‘Tis the season for celebrating the magic of the holidays through pop-up markets, themed cocktails and hyper-festive bars, and an extra special holiday hideaway hotel package. For festive things to do this holiday season in the City of Brotherly Love, check out our list of holiday-themed bars, markets, and hotel packages including Assembly Rooftop Lounge, Butcher Bar, Tinsel, Uptown Beer Garden, The Elephant Restaurant & Bar, Northern Liberties Business Improvement District, Old City District, and Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia.
HOLIDAY POP-UP BARS
Assembly Rooftop Lounge, The Logan Hotel’s year-round swanky rooftop cocktail bar and lounge, is once again transforming into Alpine Heights at Assembly, a modern ski-lodge inspired pop-up and Philly’s go-to destination for après-work cocktails with a view, boasting hot libations, comfort food, themed décor, cozy blankets, plus an all-new happy hour, and more – open nowthrough Friday, February 28, 2025.’
Assembly Rooftop Lounge is going north for the holidays and beyond with Alpine Heights at Assembly, offering guests a winter lodge experience and unparalleled views right here in Philadelphia. Guests can toast the winter season with a boozy hot chocolate or spiked apple cider, Beef Bourguignon, and some sweet or savory fondue, by one of Assembly’s large blazing fire pits nine floors up. In preparation of the dropping temperatures ahead, Assembly has added additional standing heaters and all-new Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pits for every high-top table to ensure guests are extra cozy this year.
Alpine Heights at Assembly is open daily, Sunday-Thursday 4pm-12am and Friday and Saturday 4pm-late.
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Butcher Bar, the Center City mainstay celebrated for its diverse menu of comforting fare and a wide selection of cocktails and brown spirits, is thrilled to announce the annual re-launch of its uber-festive Yule Lodge — the holiday pop-up extravaganza that lasts from November 20 to January 17!
Guests can enjoy holiday cocktails including Butcher Bar’s take on classic eggnog, dubbed Noggin’ on Heavens Door ($14), served out of iconic moose mugs, Chef John’s family recipe for spiced Mulled Wine ($14), or the Instagram-worthy Shotski ($18). While sipping on festive libations, visitors can also indulge in sweet and savory bites (think: bacon-wrapped meatballs, bourbon and cheese pairings, and beyond), and toast to the holiday season with friends and family under glimmering decor while Christmas tunes fill the room.
Hours of operation: Monday through Tuesday 4 – 9pm, Wednesday through Thursday 11:30am – 10pm, Friday 11:30am – 11pm, Saturday 11:30am – 11pm, Sunday 11:30am – 8pm
Butcher Bar | 2034 Chestnut Street | www.butcherbarphilly.com | Instagram: @butcherbarphl
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Tinsel, Philadelphia’s favorite and original Christmas pop-up bar located in the heart of Midtown Village, is making its grand return on Black Friday, November 29 running through New Year’s Eve, December 31, located at 116 S 12th Street. The fan-favorite pop-up bar is launching with a spate of new, highly seasonal craft cocktails as well as freshly-minted décor and nostalgic installations adorning every inch of the now bi-level venue.
The design of Tinsel is inspired by iconic Christmas screen comedies as well as Philadelphia tradition, displayed via a vast mix of intricate and massive installations. This season, imbibers can enjoy the magic of the holiday at one of two full-service bars as well as take in the visual features such as naughty mirrors, Christmas in Bikini Bottom, vibrant stained glass images of legendary Christmas characters including Ghost of Christmas Future, Kevin McCallister of Home Alone, Tim Allen’s The Santa Claus, Bill Murray as Scrooge, and more, a live Santa Claus tracker, immersive Christmas carol installation, and an animatronic Santa.
Upon its opening on Friday, November 29 through Tuesday, December 31, Tinsel will operate on a first come, first served with standing room only Monday through Friday from 4pm – 2am, Saturday from 2pm – 2am, and Sunday from 2pm – 12am.
116 S 12th Street | Instagram
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Uptown Beer Garden, Philadelphia’s pioneering and premier beer garden, is thrilled to announce the annual all-encapsulating holiday-themed transformation of the massive venue and its culinary operations for yet another year, aptly dubbed The Uptown Express, now open for service at 1500 John F Kennedy Blvd.
The Uptown Express at Uptown Beer Garden is the largest Christmas-themed pop-up bar in the tri-state area, spanning an impressive 7,500 square footage brimming with whimsical and over-the-top décor inspired by Christmas movie classics such as Elf, Christmas Vacation, and The Year Without A Santa Claus. Holiday revelers can sip, snack and savor the magic of Christmas as they are transported through design, food and beverage, running Friday, November 22 through Tuesday, December 31.
The Uptown Express operates Monday through Friday beginning at 4pm and Saturday and Sunday beginning at 12pm, with happy hour Monday through Friday from 4pm – 6pm. Children and teenagers under 21 while accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcome to visit during operating hours except for Friday and Saturday after 8pm.
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The Elephant Restaurant & Bar, Philadelphia’s first and only Espresso Martini Bar, is thrilled to announce the long-awaited return of White Elephant, the limited-time glamorous Christmas pop-up bar, opening on Black Friday, November 29 at 1500 Locust Street, in tandem with the return of sister establishment and the original holiday pop-up bar, Tinsel.
Following the immense success of its first installment in 2023, White Elephant’s revival promises an ultra-chic and feminine take on traditional holiday décor with its various disco ball displays, pink, white and gold color palate, hot pink trees, fur-lined furniture, neon lights, and sequins stockings adorning every inch of the restaurant and bar. Evoking the ultimate Christmas disco party of one’s dreams, White Elephant ensures a fun-filled and lively atmosphere for imbibers and holiday revelers to enjoy beginning on Black Friday through New Year’s Eve, December 31.
Hours of operation at White Elephant are Monday through Thursday from 4pm – 12am, Friday and Saturday from 12pm – 2am, and Sunday from 12pm – 12am with happy hour offered daily from 4pm – 6pm.
1500 Locust Street | Instagram
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HOLIDAY MARKETS
The Northern Liberties Business Improvement District (NLBID) brings back the Northern Liberties Holiday Shopping Stroll & Vendor Market for its second year on December 14 and December 15, 2024, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. This festive event invites the community to explore local businesses, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy holiday activities. Guests can begin at the Holiday Pop-Up Market at 914 N 2nd Street to collect a punch card and map, earning punches by visiting participating businesses. Shoppers who spend $100 or more receive bonus raffle entries, with a chance to win one of three grand prizes. Punch cards must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on December 15 for the grand prize drawing. Additionally, the holiday vendor market will feature handcrafted goods such as custom beaded bracelets, vintage clothing, and handmade candles.
The event showcases local businesses and vendors like Action Karate Northern Liberties, Luvable Layering by Kim, and Super Cereal Vintage, along with neighborhood shops such as City Planter and Dame’s Vintage Emporium. Families can add extra holiday fun at Laser Philly’s Winter Wonderland, featuring Santa visits, letter-writing to the North Pole, and games. Visitors are encouraged to complete their experience with warm drinks, seasonal treats, or holiday cocktails from the district’s many cafes, restaurants, and bakeries.
Northern Liberties Business Improvement District (NLBID) · Website · Facebook ·Instagram · X · TikTok
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Old City District, America’s most historic square mile hosting a dynamic collection of retail, restaurants, services, and more, is in the midst of celebrating the return of its annual holiday lineup, Historic Holidays — a jam-packed series of spirited events including the Holiday Shopping Sip & Stroll on Saturday, December 7 from 12pm – 5pm.
This district-wide event boasts exclusive discounts and specials at various businesses in addition to seasonal cocktails, hot chocolate, and more from neighboring bars and restaurants. Third Street from Market to Arch Streets will be temporarily closed off to vehicular traffic allowing strollers and shoppers free reign to enjoy shopping, sipping, eating, live entertainment, and so on.
Locales throughout Old City District will boast various activations, events, and specials. From Elfreth’s Alley’s annual “Deck the Alley” fundraiser and the Betsy Ross House’s “Historic Holiday Open House” to the premiere of “Peter Pan” at Arden Theatre Company, the neighborhood will be full of seasonal celebrations.
One of the many businesses partaking in Holiday Shopping Sip & Stroll is 48 Record Bar, the hi-fi listening room and craft cocktail bar located atop Sassafras, that of which will be hosting a holiday-themed vinyl pop-up market from 12pm – 5pm with food and drink specials available for pay-as-you-go.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT PHILADELPHIA HOTELS
Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia, the upscale lifestyle hotel nestled in bustling Rittenhouse Square, is getting in the festive spirit with the announcement of its first-ever “Holiday Hideaway”, a 750 sq ft suite that has been transformed for the holiday season boasting themed décor, an in-room welcome amenity including a hot chocolate station and DIY holiday cookie decorating, plus a two-hour private holiday light tour throughout Philadelphia. The package is available for bookings now through Wednesday, January 1.
The Holiday Hideaway provides an unforgettable enchanting respite this festive season, complete with three adorned Christmas trees (one on the balcony, one in the living area and one in the bedroom), life-size ornaments dangling from the windows, a large wreath over the king size bed, tabletop adornments, tasteful holiday-themed bedding, and more. Guests are greeted with an in-room welcome amenity for two courtesy of Hyatt Centric’s in-house restaurant Patchwork, boasting a hot chocolate station with accoutrements and DIY holiday cookie decorating, espresso martinis, and bowls of popcorn – perfect for a cozy night in.
HOLIDAY HIDEAWAY (starts at $1,000/night):
- Stay in holiday-themed Presidential Suite
- Welcome holiday amenity (including hot chocolate station, DIY cookie decorating, espresso martinis, popcorn, and more)
- Breakfast for (2)
- Complimentary late check-out of 1pm
- Holiday Light Private Tour (2 hours)
Those interested in booking the holiday suite can head to Hyatt Centric’s website here, click “Book,” select availability, select the Presidential Suite and the Holiday Hideaway will be available as an add-on.
Hyatt Centric Center City | 1620 Chancellor Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | Website | Instagram