Whether or not it really is the most wonderful time of the year is a matter of personal preference. But there’s no debating that it definitely is the most pop-up bar time of year. If you’re looking at getting in on the merriment, here are some area pop-ups worth checking out.
Every year, Nicky’s Coal Fired in The Nations transforms into St. Nicky’s for the holiday season. This year, their theme is Smoky Mountain Christmas, and they leaned into East Tennessee in a big way. The ceiling is covered with pine branches and stars, so you feel like you’re in the mountains, and drink specials, like frozen eggnog, set the scene. And, of course, you’ll find nods to the Smokies’ patron saint: Dolly Parton. The experience is first come, first served, no reservations necessary.
The Tennessee Whiskey Trail is a network of distilleries statewide. Through Jan. 4, they’re all participating in “Carols and Barrels,” with themed cocktails and decor. In Nashville, that includes Nightmare Before Christmas at Corsair Distillery and Taproom in Marathon Village, and 12 Drams of Christmas at Old Forge Distillery in the Assembly Food Hall. If you’re an overachiever, you can register for a digital passport and collect stamps at the different locations. Visit all 12 to get a prize.
Through Dec. 31, V Modern Italian is partnering with Nashville-based HART Jewelry for an unusual pairing. Order the HART Dirty Martini Tower at V and receive a complimentary martini charm designed by HART as a keepsake.
The third floor of Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville is now (temporarily) Santa’s Backroom. It’s a place that either Jelly Roll or Santa might want to sneak off to get away from the holiday hubbub. There’s a specialty cocktail menu with frozen hot chocolate made with Goo Goo Clusters and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Schulman's Neighborhood Bar in East Nashville is back at it, “Christmas Vacation”-style. Expect themed cocktails, more Christmas lights than even Clark would hang, and a laid-back neighborhood vibe.
If you’re looking for a Winter Wonderland in Franklin, The Harpeth Hotel has igloos available to reserve, where you can enjoy holiday eats and drinks. The igloos will be up through January, which is a nice bonus if you miss the December window.
🎁 SkyBar
Want your pop-up to be a little more chill than the Broadway neon? SkyBar, the rooftop bar at Hilton Nashville Green Hills, has been transformed into The Ribbon Room, looking like a beautifully wrapped Christmas gift.
Miracle, the Christmas pop-up that shows up at different bars in different cities across the globe, is back in town. This year, the uber-festive decor will be at GoodTimes in Wedgewood-Houston. In addition to the over-the-top decorations, Miracle offers collectible glassware with some of its seasonal drinks.
