Houston is aglow this season as holiday pop-ups, immersive light displays, and festive bar takeovers transform the city into a winter wonderland. From stadium-sized spectacles and rooftop retreats to Caribbean-themed speakeasies and intimate candy land-inspired cocktail dens, neighborhoods across town are buzzing with limited-time experiences designed to spark cheer and deliver unforgettable photo ops.
Whether you’re seeking family-friendly magic, spirited nightlife, or cozy themed escapes, these holiday pop-ups offer something merry for every kind of celebrant.
Astros Light Up the Park
For the first time ever, Daikin Park is hosting Astros Light Up the Park, a stadium-wide holiday activation powered by Houston Methodist that runs through Sunday, January 4. From 5 to 10 p.m. each evening, guests can explore the stadium, which has been decked out with elaborate light displays, and even go down to the warning track where they can enjoy visits with Santa and run the bases. Tickets are available at mlb.com/astros/tickets/light-up-the-park. 501 Crawford St, Houston
Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis
Altitude Rooftop, the sixth floor open-air pool deck at Downtown’s Marriott Marquis Hotel, has transformed into a Western-themed holiday wonderland for the season. From 5 to 10 p.m. nightly, through Wednesday, December 31, guests can purchase tickets to roam the rooftop, which is home to the famed Texas-shaped lazy river, and enjoy more than 100,000 lights in whimsical shapes and displays. The calendar of events includes live country bands, dueling pianists, line-dancing, and visits from Santa. High Dive, the rooftop restaurant and bar has created a menu of Western-inspired bites including brisket sandwiches and duck banh mi. Those looking for a more exclusive experience can book a private igloo where they can eat, drink, and roast s’mores for an added fee. Tickets start at $30 for adults, $20 for children ages 2 to 12, and complimentary for hotel guests, and can be purchased at marriott.com/en-us/hotels/houmq-marriott-marquis-houston/experiences/holidays/.
Holiday In Havana
Berg Hospitality’s speakeasy Emilia’s Havana, located within the walls of the Annie Cafe & Bar, has had a Caribbean-inspired Christmas transformation. Through Saturday, December 27, guests can reserve seats for Holiday in Havana, a glamorous limited-time pop-up featuring palm-meets-poinsettia decor, live music, photo-ops, and festive drinks like the Santa Clausmopolitan and White Christmas margarita. Tickets can be reserved via OpenTable. 1800 Post Oak Blvd. Ste. 6170, Houston, emiliashavana.com/
Miracle at Winnie’s
The Miracle pop-up has returned to Winnie’s, running from Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Wednesday, December 31. The holiday-themed pop-up cocktail bar concept features original cocktails, over-the-top lights and decor, and whimsical glassware making every shot the perfect photo-op. 3622 Main, Houston, miracleinhouston.com/
HiFi at The Finn
HiFi, the second floor bar within the Finn food hall in Downtown has transformed into a Ralph Lauren-inspired holiday pop-up for a 12 Days of Christmas celebration. The moody space is wrapped in plaids and evergreen garlands and is illuminated by candlelight giving it the feel of a mountain lodge. Themed cocktails like the Fireside Nog and Embers of Crimson are on offer, as classic Christmas tunes on vinyl create a cozy atmosphere. 712 Main St., Houston, thefinnhou.com
Crazy Christmas Lights at Bandista
The Crazy Christmas Lights sparkle once again at Bandista, the speakeasy-style cocktail bar hidden within the Four Seasons Houston. Through Saturday, December 27, guests are invited to dress up in festive garb and enjoy the decked out space and special holiday drink menu. Reservations are required and can be made via OpenTable. 1300 Lamar St., Houston, bandistahouston.com/
Miracle at Johnny’s Gold Brick
The tent is up at Johnny’s Gold Brick, which marks the return of the Miracle holiday pop-up. Guests can venture in to the Heights bar for themed drinks and ample photo opportunities Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to midnight through Tuesday, December 30. 2518 Yale St., Houston, miracleinhouston.com/
Lyric Market
Lyric Mark is hosting its second annual Jingle & Mingle, a Christmas pop-up experience that transforms the Downtown food hall for the festive season. Kicking off Friday, November 28 and lasting through Wednesday, December 31, guests can enjoy light displays, themed photo-ops, and seasonal cocktails like the Peppermint Express, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Feliz Navidad Nog. 411 Smith St., Houston, lyricmarket.com
Christmas Tree Lighting at the Post Oak Hotel
The halls of the Post Oak Hotel have been decorated to the nines with elaborate winter vignettes and eye-catching holiday backdrops. Guests are invited to see the hotel in all of its glory at its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 29 at 5 p.m. TV veteran Frank Billingsley will host the celebration in the lobby, which will feature an espresso martini bar, live performances by Virtuosi and the University of Houston Choir, and an appearance from Santa. Guests that stick around can enjoy a public preview of the hotel’s Navi speakeasy ahead of its December 15 reopening. RSVPs are encouraged and can be made via Eventbrite. 1600 West Loop South, Houston, thepostoakhotel.com/
Jingle Bell Bar at Botanica
Beginning Thanksgiving Eve and lasting through Sunday, December 28, the Jingle Bell Bar pop-up has returned for its residency within Botonica, the Latin-inspired cocktail bar in River Oaks. The elaborate pop-up spans three themed rooms across two levels: “Classic Christmas” is the first floor bar decked out in traditional red, green, gold, and silver decor; “Candy Cane Lane” is the first floor lounge that features a pastel wonderland of gingerbread, candy, and confections; and “The Ski Lodge” is the second-level mezzanine bar that mimics a snow-filled woodland escape. Seasonal drinks include the Mistletoe Martini, Nutcracker Nog, and Prancer’s Milk Punch, alongside holiday-themed eats like Grandma’s Onion Dip, Santa’s Cookie Platter, and tamales. 2031 Westcreek Ln., Houston, jinglebellbarhtx.com
Krampus at Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
On Thursday, December 4, Betelgeuse Betelgeuse is partnering with local dog rescue, Hellhound Social Club to host a “Photos With Krampus” event from 6 to 8 p.m. at its Washington Avenue location. Tickets can be purchased for $30, and include one cocktail from the bar and a professional photo with the mythical horned anthropomorphic figure. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit local rescue partner Foster Doc Houston. The bar is kid-friendly until 9 p.m., but 21-and-up guests are welcome to stick around for an after party until 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite. 2101 Washington Ave., Houston, betelgeusehou.com/
