‘Tis the season for shopping, Santa, and holiday spirit(s). If you’re looking for a fun and festive night out, Louisville has you covered. Check out these themed seasonal bars that have popped up around town for a limited time!
Blitzen’s at Pin + Proof
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: omnihotels.com
Through December 30, the Omni Louisville’s speakeasy, Pin + Proof, is more than just a hidden bowling alley bar. Decked out in tons of tinsel, bright neon signs, bold baubles, and more, the lower-level space is open Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Guests can expect a dozen themed cocktails, including a couple of alcohol-free options for the Christmas season.
Try the Frost Bite (a seasonal spin on a piña colada) or The Blitzen (a rum negroni with a festive twist). Don’t miss the limited-time snacks, which include a variety of holiday cookies (dubbed Santa’s Secret Stash) and Blizzard Bark, made with white and milk chocolate, coconut, pistachio, ginger, and cranberries. Call (502) 313-6664 to make a reservation.
Candy Lane at House of Marigold
Neighborhood: Blue Ridge Manor
More Info: thehouseofmarigold.com
This popular brunch spot — with its picture-perfect interior — is bringing even more photo ops to Louisvilians by way of Candy Lane. The House of Marigold’s pop-up is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, until December 28. No reservations are needed to enter this pink and sparkly winter wonderland, which boasts balloons and giant pastel nutcrackers.
Try one of four featured cocktails, including Elf Kisses (made with whipped vodka, coffee liqueur, peppermint, and cream) or Sugar & Spice (vodka, Bailey’s Irish cream, gingerbread, and vanilla sweet cream). A selection of light bites is available, too — don’t miss the gingerbread man-shaped pop tart!
Christmas Bar at O’Shea’s Irish Pub
Neighborhood: Original Highlands
More Info: osheaslouisville.net
The holiday spirit has returned to O’Shea’s on Baxter Avenue, with decorations indoors and out and a variety of themed drinks. Stop by during regular bar hours and stay inside while sipping on a sugar cookie martini made with whipped cream vodka, Irish cream, amaretto, and heavy cream, or warm up outside with a boozy hot chocolate that blends Rumchata, Fireball, housemade whipped cream, and toasted marshmallow.
If you’re really feeling the spirits this season, join the Christmas Bar Crawl on December 14 — O’Shea’s is one of six stops on the joyful journey.
A Christmas Story at The Whirling Tiger
Neighborhood: Butchertown
More Info: thewhirlingtiger.com
As the name suggests, The Whirling Tiger’s holiday pop-up is modeled after one classic, somewhat notorious Christmas film with an infamous leg lamp. Open Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., the Butchertown bar boasts multiple rooms bursting with holiday decor.
The drinks are equally festive and include the Holiday Sparkler, made with gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda. You can also enjoy a By The Fireplace, a blend of Campari, sweet vermouth, and prosecco. Guests are welcome to walk in anytime, and reservations are not accepted.
Disco Blizzard at Lucky Penny
Neighborhood: Phoenix Hill
More Info: bunkhousehotels.com
Lucky Penny is Disco Blizzard through January 4, 2025. From 5 p.m. to midnight every Wednesday through Saturday, the transformed speakeasy at the back of Hotel Genevieve is open for festive cocktails and seasonal bites. Sip the S’mores, S’mores, S’mores, featuring graham cracker, toasted marshmallow, and local distillery Rabbit Hole’s Mash and Mallow or the Nutty & Nice, made with cranberry, chocolate, Chambord, and hazelnut.
Satisfy those late-night munchies with bites like rum cake, Christmas crunch popcorn, and a bacon scallion cheese ball. Remember to make a reservation ahead of time!
Merry at The Marriott
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: Facebook
New in 2024, this holiday pop-up is open to hotel guests and visitors alike. Open from 3 p.m. until midnight through December 29, the lobby bar turned winter wonderland is serving up a variety of seasonal cocktails. Options include a gingerbread old fashioned, snowflake martini, and bourbon eggnog. There’s even a Merry Mocha, available with or without a drop of booze. Guests can also order bites from the regular food menu and a special Cheesy Charcuterie Board, which features a classic holiday cheese ball centerpiece.
Miracle on Market at Galaxie
Neighborhood: Phoenix Hill
More Info: miracleonmarketlouisville.com
Miracle on Market is back from 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday until December 30. In addition to the over-the-top decor, festive cocktails, and holiday food, the annual pop-up at Galaxie also boasts Christmas movies, karaoke, and a new lineup of holiday merch. Enjoy favorites like the Snowball Old Fashioned, or try something new like Rudolph’s Replacement, made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and chai syrup.
Reservations are not accepted, but Miracle on Market is available for holiday party rentals for groups of 40 or more.
Tinsel Tavern at Pizza Bar
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: 4thstlive.com
From November 29 – December 31, 2024, Pizza Bar at Fourth Street Live! is Tinsel Tavern
Open Wednesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., the space is decked out from floor to ceiling in holiday decor. In addition to themed drinks, food options, and lots of photo ops, Tinsel Tavern offers special add-ons, including s’mores and gingerbread house kits, a boozy hot chocolate bar, and gift bags. One-time events include bingo bells, Christmas karaoke, and a paint-and-sip night. Reservations are not required but are recommended.
Happy holidays, Louisville!
This article contains hotel affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.
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