Festive Pop Up Bars for the Perfect Holiday Date Night in Detroit

Celebrating the holidays as a child is a magical experience. Remember those days, when everything felt like sugarplum fairies and gumdrops, and you could hardly wait for Santa to visit? 

For many, the holiday magic begins to fade as we grow up. Even if you’re a grown up that loves the holidays, you can’t deny that there’s a certain level of stress that accompanies the most wonderful time of the year. Our holiday wish lists now come with budgets; family celebrations require cooking and cleaning; and winter break plans turn from hanging out with friends and staying up late to arranging childcare. 

Add some Christmas cheer back into the holiday season with a date night at one of these decked out pop-up bars in metro Detroit. The over-the-top decor at some of these spots is sure to put you in a cheery mood, and if that’s not enough, sipping on a specialty holiday cocktail may be just what you need to find some holiday spirit. 

Holiday Pop-Up Bars in Metro Detroit

255 Candy Cottage

• Address: 225 Speakeasy by Atwater Brewery, 237 Jos Campau, Detroit
• Cover: No, but reservations are required

Atwater Brewery’s speakeasy has transformed into the Candy Cottage, a cute holiday lounge offering specialty bourbon, gin and vodka cocktails, as well as cider and beer options. Light bites are available. 

Cadillac Lodge

• Address: Cadillac Square, Detroit
• Cover: No
• Kids allowed: Yes

This family-friendly space is decked out for the holidays. Order a hot cocktail, mulled wine or seasonal drink (hot cocoa and cider available for the kiddos) then play board games and warm up next to a fireplace. Light bites are available, and there is live music and kid-friendly activities on the weekends, too! 

Chalet 313

• Address: Campus Martius Park, Detroit
• Cover: No
• Kids allowed: Yes

New this year, the two-story holiday hangout space overlooks the Christmas tree and all of the festivities at Campus Martius Park. Chalet 313 features warm seating, a full bar offering festive cocktails and dazzling views of the ice rink, Detroit skyline and the Christmas tree.

Jingle at Ale Mary’s

• Address: Ale Mary’s, 316 S Main St., Royal Oak
• Cover: No, but reservations are recommended

This decked out pop up bar has it all: incredible decor, hearty meals, tasty cocktails and vegan holiday shakes topped with Christmas cookies. For the ultimate winter wonderland experience, reserve an outdoor igloo and dine under the twinkling lights. 

Griswold’s Pop-Up

• Address: Pretzel Bell, 226 S Main St., Ann Arbor

Fans of the defunct Griswold’s Hideaway in Royal Oak can visit a similar National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation pop-up in Ann Arbor. Stop by for fun themed drinks and trivia nights, live music and more special events. 

Sippin’ Santa at The Skip

• Address: The Skip, 1234 The Belt, Detroit

How’d ya like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island? That’s the vibe at Sippin’ Santa, an incredible tiki bar that is adding a tropical twist to your holiday date night. Plus, you can commemorate your evening (and get some last-minute holiday shopping done) by purchasing one of their adorable Christmas tiki mugs. 

Sleigh Bells Lounge

• Address: J. Baldwin’s Restaurant, 16981 18 Mile Road, Clinton Township

One of metro Detroit’s newest holiday eateries is elegantly decorated with lush garlands and twinkling lights. Sleigh Bells Lounge is a great option for couples looking for a full-menu with both delicious dinner options and festive cocktails. 

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