The holiday season is quickly approaching–thinkseasonal pop-ups, Christmas carols, lighting displays, boozy afternoon winter tea; places where you can sip drinks while admiring the decked out halls. Whether you’re visiting Chicago for the weekend or want to find a festive place to find drinks, these are the best holiday bars in Chicago that we guarantee will make it to your camera roll.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is going all out for the holidays, creating a vibrant Tropical Holiday Paradise experience. Guests can escape the winter chill and step into a festive oasis adorned with tropical-themed Christmas décor. This includes a tree decorated with vibrant ornaments, tiki fringe, Santa inflatables, colorful lights, and neon signs. The holiday transformation features specialty cocktails such as Norbz’s Tinsel & Tequila, a drink that supports Dolphins Challenge Cancer, as a portion of the proceeds will be donated. Guests can also enjoy festive favorites like the Cranberry Mule and an Espresso Martini garnished with peppermint.
Butch Mcguire’s
For over 50 years, Butch McGuire’s has been lighting up Chicagoan’s lives. The iconic spot is rated as one of the best holiday bars in Chicago. Every space of the bar is decorated with Christmas lights, disco balls, flashy ornaments, and even a festive holiday train that moves through the bar. If you’re looking for a place that doesn’t hold back on its decorations, this is it.
The Lodge Tavern
Division Street’s favorite bar is getting a holiday makeover, complete with a full month of holiday events! The Lodge Tavern—known for its cozy winter cabin feel—is transforming into a holiday wonderland with twinkling lights, wreaths, garlands, and more.
From the holiday menu, guests can choose from festive riffs on classic cocktails like Mule-Tide Greetings, Ebenezer’s Old Fashioned, Mrs. Clausmo, holiday beers on tap, and more. And for those looking to warm their bellies, The Lodge Tavern will offer a hot cocktail menu featuring the Ho Ho Hot Toddy, Irish You A Merry Christmas, St. Nicks Cider, and more.
The Redhead Piano Bar
Sing along to your favorite carols at Redhead Piano Bar. Tucked away on bustling Ontario Street, The Redhead Piano Bar invites guests to sing along to all the holiday classics with nightly live piano music and performances from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The cozy late-night spot decked out with garland, lights, and mistletoe will feature a special limited-time holiday cocktail menu including Candy Cane with Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Bailey’s, and Peppermint Schnapps, Jingle Juice with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Cranberry Juice, and Ginger Ale, Kris Kringle Kir Royale with Cranberry Juice, Chambord, and Korbel, and more.
The Original Mother’s
The Original Mother is getting into the holiday spirit with weekly dueling piano theme parties every Saturday in December from 9 pm to 12 am! Guests are invited to dress up, bring their favorite song requests, and revel in live holiday sing-along piano shows consisting of two grand pianos and charismatic entertainers behind the keys with the addition of a rock band drummer.
Chief O’Neill’s Irish Pub
Chief Oneill’s is a corner pub featuring traditional Irish decor, food, music, garden seating, and an extensive drink list. The holiday decorations here are exceptional, from festive wreaths to Christmas trees, making it one of the most festive bars in Chicago.
Mom’s Place
Mom’s Place is a neighborhood gathering spot located in downtown Chicago’s River North area. It offers delicious food and drinks in a friendly atmosphere that embraces the holiday spirit. With ceilings adorned with ornaments and twinkling holiday lights, it’s the perfect place to get into the festive mood.
Wrigleyville’s Big Star
Big Star in Wrigleyville is having a first-ever Holiday Honky Tonk pop-up! One of the newest Christmas restaurants in Chicago, the Holiday Honky Tonk is inspired by Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” and the Big Star crew is going full glam for the season! They’ll be decking their halls with glittery hanging ornaments, a Christmas tree dressed up in pink cowboy hats, and, of course, a new lineup of food & drink specials.
Look out for limited-time menu items including the Smokey Brisket Nachos ($18) with beef brisket, cheesy nacho sauce, salsa seca, pico de gallo, black beans, and guacamole and Cowboy Coffee ($12), a caffeine kick with a sweet finish featuring La Colombe Cold Brew, cinnamon honey, Buffalo Trace Cream, and bourbon, garnished with whipped vanilla cream, a candy cane, and sprinkles.
Old Crow Smokehouse
Santa Claus is coming to town as the Wrigleyville barbecue spot morphs into Santa’s Workshop for the season. Giant Christmas balls, white lights, and Christmas trees set the holiday scene, while the holiday menu features comfort food favorites like French Onion Soup, Old Crow Pot Pie, and Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit Sliders.
Specialty cocktail options include the bright and icy Jack Frost, with Patron Blanco, Blue Curacao, lime, and agave; the nostalgic Dirty Chocolate Milk, with eggnog, Amaretto, and Crème de Cacao in a Mason jar; the Old Crow version of Harry Potter’s Butterbeer, with vanilla vodka, caramel syrup, and cream soda; and the Polar Espresso, with whiskey and cold brew coffee in a martini glass.
Moe’s Cantina
The legendary Grinch takes center stage at Moe’s Wrigleyville as the venue gets a dose of Whoville with a Grinch Stole Christmas theme. The Grinch welcomes guests in, while inside, bright Christmas balls and bold holiday patterns; admission to all popups is free.
Christmas trees and colorful lights pair with specialty menu items like birria tacos as well as buñelos—a crispy fried dessert coated with cinnamon sugar. Moes also features a roster of fun, festive specialty drinks, including Christmas Tree Patron Towers, spiked Mexican hot chocolate, and the bright and icy Jack Frost, with Patron Blanco, Blue Curacao, lime, and agave.
OLIO E PIÙ
OLIO E PIÙ brings Italian tradition and a true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the River North neighborhood. As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes, with a focus on house-made pastas, hand-stretched pizza, and time-honored favorites such as Caprese salad, fritto misto, and tiramisu. The festive holiday décor includes a stunning centerpiece tree, lush green garlands draped throughout the space, sparkling twinkle lights, vibrant red ribbons, and other cheerful touches to set the seasonal mood!
La Grande Boucherie
Housed in Chicago’s Belle Époque building, this unique Art Nouveau-inspired space honors the iconic building’s legacy while providing guests with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and menu. The two-story restaurant features custom curved stained-glass windows overlooking the bustling streets, custom mosaic marble floors, authentic fixtures, and a racetrack bar from France. The expansive patio space is also a highlight. The festive holiday décor will be showcased on both floors, including a stunning real centerpiece tree, lush green garlands, beautiful twinkle lights, vibrant red ribbons, and other cheerful touches to set a seasonal mood!
Americano in Lincoln Park
Americano brings casual charm to Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, with a cozy atmosphere perfect for any occasion. The festive holiday décor at Americano in Lincoln Park features a dazzling array of gold and green ornaments adorning the ceiling, lush green garlands, twinkle lights, elegant wreaths, and more, creating a warm and magical atmosphere.