Between trendy Christmas pop-up bars across Chicagoland and local suburban restaurants going all-out with over-the-top holiday decorations, there are so many festive options for a fun meal out around the holidays. We’ve rounded them up here so you can see all of the options! Be sure to check about reservations (and age limits) before you head out.
Chicagoland Restaurants with Over-the-Top Holiday Decor
Reserve 22 at The Village Links of Glen Ellyn (Glen Ellyn)
485 Winchell Way
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Seasonal Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m.
The entire dining room at Reserve 22 is decked out for Christmas from now until mid-January. The restaurant even hosts holiday events for the whole family. Kids can also try and find ‘Bogey the Elf,’ the restaurant’s own Elf of the Shelf, hiding in the dining room. There is a Holiday Pop-Up Bar now through January 2. Reservations on OpenTable or call (630) 469-5550.
Allegory (Naperville)
224 South Main Street
Naperville, IL 60540
Hours:
Sunday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Farm to table restaurant located in downtown Naperville. This foodie favorite restaurant is decorated to the rafters with Christmas lights and decorations to create a cheerful ambience. Kids’ menu and high chairs are available.
Pit and Tap (Wilmette)
1168 Wilmette Avenue
Wilmette, IL 60091
Seasonal Hours:
Sunday–Wednesday: 11 AM–9 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–9:30 PM
Friday–Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
Monday: Closed
‘Deck the Halls’ completely transforms Pit and Tap, a North Shore family-friendly BBQ restaurant for Christmas. The restaurant hosts multiple
Breakfast with Santa events, as well as other festive events to celebrate throughout the season.
Butch McGuire’s (Chicago)
20 W. Division Street
Chicago, IL 60610
Seasonal Hours
Monday-Friday 11 a.m.- 4:00 a.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. Brunch ’till 2 p.m. *Brunch Menu Only
Sun. 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m. Brunch ’till 2 p.m. *Brunch Menu Only
The decorations at Butch McGuire’s have been a Chicago holiday tradition for years. Check out the story of their Christmas decoration tradition, which began in the 1960s when they purchased the window decorations from a department store. They do offer a kids’ menu and also serve brunch on the weekends, however this woould be a great option for a kid-free night or morning.
JoJo’s ShakeBAR (Naperville and Chicago)
Locations in Naperville and Multiple Chicago Locations
Naperville Location
5 Jackson Avenue
Naperville, IL 60540
Seasonal Hours
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
The JoJo’s Winter Wonderland event is currently open with special over-the-top holiday shakes, festive cocktails (as well as mocktails), hot chocolate, gingerbread house decorating, ornament painting, and more. Be sure to make a reservation online. Even if you don’t go for the event, the space is decorated to the nines both downstairs and upstairs.
Buddy the Elf Christmas Pop-Up at Seared (Itasca)
Seared at the Westin Hotel Chicago Northwest
400 Park Boulevard
Itasca, IL 60143
This hotel restaurant is hosting Elf-themed prix fixe lunches and dinners in a space that looks like Buddy spent all night on decorations. Dinner is $75/person and lunch is $50/person, not including tax or tip. The kids’ meal is $30/person and includes a bag of spaghetti with syrup alongside a fruit cup, entree, and desert. Make reservations online.
Christmas Pop-Up Bars
Pop-up bars are cropping up across Chicago this year! Most are bar atmospheres, some are 21+ only, while others host family-friendly hours. We’ve listed both adults-only and kid-friendly venues alike below, so check out the list whether you’re looking for a family outing, a special date night, or a fun time out with friends.
Santa’s Secret Treehouse (River North, Chicago)
149 W Kinzie Street
Chicago, IL 60654
21+ experience with timed entry.
A Cork-mas Story at Cork Wine Bar (Joliet)
2302 Essington Road
Joliet, IL 60435
Check Seasonal Hours
This pop-up bar runs November 21 through December 31. Make reservations online.
A Very Dandy Holiday at The Dandy Crown (Chicago)
694 N Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60642
Check out holiday hours here.
The Dandy Crown goes all-out for the holidays with a special event running November 22 through January 4, beginning at 3 p.m. daily. Reservations are recommended. Check the website for special events, including an Ugly Sweater Party, and Kid’s Party with a visit from Santa!
Christmas Club Pop-Up (Chicago)
3460 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
Check Seasonal Hours
From November 22, 2024 until mid January 2025, this Wrigleyville pop-up will be celebrating with Christmas decor everywhere and multiple bars on two different levels. Guests under 21 are allowed until 7pm on weeknights and 5pm on weekends.
Elf’d Up- Wrigleyville
3485 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
Check Seasonal Hours
Santa! I know him! If you are a Buddy the Elf fan, this pop-up bar is right up your alley. Everything on the menu (drinks included) are creatively Elf themed. The whole family is welcome, Monday-Thursday before 6pm and Friday and Saturday before 3 pm. Buddy the Elf even makes special stops in during events and on weekends. Stay up to speed on Elf’d events on their social media.
Holly Jolly Bar at Whiskey Business
1365 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Tickets are required for entry
This 21+ pop up bar is in Chicago from November 22nd – December 28th. Ticket includes entry and welcome cocktail. Curling is available on the rooftop for an add on cost. Check Holly Jolly Bar’s social media for most up to date information.
Home Alone Pop-Up Bar at Cortland’s Garage Tavern & Grill (Arlington Heights)
1 North Vail Avenue
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Seasonal Hours
Monday – Thursday:11:00 am – 12:00 am
Friday – Saturday:11:00 am – 2:00 am
Sunday:11:00 am – 12:00 am
This Home Alone themed pop-up bar is back for 2024! Starting December 5th, the bar is going Home Alone for Christmas with decorations and a special holiday menu.
Jack Frost Christmas Holiday Pop-Up
170 N. Green Street
Chicago, IL 60607
Timed Tickets Required
Enjoy a completely interactive, outdoor holiday experience for the whole family on 2 acres right in the city. Activities include: axe throwing (for 18+), winter bumper cars (included with entry ticket), curling, ice skating, holiday market, one million Christmas lights and festive holiday drinks. Activities may be additional cost. All ages need a timed entry ticket to enter.
Prancer’s Pub at The Hyatt Lodge (Oak Brook)
2815 Jorie Boulevard
Oak Brook, IL 60523
The Hearth Lounge at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook will transform once again into Prancer’s Pub Pop-Up Bar for the 2024 Holiday Season. There will be a specialty drink and food menu and live music every Saturday. Check their social media for updates.
Santa Baby Pop-Up Bar at Bamboo Club (Chicago)
3505 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
Check Seasonal Hours
The Santa Baby pop-up bar experience boasts extravagant, Christmas themed cocktails and brunc hand dinner menus. Do note that the Bamboo Club is 21+ after 8pm, so make your reservations earlier if you’re bringing the kids to enjoy the whimsical holiday decor and over-the-top food and beverage options. Note this is a bar atmosphere, and there is a cover charge of $5 per person over the age of 12. Open November 21-January 5.
Tinseltown Chicago Christmas Pop-Up Bar
2414 N Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
Check Seasonal Hours
For the fourth year running from mid November to December 31, Pink Squirrel in Logan Square is turning into Tinseltown for the holidays. In addition to the holiday decor and festive drinks, the location also has two duckpin bowling lanes (be sure to make a reservation for bowling). Their menu offers a large selection of Christmas themed cocktails, festive milkshakes or boozy gingerbread house making packages.
8 Crazy Nights-Hanukkah Pop Up Bar
3441 N Sheffield Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
Check seasonal hours
From November 25 – January 5, the first Hanukkah themed pop-up bar in Chicago is back! Play Hanukkah themed games, as you enjoy the floor to ceiling decor and an extensive Hanukkah themed food and drink menu.
Cabra Chicago
This event seems to be cancelled for 2024. Hopefully it returns to Chicago in 2025!
On the rooftop of The Hoxton
200 N Green Street
Chicago, IL 60607
Enjoy festive cocktails at the Winter Chalet Holiday Pop-up with beautiful views of Chicago’s holiday lights from the rooftop.
Pink Wonderland Pop-Up Bar (Chicago)
This event seems to be cancelled for 2024. Hopefully it returns to Chicago in 2025!
324 W Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60654
This Christmas pop-up bar puts a vibrant PINK spin on a winter wonderland. While it’s normally a 21+ venue, they host Family Sundays from 12pm – 5pm (kids under 3 do not need a ticket). Buy tickets online.
Smoke Daddy
This event seems to be cancelled for 2024. Hopefully it returns to Chicago in 2025!
3636 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60613
LumberJack Lodge opened on November 17 and will be in Wrigleyville through January 8, 2024 with an Apres Ski theme and holiday cocktails.
If you visit any of these venues, let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram! Our giant guide to holiday fun has even more ideas to keep things festive this season.
