20 Christmas Bars in San Diego You Can’t Miss
Tis’ the season to check out the best bars in San Diego because they’ll be decked out in the most incredible Christmas decorations! I should also add the drinks get a little creative, too!
There will also be pop-up Christmas bars in San Diego you don’t want to miss! Since these are just seasonal, you must add them to your list so you can check them out before they’re gone!
San Diego Christmas Bars
San Diego’s Christmas-themed bars add a spirited twist to the city’s nightlife during the holiday season. As the sun sets over the Pacific, these bars come alive with festive decor, twinkling lights, and a merry atmosphere that invites patrons to raise a glass to the holidays.
From downtown to the beachside, these establishments offer specialty cocktails with seasonal flavors like peppermint, cinnamon, and cranberry, ensuring that every sip feels like a celebration.
Patrons can revel in the joy of the season while surrounded by themed ornaments, Christmas carol tunes, and perhaps even Santa hats on friendly bartenders.
Whether it’s a cozy corner by a fireplace or an outdoor patio with a view of the sparkling city lights, Christmas-themed bars in San Diego create a cheerful and spirited setting for friends and locals to gather and toast to the most wonderful time of the year.
1. Lime in the coconut Sippin’ Santa
From November 22nd until December 31st, Lime in the Coconut is hosting a Sippin’ Santa! This San Diego speakeasy is where you can find both jolly and tropical vibes. If you’re excited about the Christmas season and want to experience what feels like a Winter wonderland, this is where you want to be!
2. XMAS Bar
Now open in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is one of the best pop-ups around! Xmas bar is a holiday-themed bar and restaurant has thousands of lights, incredible decorations, holiday cocktails, and shots.
It’s open Monday-Friday starting at 4 PM and Saturday & Sunday starting at 12 PM!
3. Polite provisions
This bar used to host the popular Miracle Christmas pop-up, but they are not doing that this year. Polite Provisions will still be decorated for Christmas, but will not be hosting the Miracle pop-up. Don’t worry they still go all out so you won’t be disappointed.
4. Santas Lair SD
Santa’s Lair is San Diego Gaslamp’s Premier Holiday Speakeasy Pop-up Experience. This is a fully immersive experience, more directed to the young crowd who likes to go out downtown on the weekends, where you can even take a naughty pic with Santa himself.
Santa’s Lair is a ticketed event with seats available on first come, first serve basis. Your ticket grants you a 90-minute experience within the timeframe you’ve purchased.
5. Top of the Hyatt Over The Top Holiday Lounge
If you’re looking for a snowy wonderland in our sunny paradise, this San Diego bar is just for you! Get cozy around the fireplace, sip a festival seasonal cocktail on our comfortable lounge beds that make you feel like you’re on vacation, and capture so many amazing photos of the views that will surround you. Located on the 40th floor of the Manchester Grand Hyatt you will find the Over the Top Holiday Lounge.
6. Nason’s Beer Hall
Located inside the Pendry Hotel in the Gaslamp, Nason’s Beer Hall ensures you get the “deck the halls” experience as soon as you walk in the door! Their tipsy elves will take good care of you by serving jolly cocktails and yummy bites!
7. InsideOUT
If you want to see 50 Christmas trees in San Diego in one place filled with custom decorations, go here! Their menu is also filled with incredible new food and cocktails that will put you right in the holiday spirit! Make sure to make a reservation for this Holiday Oasis experience at Inside Out in Hillcrest.
8. Raised By Wolves
Tucked away at the Westfield UTC mall, Raised by Wolves, is this hidden gem where you can take a little break from holiday shopping! Grab a festive drink or two to get you in the spirit this season!
9. The Grass Skirt
You’re not going to want to miss this speakeasy located in Pacific Beach that goes all out for Christmas. Walk yourself through a refrigerator door and be mesmerized by the decor around you. The elves have partnered with Sippin’ Santa for this experience and you don’t want to miss it! Reservations are highly recommended!
10. Moniker General Bar
The bar at Moniker is serving up some super festive cocktails. Although their Christmas decor is more on the minimal side, it is a great spot to do some Christmas shopping at the Moniker store and then grab a cocktail at the bar right next door.
11. Holy Paleta
Not necessarily an alcoholic bar, but Holey Paleta, in Little Italy, just launched their Christmas Menu and they have over 8 holiday flavored paleta bars ;). They have two locations! Thankfully, sunny San Diego allows us to eat these yummy treats on our “cold winter” days.
San Diego Christmas Restaurants
In the heart of San Diego, Christmas-themed restaurants come to life, transforming the culinary scene into a festive wonderland. As December rolls around, these establishments deck their halls with twinkling lights, adorned trees, and a joyful ambiance that resonates with the holiday spirit.
From Gaslamp Quarter to La Jolla, diners can experience the magic of Christmas while indulging in delectable seasonal menus. Imagine savoring a mouthwatering roast turkey dinner or a decadent gingerbread dessert surrounded by the warm glow of holiday decorations.
Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a cheerful celebration with friends, San Diego’s Christmas-themed restaurants offer a unique blend of culinary delights and festive cheer, creating lasting memories and spreading the joy of the season.
12. Barbarella
Officially all decked out for the holidays is this super fun bar and restaurant, Barbarella, in San Diego! Some of their festive drinks that are totally worth checking out are Ornamentini, Patridge in a Pear Tree, and Christmas Tree Shot. And guess what! They even have a special menu for your furry friends!
13. Miracle at Belmont Park‘s Draft
Over-the-top Christmas decorations and festive cocktails served in Miracle’s signature kitschy glassware will be taking over Draft in Belmont Park for the first time. This will begin on November 20th and end on December 31st! They will feature exclusive cocktails, over-the-top decorations, and collectible mugs. I like this spot because kids can also enjoy the magic of the decor from the restaurant side.
14. Barrel and Board Social
I have yet to visit this spot, but I have heard it is pretty awesome! Barrel and Board Social is Hillcrest’s chicest hot spot. This is an upscale restaurant that has excellent drinks. I have heard they decorate for Christmas, but you will just have to check it out yourself.
15. Nolita Hall
This bar and restaurant in Little Italy will be getting a holiday makeover for this upcoming Christmas season! Not only can you expect all the decorations, but you can also experience classic movie screenings like Home Alone 1 and 2, A Christmas Story, Elf, and more! You might even get a surprise visit from Santa throughout the month of December! Grab a bite to eat and a drink with friends at Nolita Hall this holiday season.
16. The Duck Dive
The Duck Dive is a restaurant and bar located in Pacific Beach that will be offering a holiday pop-up experience this year called the Great Dickens! Located right on Mission Blvd. hang by the beach during the day and head to this Christmas bar at night. This pop-up will run from December 1st- December 31st.
17. CUTWAter Tasting Room
During the Christmas season, the Cutwater Tasting Room in San Diego transforms into a festive haven for both locals and visitors alike. Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Miramar, this waterfront gem combines the spirit of the holidays with its renowned craft spirits.
The tasting room is adorned with twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and perhaps even a towering Christmas tree, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. As patrons sample Cutwater’s exceptional range of spirits, from award-winning vodka to inventive canned cocktails, they are immersed in the joyous ambiance of the season.
The staff, adorned in holiday cheer, may serve up special holiday-themed concoctions, adding an extra layer of merriment to the experience. Whether guests are enjoying a tasting flight or sipping on a signature Christmas cocktail, the Cutwater Tasting Room at Christmas time is a delightful destination to savor the festive spirit and the craftmanship of San Diego’s beloved distillery.
18. Mister A’s
Looking for a bit classier place to wine and dine? Then check out Mister A’s in downtown San Diego. You get dinner with a view, yummy holiday cocktails and they put up giant Christmas lights!
19. Craft and Commerce
A new American restaurant that does an annual holiday pop-up of decorations. The mistletoe has been hung and this year’s theme is Where the Wild Things Are. Make sure to make a reservation here prior to going!
20. Queenstown Public House
Located in Little Italy, Queenstown Public House is a restaurant that focuses on New Zealand-inspired dishes. However, for the holiday season, they turn their whimsical little place into a full-on gingerbread house. Make sure to stop by and grab a smokey smore’s drink or a gingerbread house party cocktail.
As the festive season blankets San Diego in a warm glow, these Christmas bars and restaurants stand out as true gems, offering not just delightful culinary experiences but also a touch of holiday magic.
From the twinkling lights adorning the cozy interiors to the cheerful laughter echoing through the air, each venue creates a unique Christmas ambiance that captures the spirit of the season. Whether you’re sipping on crafted cocktails, indulging in delectable seasonal dishes, or simply relishing the joyous atmosphere, these establishments guarantee a memorable yuletide celebration.
So, gather your loved ones, embark on a culinary journey, and toast to the joy and merriment that make San Diego’s Christmas bars and restaurants truly exceptional. May your holidays be filled with good company, delicious flavors, and the warmth of the season. Cheers to a Merry Christmas in America’s Finest City!
20 Christmas Bars in San Diego You Can’t Miss
