7 Seasonal Pop-Up Bars to Toast Holiday Cheer

As the clocks turn back, temperatures drop and holiday lights begin to blink on, some of Ohio’s beloved bars trade in their everyday experiences for full-fledged holiday wonderlands. Whether you’re seeking Christmas beers that come back on draft each year or craving a festive cocktail with a seasonal twist, these spirited destinations have exactly what you need to make the season bright.

The Christmas Coop, Port Clinton
Catawba isn’t just a summertime destination. This season, The Orchard on Catawba Island is fully decked out for the holidays. Beneath lights strung across the ceiling and ornament bulbs hanging overhead, visitors can enjoy signature cocktails that have been specially created for the occasion. The Merry and Bright Margarita features cranberry as the star ingredient, while the Peppermint Mocha Nitro Espresso Martini blends two favorite coffee flavors and even comes garnished with a candy cane. Beer lovers can enjoy seasonal bottles and cans, including the Orchard Bourbon Barrel Aged Christmas Ale or the Christmas Coop Ale, an amber with hints of cinnamon. 3350 NE Catawba Rd., Port Clinton 43452, 419/573-6003, orchardoncatawba.com

Santa Baby Holiday Bar at The Junto, Columbus
The grandeur of a Christmas bar meets the elegance of a lounge during this trendy holiday experience at The Junto hotel in Columbus. Open through Jan. 3, this pop-up glows red with crimson-lit trees and delicate ornaments hanging form the ceiling. Holiday cheer extends to the menu, where visitors will find drinks like the Santa Baby (a spiked glühwein), the Mele Kalikimaka (a mai-tai punch bowl for two) and Checking it Twice (an espresso martini). If you’re hungry, check out Mrs. Claus’ Cures for bites like table-side s’mores, shrimp cocktail and more. 77 Belle St., Columbus 43125, 614/607-6700, thejuntohotel.com

Secret Cellar, Cleveland
Fans of Great Lakes Brewing Co. will delight in this seasonal experience that returns to the brewery’s taproom in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood each year. The Secret Cellar, an underground Christmas bar, runs through Dec. 30 and features four signature holiday cocktails on its menu. Sample the Snowglobe, which is made with glitter-infused vodka from Medina, or the Cookie Cutter, a sweet, sugar cookie-inspired drink. Visitors have the chance to give back with a toy drive donation and can also receive discounted tickets to the production of “The Nutcracker” put on by the Cleveland Ballet. 2516 Market Ave., Cleveland 44113, 216/771-4404, greatlakesbrewing.com

Tracksuit Taproom, Columbus
In our capital city, Santa is trading in his classic suit of red for a festive tracksuit during this merry and bright pop-up at Columbus Brewing Co. Now through Jan. 4, visitors can take in the festive lighting and holiday decor while sampling local beers that bring the flavors of the holidays to life. Fans of Christmas Ale should try out the brewery’s Tracksuit Santa or level up with the Eggnog Tracksuit Santa. IPAs, ales and stouts, as well as non-alcoholic options round out the menu. When it's time to eat, visitors can order bar snacks inside, such as the tabletop s’mores or Great Lakes Chips, or venture outside for food truck options, which rotate weekly. 2555 Harrison Dr., Columbus 43204, 614/224-3626, columbusbrewing.com

Tu Mele Kalikimaka, Cuyahoga Falls
Enjoy a tropical getaway this holiday season without leaving the Buckeye State by visiting Tiki Underground in Cuyahoga Falls. Surrounded by palm leaves and tiki torches, visitors are guaranteed to feel immersed in the spirit of a Hawaiian Christmas. This holiday experience kicks off on Nov. 26 and runs through Jan. 3. (Opening night features unique glassware designed by Gay Fad Studios in Lancaster.) Expect speciality craft cocktails drinks and the small plates that are beloved by Tiki Underground guests year-round. 1832 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls 44221, 234/380-5398, tikiunderground.com

Winter Wonderland at Cobblestone OTR, Cincinnati
Located in the Queen City’s Over-the-Rine neighborhood, Cobblestone transforms into a seasonal sanctuary packed with holiday cheer. Enjoy a backdrop of cozy brick and warm wood paneling as you sip surrounded by the holiday decorations that have been added for a seasonal touch. House shots are a favorite here, along with signature cocktails, which include a Winter Marg made with lime, cranberry and rosemary. Wine, beer and seltzers offer some familiarity while non-alcoholic ginger provide a festive option for every visitor. 1132 Race St., Cincinnati 45202, cobblestoneotr.com

XMas Bar, Cleveland 
Each season, Hi 5 in the Flats East Bank transforms into a glowing love letter to Christmas. Twinkling holiday lights span as far as the eye can see, and taking photos is encouraged (as is wearing ugly Christmas sweaters). The bar’s rooftop is also converted into the Winter Lodge Rooftop, a heated indoor-outdoor space that brings a cozy ski lodge atmosphere. Enjoy festive cocktails, including the bar-favorite Jingle Juice, a vodka sunrise served in an ornament-shaped cup, as well as other seasonal options like the Rudolph’s Roast espresso martini, Frostbite vodka Red Bull and Gingersnap old fashioned. 1052 Old River Rd., Cleveland 44113, 216/644-8884, xmasbar.com/cleveland

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