Holiday pop-up bars bringing Christmas cheer to the Milwaukee area in 2025

There's no shortage of Milwaukee bars that are ready to help you get in the holiday spirit this season. Whether it's to bask in the glow of twinkle lights and ornaments or sip on a spiked hot chocolate, visit one of these holiday pop-ups to maximize the merriment this winter.

Snomad Winter Pub at Nomad World Pub

The Snomad Winter Pub pop-up offers patrons specialty Christmas cocktails, mocktails, happy hour specials and an atmosphere of holiday cheer. The lineup of cocktails includes a tiramisu white Russian, a spiked horchata with vodka and RumChata, a holiday sangria, a gingerbread shot and an eggnog pudding shot. Guests can get half-priced Christmas cocktails during happy hour (4-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday), and the normally closed-off upstairs area will be open to patrons Friday and Saturday nights.

The upstairs pub area is decorated to resemble a cozy cabin, and the main pub is decorated with traditional Christmas decorations like garlands, ornaments and strings of lights. The pub will host events throughout the pop-up including Santa Paws @ Snowmad, a pet-friendly holiday party, on Nov. 29 and the Snowmad holiday party on Dec. 20.

• When: noon - 2 a.m. Monday-Thursday, noon - 2:30 a.m. Friday-Sunday, through Jan. 3
• Where: Nomad World Pub, 1401 E. Brady St.
• More information: nomadworldpub.com/milwaukee-brady-street-nomad-world-pub-events

'ELF' @ Lost Whale

Guests can expect over-the-top holiday decor, snow-covered everything, syrup-drizzled surprises and holiday-themed cocktails (regular or virgin) during Lost Whale's fifth annual "Elf"-themed pop-up.

• When: Dec. 1-31. 4 p.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.- 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday and noon-10 p.m. Sunday
• Where: Lost Whale, 2151 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
• More information: tinyurl.com/5n6nckbu

Lost Whale, 2151 S Kinnickinnic Ave., is hosting an "Elf"-themed pop-up bar featuring decor and drinks inspired by the popular Christmas movie.

Miracle on 2nd St. at Tin Widow

Miracle on 2nd St. is back at Tin Widow. The annual holiday pop-up is done in partnership with New York-based company Cocktail Kingdom's Miracle program. This year, the menu includes the Snowball Old Fashioned, a gingerbread rye whiskey take on a Wisconsin favorite; and the Christmapolitan: a vodka, elderflower, lime, rosemary, spiced cranberry martini. From noon to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday during the pop-up, the bar is offering a cocoa bar, when children can get hot cocoa and hot apple cider and enjoy the decorations in a more family-friendly environment.

• When: Nov. 28-Jan. 4. 6 p.m.- 2 a.m. Monday-Wednesday, noon- 2 a.m. Thursday, noon- 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday
• Where: The Tin Widow, 703 S. Second St.
• More information: the-tin-widow.res-menu.com

Santa Camp at Camp Bar

Camp Bar's annual holiday pop-up, Santa Camp, is returning to all Camp Bar locations for another season of Christmas cheer and holiday events. Each bar will be decked out in holiday decor and will serve special seasonal drinks, including two new cocktails served in a personal-size bucket.

The Mistletoe bucket is made with black cherry vodka, white soda, an upside-down can of black cherry White Claw and is garnished with limes and cherries. The Mele Kalikimaka bucket is made with pineapple vodka, an upside-down can of lime White Claw, sour soda and a float of blackberry syrup. The Rudolph Tispy Spritzer is another new addition to the Santa Camp menu. This is Camp Bar's version of an Aperol spritz with Aperol, seltzer water, champagne, a float of blackberry syrup and a garnish of rosemary.

The new personal-size bucket cocktails featured on the 2025 Santa Camp menu at all Camp Bar locations include the Mele Kalikimaka (left) and the Mistletoe (right).

Frosty's, a winter disco-themed speakeasy, is also set to run intermittently at Birch, which is connected to Camp Bar Tosa. Disco balls, blue and white lights, a photo booth, dancing and live music will set a chill mood for guests at Frosty's, running Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20. Musicians will perform for guests from 7 to 10 p.m., then a DJ set will finish off the night from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The family-friendly Countdown to Christmas event at Camp Bar Tosa and Birch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 30 will allow guests to meet Santa Claus, expedite a letter to Santa, play games and make crafts for free. The patio will be filled with Christmas trees and wreaths sold by Uselding's Christmas Trees from Cedarburg. Attendees can peruse local vendors' merchandise and enjoy offerings from the regular bar and special a hot cocoa bar on-site.

The Santa Camp Pub Crawl will bus guests between each Camp Bar location for $40 per person from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 20. Guests will receive one free cocktail at each location. The event starts at Camp Bar Tosa and ends at Birch in time for attendees to enjoy Frosty's speakeasy.

• Where and when: The pop-up coincides with each bar's hours of operation. There is no set end date for it, but it will continue until mid- to late January, according to Grace Masanz, marketing and operations manager for Hackbarth Hospitality Group, which owns the locations.
  • Camp Bar Shorewood, 4044 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Thursday, 3 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. Friday, noon-2:30 a.m. Saturday and noon-2 a.m. Sunday
  • Camp Bar Tosa, 6600 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Thursday, 3 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Friday, noon-2:30 a.m. Saturday and noon-2 a.m. Sunday
  • Camp Bar Third Ward, 525 E. Menomonee St., Milwaukee: 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Thursday, 2 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Friday, noon-2:30 a.m. Saturday and noon-2 a.m. Sunday
  • Deer Camp MKE, 1023 N. King Drive, Milwaukee: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Thursday, 3 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Friday, noon-2:30 a.m. Saturday and noon-2 a.m. Sunday
• More information: campbarmke.com

Santa's Speakeasy at The Brewery

Santa's Speakeasy will feature holiday-themed cocktails and a fully decorated room in the back bar of The Brewery, where Christmas movies will play continuously.

The cocktail lineup features Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer, with Jim Beam Vanilla, Baileys Chocolate liqueur and espresso; Partridge in a Pear Mule with Absolut Pear vodka, cranberry juice, ginger beer and lime juice; I Want a Hippopotamus, with RumHaven coconut rum, pineapple juice, Sprite, mint, lime and simple syrup, I'm Dreaming of a White Russian, with Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, Absolut vodka and eggnog; Dominic the Italian Christmas Donkey, with Aperol, apple cider, cranberry juice, cava and seltzer; Frosty the Snowman, with Espolón tequila, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup and condensed milk; and Die Hard, a shot of Tullamore D.E.W. whiskey and a pretzel cigarette (a pretzel dipped in white chocolate). The bar also will offer a selection of Santa Snacks, including Reindeer Chow, Buddy the Elf Trail Mix and Santa's Milk and Cookies.

• When: Nov. 26-Dec. 28. The Brewery's hours are 4 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, noon-2 a.m. Saturday and noon-1:30 a.m. on Sunday.
• Where: The Brewery, 1101 N. Water St.

Twisted Santa's Ice Camp at Twisted Fisherman

Twisted Fisherman is offering seasonal cocktails, mocktails and private heated domes as part of its Twisted Santa's Ice Camp pop-up. Seasonal cocktails in the lineup include Mrs. Klaus Night out, with Tito's vodka, Kahlua, espresso, gingerbread syrup, cream and a hint of chocolate; Mistletoe Make Out, with Rehorst vodka, elderflower liqueur, blueberry, cinnamon, lemon and prosecco; and Santa's Busted Nutcracker, a hot drink made with Old Smoky Peanut Butter Whiskey, chocolate and milk.

The first part of the pop-up, the Twisted Santa pop-up taking place before Christmas, features more holiday-themed decor. The Ice Camp part of the pop-up, happening after Christmas, will have more general winter decor.

• When: Twisted Santa runs through Dec. 31. The heated domes will be open daily until mid-March. Twisted Fisherman is open 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily. Its kitchen closes at 9 p.m.
• Where: Twisted Fisherman, 1200 W. Canal St.
• More information: twistedfisherman.com/twisted-santas-ice-camp

Home for the Holidays at Hubbard Park Lodge

Hubbard Park Lodge will offer patrons a holiday cabin-themed dining experience and access to heated dining domes on the patio during its Home for the Holidays pop-up. Specialty drinks on the pop-up's menu include the White Christmas, with Tito's Vodka, Kahlua, cream, gingerbread syrup, cinnamon and chocolate.

Also, the Home for the Holidays Stinger, with Korbel brandy and crème de menthe served on the rocks; Fireside with Mrs. Klaus, a hot drink with Cruzan aged rum, RumChata, hot chocolate, chocolate shavings and toasted marshmallows; a nonalcoholic cinnamon-spiced hot apple cider; and a Candy Cane Mocktini, made with cream soda, half and half and simple syrup, served with a rim of peppermint.

• When: Home for the Holidays runs Thursday-Sunday Nov. 21- Dec. 31. Hubbard Park Lodge's hours are 4-9 p.m. for Friday dinner service, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for Sunday brunch service and determined by the first and last reservations on Thursday and Saturday. The heated domes will be available Nov. 28 through mid-March.
• Where: Hubbard Park Lodge, 3565 N. Morris Blvd.
• More information: hubbardparklodge.com/holiday-pop-up-bar

Frosty's Dive Bar at Rollie's Tavern

Frosty's Dive bar will feature specialty holiday cocktails like Santa Needs to Stay Awake, with Tito's Vodka, Kahlua, espresso, milk and gingerbread syrup; and Christmas on the Beach, with Jose Cuervo tequila, triple sec, sweet and sour mix and cranberry juice.

The menu also features hot cocktails like Frosty's Winter Punch, made with apple cider, Jägermeister and cinnamon; and Ho Ho Buttered Rum Rum. with aged rum, Captain Morgan spiced rum, butter, brown sugar and nutmeg. The bar will have festive decorations and will serve its regular menu with pub classics like patty melts, Ruebens, chicken tenders, breaded bluegill, pizza, fries and onion rings.

• When: Nov. 28- Dec. 31. Rollie's Tavern is open from 11 a.m. to midnight daily. Its kitchen closes at 9 p.m.
• Where: Rollie's Tavern, 7751 N. Teutonia Ave., Brown Deer
• More information: rolliestavern.com/holiday-pop-up-bar

Rollies Tavern, 7751 N. Teutonia Ave., Brown Deer, is offering a lineup of specialty cocktails for its Frosty's Dive Bar pop-up.

Magic Forest at At Random

Heated huts will be available for guests to lounge in during At Random's Magic Forest holiday patio pop-up. Guests can enjoy a seasonal cocktail, hot drink or ice cream drink in the warmth of the holiday-themed Magic Forest huts for $8 per person on weekdays and $10 per person on weekends. Reservations are recommended.

• When: Starting Nov. 21. Magic Forest/patio service will be available 5-11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 5 p.m.- midnight Friday, 3 p.m.-midnight Saturday and 3-11 p.m. Sunday. At Random will be open on Christmas Eve.
• Where: At Random, 2501 S. Delaware Ave.
• More information: atrandommke.com/magicforest

Tom and Jerry Room at Bryant's Cocktail Lounge

The Tom and Jerry Room is named for the Midwestern spiked, hot eggnog variant with the same name. Traditionally, a Tom and Jerry contains beaten egg whites, egg yolks, sugar, hot milk and hot brandy and/or rum to create the perfect combination of kick and creaminess. Bryant's is offering guests $13 brandy and rum Tom and Jerrys and $25 for one in a commemorative Tom and Jerry mug designed by Pete Klockau of the Black Lagoon Room. The mug also will be available for purchase separate from the drink.

Before the Tom and Jerry Room opens, Bryant's will begin selling its holiday punch — a staple the bar has sold during the holidays since the 1950s, according to Bryant's owner John Dye.

Although all of Bryant's drinks and recipes are a secret, this recipe is so closely guarded that only a select few on Bryant's staff know how to make it, Dye said in an email. From the Nov. 26 release party through New Year's Eve, Bryant's will sell the punch for $12 per glass or $20 for one in a souvenir punch glass.

• When: Holiday Punch release party is 6-10 p.m. Nov. 26. Punch will be sold Nov. 26-Dec. 31. The Tom and Jerry Room is open 5-11 p.m. Nov. 28-29, Dec. 4-6, Dec. 11-13, Dec. 18-23 and Dec. 26-30.
• Where: Bryant's Cocktail Lounge, 1579 S. 9th St.
• More information: bryantscocktaillounge.com

The New Fashioned's Holiday Market pop-up

The New Fashioned's pop-up will coincide with the Deer District Holiday Market. The culinary team is working on a menu of specialty holiday drinks, Bars & Recreation management told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The bar's staff will sell goods such as art, candles and Berens Old Fashioned Brandy — comedian Charlie Berens' liquor brand — inside the venue. The bar also will sell its normal merchandise including items from the Antetokounmpo brothers' brand, Antetokounbros, and Bars & Recreation gift cards and merchandise.

• When:
  • Nov 21: 4- 9 p.m.
  • Nov 22: noon-10 p.m.
  • Nov 23: noon- 6 p.m.
  • Nov 24: 4- 9 p.m.
  • Nov 25: 4- 9 p.m.
  • Nov 26: 4- 9 p.m.
  • Nov 27 (Thanksgiving): Closed
  • Nov 28: 12- 9 p.m.
  • Nov 29: 12- 10 p.m.
  • Nov 30: 12- 6 p.m.
• Where: The New Fashioned, 1122 N. Phillips Ave.
• More information: newfashionedmke.com

Sippin' Santa at Pufferfish

Tropical Christmas pop-up Sippin' Santa is returning to Pufferfish for a third year. Both the rooftop bar and the private event space bar, the Fish Tank, will serve the new "Pineapple Upside-down Cask" and "Wreck the Halls" cocktails along with returning drinks like the "Jingle Bird," "Sugar Plum Mai Tai" and "Holiday on Ice."

The rooftop bar is fully winterized with space heaters and a fireplace, according to a news release from Pufferfish. The bar will sell a commemorative 2025 Pineapple Mug along with other Sippin' Santa mugs and glassware.

• When: 5 p.m.- 1 a.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1-9 p.m. Sunday Nov. 21- Dec. 31.
• Where: PufferFish on the rooftop of Hotel Metro, 411 E. Mason St.
• More information: sippinsantapopup.com

Kelli Arseneau contributed to this report.

This story was updated to add new information.