‘Tis the season for twinkle lights, festive food, and magical date nights! Over the past 3 years, my husband and I have checked out some of the best Holiday Pop-Up Bars in St. Louis. Here’s your cheat sheet on what to know before you go to help you plan out an epic date night this season:
General Tips:
Plan WAY in advance!
- These events are so much fun when shared with friends. Map out a date ASAP since the Holidays are so busy!
- NOW is the time to check if the venue accepts reservations. Hint: several of them are already LIVE!
- Follow each location’s social media page for fun details on what’s new this year.
- Some venues are suited for the whole family. I’ve also been really impressed with the number of mocktails that venues are offering!
- If possible, try to go on a weekday vs the weekend to avoid wait times and traffic!
- Many places will give you a time block for your reservation- in other words, you won’t have unlimited time to spend at your table, so establish a game plan for dinner before, during, or after!
Up on the Rooftop, 360, Downtown St. Louis
November 7 – December 28, 2025
Award: Best decorations with a panoramic view!
Try to time your visit right before sunset. The orange glow against the skyline with the decorations is just mesmerizing! Be sure to walk outside to their rooftop patio to take in the view. Reservations were not accepted last year, and some sections were unavailable due to private parties. You might need to continually scout for a seat! This venue also has excellent food options- we loved the white album pizza and Brussels sprouts.
Sippin’ Santa at Planter’s House, St. Louis
November 18 – December 28, 2025
Award: Cutest tropical-themed decorations, glassware, and food!
You don’t have to travel to Hawaii to escape the winter chill in St. Louis! At Planter’s House, you’ll find umbrellas with string lights, palm trees, and the most festive, themed mugs. I loved that their drink menu also includes a pic of what glass it’s served in. Don’t miss their Maui onion fries … yum!
I would strongly suggest making a reservation to secure a table! Check HERE on Sunday, November 9th at 12pm when all reservations will be released.
Sleigh Shed at Train Shed, Union Station
November 7 – December 31, 2025
Award: Best family date and best ceiling!
This *very* popular venue does not accept reservations! Our first attempt to visit was a huge failure. We tried to go in the middle of the week and arrived about 7:30pm. We were promptly told that they had a 2+ hour wait and weren’t accepting any additional names for the night. We were so bummed! We tried a few weeks later with our kiddos on a Saturday.
Here’s my biggest tip: go to the aquarium while you wait! We put our names in and then enjoyed strolling through all the interactive exhibits. Our kids didn’t even realize we were “waiting” and the time passed really quickly! Bonus- it wasn’t an additional expense since we had the aquarium annual membership.
The ceiling inside is truly incredible with hundreds of ornaments cascading across the room. I definitely recommend Santa’s Red Eye Fix- a coffee-flavored drink with cookies sprinkled on top! Yum! ( … and strong!). More info HERE.
Union Station has so many fun options to explore. If you are there between 5 pm – 10 pm, be sure to check out the FREE 3D light show in The Grand Hall. It runs daily except when there’s a private event (be sure to check the schedule HERE ahead of time).
Toasted Chestnut at Public School House, Cottleville
Family Day: Sunday, November 30 + Sunday, December 7, 2025
December 2 – 31, 2025 (Tuesdays – Saturdays)
Award: Best bartenders and light experience!
This venue just might be my all-time favorite for any season. They do such an incredible job ALL year hosting different themed experiences. We’ve been to their Harry Potter, Halloween, School of Oz, and Holiday pop-up bars so far. You will need to secure tickets *far* in advance to reserve a time block and seats. Tables of 2 are seated at the bar. Food is available- we usually order light bites with our drinks and plan to get dessert at another venue on the way home. The bartenders have always been really helpful in giving recommendations since there are so many amazing drink options. Ours even added a vanishing bubble to the top of my drink.
After your time inside the bar, you’ll be able to stroll through their Winter Light Walk featuring a pergola decked out with a canopy of beautiful lights. They do offer 2 family day options complete with a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus on Sunday, November 30th and Sunday, December 7th. Ticket reservations are available NOW!
Up on the Rooftop, 360 at Westport Plaza
November 7 – December 28, 2025
Award: Best Classic Christmas… Reds, Greens, and GLAM!
Beautiful reds and greens sparkle at this pop-up! Ride the glass elevator up to the 12th floor to enjoy a chic lounge and rooftop patio. Highly recommend the Whipped Ricotta if they have it on the menu again this year! I loved the fireplace and firepit views at this venue. Elevated and cozy! No reservations available so I’d suggest going early in the evening.
Bling at The Wolf Café, West County
December 2-31, 2025
Award: Best for live music and pretty drink garnishes!
This fun pop-up will be located on the main level of The Wolf Cafe this year. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus will be available. During their debut year, we enjoyed the live music, delicious food, and fun décor details like walls that were transformed into presents with wrapping paper, Santa hat chair toppers, and a whimsical peppermint wall.
Miracle at Small Change
November 18 – December 28, 2025
Award: Best walk-in option and dose of Holiday nostalgia!
Miracle is the city’s original pop-up! After our failure at Union Station, we headed here to see if we could get a table. After a 25-minute wait, we got in! The ambiance inside is a delightful blend of kitschy decorations, nostalgic energy, and lighted garlands. Be sure to plan dinner either before or after since food options are *very* limited. Our server joked that there was a vending machine in the corner for additional options!
If you want a guaranteed seat, sign up for a reservation (released in two stages):
Reservations will be released in two stages:
NOV 1st at 12 noon: release of reservations for Nov 18 – Dec 7
DEC 1st at 12 noon: release of reservations for Dec 9 – Dec 28
Feel-good moment: Your reservation = a donation. Miracle gives those fees to Santa’s Helpers, Inc., a local group that’s been helping make Christmas magical for St. Louis kids since 1968.
Frosted at Tower Grove Park with STL Barkeep
December 11 – 27, 2025
Award: Winter Wonderland Winner!
You’ll feel like you’re stepping into a snow globe! Enjoy giant snowflakes projected onto the ceiling of the Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park and some of the best drinks made by the incredible STL Barkeep staff. Seating was flexible with a mix of high and low top tables. Plan to stop before or after dinner as there were no food options. Highly recommend pairing this pop-up with dinner at Russell’s on Macklind (it’s only 10 minutes away!). No reservations!
Bonus: last year, they had a selection of specialty bottles available for purchase. We brought home a Knob Creek Single Barrel Select with a Tower Grove Park label. It was such a unique souvenir and a way to support a true STL gem since proceeds went to the park!
Ornament at Calypso
Dates haven’t been released yet: Updates coming SOON!
Award: Winner of bokeh bliss in each photo!
Wrapping-paper walls, a ceiling covered in ornaments, and glowing firepits on the patio- it was all so festive! We loved the cozy Christmas scenes looping on the TV screens, and our reservation came with a fun little touch: champagne bubbles the moment we sat down.
We ordered the Fry Flight (truffle, loaded, and candied yam fries … all delicious).
A unique perk of this pop-up: last year they also offered late-night, drinks-only hours, perfect if you’re heading out after dinner or a show.
Updates coming soon when their schedule is announced!
Tinsel Tavern at Ballpark Village, Downtown STL
November 28 – December 28, 2025
Santa Family Night: December 7 from 5 – 7 pm (crafts + games)
Award: Snowflakes and surfboards energy!
Last year, this pop-up was hosted at the The Shark Bar and they really leaned into the Coastal Christmas vibe! For 2025, they are moving it to The Crown Room on the second level of Budweiser Brew House. New space = new theme! I’m curious to see what direction they take it! We made reservations last season just to be safe, but it turned out we could have walked right in. This year could be different, so keep an eye on how busy it gets.
Special Nights: Wednesdays = trivia, Thursdays = karaoke, and December 7th is their Santa family night.
Pro tip: This pop-up is right by some incredible dinner spots. We’re big fans of Katie’s Pizza & Pasta nearby. They even had “It’s a Wonderful Life” playing on the screen while we ate- so festive! Salt + Smoke is another great option!
Cheers to cocktails, mocktails, and memories!
The above spots are not an exhaustive list by any means! A few others that we would love to attend in the future:
- The Chalet at Le Meridien, Clayton
- Cocktails and Claws at 4 Hands + Peacemaker in Kirkwood
- Winter WINEderland at Robust Bistro in Webster Groves
- Lit at Molly’s in Soulard, St. Louis
For a detailed list of options in each area of the city, be sure to check out this GUIDE that will continue to be updated as more information becomes available! Have you been to a Holiday pop-up bar? Let us know your favorite and any tips/reviews that you might have!
