PHOTO COURTESY OF RUGGER’S PUB

If you’re having a hard time getting into the yuletide spirit, pop into a holiday pop-up bar. Whether you’re looking to get lit surrounded by over-the-top decorations or want a cozy spot serving seasonal mocktails, Pittsburgh is the new North Pole. 

Miracle on 6th

If you’re 21 or over, you can witness a Miracle on 6th every day from 4 p.m. to midnight through New Year’s Eve. 

The nationwide holiday pop-up bar phenomenon started in New York City in 2013 and Spencer Warren, owner of The Warren Bar and Burrow Downtown, is Pittsburgher’s head elf. 

This season, Warren has an even bigger space to fill with a Griswoldian amount of decorations. There’s no cover and no need to make reservations unless you have a group of 15 or more. Rent the private party room with a catering menu or commune with strangers who, after a few cocktails served in a Santa Claus mug, will be your new BFFs. 

Downtown, 136 Sixth St.

Barry’s Pub

Why should city dwellers have all the yuletide fun? This suburban restaurant and bar — which is now a non-smoking establishment — goes from a Halloween haunt to a holly jolly joint this time of year.

Experience the magic daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Barry Christmas!

McCandless, 9566 Perry Highway

The Tipsy Elf: Where Every Day Is Christmas at Hough’s Taproom & Brewpub

You better watch out! The elves have invaded Hough’s through Dec. 30. 

The immersive pop-up is like Santa’s workshop, except the workers are working on a buzz instead of making toys. Book your boozy 1.5-hour session now or ask about family-friendly visits. 

Greenfield, 563 Greenfield Ave.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RUGGER’S PUB

Good Cheer at Rugger’s Pub

You don’t have to play rugby to experience Good Cheer at Rugger’s Pub — but it helps if you like Iron City Beer, n’at. 

Take a selfie or decorate a stocking by the makeshift fireplace Monday through Thursday 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. and noon to 2 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Drink specials include the Steel Hurtin’, an I.C. Light bottle or an Iron City can and a shot of Old Crow or Slivovitz. Cocktail lovers can sip The Swiss Mistress, hot chocolate, Rumpleminz and marshmallows.

South Side, 40 S. 22nd St.

Apres Ski Bar at Butcher and the Rye

While Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group prepares to reopen Butcher and the Rye in 2023, the space is getting a holiday makeover. 

The popular restaurant, closed since 2020 due to the pandemic, will double as Apres Ski Bar from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at least through March. The team has transformed the eatery into a wintry chalet, with an upscale food and drink menu. 

Bar seating is first come, first served, but reservations are available for the lounge area. 

Downtown, 212 Sixth St.

The Industrialist Hotel

Through Dec. 31, the second floor of The Industrialist Hotel will double as an elegant winter wonderland where you can warm up with good company and a cocktail. Sip in style from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays in December.

Downtown, 405 Wood St.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BARCADIA

Cousin Eddie’s Christmas Pop-up Bar at Barcadia

“You serious, Clark?”

Yep. That there’s a Cousin Eddie Christmas Pop-up Bar at Barcadia. Everybody’s favorite dickie-wearin’ worm farmer takes center stage at this Market Square bar and arcade.

Gas up the RV, throw on a bathrobe and stop by for an eggnog from 4 p.m. to close Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, noon to 2 a.m. Saturday and noon to close Sunday. 

Snap photos for your Christmas cards at the Griswold selfie station, order food from neighboring Slider Vibes and enjoy drinks like the Little Full, Lotta Sap made with bourbon, maple syrup orange and ginger beer. A portion of the proceeds from every specialty cocktail sold will be donated to the UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation, The Ryan Shazier Fund and the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.

Downtown, 25 Market Square 

The Holiday House at the Maverick

The former Ace Hotel is under new management — and from the looks of it St. Nick is in charge. Starting Friday, Dec. 2 and running Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through the end of the month, you can quaff beverages in holiday splendor at the Maverick. 

Hours are 4:30 p.m. to midnight, with happy hour running from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Who needs milk and cookies?

East Liberty, 120 S. Whitfield St.

Verona BREW-ski Trail

From Dec. 1-22, hit Verona’s BREW-ski Trail without freezing your butt off or breaking a leg. Take a tour of the borough’s three resident beermakers, get your official card stamped (and earn a free sticker) at each one and turn it in for a chance to win up to $150 in gift cards from Acclamation Brewing, Inner Groove Brewing and Cellar Works Brewing Co., a Sarver, Pa.-based business that opens its location at 723 Allegheny River Blvd. on Dec. 1. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COMMONER

The Reindeer on the Rooftop at Hotel Monaco 

Red noses are welcome at the Biergarten at Hotel Monaco. 

On Dec. 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests enjoying brunch at The Commoner can head upstairs and visit The Reindeer on the Rooftop for $10. Want to skip the meal and make a beeline for Santa’s sleigh squad? The cost is $12. Complimentary hot chocolate and cider will be available for all visitors 21 and older, with seasonal adult beverages at the bar. 

Downtown, 620 William Penn Place

PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTY LOCKLIN

Bob’s Garage

Bob’s been decking the halls of his “garage” with a garish amount of lights and tinsel long before Instagram selfies were a thing. The grandfather of the festive fad is still going as strong, with drinks to match. 

The bar gives every holiday an over-the-top salute, but Christmas is when it shines the brightest.

Blawnox, 1372 Freeport Road