From shimmering lights to themed cocktails and over-the-top decorations, these establishments offer everything you need to get into the Christmas spirit. Here's a roundup of San Diego's best holiday-themed bars and restaurants for 2024.
The Duck Dive, Pacific Beach - The Great Dickens Holiday Pop-Up features themed drinks like Bah-Rum-Bug and Fezziwig’s Ball, along with classic holiday décor for a festive experience.
Brickman's at Lakehouse Resort, San Marcos - Miracle at Brickman's features holiday cocktails, festive décor, and private igloo rentals with charcuterie boards, desserts, and wine for a cozy lakeside experience.
Brickman's at Lakehouse Resort, San Marcos - Miracle at Brickman's features holiday cocktails, festive décor, and private igloo rentals with charcuterie boards, desserts, and wine for a cozy lakeside experience.
Lime in the Coconut, Chula Vista - This speakeasy becomes a tiki-Christmas haven for the Sippin’ Santa pop-up, offering festive cocktails like Holiday on Ice and the Ginger Snapper.
Xmas Bar, Gaslamp Quarter - Good Night John Boy turns into a holiday oasis with Christmas décor and themed drinks like "Santa's Lil Night Cap" and “Heat Miser.” Live music runs until midnight on Thursdays and until 2am on weekends.
Mister A’s, Bankers Hill - The third annual "Elf on the Twelfth" features festive decorations and a menu of holiday-themed cocktails, including peppermint and eggnog flavors.
Nolita Hall, Little Italy - Decked out in holiday cheer, this Little Italy hotspot features heartwarming decorations and creative seasonal cocktails to lift your spirits.
Nolita Hall, Little Italy - Decked out in holiday cheer, this Little Italy hotspot features heartwarming decorations and creative seasonal cocktails to lift your spirits.
The Lafayette Hotel, North Park/University Heights - San Diego's historic Lafayette Hotel transforms into a dazzling Christmas village, complete with holiday-themed cocktails and special treats. Beginner's Diner serves a holiday plate with turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings, while the lobby bar offers holiday tea service starting December 2 with dainty sandwiches, scones, and sweets.
Waterfront Bar, Little Italy - San Diego's oldest bar embraces the holidays with dazzling lights and merry drinks for a nostalgic holiday experience.
Cutwater Tasting Room, Miramar - Reimagined as the Cutwater Lodge, this space offers seasonal drinks, a hot chocolate bar, and photo ops with a branded gondola through December 31.
Bernardo Winery, Rancho Bernardo - Enjoy 10 enchanting nights of festive fun at the winery this December 11-15 and 18-22, from 5-9pm. Stroll under twinkling lights, enjoy live carolers, and sip on hot mulled wine while exploring the Holiday Shopping Village and the beloved Polar Express Train Exhibit at the gazebo.
Top of the Hyatt, Downtown - This 40th-floor bar transforms into the Over The Top Holiday Lounge, complete with panoramic views, ski resort-themed décor, seasonal cocktails like the Gingerbread Old Fashioned, and live holiday music.
The Grass Skirt, Pacific Beach - This tiki bar hosts the Sippin’ Santa pop-up, featuring tropical holiday drinks like Frosty the Merman and festive décor to match.
Santa's Lair, Downtown - Parq Nightclub’s North Pole-inspired speakeasy features holiday cocktails, festive bites, and photo ops with Santa. Runs select dates through December 29.
Craft & Commerce, Little Italy - This Little Italy staple decks its halls alongside its onsite speakeasy False Idol for a cozy holiday cocktail experience.
Hamburger Hut, Encinitas - Already known for its candy cane-striped decor, this burger spot fully embraces the holidays with extra festive flair, perfect for families and holiday enthusiasts.
Hotel del Coronado, Coronado - San Diego's most iconic holiday destination dazzles with yuletide décor, an oceanfront ice rink, and activities like gingerbread house decorating, beachside igloos, and seasonal movies.
InsideOUT, Hillcrest - InsideOUT’s Holiday Oasis Experience blends upscale decorations with snow effects, specialty food, and seasonal cocktails. Adults-only through January 5.
Nason's Beer Hall, Gaslamp Quarter - Partnering with Tipsy Elves, Nason's is decked out in ugly Christmas sweaters and offers signature cocktails like Tipsy and Bright, with proceeds benefiting the San Diego Food Bank.
Aero Club Bar, Middletown - Known for its vast whiskey selection, this legendary bar goes all out for the holidays with twinkling lights and a warm, festive atmosphere perfect for reconnecting with friends.
Waterfront Bar, Little Italy - San Diego's oldest bar embraces the holidays with dazzling lights and merry drinks for a nostalgic holiday experience.
Cutwater Tasting Room, Miramar - Reimagined as the Cutwater Lodge, this space offers seasonal drinks, a hot chocolate bar, and photo ops with a branded gondola through December 31.
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad - Blitzen's is a Christmas-themed pop-up bar offering twinkling lights, cozy nooks, and holiday relaxation for all ages. Open Thursdays through Saturdays from 5 to 9pm until January 4, it's the perfect spot for a festive family night out.
The Corner Drafthouse, Bankers Hill - After enjoying Balboa Park’s December Nights, head over to this neighborhood gem turned holiday wonderland. Seasonal offerings include the Peppermint Czar cocktail and festive food like “The Bobby” turkey hoagie.
The US Grant, Downtown - Decked out in holiday splendor, this iconic hotel offers themed cocktails and bites in its Holiday Under the Chandeliers menu. Special events on select December dates feature live entertainment, Santa visits, and festive bar carts.
The Corner Drafthouse, Bankers Hill - After enjoying Balboa Park’s December Nights, head over to this neighborhood gem turned holiday wonderland. Seasonal offerings include the Peppermint Czar cocktail and festive food like “The Bobby” turkey hoagie.
The US Grant, Downtown - Decked out in holiday splendor, this iconic hotel offers themed cocktails and bites in its Holiday Under the Chandeliers menu. Special events on select December dates feature live entertainment, Santa visits, and festive bar carts.
Draft at Belmont Park, Mission Beach - The Miracle at Draft pop-up returns with creative holiday cocktails, collectible mugs, and sparkling decorations. Pair your drinks with holiday festivities around Belmont Park through January 5, 2025.
Swan Bar, North Park - This year's pop-up features festive Christmas decorations and seasonal cocktails like hot buttered rum and the Krampus Cooler. The bar also offers bottles of its signature "CocoRumpy" as holiday gifts.
La Doña, Ocean Beach - La Doña celebrates the season with holiday-themed decor and its signature Mexican dishes. It’s the perfect spot for festive vibes and delicious birria tacos.
Swan Bar, North Park - This year's pop-up features festive Christmas decorations and seasonal cocktails like hot buttered rum and the Krampus Cooler. The bar also offers bottles of its signature "CocoRumpy" as holiday gifts.
La Doña, Ocean Beach - La Doña celebrates the season with holiday-themed decor and its signature Mexican dishes. It’s the perfect spot for festive vibes and delicious birria tacos.
Jingle Bar, Gaslamp Quarter - Bang on 5th transforms into a Christmas wonderland with themed cocktails, games, and festive décor. Don’t miss the best-dressed contests with prizes.
Fort Oak, Mission Hills - Trust Restaurant Group transforms its Mission Hills hotspot into a Snowglobe-themed bar with festive cocktails and immersive decorations.
Barbarella, La Jolla Shores - This Italian favorite gets a holiday makeover, with its cozy interiors and charming facade adorned in Christmas decor, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and group gatherings.
Barbarella, La Jolla Shores - This Italian favorite gets a holiday makeover, with its cozy interiors and charming facade adorned in Christmas decor, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and group gatherings.
Til-Two Club, City Heights - Hosting "Hellish Holiday" for its 4th year, this decades-old live music venue features quirky decorations, festive cocktails, and playful nods to holiday absurdities.
Mavericks Beach Club, Pacific Beach - Dive into a holiday wonderland at Maverick's Beach Club with their MistleTOASTED Holiday Experience, running through December 25th. This Pacific Beach hotspot transforms into a festive extravaganza featuring 2 miles of Christmas lights and tinsel, 10 Christmas trees, and 2 dance floors to keep the holiday vibes alive. Sip on drinks from a special holiday cocktail menu while soaking in the over-the-top decor. Whether you're dancing the night away or simply enjoying the twinkling lights, Maverick's is the ultimate destination for seasonal fun in PB!
Veranda Bar at Rancho Bernardo Inn, Rancho Bernardo - The beloved “Miracle” pop-up brings kitschy decor and festive craft cocktails to Veranda Bar from December 1–31, creating a nostalgic holiday experience.
Barrel & Board Social, Hillcrest - This women-run bar and restaurant from the creators of nearby Gossip Grill has transformed into the Sleigh Bar! Expect the space to be filled with holiday decorations and offer Christmas cocktails and mocktails, along with daily happy hour from 8-10pm and all day Sunday.
Estancia La Jolla, La Jolla - The Greenfinch Bar has been reimagined as The Frosty Saddle, featuring festive flair and drinks like Santa’s Milk Punch and Thin Ice. Open daily with no reservations required.
Cesarina, Point Loma - Inspired by an Italian Alps ski chalet, Cesarina’s holiday transformation includes faux furs, chiminea fireplaces, and a dining room filled with garlands and ornaments.
Louisiana Purchase, North Park - Get a dose of New Orleans Christmas at this neighborhood favorite. In addition to a special lineup of drinks and a decked out atmosphere, the restaurant will have black Santa available for photos every suntil through Christmas from noon to 3pm.
Urban Mo's, Hillcrest - This Hillcrest hotspot is breaking out all the decorations for its Jingle Balls holiday pop-up. Get balls deep in the Christmas Spirit through January 5.
Tipsy Crow, Gaslamp - This Downtown San Diego hotspot is transforming into a Grinch-themed pop-up from December 4-26. All three levels will be decked out in Grinch-inspired decor, with specialty cocktails including Cindy Lou's Martini and 2 Sizes 2 Small Spicy Margarita.
These festive spots are sure to fill your season with holiday cheer. If we’ve missed one of your favorites, let us know at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you! Cheers!
Originally published on November 27, 2024.
