The local cocktail scene is fire, and during the holiday season restaurants are leveling up with themed—and lavishly decorated—pop-up bars. We dare you to feel grinchy while sipping handcrafted cocktails from a ceramic cat wearing a bowtie, a glass snowman and other Insta-worthy drinkware. Get festive at these spirited spots.
Après Springs at Balian Springs
Situated in a former office building, this 100,000-square-foot spa oasis is transforming into Après Springs, a spa-wide, ski lodge-inspired pop-up, Dec. 1-Jan. 31, 2026. In addition to saunas, pools and other spa therapies, guests can sip a winter sangria and spiked hot cocoa. 6432 General Green Way, Alexandria
Blitzen Bar at Makers Union
The 2-year-old gastropub in National Landing is celebrating the season with the Blitzen Bar, open Nov. 28-Dec. 31. Come for the merry décor and stay for the 12 cocktails mixologists have whipped up. They include Big Nick Energy (blood orange vodka, lime juice, strawberry purée, San Pellegrino Aranciata blood orange soda and ginger beer), How the Grinch Stole Makers Union (vodka, melon liqueur, blue curaçao, orange juice, apple purée, Sprite, cranberries, shimmer dust and a table-side Grand Marnier float). For something sans spirits—but full of holiday spirit all the same—ask for the Sugarplum Fizz or Berry & Brite. 1450 S. Eads St., Arlington (National Landing)
Blitzens at the Omni Shoreham Hotel
This DC property that just celebrated its 95th anniversary is transforming its Marquee Lounge into Blitzen’s, its annual holiday pop-up bar. The festive hideaway features holiday cocktails crafted by Julie Reiner, acclaimed mixologist, co-founder of NYC’s Clover Club, Milady’s and Leyenda and a judge on Netflix’s Drink Masters. Stop in for a Naughty or Spice (Old Forester 86 bourbon, Lustau Palo Cortado Sherry, Liquid Alchemist Pumpkin, lemon, Angostura Bitters) or a Mistletoe Martini (Fords gin, Tio Pepe fino sherry, Cocchi Americano, saline, red & green cerignola olives). 2500 Calvert Street NW, Washington, D.C.Â
Bring on the holidays with festively presented cocktails at Colada Shop in Arlington, Virginia. (Courtesy photos)
Colada Shop’s Holiday Bar
The Holiday Bar is back at the Clarendon location this year through Jan. 1, 2026, during regular business hours. Sip on Cuban-inspired cocktails such as the Candy Cane Colada (white rum, pineapple, coconut cream, coconut milk, cranberry red bitter syrup and candy cane), the MoHoHojito (white rum, pomegranate, lime, sugar, mint and sparkling wine) and the Apple Guava Mule (vodka, apple-guava purée, lime and ginger beer). 2920 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Griswolds on the Deck
Starting Dec. 5, the Deck at Clarendon Ballroom will host a Christmas pop-up bar with oversize ornaments, colorful lights, giant candy canes, plus music and seasonal cocktails. Pull on your ugliest sweaters and stop by during Jolly Hour, 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays-Saturdays, for drink deals on beer, wine, Santa Sangria and other Christmas cocktails. 3182 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Home Alone Pop-up at Hotel Heron
Nov. 28-Dec. 28, sip beverages inspired by the 1990 Christmas movie, such as the Filthy Animal! (a spiced colada with grilled pineapple and smoked cinnamon) and Keep the Change! (cinnamon-infused tequila, lime and agave with a cinnamon-toast rim). There’s a food menu, too, with a Turkey TV Dinner and Blue Box Mac N Cheese. Hotel Heron, 669 Prince St., Alexandria
Joy on the Avenue
Alexandria’s rotating, themed pop-up bar has taken on a holiday hue this season. Through Jan. 4, 2026, find nibbles such as Nachos Navidad, Buddy the Elf Sliders and Reindeer Chow (chocolate, hazelnut-covered Chex and powdered sugar). Drink options include the Cousin Eddy’s Eggnog (vodka, infused amaretto and eggnog) and the Ghost of Christmas Future (rum, vanilla apricot syrup, lime juice, ginger beer and a dehydrated fig). 2312 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria