Get Jolly At These Omaha Holiday Pop-Up Bars In 2024

Pop-up bars, much like pop-up shops, are limited time experiences. So when I say “pop-up bar,” take that as a sign that you have just a short time to visit it. And during the holidays, you have several ridiculously festive holiday pop-up bars in Omaha to choose from. Hope these help you get into the holiday spirit.

UPDATE: This post was published in November 2022 and was updated for this year’s holiday season in November 2024. I’ll update the post as more locations are announced.

2024 Holiday Pop-Up Bars Around Omaha

A holiday pop-up bar is a temporary establishment that opens for a brief period, typically during the holiday season, to offer a unique and festive experience to patrons. These pop-up bars are often characterized by their elaborate holiday-themed decorations, which can range from whimsical Christmas settings to over-the-top retro decor. These spaces often offer special menus for just that window of time that include seasonal drinks, cocktails, and sometimes food items that align with the festive theme.

The atmosphere in a holiday pop-up bar is designed to be immersive, typically featuring themed music, special lighting, and sometimes interactive elements like photo opps or live entertainment. These bars are popular for their novelty, making them sought-after destinations for those looking to celebrate the season in a fun and unique way.

“Don’t Stop Believing” 

The downtown Omaha cocktail lounge, Mercury, is bringing back its holiday theme, Don’t Stop Believing starting Nov. 13. The bar is decorated festively, and the menu includes themed drinks served in fun glasses. Some old favorites from 2023 are back, as well as some new concoctions. Address: 329 S. 16th St.

Holiday Hut Pop-Up

Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel’s annual Holiday Hut Pop-Up opened Nov. 28 and runs through Jan. 1; hours are Thursday & Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m., and Fridays & Saturdays from 5 to 11 p.m. Expect festive, creative cocktails and over-the-top decorations. Address: 302 S. 36th St.

The Grinch’s Lair

The just-opened pop-up (like Nov. 19) at Blackstone Social is inspired “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” complete with a life-sized Grinch and drinks like the Mount Crumpit Mule. Address: 3910 Farnam St.

The Trap Room

Who’s to say what The Trap Room will do for Christmas this year. They hint at it on social media, though, so if you can imagine what “f*ck load of holiday bullshit” means, you’ll be close to guessing what’s in store at the bar. Address: 733 N. 14th St.

Under the Mistletoe (A Holiday Pop-Up)

You’ll find Christmas galore at the holiday pop-up at Max & Joe’s starting Nov. 23. Max & Joe’s is the Belgian bar located within Crescent Moon Ale House. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays starting at 6 p.m. in November. In December, it will be open Thursdays through Saturdays starting at 6 p.m. The final day is Dec. 21. In addition to boozy drinks and Gluhwein (mulled wine), Under The Mistletoe will serve Hot Cider and Hot Cocoa. Address: 3578 Farnam St. (use Crescent Moon entrance to get to the bar)

Blitzen

Blitzen is the holiday pop-up at the Blackstone District speakeasy, Segreto, and they make it easy for you to find (twinkle lights all the way up to the door). Hours are typically Thursday through Sunday nights. Address: 3910 Farnam St., Suite B

KAMP Christmas

The food hall KAMP Blackstone is lit this holiday season. KAMP Christmas is their own festive pop-up. As a food hall, you can have meal with your festive drinks. Address: 3618 Farman St.

Barnato’s Christmas Pop-Up

Barnato unveiled their Christmas speakeasy pop-up over Thanksgiving weekend. This is one of the few West Omaha holiday pop-up bars. Address: 225 N. 170th St., Suite 95.

Christmas & Kelly’s

The West Omaha bar, Cohen and Kelly’s Lounge, embraces holiday season with a holiday decor and the 12 drinks of Christmas. Address: 13075 W. Center Road

The Home Alone Pop-Up Bar

Dundee Dell is channelling the movie “Home Alone” this season with their pop-up, which opened Dec. 5 and runs through Dec. 31. Enjoy themed cocktails like the Ugly, Yella, No Good Keister and Filthy Animal. The food menu also has some fun names, like The Polka King Patty Melt. Address: 5007 Underwood Ave.

Omaha’s year-round Christmas bar

Fans of Rudy’s Bar, 8503 Maple St., are always quick to let everyone know that they don’t have to wait for pop-up bars. Rudy’s is always ready for Christmas (it’s kinda how you remember your grandparents basement being decorated). The decorations never come down.

Looking for more holiday fun?

Once you’re done with your festive cocktails, here are a few more ways to celebrate the holidays around the Omaha metro.