Christmas Pop-Ups in Long Beach

An awesome and continuing trend in how Long Beach celebrates the season is the ongoing evolution of holiday-themed pop-ups in local bars, restaurants and even an iconic ship. These pop-ups transform spaces into over-the-top winter wonderlands featuring kitschy decor and creative cocktails served in ultra cool, ultra playful mugs–SanTaRex! Do your holidays a favor and check out these pop-ups that offer a mix of cozy charm, quirky cheer and flat out fun.

Miracle at the Ordinarie

Each year, Miracle at The Ordinarie (210 The Promenade N) turns the cozy Downtown tavern into an over-the-top holiday spectacle complete with twinkling lights, tinsel-draped walls and nostalgic touches like a Bunny Pajama’d nod to A Christmas Story. Signature cocktails include the Snowball Old Fashioned–yes, an old fashioned poured over an actual snowbal–and the iconic SanTaRex served in a Santa-hat-wearing dinosaur mug. Make sense? Of course not! That’s the messy, kitschy, Christmas magic-y fun of it all!

NAUTI OR NICE

PORT CITY TAVERN

Nauti-or-Nice at Port City Tavern (4306 E Anaheim St) is a nautical-themed holiday pop-up where maritime charm meets festive cheer. Holiday cocktails are served in souvenir elf-boots, Santa-hat shells and other merry mugs, in a space decked out with sailor-Santa decor and plenty of tinsel. Highlights include the Espresso Martini Tree (four espresso martinis presented on a tiny tree), the Naughty Elf (vodka, spiced cranberry pom, black tea) and Cookies for Santa (vanilla vodka, cookie butter, espresso liqueur and RumChata, topped with a dip-able Biscoff).

TINSEL CLUB

BAMBOO CLUB

The Tinsel Club has returned to the Bamboo Club (3522 E Anaheim St), bringing with it a tiki‑meets‑holiday vibe that transforms the space into a kitschy wonderland complete with twinkling lights and over‑the‑top decor and a new seasonal cocktail menu. There are both hot and cold drinks to warm you up or cool you down while you soak in the vibe. It’s the perfect excuse for a cozy, festive night out in Long Beach. Reservations are not required but strongly recommended.

SHANNON'S CORNER

Visit the bars and restaurants at Shannon's Corner (201 Pine Ave) now through December 29 for festive fun this holiday season, whether you're looking for a night out with friends or a family dinner. The Carvery has transformed into a Gingerbread House for the season, with live music and seasonal drinks, like the Gingerbread Espresso Martini and Hazelnut Cranberry Latte. Secret Island below street level and is dressed up as Santa’s Secret Island Getaway this month–sip on festive tiki cocktails surrounded by island decor with holiday music and movies playing all month. Shannon's on Pine is now The Grinch Stole Pine, where holiday cheer meets Long Beach energy. Catch all the biggest football and basketball games with festive drinks and DJs every weekend.

PEPPERMINT LOUNGE

QUEEN MARY

From December 4 to 24, the all-new Peppermint Lounge transforms the Queen Mary’s (1126 Queens Hwy) Embarkation Room into a holiday haven for grown-ups. Part of the ship’s Holly Days Aboard the Queen Mary, this Christmas-themed bar serves up seasonal cocktails that taste just like the holidays, paired with live music on select nights. Whether you’re toasting to the season or simply soaking in the ship’s Art Deco glamour, the Peppermint Lounge is the perfect spot to be merry and bright.

CREDIT: The Queen Mary

THE SLEIGH BAR

BEACHWOOD BREWING

Beachwood Brewing & Distilling’s (3630 Atlantic Ave) Sleigh Bar pops back up in Long Beach from Dec. 2 to January 4, transforming the taproom into a full-on festive wonderland. Guests can sip holiday cocktails served in merry mugs, all crafted with Beachwood’s house-distilled spirits, from the cherry-bright Cherry Christmas in Santa’s boot to the tree-shaped Tree Me Right and the marshmallow-rich Cotton-Headed Ninny-Muggins. On Dec. 11, don’t miss the special Cocktail & Dessert Pairing with Long Beach bakery pop-up, Just a Pinch Sweet Treats.

CHRISTMAS TIME AT BABY GEE

This just-off Retro Row treasure will once again host Christmas Time at Baby Gee (1227 E 4th St), offering a whimsical snowy setting with plenty of playful decor and snacky comfort–pizza too! Cozy up with a Hot Pineapple Cider, with or without booze, or enjoy a classic Hot Buttered Rum. And what Christmas at the Gee would be complete with Jello-O shots, then again, maybe make it a Neato, Banana Coquito with Diplomatico Reserva Rum, Banana, Vanilla, Coconut Milk, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg.

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About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.