There are so many 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.
Whether you are looking for a fun adults night out, or family friendly festive lunch option, 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.
Christmas Pop-Ups in the Chicago Suburbs
Home Alone Pop-Up Bar at Cortland’s Garage Tavern & Grill (Arlington Heights)
1 North Vail Avenue
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Check Seasonal Hours here.
This Home Alone themed pop-up bar is back for 2025! Starting November 12, the bar is going full Home Alone for Christmas with decorations, festive cocktails and a special holiday menu. Call to make reservations.
Chessie’s Restaurant (Barrington)
200 Applebee St
Barrington, IL 60010
(847) 382-5020
The restaurant and train car are decked out with holiday decorations.
Captain Santa at No Wake Bar & Grill (Port Barrington)
99 Kazimour Drive
Port Barrington, IL 60010
(224) 604-8981
This new pop-up opens on December 4, 2025 with 4,000 square feet of Christmas-themed décor, lights, and photo spots. Families can visit during daytime hours, and the space switches to adults-only in the evenings with themed cocktails and nighttime activities. It’s located along the Fox River, just outside downtown Barrington.
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.
Rubi Agave’s Santa’s Cantina Christmas Bar (Homer Glen)
12622 W 159th Street
Homer Glen, IL
(708) 301-8006
Rubi Agave’s Santa Cantina Christmas Bar is currently open for the season. Rubi Agave is a Latin fusion bistro with over the top Christmas decor that offers special events and private parties. Check their social media for updates.
Buddy the Elf Christmas Pop-Up at Seared (Itasca)
Seared is located 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.
A Cork-mas Story at Cork Wine Bar (Joliet)
2302 Essington Road
Joliet, IL 60435
Check Seasonal Hours
This pop-up bar with immersive Christmas decor runs November 21 through December 31. They offer North Pole Brunch 11-4pm every Sunday. Make reservations online before heading out.
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 right 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.
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 – 10:00 pm
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.
Prancer’s Pub at The Hyatt Lodge (Oak Brook)
2815 Jorie Boulevard
Oak Brook, IL 60523
On November 28, The Hearth Lounge at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook will transform once again into Prancer’s Pub Pop-Up Bar for the 2025 Holiday Season. There will be a specialty drink and food menu and live music every Saturday. Check their social media for updates.
Easy Street Pizza (Park Ridge)
711 Devon Ave
Park Ridge, IL
(847)823-4422
Seasonal Hours
Decorated now thru mid January, Easy Street Pizza’s Park Ridge location is decked out in Home Alone themed decor! Included is festive food and cocktail menu, Little Nero’s pizza boxes for delivery and carry out pizzas and even Kevin’s homemade sundaes. How fun!
Sugar Factory (Rosemont)
5445 Park Place
Rosemont, IL 60018
(847) 233-9010
This time of year, The Sugar Factory is transformed into a Christmas Candy Wonderland in Rosemont, inside and out. Every part of the restaurant and patio are dressed up for photo ops. Reservations are recommended although not required. If you’re thinking of a combo trip, this is a great option for lunch or dinner if you are ice skating at the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park.
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. Reservations do fill up quickly!
Chicago Holiday Pop-Up Bars and Restaurants
Pop-up bars are cropping up all across Chicago this year! Most are bar atmospheres, while others host family-friendly hours and some are 21+ only, We’ve listed 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.
8 Crazy Nights-Hanukkah Pop Up Bar
3441 N Sheffield Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
Check seasonal hours
From now – January 4, 8 Crazy Nights- the Hanukkah themed pop-up bar is back for its’ second year in the Graystone Tavern in Chicago! Play Hanukkah themed games, as you enjoy the floor to ceiling decor and an extensive Hanukkah themed food and drink menu.
A Very Dandy Holiday at The Dandy Crown
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 21 through January 4, beginning at 3 p.m. daily. Reservations are recommended.
Butch McGuire’s
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 would be a great option for a kid-free night or morning.
Christmas Club Pop-Up
3460 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
Check Seasonal Hours
From November 22, 2025 until mid January 2026, 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. No reservations are required.
Chief O’Neill Pub & Restaurant
3471 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 583-3066
Check seasonal hours.
This traditional Irish pub goes all out on the Christmas decor. In addition to traditional Irish dishes, they also offer a children’s menu where there is something for everyone. Check in advance that reservations are available if you plan to make the trip.
The Christmas Inn at the Hubbard Inn
110 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 827-6234
The Christmas Inn on Hubbard Ave has over-the-top Christmas décor, staff is dressed in themed outfits, and plenty photo ops. For a 21+ date night, check out the holiday-inspired cocktails and enjoy seasonal dishes. Reservations are recommended before heading out.
Elf’d Up
3485 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
Check Seasonal Hours
Santa! I know him! If you are a Buddy the Elf fan, this Wrigleyville 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.
Frosty’s
809 W. Evergreen Ave
Chicago, IL
Tickets required for entry
Known as Chicago’s Original Pop Up Christmas Bar, this 21+ holiday bar option has 3 Chicago locations (Fulton Market, Lincoln Park and River North) with over the top decor and festive drink options. Open November 26-December 31, 2025, tickets can be purchased here.
Holiday Honky Tonk @ Big Star Wrigleyville
3640 N Clark St,
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 857-7120
No tickets required for entry in this Pink Winter Wonderland, decked out from November 21-January 2. Plan a girls night, or bring the whole family for lunch. Reservations are available online.
Holly Jolly Christmas Bar
932 W Randolph St.
Chicago, IL. 60607
Tickets are required for entry
This 21+ festive pop-up bar is in Chicago from November 13th – December 28th. Ticket includes entry and welcome cocktail (mocktail available). Check Holly Jolly Bar’s social media for most up to date information.
Jack Frost Christmas Holiday Pop-Up
170 N. Green Street
Chicago, IL 60607
Timed Tickets Required
Enjoy fun for all ages with a completely interactive, outdoor holiday experience on 2 acres right in Fulton Market. 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.
Lakefront Lodge at Harry Caray’s Tavern on Navy Pier
Located in Harry Caray’s on Navy Pier
700 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
Starting November 17, 2025 Harry Caray’s on Navy Pier transforms into the Lakefront Lodge, a cozy winter cabin. Lakefront Lodge offers an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a festive dinner and outdoor winter activities together . Activities such as curling, bags, firepits, s’more making, and warming huts are available for reservation. Private parties are also available.
Nutcracker Christmas Pop Up Bar
15 W Illinois St
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 561-9766
Timed Tickets Required
Photo ops with floor-to-ceiling decorations, seasonal cocktails, and live music in River North.
Santa Baby Pop-Up Bar at Bamboo Club
3505 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
Check Seasonal Hours
The Santa Baby pop-up bar experience open November 21-January 4, boasts extravagant, Christmas themed cocktails and brunch and dinner menus are available. Make your reservations earlier if you’re bringing the kids to enjoy the whimsical holiday decor and over-the-top food and beverage options. All ages are welcome until 7pm, after which the Bamboo Club is 21+. This is a bar atmosphere, and there is a cover charge of $5 per person over the age of 12. If you plan to come childless for an evening out, tickets are required.
Santa’s Secret Treehouse
149 W Kinzie Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Open November 23-January 6, 2026 this venue is decorated from floor to ceiling with Christmas decor, holiday themed drinks and endless photo ops. Their website states they are family friendly until 8pm, and after which they are 21+ experience with timed entry. Be sure to check out their website and the availability of tickets before heading down with the family!
Sugar Plum Parlour at The Parlour at The Albion Manor
1480 W Webster Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 697-4686
This cocktail-focused experience is for adults 21 and over only and requires climbing a flight of stairs.
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.
