An Ode To Christmas Bars (Issue #82)
Must-try Minneapolis Christmas bars, the best good-bad Christmas movies, + other fun holiday recs!
Hi friends!
Last year, Andrew and I decided to become Christmas people. We embraced candles, Christmas music, and ambitious holiday baking projects, and it made the transition to winter so much more enjoyable! This marked the beginning of our journey into what we now call “season maxing,” wherein we lean into each season as aggressively as possible. With the pumpkins, apples, and hayrides of fall now behind us, we’re diving headfirst into Christmas. Specifically, we’re strategizing our 2025 Christmas bar lineup.
The Christmas bar has quickly become one of my favorite December traditions. In case you’re unfamiliar, Christmas bars are pop-ups where restaurants go all out with holiday decor, special menus, and festive vibes. Think themed drinks, twinkling lights, and soaking up the season—they’re pure magic, and Minneapolis does them especially well. I used to live within walking distance of two such bars, so we gave them a try last year, and they quickly solidified into a yearly tradition. Listen, the joy derived from the novelty of drinking a wintry cocktail from a snowman mug under twinkly holiday lights is untouchable!
This year, we’re stepping it up, aiming to visit at least one Christmas bar a week! I also love that these pop-ups are a way to support local businesses. With so much construction across the city this summer, many Minneapolis restaurants have struggled to stay open. But during the Christmas bar season, these restaurants get a helpful boost to help them make it through the year.
If you’re also in Minneapolis and looking to join me in the holiday spirit this December, here are the Christmas bars I’m especially excited to check out:
The Red Nose Room at Red Cow Uptown - This was one of two bars we visited last year! Their special menu includes holiday cocktails (hot and iced) served in winter-themed cups and exclusive festive food options (including gingerbread pancakes!!).
Nico’s Navidad at Nico’s Taco Bar - This was the second Christmas bar we visited last year, and their decorations were fabulously immersive. They were PACKED when we went, but this year they announced they’ve added a Christmas courtyard lined with fire-pits to keep you warm while you wait!
Holiday Basement Bar at Travail - Andrew and I went to Travail’s Halloween dinner this year, and it was an immersive experience unlike anything else! For their holiday pop-up, this fine dining restaurant promises to take you on a culinary journey called “Holiday Fight Club.” The coursed meal will take you through Austria, Japan, Finland, Germany, Jamaica, and more. Add holiday cocktail pairings, and you’ve got a magical evening.
Jingle Giles at Earl Giles Distillery - In addition to their special holiday-themed drinks and food, Jingle Giles features a variety of special events throughout December. Depending on when you go, you might visit their holiday market, compete in an ugly sweater contest, or play holiday movie trivia!
Down Through the Chimney at Hotel Emery - I took photos at Hotel Emery for a couple’s courthouse wedding and have wanted to return ever since. In addition to enjoying holiday cocktails at their Down Through the Chimney bar, you can also make reservations at The Tasting Room, where you’ll enjoy a coursed meal inspired by the movie Elf!
The Spirit of Winter at The Winery at Sovereign Estate - Probably the most immersive experience on this list, this lakeshore winery is completely transformed into a winter wonderland, with over twenty miles of music-synchronized lights spanning over 20 acres. The full list of attractions is impressive and includes a s’mores station, snow maze, boot hockey arena, trolley rides, and even visits from Santa!
Winter Wonder Bar at Creekside Supper Club - I’ve been meaning to check out Creekside for a while, and a holiday experience seems like the perfect excuse to finally pay them a visit!!
Are there holiday bars in your area? Do you live in Minneapolis and have any holiday recs I should check out? Reply to this email or drop your suggestion in the comments!
A round-up of things to watch, read, and listen to as you head into the weekend.
I know how frustrating paywalls are! When possible, I’ll try to offer gift links through my subscriptions to support access to high-quality journalism.
Substack: my official christmas movie good-bad matrix, plus some of our fave holiday decor from
byCaroline’s matrix categorizes holiday movies into four quadrants: good-good, good-bad, bad-good, and bad-bad. I trust her judgment—she put The Princess Switch in good-bad, and I’m obsessed with that perfectly imperfect movie!!
The Ezra Klein Show: Would Bernie Have Won? (gift link)
Andrew and I have been having many debates about what the Democrats need to do differently during the next election, so this came just in time! I loved how this episode was structured as a debate between Ezra Klein and his guest, ThinkProgress co-founder Faiz Shakir. Andrew and I listened to it together and kept pausing to discuss and share our thoughts!!
Movie: Heretic
Is it a perfect film? No. Did I enjoy watching Hugh Grant as a charmingly terrifying sadistic atheist? Absolutely. Worth it for the jokes alone.
Playlists to add to your music library.
Andrew and I are once again hosting a holiday party, and we updated last year’s playlist to include EVEN MORE Christmas joy!!
Things to try + share in the group chat.
Last year, Andrew and I started a tradition of wearing Christmas pajamas for the entire month of December. This year, I got us matching Snoopy pj’s (these ones for me and these ones for Andrew) from Hanna Andersson, and I’m obsessed. They’re super durable and have tons of kids' styles for full-family matching!
I love eating in season because it tastes soooo much better, so I’ve been using this graphic as my little guide when I make my grocery lists:
Last Friday, I chatted about starting voice lessons and what I’ve learned so far! Check it out here.
Have a great weekend!
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(I know it's closed but) I once went to Betty Danger's when it was decorated for Christmas, and it was delightfully overstuffed with decorations! I was sorry I never got to ride the Ferris Wheel.