In the spirit of the season, 12 local bars have turned into holiday-themed pop-ups that’ll make your spirits merry and bright this season. Enjoy seasonal sippers, holiday decor, Christmas-y characters like Santa and Buddy the Elf, holiday photo opps, events and more.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at these delightful dozen now until the end of the year – and happy holidays, Milwaukee!

12 Bars of Christmas Milwaukee
Multiple locations 
eventbrite.com
Grab that ugly Christmas sweater you’ve been hiding in the back of your closet and have some cheer for the tenth annual 12 Bars of Christmas on MLK Drive on Saturday, Dec. 16, from noon to 5 p.m. Purchase your tickets today to receive a complimentary holiday mug and a passport with a lanyard for drink specials at participating bars – including RWB, Drink Wisconsinbly, Third Street Tavern, Oak Barrel, Who’s on Third, Uncle Bucks, Lucky Clover, Milwaukee Brat House, Deer Camp and Old German Beer Hall. And since it is the season of giving, make sure to bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots to help give a gift to a child this holiday season.

“Elf” pop-up at Lost Whale
2151 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 249-3188
lostwhalemke.com
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We’re not elf-ing around: The Lost Whale's “Elf” pop-up has returned! Say hello to Buddy the Elf next to a Christmas tree right at the entrance next to a hot cocoa station, then walk through the bar's seven layers of “Elf”-themed fun, where you’ll be immersed in the movie and the holiday spirit! Grab a seat at the bar or one of the space's lounge seat to enjoy themed drinks that will emphasize Buddy's favorite food groups – candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup – and feature flavors that’ll have you screaming "Son of a nutcracker!" Enjoy this holiday pop-up now through the end of the year! 

There’s something unique about how cozy and festive Camp feels around the holidays. From the twinkling lights and holiday décor to the festive cocktails and merry music. It truly is a 360 experience and a staple for people who want to get into the holiday spirit, while also taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the season. It’s the ultimate staycation, as you are transported to Northwoods, without having to leave the comforts of the city. Learn more

Explorium Holiday at Explorium Brewpub
143 W. Saint Paul Ave., (414) 423-1365
5300 S. 76th St. #145a, (414) 423-1365
exploriumbrew.com
Celebrate the holidays with the Explorium Brewpub during their two festive holiday sweater parties on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 1-4 p.m. as well as Thursday, Dec. 21 from 6-10 p.m., found at both locations. Find your ugliest Christmas sweater, put it on and you’ll be entered into the ugly sweater contest with a chance to win some prizes! Even if you don't win, there will be drink specials, beer flights, live music, and if you’re a Mug Club member, there will be a white elephant gift exchange. 

Festivus on Brady
Multiple locations
bradystreet.org
Grab your friends: Festivus is back! Festivus may be a made-up holiday from "Seinfeld," but it'll be very real on Brady Street on Saturday, Dec. 9. Don’t miss the Airing of Grievances, a Festivus tradition where an elf will give you a piece of paper to write down what made you the angriest this past year. The grievances will be collected and pooled together for a drawing, with the best grievance winning a prize! Channel your energy to Feats of Strength, aka participants will gather around the Festivus pole and hold up buckets filled with bottles of Bud Light, with the person who lasts the longest claiming a prize! Participating bars and restaurants on Brady Street include Malone’s on Brady, Jack’s American Pub, The Nomad, HI Hat, The Garage, Hosed on Brady, Pete’s Pub, Club Brady, WürstBar and Jo Cats Pub. 

Holiday Party at Hi Hat and Garage
1701 N. Arlington Pl., (414) 225-9330
hihatlounge.com
It’s giving sleigh this season at Hi Hat and Garage’s Holiday Party on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. You’re invited to kick off the holiday celebrations with a night filled with delicious – and FREE! – snacks from TruckStop, immersive holiday decor, delectable drink specials and much more! 

Magic Forest at At Random
2501 S. Delaware Ave., (414) 481-8030
atrandommke.com
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You don’t have to travel through the seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest, pass the sea of twirly-swirly gumdrops or walk over the Hoan Bridge to get to the Magic Forest this year. Head to At Random where the cocktails are full of holiday cheer and the Magic Forest pop-up is running for its fourth year. This festive outdoor cocktail experience is open now through the end of January. 

Miracle at Tin Widow
703 S. Second St. (414) 412-6131
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Experience seasonal miracles at Miracle on 2nd St., found at Tin Widow! Hosting this festive pop-up for the fourth year in a row, enjoy a Christmas-themed bar determined to make spirits bright with festive drinks like Hot Buttered Rum, Marshmallows & Unicorns – a gin-based sipper with vanilla liqueur, velvet falernum, cherry liqueur, cardamom, black pepper, marshmallow, fresh lemon, egg white, tiki bitters and soda to top it off – and more. The Tin Widow pop-up will be open Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. as well as Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. until New Year’s Eve.   

Paris, City of Christmas Lights
5811 W. Vliet St., (414) 305-1458
instagram.com
You’ve experienced Christmas in Milwaukee time and time again! However, for this holiday season, Charles E. Fromage will take you to Paris for a whole other level of Christmas magic. Head over to Charles E. Fromage to experience their Paris-themed holiday pop-up, complete with divine craft cocktails, a special holiday menu, spirit-warming holiday decor and more!  

Santa Camp at Camp Bar 
Multiple locations
campbarmke.com
Ho, ho, ho! Santa Camp is here! Now that the holiday season has arrived, Camp Bar has transformed into Santa Camp, available at all of Camp Bar's area locations. Enjoy the glowing Christmas decor, festive lights, Santa visits, themed drinks, festive events like holiday trivia and more! Visit one or all the Camp Bar locations during this Christmas season to have a-rockin’ good time! 

Sippin’ Santa at Pufferfish Tiki
411 E. Mason St. Fl. 6, (414) 272-1937
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For the first time, Pufferfish Tiki will host Sippin’ Santa for the holiday season! Escape the Wisconsin winter for a tropical Christmas paradise with a surfboard-riding Santa, decorated palm trees, tropical hibiscus garland and more to enjoy this holiday season. And for the main attraction, the Sippin’ Santa pop-up will feature specialty drink menus served in Christmas-inspired tiki glasses in a cozy holiday atmosphere. Don’t wait: Sippin’ Santa is only here until Dec. 30, open Wednesdays through Sundays from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. 

Tinsel Taproom at The Barrel Yard
411 E. Mason St. Fl. 6, (414) 272-1937
barrelyardmke.com
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Treat your family or friends to The Tinsel Taproom at the Barrel Yard this Thursday! Make your reservations to experience the magic of the holidays at American Family Field in 90-minute sessions for up to eight (or up to 12 people at additional cost). The deal includes a complimentary drink package, appetizers, food from the holiday or regular menu, your choice of holiday music or movies, and family board games to keep you entertained! 

Tom and Jerry Room at Bryant’s 
1579 S. 9th St., (414) 383-2620
bryantscocktaillounge.com
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‘Tis the season for Tom and Jerry cocktails at Bryant’s! Enjoy this Wisconsin tradition on cold winter nights all month long with scratch-made Tom and Jerry cocktails curated from a traditional family recipe, made from either Korbel brandy or Bacardí Añejo Cuatro. Grab a glass and enjoy it in the intimate Tom and Jerry Room for the ultimate cozy cocktail holiday experience.