t mean they can’t get in on the holiday fun. As Mistletoe, they’ve decked the halls with plenty of classy Christmas cheer and rolled out a small menu of festive craft cocktails. Try Santa’s Munchies, a CBD-infused tequila and horchata drink served with a fresh-baked snickerdoodle.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
24 / 38
Mistletoe (Hush Money, 3632 N. Clark St.)
Because every Christmas celebration needs an adult table. This cozy, whiskey-centric bar has been serving up some of Chicago’s smartest cocktails for the last year and a half. But a sophisticated vibe doesn’t mean they can’t get in on the holiday fun. As Mistletoe, they’ve decked the halls with plenty of classy Christmas cheer and rolled out a small menu of festive craft cocktails. Try Santa’s Munchies, a CBD-infused tequila and horchata drink served with a fresh-baked snickerdoodle.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
25 / 38
Santa Baby (Deuce’s, 3505 N. Clark St.)
Ostensibly the OG of the over-the-top Christmas pop-up, Santa Baby wowed us last year with literal floor-to-ceiling decor and more Insta-opportunities than you could shake a (selfie) stick at. They’re back this year with an even more flagrantly festive display. If glamming up the ’Gram is your main goal, and you can only visit one popup this season, Santa Baby is it.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
26 / 38
Santa Baby (Deuce’s, 3505 N. Clark St.)
Ostensibly the OG of the over-the-top Christmas pop-up, Santa Baby wowed us last year with literal floor-to-ceiling decor and more Insta-opportunities than you could shake a (selfie) stick at. They’re back this year with an even more flagrantly festive display. If glamming up the ’Gram is your main goal, and you can only visit one popup this season, Santa Baby is it.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
27 / 38
Santa Baby (Deuce’s, 3505 N. Clark St.)
Ostensibly the OG of the over-the-top Christmas pop-up, Santa Baby wowed us last year with literal floor-to-ceiling decor and more Insta-opportunities than you could shake a (selfie) stick at. They’re back this year with an even more flagrantly festive display. If glamming up the ’Gram is your main goal, and you can only visit one popup this season, Santa Baby is it.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
28 / 38
Santa Baby (Deuce’s, 3505 N. Clark St.)
Ostensibly the OG of the over-the-top Christmas pop-up, Santa Baby wowed us last year with literal floor-to-ceiling decor and more Insta-opportunities than you could shake a (selfie) stick at. They’re back this year with an even more flagrantly festive display. If glamming up the ’Gram is your main goal, and you can only visit one popup this season, Santa Baby is it.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
29 / 38
Rudolph’s (Casey Moran’s, 3660 N. Clark St.)
Consider this newcomer the calmer, more mature version of Santa Baby. They share an owner, so their seasonal food and drinks are identical, but Rudolph’s vibe skews towards a more traditional Christmas — think chunky pine garland, Bing Crosby tunes, and an entire room devoted to the Grinch. A suitable spot to take the wee ones after visiting the Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket, just across the street.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
30 / 38
Rudolph’s (Casey Moran’s, 3660 N. Clark St.)
Consider this newcomer the calmer, more mature version of Santa Baby. They share an owner, so their seasonal food and drinks are identical, but Rudolph’s vibe skews towards a more traditional Christmas — think chunky pine garland, Bing Crosby tunes, and an entire room devoted to the Grinch. A suitable spot to take the wee ones after visiting the Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket, just across the street.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
31 / 38
Rudolph’s (Casey Moran’s, 3660 N. Clark St.)
Consider this newcomer the calmer, more mature version of Santa Baby. They share an owner, so their seasonal food and drinks are identical, but Rudolph’s vibe skews towards a more traditional Christmas — think chunky pine garland, Bing Crosby tunes, and an entire room devoted to the Grinch. A suitable spot to take the wee ones after visiting the Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket, just across the street.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
32 / 38
Rudolph’s (Casey Moran’s, 3660 N. Clark St.)
Consider this newcomer the calmer, more mature version of Santa Baby. They share an owner, so their seasonal food and drinks are identical, but Rudolph’s vibe skews towards a more traditional Christmas — think chunky pine garland, Bing Crosby tunes, and an entire room devoted to the Grinch. A suitable spot to take the wee ones after visiting the Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket, just across the street.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
33 / 38
Rudolph’s (Casey Moran’s, 3660 N. Clark St.)
Consider this newcomer the calmer, more mature version of Santa Baby. They share an owner, so their seasonal food and drinks are identical, but Rudolph’s vibe skews towards a more traditional Christmas — think chunky pine garland, Bing Crosby tunes, and an entire room devoted to the Grinch. A suitable spot to take the wee ones after visiting the Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket, just across the street.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
34 / 38
Santa’s Workshop (Old Crow Smokehouse, 3506 N. Clark St.)
How do you know this is really Santa’s Workshop? Because a real-life version of the jolly old man sits in his sleigh atop the roof of this sprawling bar. Pop up there for a pic with St. Nick and his reindeer, or hide out in the heated igloo. Head back downstairs to dance to live music below twinkling lights and hundreds of massive red ornaments. But be sure to have a drink: Santa’s Workshop is turning out some high-quality, seriously creative cocktails, like the Chai Matcha Eggnog, crafted with homebrewed matcha and freshly-made ’nog.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
35 / 38
Santa’s Workshop (Old Crow Smokehouse, 3506 N. Clark St.)
How do you know this is really Santa’s Workshop? Because a real-life version of the jolly old man sits in his sleigh atop the roof of this sprawling bar. Pop up there for a pic with St. Nick and his reindeer, or hide out in the heated igloo. Head back downstairs to dance to live music below twinkling lights and hundreds of massive red ornaments. But be sure to have a drink: Santa’s Workshop is turning out some high-quality, seriously creative cocktails, like the Chai Matcha Eggnog, crafted with homebrewed matcha and freshly-made ’nog.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
36 / 38
Santa’s Workshop (Old Crow Smokehouse, 3506 N. Clark St.)
How do you know this is really Santa’s Workshop? Because a real-life version of the jolly old man sits in his sleigh atop the roof of this sprawling bar. Pop up there for a pic with St. Nick and his reindeer, or hide out in the heated igloo. Head back downstairs to dance to live music below twinkling lights and hundreds of massive red ornaments. But be sure to have a drink: Santa’s Workshop is turning out some high-quality, seriously creative cocktails, like the Chai Matcha Eggnog, crafted with homebrewed matcha and freshly-made ’nog.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
37 / 38
Santa’s Workshop (Old Crow Smokehouse, 3506 N. Clark St.)
How do you know this is really Santa’s Workshop? Because a real-life version of the jolly old man sits in his sleigh atop the roof of this sprawling bar. Pop up there for a pic with St. Nick and his reindeer, or hide out in the heated igloo. Head back downstairs to dance to live music below twinkling lights and hundreds of massive red ornaments. But be sure to have a drink: Santa’s Workshop is turning out some high-quality, seriously creative cocktails, like the Chai Matcha Eggnog, crafted with homebrewed matcha and freshly-made ’nog.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
38 / 38
Santa’s Workshop (Old Crow Smokehouse, 3506 N. Clark St.)
How do you know this is really Santa’s Workshop? Because a real-life version of the jolly old man sits in his sleigh atop the roof of this sprawling bar. Pop up there for a pic with St. Nick and his reindeer, or hide out in the heated igloo. Head back downstairs to dance to live music below twinkling lights and hundreds of massive red ornaments. But be sure to have a drink: Santa’s Workshop is turning out some high-quality, seriously creative cocktails, like the Chai Matcha Eggnog, crafted with homebrewed matcha and freshly-made ’nog.
Photo: Peter Ranvestel