What do you get when you combine San Francisco's love for the holidays with our adoration for our city's impeccable bar scene? Absolutely imaginative cocktails within the most immersive jolly wonderlands! All winter season long, several bars magically transform into extravagantly festive holiday experiences, fully decked out with radiant lights, fake snow, and of course, libations to keep you warm all night long.
Here are the best themed bars in the city that you can only visit during the holidays, making for an exclusive and highly Instagrammable treat!
See also: San Francisco's Top Must-Do Fun Winter Holiday Activities
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1123 Folsom St / Website
Having also been the home to the prior Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and Beauty and the Beast pop-up experiences, you can guarantee that this space will fully transport you to Tinseltown. For just $22 a person, step into a 90 minute showcasing of the most over-the-top Christmas decor, talented elven actors, and even playful activities. You'll definitely won't want to miss any photo ops in this brilliantly interactive spectacle.
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550 Sutter St / Website
Every year, Miracle at Pacific Cocktail Haven draws in a "nice list" of all of the city's loyal bargoers to their pop up stuffed with cute drinkware, bright lights, and a cozy, convivial atmosphere. For only a $20 cover, expect precisely spiced and playfully inventive cocktails, like ones elevating creamy egg nog or toasted marshmallows.
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32 3rd St / (415) 432-7006 / Website
Kona's Street Market is a year-round favorite, and even more so during the holidays! Until New Year's Eve, this must-visit trendy hangout is taking Santa to the sand with their tropical-style, rum-forward cocktails. Expect a beachy vibe that still feels festive and cozy, just with an inventive west coast flair.
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1853 Union St / (650) 260-3591 / Website
Cow Hollow brings the North Pole over to its Union Street! The highly-beloved Deck The Halls bar is bringing an extra merry treat to the city this year with a joyful collaboration with two other year-round favorites- The Blue Light (1979 Union St.) and Outré (1787 Union St.). This terrific trifecta is delivering the same Christmas spirit Deck The Halls is revered for in each of their locations, all with varying vibes. Outre will be fabulous glitzy glam, while The Blue Light will be cozy homestyle flannel.
Additionally, guests who donate a new and unwrapped toy to benefit their partnership with Toys for Tots will receive complimentary tater tots to pair with the holiday-themed shots and cocktails like the Polar Expresso Martini or Tinsel Spritz.
Back for its sixth season, offerings will include cocktails to keep your spirits bright, such as the Polar Expresso Martini (a rendition of the classic with a holiday twist) and the Tinsel spritz (aperitif wine, bubbles and all the glitter glory). Holiday-themed shots and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. Each outlet will feature its own menu, providing nosh options such as the Snowy Salad, Naughty Mac and Cheese, and large format offerings for bigger groups and private events. With an ongoing relationship with Toys for Tots, guests who donate a new, unwrapped toy at any location will enjoy an order of complimentary tater tots in return. Selfie & social media photo opp stations will be featured at all locations.
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1750 Polk St / (415) 319-8880 / Website
Trade Routes is known for going all out, and even more so on the holidays1 This Polk Street landmark will feature lively music, themed cocktails and a slice of the North Pole over in this midtown neighborhood.
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555 California St / (415) 508-4675 / Website
The Vault Garden is already a charmingly enchanting downtown destination, but when the holidays come around, they elevate even further into a jaw-dropping Winter Wonderland. Revel in a sweeping view of the 555 California Christmas tree while also imbibing on picture-perfect cocktails like the eggnog, cream Sherry, rum, and pistachio Buddy's Nutty Buddy, or the sparkly Noche Buena with Ancho Reyes and strawberry-pink peppercorn, or the divinely silky Polar Express with housemade hot chocolate and Union Mezcal.
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679 3rd St / (415) 746-9968 / Website
The Alchemist excels at fully surrounding you in a Victorian-chic steampunk setting, but in the winter, this workshop is taken over by the elves, cutely transforming into a Hallmark-ready interior. Just off of Oracle Park, this upstair speakeasy-like hideaway is the perfect SoMa stop, complete with eye-catchingly clever artwork and plenty of fashionable comfy lounge sofas.
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2125 Lombard St / (415) 345-8663 / Website
If there's one bar to visit in the Marina for the winter, it has to be Del Mar! This is a tropical-themed oasis known for their creativel complex tiki drinks, trendy DJ sets, and fun, photoworthy swing chairs. Whether you stop in for this year's SantaCon, or just want some island to your winter nightlife, Del Mar is your idyllic vacation.
You would have to be a scrooge not to enjoy these places!
See also: Best SF Spots For Festive Holiday-Themed Coffees
Photography by: Courtesy of Brooke Lark/Unsplash
