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Time to deck the halls with frozen egg nog and a life-sized gingerbread whiskey bar
Now that we’ve put the turkey and stuffing behind us, it’s time to focus on the big game — the one that comes with fruitcake, nog, holiday candles, and that crockpot that gets regifted every single year for a White Elephant party. Here is a running list of all the holiday pop-ups taking over your favorite bars, restaurants, and event spaces in and around Nashville. Perfect for festive imbibing, snacking, and general holiday merriment until the ball drops on 2022.
Ever wonder what it feels like to live in an actual snow globe? Nightscape, a multi-sensory venue with 360-degree projection-mapped walls, delivers on that experience. Running from December 20 to 23, you’ll be visually transported into four different holiday scenes with seasonal cocktails and bites available for purchase. Tickets start at $25 and include one holiday-themed cocktail.
The Harpeth Hotel’s on-site cafe, McGavock’s, is paying homage to Buddy the Elf with its holiday-themed pop-up bar, “World’s Best Cup of Coffee.” Inside, you’ll find over-the-top Christmas decor as well as a selection of specialty holiday cocktails like the eponymous World’s Best Cup of Coffee, Mele Kalikimaka, Ralphie’s Red Ryder, and the peppermint-inspired Candy Cane Forest. The experience will run through Christmas Eve, Thursday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight.
Using 400 pounds of flour, 800 egg whites, and 300 pounds of organic honey (just to name a few ingredients), the JW Marriott’s erected a life-sized gingerbread bar complete with a roaring fire and a leather-bound book filled with Nelson’s Green Brier whiskey cocktails. Festive garnishes include torched marshmallows, boba pearls, and, of course, mini gingerbread men. The bar is intimate (re: small), so book reservations before it closes on New Year’s Eve.
The Dream’s Parlour Bar is getting an elf-themed makeover and debuting Buddy’s Bar. Expect holiday libations like the Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins, seasonal mocktails, and a pairing of themed bites, including the You Smell Like Beef and Cheese charcuterie board. The bar opens at 4 p.m. daily.
Head to the Nashville Fairgrounds for an immersive holiday experience that spans over 100,000 square feet of walkable indoor and outdoor experiences. Three different holiday “worlds” take you through light shows, a full-size ice skating rink, an electric evergreen forest, climbable faceted geodes, a SantaLand DJ, and four holiday-themed bars serving up festive cocktails and bites. Jingle Beat runs through New Year’s Eve and tickets start at $24.
A tribute to Santa’s favorite sidekick, Birdsong Social is reimagining itself as the North Pole, an Elf-inspired holiday pop-up running through the month of December. It features a signature menu of “Buddy’s Bites,” desserts, hot chocolate, milk and cookies, and a variety of holiday-themed cocktails, including the Son of a Nutcracker and Cup of Christmas Cheer.
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Running through December 28, Nicky’s Coal Fired will kick off a month-long holiday celebration with their annual “Saint Nicky’s” pop-up. The Nations restaurant will be decked out in colorful holiday decor and offer a limited-time special menu featuring Chopper Tiki’s eggnog churned in a frozen cocktail machine and a gingerbread Old Fashioned. Round out the experience with an order of the green Christmas tree pasta with Nicky’s classic bolognese. On December 12 from 4 to 6 p.m., guests and their furry friends are invited to take pictures with Santa.
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The ’70s-inspired campsite and retrofitted 1956 Scenicruiser returns for another season atop Bobby Nashville’s rooftop. Reserve one of the oversized igloos and enjoy a personal campfire, fun snacks (like the yardbird biscuits and campfire s’mores), and themed libations with a group of friends. Camp Bobby will run through February 2023.
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The Westin Nashville is channeling the French Alps with an après ski pop-up. Wrapped in faux fur and alpine accents, Chalet 27 sits atop Nashville’s highest rooftop bar and features seasonal fondue spreads and cocktails. The white winter oasis opens on November 16 and runs through February 2023.
Running through December 30 at 2 p.m. daily, The Hermitage Hotel — conveniently located across from the Nashville Ballet at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center — is hosting a Nutcracker-themed tea. Take a seat inside the historic veranda and enjoy tea sandwiches and scones, complemented by an extensive selection of teas from around the world. Cost is $95 per person and $45 for children under 12.
The W Nashville has transformed its rooftop bar patio into a small winter village featuring snow, pine trees, and glowing lamp posts. The focal point of the experience is two translucent cabins filled with cozy couches, a rustic fireplace, and alpine chic décor. Each cabin can accommodate up to eight people and has clear paneling to keep guests warm while enjoying Moonlight Cocoa Martinis and Be Home Late cocktails made with Nashville W Rye, maple, and chocolate bitters. The pop-up runs through February 2023, but you’ll need to make a reservation for the one-hour-and-45-minute experience. Cabins seat up to eight people.
Every Tuesday throughout December (with the addition of a few extra screenings), you can head to Broadway’s Layer Cake for two holiday movie viewings (6 p.m. and 9 p.m.) with a variety of seating options. Prime bean bag seating is $20 (two-drink minimum), banquette seating is $15 (two-drink minimum), and booth, bar, and high-top seating is $5 (one-drink minimum). The restaurant is also offering a special package for $25 per guest that includes one box of candy per person, two cocktails, and a VIP wristband to be used at a later date. Reservations for the cinema night can be made at the door.
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Situated on the 14th floor of Virgin Hotels Nashville, Babes in Toyland is a — you guessed it — toy-inspired winter pop-up brought to life with larger-than-life toys, colorful Christmas trees, board games, a pool-turned-ball-pit, and a walking piano that’ll make you feel like Tom Hanks at FAO Schwarz. Fuel your child-like wonder with boozy hot chocolate, truffle mac ‘n cheese, and Kevin McCallister’s famous room service ice cream sundae served up in a miniature bathtub. The pop-up runs through January 2023 — reservations are highly encouraged.
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Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say at Hidden Bar this month thanks to a Griswald-inspired pop-up inside Noelle’s speakeasy. Scenes from the film come to life throughout the space with a little added help from menu items like Aunt Beth’s Jello mold (a citrus panna cotta), Italian beef sliders, and Clark’s candy (peanut butter chocolate cups). The drinks add to the theme, with shots and cocktails like That’s Good Eggnog and It’s Christmas and We’re All in Misery made with charcoal-infused black rum.
It’s a swingin’ holiday season over at Bar Tenn with a Rat Pack-inspired pop-up marked by seasonal drinks (like the Rat Pack Old Fashioned, Feliz Navidad Nog, and Mistletoe Fizz), classic Christmas decor, and a throwback live performance. The experience is 21 and over and costs $30 per person — reservations are highly encouraged. For a more family-friendly vibe, check out the Tea with Santa on Sundays. The seating costs $50 per adult and $30 per child and includes hot chocolate, holiday treats, and pictures with St. Nick himself. Reservations also are encouraged.
Game Terminal is pulling out all of the stops this year with thousands of twinkling lights, over 20 Christmas trees, and heated igloos for camping out in. Keeping you company in those igloos: seasonal cocktails and belly-warming bar fare like loaded nachos, smashburgers, and chili cheese dogs. Don’t forget to venture out of your igloo to take on one of the arcade or pinball games in the 10,000-square-foot space.
This year, the national Miracle holiday pop-up bar has chosen Pearl Diver as its de-facto Nashville headquarters. And Pearl Diver’s risen to the occasion with tinsel, lights, and ornaments stuffed into every corner of the room — not to mention Santa’s workshop on the back patio. On the menu: s’mores platters and drinks like the Christmapolitan made with spiced cranberry sauce, hot buttered rum, and Jingle Balls nog. The pop-up runs daily through December 27 but will be closed on Christmas Day.
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Ever wonder what it feels like to live in an actual snow globe? Nightscape, a multi-sensory venue with 360-degree projection-mapped walls, delivers on that experience. Running from December 20 to 23, you’ll be visually transported into four different holiday scenes with seasonal cocktails and bites available for purchase. Tickets start at $25 and include one holiday-themed cocktail.
The Harpeth Hotel’s on-site cafe, McGavock’s, is paying homage to Buddy the Elf with its holiday-themed pop-up bar, “World’s Best Cup of Coffee.” Inside, you’ll find over-the-top Christmas decor as well as a selection of specialty holiday cocktails like the eponymous World’s Best Cup of Coffee, Mele Kalikimaka, Ralphie’s Red Ryder, and the peppermint-inspired Candy Cane Forest. The experience will run through Christmas Eve, Thursday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight.
Using 400 pounds of flour, 800 egg whites, and 300 pounds of organic honey (just to name a few ingredients), the JW Marriott’s erected a life-sized gingerbread bar complete with a roaring fire and a leather-bound book filled with Nelson’s Green Brier whiskey cocktails. Festive garnishes include torched marshmallows, boba pearls, and, of course, mini gingerbread men. The bar is intimate (re: small), so book reservations before it closes on New Year’s Eve.
The Dream’s Parlour Bar is getting an elf-themed makeover and debuting Buddy’s Bar. Expect holiday libations like the Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins, seasonal mocktails, and a pairing of themed bites, including the You Smell Like Beef and Cheese charcuterie board. The bar opens at 4 p.m. daily.
Head to the Nashville Fairgrounds for an immersive holiday experience that spans over 100,000 square feet of walkable indoor and outdoor experiences. Three different holiday “worlds” take you through light shows, a full-size ice skating rink, an electric evergreen forest, climbable faceted geodes, a SantaLand DJ, and four holiday-themed bars serving up festive cocktails and bites. Jingle Beat runs through New Year’s Eve and tickets start at $24.
A tribute to Santa’s favorite sidekick, Birdsong Social is reimagining itself as the North Pole, an Elf-inspired holiday pop-up running through the month of December. It features a signature menu of “Buddy’s Bites,” desserts, hot chocolate, milk and cookies, and a variety of holiday-themed cocktails, including the Son of a Nutcracker and Cup of Christmas Cheer.
Running through December 28, Nicky’s Coal Fired will kick off a month-long holiday celebration with their annual “Saint Nicky’s” pop-up. The Nations restaurant will be decked out in colorful holiday decor and offer a limited-time special menu featuring Chopper Tiki’s eggnog churned in a frozen cocktail machine and a gingerbread Old Fashioned. Round out the experience with an order of the green Christmas tree pasta with Nicky’s classic bolognese. On December 12 from 4 to 6 p.m., guests and their furry friends are invited to take pictures with Santa.
The ’70s-inspired campsite and retrofitted 1956 Scenicruiser returns for another season atop Bobby Nashville’s rooftop. Reserve one of the oversized igloos and enjoy a personal campfire, fun snacks (like the yardbird biscuits and campfire s’mores), and themed libations with a group of friends. Camp Bobby will run through February 2023.
The Westin Nashville is channeling the French Alps with an après ski pop-up. Wrapped in faux fur and alpine accents, Chalet 27 sits atop Nashville’s highest rooftop bar and features seasonal fondue spreads and cocktails. The white winter oasis opens on November 16 and runs through February 2023.
Running through December 30 at 2 p.m. daily, The Hermitage Hotel — conveniently located across from the Nashville Ballet at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center — is hosting a Nutcracker-themed tea. Take a seat inside the historic veranda and enjoy tea sandwiches and scones, complemented by an extensive selection of teas from around the world. Cost is $95 per person and $45 for children under 12.
The W Nashville has transformed its rooftop bar patio into a small winter village featuring snow, pine trees, and glowing lamp posts. The focal point of the experience is two translucent cabins filled with cozy couches, a rustic fireplace, and alpine chic décor. Each cabin can accommodate up to eight people and has clear paneling to keep guests warm while enjoying Moonlight Cocoa Martinis and Be Home Late cocktails made with Nashville W Rye, maple, and chocolate bitters. The pop-up runs through February 2023, but you’ll need to make a reservation for the one-hour-and-45-minute experience. Cabins seat up to eight people.
Every Tuesday throughout December (with the addition of a few extra screenings), you can head to Broadway’s Layer Cake for two holiday movie viewings (6 p.m. and 9 p.m.) with a variety of seating options. Prime bean bag seating is $20 (two-drink minimum), banquette seating is $15 (two-drink minimum), and booth, bar, and high-top seating is $5 (one-drink minimum). The restaurant is also offering a special package for $25 per guest that includes one box of candy per person, two cocktails, and a VIP wristband to be used at a later date. Reservations for the cinema night can be made at the door.
Situated on the 14th floor of Virgin Hotels Nashville, Babes in Toyland is a — you guessed it — toy-inspired winter pop-up brought to life with larger-than-life toys, colorful Christmas trees, board games, a pool-turned-ball-pit, and a walking piano that’ll make you feel like Tom Hanks at FAO Schwarz. Fuel your child-like wonder with boozy hot chocolate, truffle mac ‘n cheese, and Kevin McCallister’s famous room service ice cream sundae served up in a miniature bathtub. The pop-up runs through January 2023 — reservations are highly encouraged.
Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say at Hidden Bar this month thanks to a Griswald-inspired pop-up inside Noelle’s speakeasy. Scenes from the film come to life throughout the space with a little added help from menu items like Aunt Beth’s Jello mold (a citrus panna cotta), Italian beef sliders, and Clark’s candy (peanut butter chocolate cups). The drinks add to the theme, with shots and cocktails like That’s Good Eggnog and It’s Christmas and We’re All in Misery made with charcoal-infused black rum.
It’s a swingin’ holiday season over at Bar Tenn with a Rat Pack-inspired pop-up marked by seasonal drinks (like the Rat Pack Old Fashioned, Feliz Navidad Nog, and Mistletoe Fizz), classic Christmas decor, and a throwback live performance. The experience is 21 and over and costs $30 per person — reservations are highly encouraged. For a more family-friendly vibe, check out the Tea with Santa on Sundays. The seating costs $50 per adult and $30 per child and includes hot chocolate, holiday treats, and pictures with St. Nick himself. Reservations also are encouraged.
Game Terminal is pulling out all of the stops this year with thousands of twinkling lights, over 20 Christmas trees, and heated igloos for camping out in. Keeping you company in those igloos: seasonal cocktails and belly-warming bar fare like loaded nachos, smashburgers, and chili cheese dogs. Don’t forget to venture out of your igloo to take on one of the arcade or pinball games in the 10,000-square-foot space.
This year, the national Miracle holiday pop-up bar has chosen Pearl Diver as its de-facto Nashville headquarters. And Pearl Diver’s risen to the occasion with tinsel, lights, and ornaments stuffed into every corner of the room — not to mention Santa’s workshop on the back patio. On the menu: s’mores platters and drinks like the Christmapolitan made with spiced cranberry sauce, hot buttered rum, and Jingle Balls nog. The pop-up runs daily through December 27 but will be closed on Christmas Day.
