Holiday Themed Bars in Virginia 2026
Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Liz Thomson
It’s officially holiday pop-up bar season! I love that so many spots are going all out for the holidays and I’m glad this trend just keeps getting bigger. I’ve updated this list for 2026 with every holiday bar I could confirm is coming back this year (plus a few new ones). Dates and details change fast this time of year, so double-check the bar’s website or Instagram before you head out.
My favorites over the years have been Miracle on Cary (Jasper) and Evergreen (Birdies) but I’m excited to try some new ones this year!
Quick tip: the popular ones book up in minutes. If you want a weekend reservation in December, book as soon as reservations open. Otherwise, go on a weeknight or show up right at opening.
Richmond Holiday Bars
The Evergreen at Birdie’s
Birdie’s oyster and coffee bar in the Arts District turns into The Evergreen every year, and it’s one of the hardest reservations in town. If you can’t snag a table, try for a bar seat. The bar is first-come, first-served, and Mondays are designated for 100% walk-ins. Oysters and a holiday cocktail? Yes please.
- Where: 305 W Broad St, Richmond
- When: Opens Friday, Nov. 13
- Website: birdiesva.com
Miracle on Cary at The Jasper
The original Richmond holiday bar. The Jasper in Carytown goes full Christmas kitsch, and the line down Cary Street on Friday and Saturday nights proves it. If the wait’s too long, Can Can is right nearby for a backup drink. I came here with a large group of girls last year and it was one of my favorite holiday spots!
- Where: 3113 W Cary St, Richmond
- When: Opens Wednesday, Nov. 18
- Website: jasperbarrva.com
Sippin’ Santa at The Emerald Lounge
Christmas, but make it tiki. The Jasper’s sister bar in Church Hill hosts Sippin’ Santa, the tropical cousin of Miracle. Spotty Dog ice cream is right around the corner so after you score a holiday drink, go enjoy a treat!
- Where: 2416 Jefferson Ave, Richmond
- When: Opens Friday, Nov. 20 at 5pm
- Website: emeraldloungerva.com
Rum & Reindeer at Island Shrimp Co.
A tropical, drinks-heavy holiday spot at Rocketts Landing with views of the James River. Great pick if you want festive vibes by the river!
- Where: 11 Orleans St, Richmond
- When: Open now
- Website: islandshrimpco.com
Noël at Beaucoup
Beaucoup is the Paris-inspired oyster and cocktail bar on Robinson Street from the Grisette and Jardin team, (two other spots we love) and Noël is its holiday takeover. Fridays and Saturdays in December go fast. The theme this year is Montreal, so we’re expecting some poutine!
- Where: 111 N Robinson St, Richmond
- When: Opens Tuesday, Dec. 1
- Website: Beaucoup-rva.com
West Pole at Bar West
Near West End folks, this one’s for you. Bar West on Grove Avenue goes full North Pole for the season, so you don’t have to fight for parking in Carytown to get your holiday cocktail fix. This spot also has a great patio if you happen to get a warmer winter night!
- Where: 5811 Grove Ave, Richmond
- When: Opens Tuesday, Nov. 17
- Website: Barwest804.com
Tinsel & Tequila at Casa del Barco
Swap the eggnog for tequila. Casa del Barco on the Canal Walk decks out the whole restaurant and pours a menu of tequila-based holiday cocktails. It’s already open, so it’s a good one to hit early in the season.
- Where: 320 S 12th St, Richmond
- When: Opened Monday, Nov. 2
- Website: casadelbarcova.com
Under the Christmas Tree at Reservoir Distillery
It sounds like Reservoir’s holiday pop-up bar in Scott’s Addition is coming back! It’s free to get into and walk-ins are welcome, which honestly makes it one of the easiest holiday bars to actually go to this year. Bonus: it runs into January, so it’s perfect for a post-holiday hangout too.
- Where: 1800 Summit Ave, Richmond
- When: Nov. 27, 2026 through Jan. 3, 2027
- Website: Reservoirdistillery.com
Winter Wonderland at NAPA Kitchen & Wine (Midlothian)
Chesterfield gets in on the fun too. NAPA Kitchen & Wine turns its dining room into a twinkly Winter Wonderland with holiday cocktails, and it’s a great date night pick if you live south of the river.
- Where: 15825 WC Main St, Midlothian
- When: Opens Wednesday, Nov. 11
- Website: nkwine.com
Hampton Roads Holiday Bars
Miracle on Waterside Drive (Norfolk)
Norfolk’s Miracle pop-up in the Waterside District has a lively, office-party-in-the-best-way energy. Look for classics like the Christmapolitan and Snowball Old-Fashioned plus new 2026 drinks like the Sugarplum Stampede and the Sleigh-Saurus. Reservations are very limited, so book early.
- Where: 333 Waterside Dr, Norfolk
- When: Nov. 21 through Dec. 27
- Website: watersidedistrict.com
Sippin’ Santa at Frank & Patty’s (Virginia Beach)
This smash burger spot in the ViBe District at the Oceanfront is an official Sippin’ Santa location for 2026. Tiki holiday cocktails and a burger? That’s a solid night. Opening dates weren’t posted yet when I updated this, so check their Instagram.
- Where: 510 17 1/2 St, Virginia Beach
- When: Dates TBA
- Website: frankandpattysva.com
Northern Virginia Holiday Bars
Sippin’ Santa at Tiki Thai (Reston)
Tiki Thai is back on the official Sippin’ Santa list for 2026. Expect holiday tiki drinks in collectible mugs, holiday decor, and really good Thai food. Reservations are a smart move. Dates haven’t been posted yet, so check their site before you go.
- Where: 12100 Sunset Hills Rd, Suite 107, Reston
- When: Dates TBA
- Website: tikithai.com
Roanoke Holiday Bars
Miracle at Stellina
Downtown Roanoke’s Miracle pop-up is back on Kirk Avenue. If there’s a wait, Bernard’s Gastropub is on the same block for a drink while you hang out.
- Where: 104 Kirk Ave SW, Roanoke
- When: Nov. 25 through Dec. 31. Tuesday to Thursday 5pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 5pm to 11pm
- Website: miraclepopup.com
Sippin’ Santa at Metl (New for 2026!)
Roanoke gets its first Sippin’ Santa this year at Metl on Salem Avenue. That means you can do Miracle and Sippin’ Santa in one night without leaving downtown. The opening date hasn’t been announced yet, so keep an eye on their socials.
- Where: Salem Ave, Roanoke
- When: Dates TBA
- Website: via Instagram
Keep an Eye On These
These are yearly favorites that haven’t announced their 2026 plans yet. I’ll update this post when they do, but check their socials before you make the drive!
Blitzen Bar at Makers Union (Arlington and Reston)
Makers Union turns its bars into Blitzen Bar every year, with a dozen holiday cocktails and a holiday playlist that goes from the classics to Snoop Dogg. There are locations in Pentagon City and Reston Town Center.
- Where: 1450 S Eads St, Arlington, and 1811 Library St, Reston
- When: 2026 dates TBA (it ran from late November through Dec. 31 last year)
- Website: Instagram
Joy on the Avenue (Alexandria)
Del Ray’s pop-up bar changes its theme a few times a year, and the Christmas version is the one everyone waits for. Think tinsel everywhere, holiday cocktails in souvenir glasses, and Christmas-movie snacks. The owner has said the holiday theme is coming back this year after the Halloween bar closes. Opening dates weren’t posted when I updated this, but it usually opens the weekend before Thanksgiving.
- Where: 2312 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria
- When: Dates TBA
- Website: Instagram
Get Tight Lounge (Richmond)
This Fan bar and music venue usually decks out its patio for the holidays and adds a festive cocktail menu. It’s a fun pick if you want a holiday drink and a live show in the same night. No 2026 announcement yet, so check their Instagram before you go.
- Where: 1104 W Main St, Richmond
- When: 2026 dates TBA
- Instagram: @gettightlounge
Did I Miss One?
New holiday pop-ups get announced all through November, so I’ll keep adding to this list. If you know of a holiday bar in Virginia that should be on here, drop it in the comments and I’ll check it out!
