9 Holiday-Themed Spots in the Bay Area That'll Have You Feeling Festive
‘Tis the season for hot toddies, spiked cider, life-size gingerbread homes, hot buttered rums, tinsel and tree trimming. Holiday pop-ups have become a thing the last few years and I am here for it. I mean, who can turn down a pipin’ hot holiday cocktail, amirite?!
Here are my favorite places to set the mood right this holiday season in the Bay Area.
Fairmont San Francisco
950 Mason St
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 772-5000
Photo by my dear friend, Tamryn Miller of @wannabefashionblogger
There’s no place in the city more decorative and over the top than the Fairmont when it comes to Christmas (and anytime really). They’ve got festive cocktails, a hot cocoa pop-up shop, a massive tree, a giant gingerbread house, and holiday tea. This year, they’ve totally outdone themselves with their largest gingerbread house yet (and you can even dine inside of it this year).
Pacific Cocktail Haven
580 Sutter St
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 398-0195
Photo by @pch580
The NYC holiday pop-up, Miracle, is back at Pacific Cocktail Haven. They’ve got a brand new selection of Christmas-themed cocktails to pair with their festive décor. You’ll love it. Trust.
Deck the Halls
1217 Sutter St
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 771-8292
Photo by @martiwantsmore
This supes rowdy holiday pop-up is back at it again, but now at the old location of Rusted Mule. Deck The Halls will be open from November 23rd through December 25, serving up cocktails like the Yellow Snow Slushie (Hennessy, Luxardo amaretto, orange liqueur, and lemon juice). Since we’re all about inclusivity here, they’ve also got a Dreidel Room in the bar.
The Beehive
842 Valencia St
San Francisco, CA 94110
Photo by sheilabuchanandesigns
In partnership with Zephyr Gin, The Beehive is bringing holiday cheer to the Mission with all the retro vibes. They’ve got cocktails like the Krampus Club (gin, spiced cranberry, martini, bitter, Cointreau, egg white and lemon), the Festivus Martini (gin, douglas fir, martini ambrato, maraschino and bitters) or the Santa Baby (Zephyr Gin, Beehive hot cocoa, Wondermint, winter spice, and toasted marshmallow).
Top of the Mark
999 California St
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 392-3434
Photo by phototravelguide
Top of the Mark will always be one of my favorite spots in SF - you really can’t beat the view and the quintessential City by the Bay vibes at this place. They’re serving up a “12 Days of Christmas”-themed cocktail in their lounge. Of course, the whole hotel is decorated and looking festive AF. They’re also hosting special events throughout the season.
Palace Hotel
2 New Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 512-1111
Photo by palacehotelsf
I mean, does it get more beautiful than the Palace Hotel? This place is extravagant as heck always, but especially magical during Christmas. They’ve got a bunch of holiday-themed events, including an ugly sweater party, a gingerbread-decorating mixer, and visits from Santa at their famed afternoon tea.
Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley
2050 University Ave
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 566-1200
The Four Seasons in East Palo Alto has completely transformed their outdoor lounge into a winter wonderland. The Après is decked out with all the twinkling lights, cute little pine trees, a cozy fireplace, and even a fake snow fall every night. They’ve got a festive menu (I mean, cheese fondue and s’mores…what more could you ask for?!) and wintry cocktails, including hot cocoa spiked with Irish whiskey and green chartreuse. Worried you won’t make it in time before the holidays are over? Fret not, they’re open through February.
Paper Plane
72 S 1st St
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 713-2625
Photo by miracleon1st
The Downtown San Jose bar, Paper Plane, is hosting a holiday pop-up this year with racy and fun festive cocktails like the Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r (sweet potato rum and marshmallow orgeat). They’ve also got seasonal snacks like the turkey pot pie samosa and mashed potato sundae. Miracle at Paper Plane will be serving up holiday cheer through New Year’s Eve.
Rosewood Sand Hill
2825 Sand Hill Rd
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 561-1500
Photo by rwsandhill
The fancy schmancy Rosewood Terrace has transformed the space into a Winter Terrace pop-up Michelin-starred, Madera, is serving up bites and winter treats (cheese fondue makes an appearance here too). The pop-up is open through January, but there’s rumors that it’ll be extended.
