Between local restaurants going all-out with over-the-top holiday decorations and trendy Christmas pop-up bars across Chicagoland, there are so many festive options for a fun meal out. 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 go.
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
Though it’s billed as a holiday pop-up bar running now through January 5, the whole dining room is decked out for Christmas. Kids can try and find ‘Bogey the Elf,’ the restaurant’s own Elf of the Shelf, hiding in the dining room. Call (630) 469-5550 for reservations.
Allegory (Naperville)
224 South Main Street
Naperville, IL
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
This North Shore restaurant goes all-out decking its halls for Christmas. They host a Breakfast with Santa and other events to celebrate throughout the season.
Butch McGuire’s (Chicago)
20 W. Division Street
Chicago, IL
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.
JoJo’s ShakeBAR (Naperville and Chicago)
Locations in Naperville and Chicago
The JoJo’s Winter Wonderland event is running through January 14, 2023 with ornament painting, special over-the-top holiday shakes and hot chocolate, gingerbread house decorating, ornament painting, and more. Reserve a time 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! 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.
Home Alone Pop-Up Bar at Cortland’s Garage (Arlington Heights)
1 North Vail Avenue
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
This bar is going Home Alone themed for Christmas with decorations and a special holiday menu.
Prancer’s Pub at The Hyatt Lodge (Oak Brook)
2815 Jorie Boulevard
Oak Brook, IL 60523
The Hyatt Lodge in Chicago is planning to open its first-ever holiday pop-up bar soon. Check their Instagram for updates.
A Very Dandy Holiday at The Dandy Crown (Chicago)
694 N Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60642
The Dandy Crown goes all-out for the holidays with a special event running December 1 through December 31, beginning at 3 p.m. daily. Reservations are recommended. Check the website for special events, including professional photos with Santa.
Pink Wonderland Pop-Up Bar (Chicago)
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.
Santa Baby Pop-Up Bar at Cork Wine Bar (Joliet)
2302 Essington Road
Joliet, IL 60435
This pop-up bar runs November 20 through January 7. Make reservations online.
Santa Baby Pop-Up Bar at Bamboo Club (Chicago)
3505 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
The Santa Baby pop-up experience at 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.
Bar Humbug Pop-Up Bar (Chicago)
108 W Germania Place
Chicago, IL 60610
Immersive projections of a winter wonderland and live entertainment add to the experience of this 21+ holiday pop-up bar. Buy tickets online.
Frosty’s Christmas Holiday Pop-Up Bar (Chicago)
809 W Evergreen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60642
With four bars and two dance floors spread across three stories, this bar pop-up is definitely one for the 21+ crowd.
Christmas Club Popup (Chicago)
3460 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
From November 19, 2023 until the end of January 2024, 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.
Tinseltown Chicago Christmas Pop Up Bar
2414 N Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
For the third year running, 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). They also have gingerbread house making packages, too.
Cabra Chicago
On the rooftop of The Hoxton
200 N Green Street
Chicago, IL 60607
December 11 through January 2024, enjoy festive cocktails at the Winter Chalet Holiday Pop-up with beautiful views of Chicago’s holiday lights from the rooftop.
Smoke Daddy
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.
