As those advent calendars continue the countdown to Dec. 25, many local watering holes are transforming their interiors into mini winter wonderlands. Staff have sufficiently decked the halls with lights, bows, tinsel, candy canes—you name it—all to create a cozy atmosphere for guests to snap photos and get into the holiday spirit. And, as the star on top of the Christmas tree, many of these bars are also offering specialty drinks (think: toasted marshmallow martinis and “Jingle Juice” cocktails) to round out your very-merry visit.
From vintage Santa statues to flickering fireplaces, even Scrooges will find something to smile at while grabbing a drink at the following spots this season.
Ale Mary’s: Cleverly named “Christmas on Fleet,” the holiday pop-up concept at this Fells Point watering hole has everything you need to feel merry and bright. Enter the bar through the illuminated archway out front and snag a table beneath glimmering ornaments, wreaths, tinsel, and lights strung across the ceiling. (Correctly guess how many ornaments are hanging and win a prize after Christmas!) If the cozy decor and fun photo ops aren’t enough to encourage a visit, check out the list of festive food and drink specials—which includes Grinch spinach artichoke dip, Tiny Tim’s turkey sliders, Santa’s Gin and Juice, and a Mistletoe Espresso Martini. Reservations: No need. But be sure to mark your calendar (and check it twice) for special events like holiday card and snowflake-making on Dec. 11 and an ugly sweater party on Dec. 14.
Ampersea: Beautifully curated with wintry white accents, this waterfront destination in Fells Point has officially brought back its annual pop-up. The dreamy dining room glows with a frosty-blue backlit bar, columns wrapped in fluffy flowers, and thousands of white snowflakes and LEDs hanging from the fabric-draped ceiling. You can also head onto the heated back patio to enjoy a fireside glass of Champagne or a cozy cocktail—like a vanilla vodka and Bailey’s concoction garnished with a flaming marshmallow. Reservations: Make them via OpenTable, here.
Dutch Courage: It’s the most wonderful time of the year at this Old Goucher favorite, whose annual “Gin-gle Bells” takeover is officially in full swing. Throughout December, the bar and its back patio are festooned with everything from stockings and snowflakes to candy canes and Christmas trees. And the staff puts just as much thought into the seasonal menu as they do the decor. Pair charcuterie boards, snacks, sammies, and toasts (fig and prosciutto on Motzi Bread, anyone?) with an array of creative sips in vintage vessels. You can’t go wrong with the cinnamon and chai-infused “Mistle Toasty” spirit-free “Yuletide Joy” with dark chocolate and orange bitters, or a classic cup of house eggnog spiked with Jamaican rum. Reservations: Snag them using OpenTable, here.
Golden West Cafe: While shopping small along the Avenue or checking out the Miracle on 34th Street lights in Hampden this season, make sure you pop into Golden West, which is fully decorated inside and out. (Starting with the custom window art that catches guests walking in.) While pointing out all of the inclusive decor—including everything from wreaths and reindeer to Hanukkah dreidels and Kwanzaa kinaras—take your pick from the drinks on the “Naughty or Nice” menu crafted by beverage director Dee Acosta. The cleverly named cocktails include the “Gingy,” “Miracle on 36th,” and “Papa Elf” (nice) and the “Yippee Ki Yay MF,” “Kris Krampus,” and “You’ll Shoot Yer Eye Out” (naughty). Reservations: Snag them via Resy, and be sure to check out Golden West’s special event lineup (drag parties, breakfast with Santa, etc.) here.
Johnny’s: Retreat from the cold at this Roland Park mainstay, whose cozy and inviting feel gets dialed up even more this time of year. The team has festooned the bar and dining room with garlands and wreaths in shimmery shades of red, green, and gold, plus fun additions like a Christmas Story-inspired leg lamp and a Bawlmer flamingo in a Santa hat. Pro tip: Your future self will thank you if you grab some of Johnny’s famous Christmas cookies before heading out. Reservations: Make them via Resy.
Lib’s Grill: The Liberatore’s little-sister concept is bringing back its all-out holiday experience aptly named “Cocktails & Candy Canes.” At all three locations in Perry Hall, Maple Lawn, and Bel Air, enjoy eats and drinks amongst floor-to-ceiling snow, stars, and Santas. But the decor is just the beginning. Throughout the month, the yuletide interior will also be the setting for special events such as Christmas Carol-oke on Dec. 12, a Santa brunch on Dec. 14, an ugly sweater bash on Dec. 18, and a pajama recovery party the day after Christmas. Plan a visit to experience the bar in all of its cheery glory while imbibing a “Buddy the Elf” Old Fashioned, pineapple and citrus-infused “Mele Kalikimaka,” or a round of “Getting Blitzen’” cinnamon whiskey shots, among other holly-jolly drinks. Reservations: Make them via Resy, here.
Miracle Pop-Up Bar: This nationally renowned holiday attraction is making its return to Power Plant Live, once again taking over Leinie’s Lodge and Beer Garden this winter. Open throughout the end of December, the bar pairs festive fun with holiday nostalgia. Every square inch is adorned with tinsel, trinkets, lights, ornaments, sleigh bells, and other snowy surprises. (Don’t be shocked to spot presents hanging from the ceiling or an animatronic Santa behind a DJ booth.) The themed food and drink menu serves sweet-and-savory snacks (think along the lines of cranberry-glazed turkey meatballs and sprinkle-topped Belgian waffles) with cocktails like the “Chrismapolitan” and “Snowball Old Fashioned.” Reservations: Make them for via OpenTable, here.
Sally O’s: The weather might be frightful, but this Highlandtown hangout is keeping it bright inside with tons of shiny tinsel, neon strung lights, sparkly ornaments, snowflakes, and even a white Christmas tree. Aside from serving up highlights on their regular menu (always order the smashburger!), chef/owner Jesse Sandlin and her crew are offering holiday drinks and gearing up for the bar’s annual seven-course Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner Dec. 22-23. Reservations: Grab a table on Tock, here.
Slainte Irish Pub & Restaurant: Equipped with extravagant exterior lights and occasional “snow showers” from the roof, this Thames Street sports hub screams holiday cheer before you even set foot through the doors. Inside, the space is perfect for a holiday-themed game of I-Spy, highlighting everything from wreaths and gingerbread men to colorful blinking lights and paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Reservations: Not necessary, but be sure to follow Slainte on Instagram for announcements on holiday programming—including drink specials (including Christmas Tree ‘Tinis), themed brunches, celebratory crafts, and movie marathons—happening throughout the month.
Sopro Christmas Bar: On the heels of debuting fresh interior updates, the team at Sopro in Canton has also transformed its upstairs bar into a decked-out holiday hub. Grab a group to enjoy themed eats and drinks amongst all of the stockings, garland, presents, twinkling lights, and wrapping paper wall panels that double as great photo backdrops. Menu standouts include peppermint and gingerbread martinis, a cranberry “Yule Mule,” “Rumple the Red-Nose Reindeer” shots, caprese candy canes, and Blitzen’s Brussels sprouts. Reservations: Walk-ins only. All ages until 8 p.m.