Best Christmas Themed Bars for Festive Cocktails This Holiday

Let me guess, you’re the kind of person who would rather enjoy an artfully crafted cocktail in a sleek setting than crack open a can of beer beside rowdy football fans at a pub. For you, a bar experience isn’t complete without exceptional interior design and the right amount of ambience. But, because you’re you, it doesn’t just stop there. You’re a little more extra than that and since it’s the holidays, you want to have your Christmas and drink it too.

If I’m right on the money, good news… You can expect for the theme of these bars for Christmas to be so good that the cocktails are practically singing Christmas carols to you. Get ready to put these Christmas themed bars on your holiday bucketlist. I’ve been to each one personally and can attest to their festive fabulousness.

I’ll keep adding to this list. For now, these bars are in the US, specifically on the east coast.

Allow me to share some of my favorite bars for Christmas… Lets start with the northeastern most state…

Maine

No doubt about it, this state screams holiday! No matter where you go during the winter months, you will automatically start feeling the Christmas cheer effect in Maine. After all, it is the Pine Tree State. Let’s narrow it down just a bit to Kennebunkport, voted #2 Christmas Town in America by HGTV.

For two weeks every December, this picturesque coastal community comes together to celebrate Christmas Prelude, a holiday festival created by businesses to give thanks to the locals who have supported them all year long. Of course, visitors are welcome to join in on the fun too! The entire town is in on this wonderful celebration.

Burleigh Bar & Restaurant

Head over to Kennebunkport Inn. During the winter months at the hotel’s gastropub, Burleigh Restaurant, you can enjoy light snacks and drinks outdoors in one of their igloos or on the patio under twinkly lights in a ski gondola.

If you feeling like burning off some holiday pounds, the outdoor curling rink will surely help you out.

Once you’ve enjoyed the beauty of the night outdoors, head indoors for some Christmas cocktails and live music at the magical tinsel bar. There are also comfortable sitting areas with a fireplace and board games that will make you feel right at home without having to clean up all the glasses at the end of the night. 

What to Eat

• Duck Confit Poutine
• Oysters Rockefeller
• Maine Lobster Dip

What to Drink

• Christmas Ornament (Hendrick’s gin, elderflower, lemon, rosemary, simple syrup, prosecco)

Fast Facts:

• Dress Warmly. Even with the heaters and cozy blankets, it’s al fresco dining, you still get chilly, especially in the Winter months. I wouldn’t wear a dress.
• I recommend making reservations for the restaurant in advance. This is very much a hot spot in the cold. Gondolas are limited and need to be requested specifically. Also, igloos are not always on property so check before you make your reservation. There are also other outside seating options available with fire pits.
• Plan on spending time in Kennebunkport it is an adorable town. The Inn itself is the perfect spot for a New England holiday getaway.
• They have a special Christmas Prelude menu. Order their seasonal offerings and themed drinks.

Stay at Kennebunkport Inn

If you want to enjoy multiple days of Christmas Prelude fun, consider a stay at the Inn, which has a very lovely warm and cozy vibe, almost like you’re coming home for the holidays with the benefit of having a whole team of professionals concocting cocktails and cooking up delicious food for you.

Massachusetts

There are no shortage of Christmas themed bars in Boston for a cup of Christmas cheer but, there’s one that stands out from the rest. It’s called Miracle pop-up bar and it’s just over the Charles River from Boston. Miracle has added an awesome twist to an old tradition. Or, maybe it’s better to say that they are bringing back some old traditions.

Kitschy is the word of the day here and once you enter this bar, you’ll agree it’s a holly jolly holiday. Miracle pops up in various hotels, bars and restaurants across the globe and has found its way to Marlowe Hotel in Cambridge, Massachusetts. From ornaments hanging from the ceiling, Christmas tunes playing to gift wrap wallpaper and ski chairlifts, this is Christmas.

What to Drink

These Christmas cocktails come in fun glassware with playful names like Christmapolitan, Elfing Around and Grandma Got Ran Over by T-Rex, served (of course), in a green ceramic T-Rex glass complete with a santa hat.

What to Eat

• Thick Cut Fries
• Winter Spice Mixed Nuts

Fast Facts:

• Drinks are priced as expected, $17 – $18. This isn’t a time to order a beer or a glass of wine, you are in a holiday bar. Order off the fun drink menu.
• Light bites are also offered and are delicious.
• Miracle books up quickly so make reservations in advance.
• If you aren’t staying at the hotel, take an uber as parking is limited.

Stay at The Marlowe

First off, I love The Marlowe, which is part of the Kimpton brand. Pop-up bar aside, it’s definitely a hotel to look into if you’re staying in Cambridge. Add a little Miracle and you have a jingle bell of a good time. Check out the holiday packages the hotel offers including 2 cocktails and a $50 dining credit. What the heck, make a weekend out of it!

New York

Of course, we can’t forget the Big Apple. Nothing screams Christmas like New York City.

Pink Winter Lodge at Magic Hour Rooftop Bar

Forget White Christmas… How about a PINK Christmas?!

Of all the Christmas themed bars out there, this one is sure to make the inner kid in you come alive.

The mysterious bar starts out on the street, taking you through a maze-like path until you reach the hotel’s rooftop bar, Magic Hour, where, if you’re lucky, you can snag a seat at the apres-ski themed carousel rotating in the center of the floor complete with ski lift chairs and fur throw blankets. The over the top bar’s pink glow further adds to its festive feel.

It’s like walking into a Winter Wonderland with a little funky goodness, which is right up my alley.

Staying true to its amusement park atmosphere, the bar also has a mini golf course, which further adds to the excitement.

Kick back, enjoy delicious cocktails and bites while gazing out into the New York skyline. You’ll even get views of the Empire State Building. What could be better?

What to Drink:

• Moxy Apres Ski (Pink Hot Chocolate with Vodka, Baileys Red Velvet, White Chocolate, Soy Milk)
• Doctors Orders (IV bag for 2, Rum & Vita Coco)

What to Eat:

• S’more Pink Smores Please (Pink Smores)
• Chicken Caesar Salad
• Warm Pecorino Cheese Fondue
• Grilled Shrimp Tacos
• Fried Calamari
• Jersey Hamburger Sliders

Fast Facts:

• Last call at 9:30 PM, get orders in 
• They check IDs at door. 21 + older  (No Exceptions)
• Bar is outdoors, dress warm. They also have outdoor heaters.

Stay at Moxy

As with my other recommendations on this list, this bar is in a hotel so, you can book a stay. In full Real Girl Review style, I have to say, personally, Moxy hotel is not the vibe for me, which I explained in a mini hotel review. It’s part of the Marriott family, which I love. However, maybe I am not hip enough to understand its design and layout. Therefore, I was not a fan of the hotel. It felt like a very expensive hostel.

That’s a Wrap!

I hope you enjoyed this blog!

Have you been to one of these Christmas themed bars? Would you go? Comment below and subscribe to the blog for travel adventures, tips & how to get in on travel rewards for free trips!

You might also like:

Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude Celebration in Maine

A Quick Magical Trip to Chicago at Christmas

Add a Christmas Story House and Museum to Your Holiday Bucketlist

Fun Winter Activities in Maine

Charming Christmas Markets in Berlin, Germany

Your Ultimate Guide to New Years in Hamburg, Germany

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Fact Check:

At Real Girl Review, we value truth and always strive for accuracy. Posts are updated regularly. If you read something that still doesn’t sound right, contact me at gv@realgirlreview.com. I will investigate the facts and make changes as I deem necessary.