SF Bay Area, CAHoliday Bars

Since 2017 this Union Square lounge has closed its regular room every December and reopened as a fully decorated Christmas pop-up, filling the space with thousands of lights, garlands and kitschy decor. The takeover runs with a snow machine, a small cover charge at the door and themed cocktails served in collectible mugs. Order a spirit-forward, boozy seasonal cocktail from the rotating holiday list, and expect a line once the season gets underway.

This Oakland bar closes its regular setup each winter and reopens as a fully decorated Christmas pop-up, part of a licensed program that also runs at other Bay Area bars. The takeover fills the room with tinsel and stockings and runs a themed cocktail list built around nostalgic seasonal flavors. Order a spirit-forward seasonal cocktail from that list, and expect the bar's regular back patio, built around old-growth redwoods, dressed for the season alongside it.

This Financial District restaurant and bar closes its regular tented patio each winter and reopens as a fully decorated holiday pop-up, timed to the towering Christmas tree next door. Hundreds of lights, greenery and seasonal decor fill the heated patio each winter. Order a seasonal cocktail from the rotating winter list, and expect a shareable plate from the kitchen's regular menu alongside it.

This Hayes Valley bar fills its shelves and light fixtures with more than 700 Santa Claus dolls every holiday season, a display traced back to the drag performer who ran a bar in the same room before Brass Tacks took it over. Big and small, traditional and mechanical Santas line every surface, from the bar back to the ceiling lights. Order a classic cocktail from the regular list and take in the collection, a neighborhood tradition the bar maintains rather than a rebranded pop-up.