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The holiday season in Metro Detroit is not just about twinkling lights and shopping; it’s also a time when local bars transform into merry establishments, offering a unique blend of creative cocktails, cozy vibes, and dazzling decor. This year, the city’s most beloved bars have outdone themselves, creating pop-up experiences that are sure to make your holiday season memorable. Here’s a roundup of must-visit holiday pop-up bars in Metro Detroit that deliver Christmas cheer…
WEISS DISTILLING COMPANY
34 East 14 Mile Road, Clawson
Clawson’s Weiss Distilling Company debuts Weiss on Ice, a pop-up experience designed to spread holiday cheer with artisanal cocktails and winter-inspired drinks. Set inside the distillery’s speakeasy space, Weiss on Ice is perfect for unwinding with friends or family in a stylish yet cozy setting. Check out the themed cocktails, like Sugar Plum Fairy (Absinthe, Gine, plum, cherry, and lemon), H-O-T-T-O-G-O (Hot Buttered Rum, cinnamon, coriander, and turmeric), and Berry Beret (vodka, blackberry, cherry, orange, lemon, and vanilla flavors). To pair, charcuterie is taken to the next level here, with vegetarian options, along with meat-focused boards, and even a Dessert charcuterie, with a selection of chocolate, fruit, and pastries. Enjoy the signature cocktails crafted to elevate your festive spirit in this must-visit seasonal destination.
BLITZEN’S ON BAGLEY
2545 Bagley Street, Detroit
Blitzen’s on Bagley offers an excellent experience this holiday season, perfect for enjoying the festivities. Open seven days a week, Owner Christine Driscoll shares, “Blitzen’s on Bagley is Detroit’s Holiday Tavern! With thousands of lights, cozy cocktails, and decor like you could only expect from a Midwest home holiday party, it’s the perfect place to gather with friends this season!” Cocktails featured range from Grinchmas (Rum, Melon, and Sour) and Very Merry Marg (Tequila, Triple Sec, Sour, and Cranberry) to Rudolph’s Red Eye (Creme de Cacao, Peppermint, and Cold Brew). As for shots, you’ll find the Gingerbread Man, with Fireball and Egg Nog Liqueur, and Yellow Snow, with Rum and Banana notes, just to name a few. It’s a great spot for cozy cocktails and cherished holiday memories.
DOWN BAR
226 South Main Street, Ann Arbor
The Down Bar, located in downtown Ann Arbor below The Pretzel Bell is bringing Griswold-level mayhem and cheer with its seasonal stop. “This isn’t just a holiday pop-up – it’s a holiday adventure,” says Joanne Bower, general manager of The Down Bar. “We’re pulling out all the stops this year with immersive decorations, Griswold-inspired cocktails, and enough holiday spirit to light up the big house. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Griswolds or just looking to make new holiday memories, Griswold’s is where the fun, old-fashioned family Christmas comes to life – minus the squirrel, of course!” Running through the new year, guests can expect cocktails like Cousin Eddie’s Eggnog (eggnog, bourbon, rum, brandy, served in a moose mug), “alongside a signature cocktail menu that includes: Mele Kalikimaka, Hallelujah, Where’s the Tylenol?, Exterior Illumination, Uncle Lewis’ Old Fashioned, Shitter’s Full, and Aunt Bethany’s Jell-o Shots.” Promising a festive overload of lights, tinsel, and cheer, Down Bar is a must-visit this holiday season.
HEMMINGWAY ROOM
111 West 2nd Street, Rochester
Rochester’s Hemingway Room has reimagined the holidays with its Winter Wonderland pop-up. “This year, we’re redefining what the holidays feel like in Rochester,” the team shares. With its perfect blend of elegance and festive fun, the pop-up features signature cocktails like the Gingerbread Old Fashioned and Jack Frost Martini. “These aren’t just drinks—they’re an experience that elevates the season,” the team notes. On the menu, you’ll find a variety to pair with your cocktails, from a curated charcuterie board and steak bites to the holiday-themed Hot Toddy Lava Cake, with something for everyone. “We’re thrilled to be part of Rochester’s holiday traditions, offering locals and visitors a space to gather, celebrate, and make lasting memories.”
CADILLAC LODGE
60 Cadillac Square, Detroit
Located downtown, The Cadillac Lodge is offering a cozy, family-friendly holiday retreat through the new year. The Gilbert Family Foundation shares, “The Lodge will serve a variety of festive foods and beverages, including walking tacos, warm pretzels, Detroit-style chili, hot cocktails, and more. Visitors can enjoy an inviting space to relax and create new memories throughout the holiday season.” The hot cocktails mentioned include Baby It’s Cold Outside (hot cider and apple whiskey), Santa’s Little Helper (hot cocoa and peppermint vodka), and Winter Wonderland (coffee and whiskey). Specialty cocktails range from Motown Mule and Mistletoe Margarita to Cadillac Lodge Manhattan and Rudolph, with gin, lemon juice, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup. With it being in the center of all of the excitement downtown, check out the holiday lights and skating rink while you’re visiting.
THE IRON GATE
3019 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte
The Iron Gate brings the holiday spirit alive with its carefully curated festive ambiance. Combining festive holiday decor with signature seasonal cocktails and bites, it’s a delightful retreat for anyone looking to embrace the magic of the season. Some cocktails to check out include the tropical Mele Kalikmaka, Apple Pie Flip, and Exterior Illumination with Snickerdoodle foam, while shots range from Grinchy Green Tea to Figgy Pudding Milk Punch. The menu has also been transformed, with choices like Cousin Eddie’s Disco Tots, with bacon jam, pimento cheddar, and pickled onion, and A Garfield Lasagna to Not Catherine’s Turkey served with holiday stuffing and citrus glazed carrots or Walter’s Braised Short Rib with sweet potato puree and collard greens. As for dessert, good luck choosing between the Hot Coco Pot De Crème, Eggnog Bread Pudding with rosemary maple caramel, and Santa’s Cream Pies with gingerbread cookies. Kids are welcome until 10 p.m., and it’s a great family-friendly spot this holiday season.
THE LEGENDARY LODGE
37550 Cherry Hill Road, Westland
Westland’s Legendary Lodge is a ski-themed pop-up bar featuring immersive holiday experiences through the end of December. Guests can enjoy the Glacier’s Edge Speakeasy (Fridays & Saturdays only), private VIP suites that are great for groups, and the serene Evergreen Courtyard at Rosecliffe Manor. The team shares, “The Legendary Lodge is the ultimate winter destination for festive fun, featuring elaborate décor, themed cocktails, holiday bites, and unforgettable memories.” As for specialty cocktails, check out the Mistletoe Martini (with elderflower liqueur and cranberry juice), Gingerbread Mule, Alpine Cookie Delight (sugar cookie vibes made from vanilla vodka, amaretto, and Irish cream liqueur), and Winterberry Smash (gin, honey, and blackberries), among other delightful options. From the festival cocktails to signature bites, it’s a must-visit destination for holiday fun.
JINGLE AT ALE MARY’S
316 South Main Street, Royal Oak
In downtown Royal Oak, Jingle at Ale Mary’s offers a festive escape filled with holiday cheer. This pop-up transforms the space with sparkling decor and a menu brimming with holiday-inspired treats, not to mention their heated outdoor igloos ready to host this year’s fun. On the menu, you’ll find Santa’s Spinach Dip, a white cheddar cranberry burger, and vegan milkshakes, like the Sugar Cookie Snow Globe or Gingerbread shakes. As for cocktails, options range from Grandma’s Secret Punch (Tito’s, sparkling wine, Blake’s apple cider, ginger ale, and cranberry juice) to a S’Mores Old Fashioned (Creme de Cacao, chocolate bitters, toasted marshmallow, and a graham cracker rim) or the Orange Christmas Creamsicle (Stoli Orange, RumChata Pineapple Cream, and Orange Juice). It’s the ideal destination for a spirited night out with friends or a festive family gathering.
SYLVAN TABLE
1819 Inverness Street, Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Table’s holiday pop-up transforms its patio into a must-visit winter wonderland with holiday-themed cocktails and delicious bites. General Manager Sadie Simon shares, “The pop-up will be held on our patio, with communal tables that are great for groups of friends or families to join in the festivities.” Guests can enjoy holiday music, movies, and even board and card games, making it a cozy and festive experience. On the menu, check out the festive cocktails, like St. Nick’s Negroni, Mojit-Ho-Ho-Ho, Rum Rum Rudolf Coquito, Butter Beer, or the Gingerbread Old Fashioned, to name a few. Regardless of your choice, Sylvan Table is a great spot to be this holiday season.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on December 14, 2022, and was authored by Briana Dixon.
