Cheers to the Season: 12 Holiday Bars in San Diego
During the holiday season, many bars in the city take it up a notch by offering festive and delicious holiday-themed drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm and cozy holiday cocktail or something sparkling and cheerful, San Diego has something for everyone. In honor of the season, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best bars in San Diego where you can sip on holiday-inspired beverages and get into the festive spirit.
Top of the Hyatt
During the holidays, the rooftop bar atop the Manchester Grand Hyatt — aptly coined Top of the Hyatt — turns into the “Over the Top Holiday Lounge”. Enjoy a winter wonderland in sunny San Diego, sip on holiday cocktails, and take advantage of all the photo opps the Top of the Hyatt has become known for.
Queenstown
For the past few years, Queenstown has made their home-turned-restaurant into a real-life gingerbread house. Stop by for custom holiday drinks and enjoy their New Zealand-style eats!
insideOUT
Looking for the trendiest bars in San Diego? Last holiday season, the owners of insideOUT went all out with their holiday oasis. Over 50 Christmas trees and one-of-a-kind decorations transformed the trendy Hillcrest bar and lounge. Enjoy fun festive drinks and see how the guys outdo themselves with decorating for Christmas 2023!
Raised by Wolves
Sneak away from holiday shopping at UTC Mall and step into a hidden gem speakeasy experience. Raised by Wolves has a vast selection of spirits, and their mixologists spice things up with holiday cocktails that are both visually stunning and delicious.
Polite Provisions
Photo via Polite Provisions Instagram
Polite Provisions has the elixir for holiday cheer — custom cocktails with a Christmas twist! Enjoy this North Park apothecary-styled bar’s festive atmosphere and a menu filled with holiday cocktails. Their skilled mixologists are sure to whip up something special for your Christmas celebration.
The Grass Skirt
Sippin’ Santa is coming to town at The Grass Skirt! Located in Pacific Beach, The Grass Skirt offers a tiki twist on holiday drinks and will be hosting the Sippin’ Santa pop-up experience this year in San Diego. Expect creative, tropical holiday-themed cocktails that will transport you to paradise.
Hotel Del Coronado
No holiday list is complete without a trip to The Del! Hotel Del Coronado is known for pulling out all the stops at Christmas — livening up the property with Christmas lights and festive exhibits, they also have a beachfront ice rink and holiday decor galore! Grab a drink and enjoy this iconic winter wonderland experience by the beach.
The Noble Experiment
Photo via The Noble Experiment
Another swanky speakeasy is on our list! Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, The Noble Experiment is known for its craft cocktails, and during the holidays, they offer a selection of beautifully creative drinks sure to make you feel merry and bright!
Rancho Bernardo Inn
‘Tis the season to make a trip to Rancho Bernardo Inn! This top SoCal resort will be hosting the Miracle holiday pop-up this year. Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves festive holiday cocktails and brings the energy of all the ugly Christmas sweater parties you love. No way you can be a grinch at this fun time!
You & Yours
You & Yours has signature cocktails down pat, and they only up the ante during the holidays. Stop by and get in the spirit with their spirit-forward holiday concoctions! They’re the #1 gin distillery in California, so they clearly know their way around liqueurs.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Photo via The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Your home away from home for the holidays! In the heart of La Jolla, this seaside jewel provides an amazing place to make the most of the holidays. Right when you walk through the doors at The Lodge, you’re transported to a holiday wonderland with a giant Christmas tree and the crackling of a fireplace. They have a myriad of themed libations to enjoy, cookie decorating, and curated holiday feasts from their world- renowned chef.
Craft & Commerce + False Idol
Two in one! Craft & Commerce as well as its hidden speakeasy False Idol deck themselves out for the holidays. Cozy up next to the iconic “Demand Less” sign lit up from afar and step inside False Idol to sip on holiday craft cocktails that are a delicious combo of flavor and presentation.
San Diego’s bar scene truly shines during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for classic cocktails with a festive twist from the best bars in San Diego downtown or creative tiki-inspired concoctions, the city has something for every holiday enthusiast. So, gather your friends, put on your holiday sweater, and explore these 10 best Christmas themed bars in San Diego to savor the flavors of the season and make unforgettable holiday memories. Cheers!
If you are in town for the holidays and want to explore more of the city, we offer the best tours in San Diego. Our signature San Diego food tours take you through the best bites in each of our favorite neighborhoods, including La Jolla, Little Italy, Old Town and Downtown San Diego.
Written by: Melissa
Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do … In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.
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