From immersive winter wonderlands and nostalgic holiday throwbacks to elegant lounges serving limited-edition cocktails and bites, this year’s lineup brings back longtime favorites while introducing a fresh wave of spirited newcomers. Here’s your guide to San Diego’s best holiday-themed bars and restaurants for 2025.
Coaster Saloon, Mission Beach - This long-running indoor/outdoor hotspot sited right across from Belmont Park and steps from the beach is part of the Miracle holiday pop-up this year, meaning it's completely decked out for the holidays with a special cocktail list.
F6ix, Gaslamp Quarter - Get ready for the Holly Jolly Holiday Bar, as F6ix goes all-in on glittering décor, layering the space with ornaments, garlands, neon signs, and wall-to-wall holiday shine. Guests can sip seasonal cocktails and enjoy a welcome drink with admission while exploring one of downtown’s flashiest holiday builds.
Bayside Kitchen & Bar, Little Italy - Bayside transforms into a pastel-packed, Golden Girls-themed Christmas haven, complete with cheesecake-inspired desserts, fun photo setups, and Miami-style holiday décor. Every 90-minute reservation includes a hot chocolate and plenty of nostalgia.
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.
Peppermint Beach Club, Westfield UTC - Westfield UTC has transformed into a winter wonderland with the return of the Peppermint Beach Club, bringing a taste of the North Pole to San Diego. The festive pop-up features snowfall, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and nonstop holiday entertainment. Guests can also enjoy seasonal cocktails, ice skating, exclusive shopping offers, and professional gift-wrapping services now through December 24.
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.
Coral, Del Mar - Get modern coastal cuisine with a wave of holiday spirit at this new Del Mar fusion restaurant, which opened earlier this year in the space that long housed Zel's.
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 - This 70s-themed disco goes full nostalgic holiday fever dream, layering tinsel over neon lights and decking the dancefloor with retro cheer. Think boozy takes on classic punches, vintage Christmas playlists, and the kind of festive chaos your parents swear they invented.
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.
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 in December 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.
Bernardo Winery, Rancho Bernardo - Enjoy a handful of enchanting nights of festive fun at the winery this December. 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 - The Grass Skirt flips its tiki speakeasy script for Sippin’ Santa, blending palm-tree escapism with Christmas kitsch. Expect tiki mugs in Santa hats, tropical holiday cocktails, and enough over-the-top décor to make you forget it’s winter anywhere else.
Santa's Lair, Downtown - Parq turns its nightlife playground into a North Pole fever dream, complete with themed rooms, meet-and-greets with Santa, interactive photo ops, and holiday cocktails. Ticketed entry gets you a timed, immersive stroll through Santa’s most extravagant hideout.
LandShark Bar & Grill, Gaslamp Quarter - Margaritaville’s LandShark Bar & Grill takes a playful turn into pirate-season mode, filling the space into Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern with nautical holiday décor, rum-forward festive cocktails, and lively pirate characters who will happily toast the season with you until December 31
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.
Polite Provisions, North Park - Polite Provisions becomes a glowing holiday spectacle, layering garlands, lights, and winter charm over its already-iconic apothecary setting for its A Cocktail Carol transformation. Seasonal drinks skew warm and indulgent, making this one of the city’s most beloved December traditions.
InsideOUT, Hillcrest - InsideOUT’s Holiday Oasis Experience blends upscale decorations with snow effects, specialty food, and seasonal cocktails. Adults-only through early January.
Nason's Beer Hall, Gaslamp Quarter - Pendry’s beer hall bursts into full-blown holiday maximalism with giant ornaments, twinkle-lit tunnels, and whimsical cocktail specials. This pop-up is made for group outings and Instagram moments, with free reservations to stroll through the festive takeover.
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.
El After Social Club, Gaslamp Quarter - If your holiday spirit leans more My Chemical Romance than Mariah Carey, El After’s Emo Christmas delivers the perfect dose of angst and nostalgia. Black Christmas trees, scream-along anthems, themed cocktails, and scenes straight out of a 2007 holiday breakup.
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.
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.
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 converts its sleek, Michelin-recommended dining room into a sophisticated winter hideaway. Snowed In offers seasonal cocktails, flickering candlelight, and a warm, lodge-inspired atmosphere that feels miles away from city life - no reservation needed.
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 5th 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.
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 this December. 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.
Herb & Sea, Encinitas - Celebrity chef Brian Malarkey’s North County seafood hotspot has transformed into a coastal Winter Wonderland for the season, complete with a spectacular ceiling packed with hanging holiday ornaments. And with that many shimmering Christmas balls overhead, Malarkey and Puffer just might want to borrow a page from their La Jolla restaurant’s playbook and temporarily rebrand Herb & Sea as Le Balls.
These festive spots are sure to fill your season with holiday cheer. If we’ve missed one of your favorites, let us know at info@SanDiegoVille.com - we’d love to hear from you! Cheers!
Originally published on November 28, 2025.
