How do you make a pop-up pop? With dazzling lights, festive cheer and a few merry cocktails, of course!
We’ve gathered a selection of holiday-themed pop-ups focused on craft cocktails – and mocktails – that’ll be sure to bring on the merry magic of the holiday season.
ALL I WANT: THE QUEEN OF CHRISTMAS POP-UP
Immerse yourself in glitz and glamor at the ART Bar rooftop at the Angad Arts Hotel, where the Christmas spirit is alive and well 13 stories high above Grand Center! A nod to the self-proclaimed “Queen of Christmas,” Mariah Carey, the luxe atmosphere surrounds you with classic white, silver and glitter and plenty of Champagne!
In addition to the seasonal cocktail menu, which includes Cranberry Jingle (Koval cranberry liqueur, Domaine De Canton, simple syrup, lime, Sprite, prosecco) and Clausmopolitan (Belvedere lemon & basil vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, lime), themed events abound. There’s “All I Want for Brunchmas: A Very Carey Holiday Tribute” on Nov. 26 (advance purchase required), and “Santa Paws,” an adoption event with Stray Rescue of St. Louis on Dec. 10.
Admission is free, with food and drink available for purchase. Separate tickets are required for “All I Want for Brunchmas” drag queen show and brunch. Through Dec. 31; Angad Arts Hotel, 3550 Samuel Shepard Drive in Midtown St. Louis.
THE CHALET
Cozy up to The Chalet, the wintery rooftop pop-up from Le Meridien! The Alpine resort-inspired experience evokes the spirit of a luxurious European ski lodge with wooden pergolas and twinkling lights as you snuggle under a blanket next to fire pits and heated lamps. A curling rink is available to rent by the hour.
New this year is a specialty menu featuring BBQ Pork Sliders, Goat Cheese Truffles and more, to be enjoying alongside Mulled Wine, Smokey Hot Chocolate, Apple Cider and Bourbon Hot Toddy.
Every Friday, admission to Chalet Fridays ($15) features live music and a complimentary s’mores kit. Admission to the pop-up is free on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are encouraged. Through Dec. 31; Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton, 7730 Bonhomme Ave. in downtown Clayton.
UP ON THE ROOFTOP
Set your sights from 400 feet atop St. Louis Hilton at the Ballpark for panoramic views of the city, including Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium and other landmarks. It’s the perfect perch to enjoy 360 Bar’s transformation into a winter wonderland, complete with a menu of specialty cocktails, small bites or a full dinner. Stay warm indoors or sit next to a warm fire pit on the wraparound patio.
A sneak peek of themed cocktails (both hot and not) includes: Nutcracker Hot Toddy (lemon wheel and candied ginger, bourbon, walnut liqueur, almond, pecan bitters, chai tea), Sleigh, Girl! (dehydrated cranberries and fresh lime wheel garnish, dry gin, sloe gin, cranberry sauce cordial, ginger beer) and Polar Espresso Martini (peppermint vodka, NOLA coffee liqueur, creme de cacao, half and half).
There is no cover charge before 10 p.m.; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Through Dec. 30; 360, St. Louis Hilton at the Ballpark, 1 S. Broadway in downtown St. Louis.
SLEIGH SHED
Bring on the bling and baubles and indulge in creative cocktails and an array of lunch and dinner selections at the Sleigh Shed! This time of year, The Train Shed restaurant at St. Louis Union Station transforms into a dazzling display of lights, festive tables and plenty of holiday cheer. Plus, with its location in the middle of Union Station, you’ll be treated to the holiday fire and light show whether you’re inside dining in – or out exploring the holiday market, the St. Louis Wheel and other attractions.
Offerings include cocktails, mocktails, appetizers and desserts – and even a Holiday Dinner with maple-glazed ham, mashed potatoes, green beans and a dinner roll. Other highlights are the Sleighcation (double-aged dark rum, SelvaRey coconut rum, hazelnut liqueur, allspice dram, cream of coconut, lime, angostura), Enough Sled (Wild Poet gin, spiced pear liqueur, ginger, honey, lemon), Santa’s Red-Eye Fix (local vodka, Vanilla de Madagascar liqueur, cold brew, heavy cream, whipped cream, cookie crumble) and a holiday spin on Beignets and Gooey Butter Cake.
No reservations required; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Through Dec. 31; The Train Shed at St. Louis Union Station, 201 S. 18th St. in downtown St. Louis.
TINSELTOWN ST. LOUIS
It doesn’t matter whether you’re on Santa’s naughty or nice list, there’ll be no feelings of bah humbug! here. Instead, you’ll find Tinseltown at Utopia Studios overflowing with holiday spirit in a speakeasy-style setting. Celebrate with Santa, his elves, presents, tons of tinsel and more!
The Christmas-themed cocktail menu will make you jolly, whether you partake in boozy or non-alcoholic selections.
Admission ($15) includes a themed drink upon arrival; additional menu items are available for purchase. Reservations are required for specific seating times. Through Dec. 30; Utopia Studios, 3957 Park Ave. in the Botanical Heights Neighborhood.
BLING
It may be cold outside but Bling’s Christmas Island cocktail will transport you to the beach. photo by Abbie Takes Pictures
The winter wonderland that is Bling is the place to be for your holiday girls’ night out, a family get-together or the company party!
Located within The Wolf Café, the pop-up has plenty to choose from, with a Christmas-themed menu that includes apps and snacks, and drinks such as The Bling (Reyka vodka, house-made limoncello, spiced pear, pomegranate, citrus), Last Christmas (brown butter-infused Four Roses bourbon, Laird’s apple brandy, house-made chai bitters, chai syrup) and Christmas Island (Plantation dark and silver rums, allspice dram, passionfruit, pineapple, dragonfruit, coconut, citrus, cane sugar, seasonal spices).
Tickets are $20 per person; $25 for the VIP Lounge, which include a complimentary glass of Champagne, snacks and a private seating area. A portion of the proceeds benefits Circle of Concern, a food pantry in West St. Louis County. Through Dec. 23; The Wolf Café, 15480 Clayton Road in Ballwin.
WEIRDLY WONDERFUL HOLIDAYS
Experience the wonder of the holidays as only the City Museum can deliver – filled with larger-than-life light displays, holiday-themed photo ops and a magic show starring Santa! Throughout the museum, enjoy special crafts like cookie decorating in ArtCity, as well as stunning outdoor lights on MonstroCity.
Three special bars – The Chalet at Cabin Inn, The North Pole Bar and the Holly Jolly Café on the Rooftop – will warm you up with specialty cocktails. The patio is also open for s’mores and hot drinks.
Regular admission to City Museum (starting at $20) includes access to Weirdly Wonderful Holidays, with food and drink available for purchase. Through Dec. 31; City Museum, 750 N. 16th St. in downtown St. Louis.
