In the spirit of the season, several local bars have turned into holiday-themed pop-ups that’ll make your spirits merry and bright this season. Enjoy seasonal sippers, holiday decor, Christmas-y characters like Santa and Buddy the Elf, holiday photo opps, events and more.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at these delightful nine now until the end of the year – and happy holidays, Milwaukee!

“Elf” pop-up at Lost Whale
2151 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 249-3188
lostwhalemke.com
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We’re not elf-ing around: The Lost Whale's “Elf” pop-up has returned! Say hello to Buddy the Elf next to a Christmas tree right at the entrance next to a hot cocoa station, then walk through the bar's seven layers of “Elf”-themed fun, where you’ll be immersed in the movie and the holiday spirit! Grab a seat at the bar or one of the space's lounge seat to enjoy themed drinks that will emphasize Buddy's favorite food groups – candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup – and feature flavors that’ll have you screaming "Son of a nutcracker!" Enjoy this holiday pop-up now through the end of the year! 

Partner Pick

Holiday Market at Station 1846! Kick off the festive season with us at our Holiday Market on December 8th from 11 AM to 4 PM! Bring the family for a day of holiday cheer, featuring special appearances by Santa and Olaf, amazing local vendors, and so much more. Shop unique gifts, savor delicious treats, and enjoy a cozy, fun-filled atmosphere that'll get everyone in the holiday spirit. Don't miss this perfect opportunity to find thoughtful presents, make magical memories, and support local businesses! Plus, join us all month long for our North Pole Experience pop-up party, running from now until January 1st! Save the date for December 8th for our Santa & Olaf Meet & Greet and experience the season's magic with one-of-a-kind gifts and holiday fun. Celebrate with us all month! Get tickets

Krampusnacht at Axe MKE
924 E. Kenilworth Pl.,  (414) 939-8592
axemke.com/krampus
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AXE MKE has been naughty this year & Ol' St. Nick sent his cursed coworker, Krampus, to serve the holiday horrors. Eat, drink, throw axes and hail Krampus at this deliciously dark take on the holidays. Runs through Tuesday, Dec. 31. 

Magic Forest at At Random
2501 S. Delaware Ave., (414) 481-8030
atrandommke.com
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You don’t have to travel through the seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest, pass the sea of twirly-swirly gumdrops or walk over the Hoan Bridge to get to the Magic Forest this year. Head to At Random where the cocktails are full of holiday cheer and the Magic Forest pop-up is running for its fourth year. This festive outdoor cocktail experience is open now through the end of January. 

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Partner Pick

Santa's Lakeview Lounge at Lodge Geneva National Welcome to Santa's Lakeview Lounge, the pop-up Christmas Bar at Lodge Geneva National. We are transforming our lounge into a cozy, kitschy winter wonderland dripping with garlands and tinsel. Cozy up by the fireplace while enjoying festive-themed drinks like the Grinch, Buddy the Elf, or Cindy Lou Who. We also offer a selection of wine, beer, and spirits. Santa's Lakeview Lounge is open from November 30 to January 5, Thursdays through Mondays, including Christmas Eve (December 24). Please note that we accept walk-ins only. Learn more W4240 WI-50, Lake Geneva, WI

Miracle at Tin Widow
703 S. Second St. (414) 412-6131
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Experience seasonal miracles at Miracle on 2nd St., found at Tin Widow! Hosting this festive pop-up for the fourth year in a row, enjoy a Christmas-themed bar determined to make spirits bright with festive drinks like Hot Buttered Rum, Marshmallows & Unicorns – a gin-based sipper with vanilla liqueur, velvet falernum, cherry liqueur, cardamom, black pepper, marshmallow, fresh lemon, egg white, tiki bitters and soda to top it off – and more. The Tin Widow pop-up will be open Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. as well as Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. until New Year’s Eve.   

Santa Camp at Camp Bar 
Multiple locations
campbarmke.com
Ho, ho, ho! Santa Camp is here! Now that the holiday season has arrived, Camp Bar has transformed into Santa Camp, available at all of Camp Bar's area locations. Enjoy the glowing Christmas decor, festive lights, Santa visits, themed drinks, festive events like holiday trivia and more! Visit one or all the Camp Bar locations during this Christmas season to have a-rockin’ good time! 

Sippin’ Santa at Pufferfish Tiki
411 E. Mason St. Fl. 6, (414) 272-1937
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For the first time, Pufferfish Tiki will host Sippin’ Santa for the holiday season! Escape the Wisconsin winter for a tropical Christmas paradise with a surfboard-riding Santa, decorated palm trees, tropical hibiscus garland and more to enjoy this holiday season. And for the main attraction, the Sippin’ Santa pop-up will feature specialty drink menus served in Christmas-inspired tiki glasses in a cozy holiday atmosphere. Don’t wait: Sippin’ Santa is only here until Dec. 30, open Wednesdays through Sundays from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. 

Tinsel Taproom at The Barrel Yard
411 E. Mason St. Fl. 6, (414) 272-1937
barrelyardmke.com
Treat your family or friends to The Tinsel Taproom at the Barrel Yard this Thursday! Make your reservations to experience the magic of the holidays at American Family Field in 90-minute sessions for up to eight (or up to 12 people at additional cost). The deal includes a complimentary drink package, appetizers, food from the holiday or regular menu, your choice of holiday music or movies, and family board games to keep you entertained! 

Tom and Jerry Room at Bryant’s 
1579 S. 9th St., (414) 383-2620
bryantscocktaillounge.com
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‘Tis the season for Tom and Jerry cocktails at Bryant’s! Enjoy this Wisconsin tradition on cold winter nights all month long with scratch-made Tom and Jerry cocktails curated from a traditional family recipe, made from either Korbel brandy or Bacardí Añejo Cuatro. Grab a glass and enjoy it in the intimate Tom and Jerry Room for the ultimate cozy cocktail holiday experience.