Best Christmas Bars/Pop-ups in Charleston, SC
Charleston is once again gearing up to show Santa some old-fashioned Southern hospitality this holiday season! Several popular Charleston bars and venues are creating holiday themes and pop-up events to help everyone enjoy merry, bright nights through the end of the year. Are you looking for a place you can escape to for some drinks and cheerful nibbles on a cozy winter night? Check out this list of the best Christmas bars and holiday pop-up events in Charleston, SC.
1. Frannie’s Winter Courtyard at Frannie and the Fox
181 Church Street, Charleston
You’re invited to step inside a tree-lined village for the coziest evening of your life at Frannie’s Winter Courtyard inside Charleston’s Hotel Emeline. The hotel transforms its famous Frannie and the Fox restaurant into a wintertime paradise. During this event, guests can gather by the fire for cocktails and bites while making warm memories with friends. You can also enjoy a personal yurt where you can wrap yourself in a cozy blanket while enjoying the bounty of a fondue fountain. In addition to a full menu of plates made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, guests can look forward to the restaurant’s signature sourdough bread, garlic rosemary sausage, and fried tortelli.
2. Little Pine at the Ryder Hotel
237 Meeting Street, Charleston
Ugly sweaters are encouraged at the prettiest little holiday event in Charleston! The Little Palm at the Ryder Hotel has been transformed into Little Pine for the season. Head to this rooftop bar and restaurant to sip festive cocktails while fake snow falls around you. The best part about this event is that Little Pine even has a synthetic ice rink up for the holidays. Just grab your rental skates at the door! Of course, you’ll still be gliding along regardless of whether or not you skate once you get a sip of Little Pine’s epic hot buttered rum cocktail. Other festive cocktails on the menu include the Oaxacan Toddy, Mezcal Milk Punch, and Grey Goose cocktail made with pear, apple, brown butter, and cinnamon. You’ll definitely want a reservation for this one!
3. Sippin’ Santa at Prohibition
47 King Street, Charleston
The highly anticipated Sippin’ Santa event at Prohibition is back for the holidays. Everyone in Charleston already knows Prohibition as one of the best spots in town for live music and cocktails. Once Sippin’ Santa rolls in, this popular bar gets a peppermint twist with help from amazing decorations, seasonal cocktails, and festive appetizers. Prohibition is all decked out with amazing holiday decor that creates the perfect background for some merry photos with friends. This is also a good place to know about if you’re looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve in Charleston. After spreading cheer all season long, Sippin’ Santa at Prohibition goes out with a bang with a ticket-only New Year’s Eve bash. Sippin’ Santa New Year’s Eve is a night of fun, sparkling drinks, and live music from DJ Jerry Feels Good. There’s even a champagne toast at midnight.
4. Bar Mashmas at Bar Mash
701 East Bay Street, Charleston
Charleston’s best spot for whiskey and beer transforms into the place for holiday cheer in December! Enjoy food specials, festive cocktails, and cheerful decor! This Christmas pop-up event truly goes over the top when it comes to both the decorations that drip from the ceiling and an amazing menu of warm, satisfying favorites. The chefs at Bar Mashmas are ready to stuff your stocking with a “pigs in a blanket” wreath, gingerbread tiramisu, chocolate peppermint cake, and “turkey coma” plate! For cocktails, the menu offers a North Pole Nightcap, Heat Miser Cocktail, Polar Espresso, Gingerbread Mule, and much more!
5. Blind Tiger Pub
36-38 Broad Street, Charleston
Blind Tiger Pub is adding bling to Charleston for the holidays! This beloved bar goes all out with bright, magical holiday lights and decor. The highlight is the stunning outdoor patio that’s adorned with string lights that hang from rafters and palm trees! Settle in to sip an enchanted holiday cocktail by the light of a red Christmas lantern at your table. The ceiling inside Blind Tiger is transformed into a canopy of hundreds of colorful Christmas ornaments and lights. Of course, the highlight is the giant nutcracker statue waiting patiently to pose for fun holiday photos at the bar. While all of the Christmas cocktails on the menu will ring your bells, the Peppermint White Russian made with Smirnoff, black coffee liqueur, peppermint cream, and shaved peppermint takes the cake!
6. The Sleigh Room
34 Woolfe Street, Charleston
The Sleigh Room is Charleston’s largest pop-up bar event. Once you enter through the doors, you’re transported to a winter wonderland with luxury touches. While enjoying the buzzing energy in this festive space, visitors can sip espresso martinis, candy cane martinis, and yummy eggnog. You’ll feel the anticipation in the air as magical snow falls from the sky on the dot once every hour! There’s also a back room featuring arcade games and life-sized bowling! The event’s revolving selection of entertainment is provided by DJs and live acts. If you’re looking for a more elite experience, let the elves at the Sleigh Room usher you away for an exclusive experience at the Naughty List VIP Lounge to enjoy champagne bottle service in plush surroundings.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Charleston page, here!
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