Holiday cheer is in full swing across central Iowa, and local bars and restaurants are pulling out all the stops with immersive pop-up experiences that turn ordinary nights into festive celebrations.
From Grinch-themed cocktails to rooftop igloos dripping in tinsel, these seasonal takeovers bring bold décor, creative menus, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.
Whether you’re craving a tequila twist on classic holiday flavors, a nostalgic nod to your favorite Christmas movies or cozy winter vibes under twinkling lights, there’s a pop-up for every mood. Expect playful props, themed bites and drinks that double as conversation starters — plus a few surprises along the way.
Here’s your guide to the most spirited spots in the metro, including El Grinch at El Presidenté, Elf’d Up at Whiskey River, and more, each offering a unique way to toast the season before the decorations come down.
El Grinch at El Presidenté (through Dec. 31)
El Grinch takes over El Presidenté with a festive twist, turning the tequila bar into a mischievously merry Xmas Cantina. The space pops with spirited green décor, Grinch-themed balloons, cheeky signage, and playful props that channel Dr. Seuss’s satirical charm.
The cocktail menu is as bold as the décor: Sip on the Frostbite, a striking blue blend of Don Julio reposado tequila, whipped cream, blue Curaçao and peppermint schnapps for a sweet, creamy finish or try the Horchata Milk Punch, a smooth mix of tequila, vanilla and cinnamon. For those skipping the spirits, mocktails such as Peaches and Cream or Christmas in Oaxaca keep the holiday vibes flowing.
It’s a colorful, Instagram-worthy celebration of the season with plenty of flavor and fun.
Details: The District at Prairie Trail, 1465 S.W. Park Square Drive, Suite 102, Ankeny, 515-639-0411, elpresidentebar.com.
Elf’d Up at Whiskey River (through Jan. 11, 2026)
Elf’d Up brings the holiday magic to Whiskey River with an immersive pop-up inspired by the beloved movie “Elf.” The space bursts with playful, movie-themed décor, setting the stage for a menu that’s as whimsical as Buddy himself.
The star of the show? Spaghetti & Syrup — a sweet-and-savory nod to the film, featuring spaghetti piled high with syrup, candy corn, sprinkles and other sugary surprises.
Pair it with festive specialty cocktails and holiday bites crafted to keep the spirit bright. From over-the-top decorations to indulgent treats, Elf’d Up is a cheerful, Instagram-ready celebration.
Details: The District at Prairie Trail, 1350 S.W. Vintage Parkway, Ankeny, whiskeyriverankeny.com.
Elfed Up at Destination Grille (through Dec. 30)
Elfed Up at Destination Grille turns the Grimes patio into a cozy winter retreat. Twinkling holiday lights, warm blankets, and glowing heaters create an inviting backdrop for festive sipping.
The cocktail lineup leans light and seasonal, with gluten-free options like Holly-Berry Spritzes, spiced sangrias and the indulgent Egg-Noggin for a classic holiday twist. Pair your drink with the full menu for a laid-back evening under softly lit décor. With a 90-minute reservation limit, this pop-up is perfect for savoring the season in comfort and style.
Details: 2491 E. First St., Grimes, 515-355-1153, destinationgrille.com.
Feliz Navidad at Ceviche Bar (through Jan. 10, 2026)
Ceviche Bar in the East Village brings Cuban holiday vibes with its Feliz Navidad pop-up. The décor is warm and festive, accented with tropical touches and seasonal sparkle.
The cocktail menu celebrates classic flavors with a twist — sip on Crema Vie, a rich blend of Bacardi dark rum and eggnog, or cozy up with a Hot Toddy made with apple cider and Maker’s Mark bourbon. For something bright, try the Cranberry Martini featuring Havana Club rum and Aperol. It’s a spirited escape that pairs island flair with holiday cheer.
Details: 223 E. Walnut St., Des Moines, 515-528-2065, cevichedsm.com.
Jingle Bar at Pour Choices (through Jan. 9)
Pour Choices in Grimes decks the halls for its Jingle Bar pop-up, creating a festive neighborhood hangout brimming with holiday charm. The cocktail list is pure indulgence: Mrs. Claus’ Nightcap layers Smirnoff, Bailey’s, amaretto, gingerbread syrup, cream, caramel and a gingerbread cookie crumb, while the Merry Mule adds a seasonal twist to the classic with cranberry, orange and rosemary.
For a cozy treat, try Reindeer Fuel, a decadent mix of Bailey’s, Licor 43, hot chocolate and marshmallow. Mocktails like Polar Punch and Merry Berry Cooler keep the celebration inclusive.
Details: 1895 S.E. Grimes Blvd. Suite 101, Grimes, 515-561-6705, pourchoicesbar.com.
Kramp-ish Christmas at Hessen Haus (through Dec. 28)
Hessen Haus embraces German folklore with its Kramp-ish Christmas pop-up. The beer hall goes big with a towering Krampus and festive décor that’s equal parts spooky and merry.
Seasonal cocktails include Santa’s Secret Sauce and Krampus’ Jingle Juice, alongside shots like Krample Apples and Hessen Spiced Nog. Don’t miss the Tree-mendous Christmas Dip, a sweet nod to Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes served with cookies for dipping. It’s a holiday experience with a mischievous twist.
Details: 101 S.W. Fourth St., Des Moines, 515-288-2520, hessenhaus.com.
Magnolias & Mistletoe: A Bubba Holiday (through Dec. 31)
Bubba brings Southern charm to the season with Magnolias & Mistletoe. The décor is cozy and elegant, setting the stage for festive bites like Nashville hot popcorn and bite-sized whiskey pecan tarts.
Cocktails shine with creative flair — the Snickerdoodle Martini blends caramel vodka, amaretto, and baking spices, while the Santa Express combines chicory espresso, Absolut vanilla vodka, and coffee liqueur for a caffeinated kick. Mocktails like North Pole Punch and Shirley Tinsel round out the menu for a holiday celebration with a Southern twist.
Details: 200 10th St., Des Moines, bubbadsm.com/holiday.
Miracle on Ingersoll (through Jan. 3, 2026)
Miracle decks out Dugan’s Hideaway with Grandma’s-attic holiday chaos — walls lined with tinsel, lights, Santa figurines and a rotating “Christmas Vacation” loop. Try Candy Cane Lane with rum, vanilla liqueur, dark crème de cacao and candy cane, or the Koala LaLaLa with blanco tequila, tamarind, lemon and eucalyptus bitters.
Holiday-themed trivia Sundays and the Christmapolitan with vodka, elderflower and spiced cranberry sauce keep things fun for all. Fun bites include cinnamon sugar bits, funnel cake fries, crab Rangoon nachos and pickle fries.
Details: 3124 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, 515-381-0052, miracledsm.com.
Miracle at Jordan Creek (through Dec. 31)
The party continues at Jordan Creek Town Center where the Miracle at Jordan Creek takes place.
Aside from smackers with smoked Ritz crackers paired with smoked cream cheese and chili bacon jam, customers can find Jingle Bells Nog, a coconut hot chocolate with rum and Rudolph’s Replacement with vodka, coffee liqueur, crème de cacao, curacao and chai.
Details: Jordan Creek Town Center, 101 Jordan Creek Pkwy., West Des Moines, 515-214-1007, miracledsm.com.
Miracle at Merll’s (through Jan. 4, 2026)
Merll’s Pub & Patio in Waukee goes all out for its Miracle pop-up. Upside-down Christmas trees hang from the ceiling, Santa suits adorn the stools, and garland drips from every corner.
The cocktail lineup includes festive favorites like the Sleigh All Day Spritzer and a decadent Sugar Cookie Martini with vanilla vodka, RumChata, and amaretto. It’s a whimsical holiday hideaway that’s pure Instagram gold.
Details: 788 Hickman Road, Waukee, merlls.com.
Nice List at Secret Admirer (through Dec. 30)
Nice List, the cozy holiday takeover at Secret Admirer offers a mellow but festive escape. The space feels intentionally snug — think soft twinkling lights, evergreen accents and understated holiday ornaments — for guests who want Christmas vibes without overwhelming kitsch.
The cocktail menu leans on classic-seasonal simplicity with a few clever twists, featuring cozy creations like a creamy Nog variant, warm-spiced toddies and refreshing citrus-berry sippers — plus at least one mocktail option — each artfully served. With its approachable décor, comforting drinks, and slightly relaxed schedule, Nice List is the go-to pop-up for a calming, festive night out before the holiday rush ramps up.
Details: 110 S.W. Fifth St., Des Moines, secretadmirerdm.com.
Naughty List at Good News Darling (through Dec. 30)
Good News Darling in downtown Des Moines pushes boundaries with its Naughty List pop-up. The décor is sleek and moody, letting the cocktails steal the spotlight.
Expect inventive creations like Strawberry and Cheese, blending strawberry, black pepper, and white cheddar, or the Apple Crisp with bourbon and a vanilla ice cream wash. Warm cocktails like the classic Tom and Jerry and a Japanese whiskey coffee concoction add cozy comfort to this avant-garde holiday experience.
Details: 717 Locust St., Des Moines, instagram.com/goodnewsdarling.
Rudolph’s Rooftop at Republic on Grand (through Dec. 31)
Republic on Grand elevates holiday celebrations with Rudolph’s Rooftop. The sixth-floor patio transforms into a winter wonderland with igloos, faux snow, and twinkling lights.
Sip on festive cocktails like Jingle Berry Royale, Under the Mistletoe, or the Fireside Old Fashioned while enjoying Spanish-inspired small plates. Special events such as Sip-&-Shop and Ugly Sweater nights make this rooftop pop-up a must for holiday revelers.
Details: 401 E. Grand Ave., Sixth Floor, Des Moines, 515-518-6070, https://therepublicongrand.com/rudolphs-rooftop/therepublicongrand.com/rudolphs-rooftop
Santa Paws at Paws & Pints (through Dec. 31)
Santa Paws turns the dog-friendly patio at Paws & Pints into a festive retreat. Twinkling string lights and a glowing holiday tree set the scene for pups to meet Santa while their humans sip seasonal cocktails.
Enjoy frosty Paws & Pints Eggnogs or a Merry Martini as your four-legged friend soaks up the holiday cheer. It’s the ultimate celebration for pet lovers looking to toast the season with their best furry companions.
Details: 6218 Willowmere Drive, Des Moines, 515-969-2275, pawsandpintsdsm.com/events/holiday_pop_up_bar.
SnowGlobe at Exile Brewing Co. (through Jan. 11, 2026)
SnowGlobe at Exile Brewing Co. is a full-blown holiday spectacle running through Jan. 11. Picture mile-long tunnels of Christmas lights, a semi-truck decked out as a holiday tree, and the neon glow of “Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animals.”
The drinks are just as bold: Reindeer Juice blends vodka, berry purée, and lemonade, while Santa on the Beach brings rum, orange juice, and pineapple to the party. Add naughty cinnamon or nice peppermint-chocolate shots, and you’ve got an Instagram-ready wonderland with a rowdy, Griswold-approved vibe.
Details: 1514 Walnut St., Des Moines, 515-883-2337, exilebrewing.com/exile-events/snowglobe-1.
Reservations: exploretock.com/exile-brewing-company/detail/496393/snowglobe.
Tinsel at Either/Or (through Jan. 4, 2026)
Either/Or’s Tinsel pop-up wraps guests in vintage holiday nostalgia. Floor-to-ceiling retro décor, twinkling lights, and plaid throws create a cozy backdrop for movie nights and craft tables for kids. Sip on festive cocktails like Spiced Chai-Latte Martinis, Peppermint-White-Chocolate Old Fashioneds or Mulled-Wine Sangrias.
Pair your drink with pot roast sandwiches, fried brie bites or chai-latte cheesecake, then hit the free hot cocoa bar on Mondays or grab a cookie-decorating kit Thursdays and Fridays. A vintage holiday soundtrack completes the throwback charm.
Details: 6222 Grand Ave., Des Moines, 515-214-1831, eitherordsm.com/tinsel.
Reservations: tables.toasttab.com.
Winter Wonderland at Nightingale (through Jan. 4, 2026)
Nightingale’s Winter Wonderland is an immersive, ticketed experience. Step into a laser-lit forest with falling snow effects and scented vapor for a holiday vibe like no other.
The cocktail lineup dazzles: Fireside warms with spiced-pear gin, It’s a Wonderful Life blends bourbon and gingerbread, and Under the Mistletoe adds a tequila-cranberry twist. For tropical indulgence, try Christmas Vacation with rum and coconut.
Dance under winter projections and lush greenery for a night that feels straight out of a snow globe. Under-21 guests welcome until 9 p.m.
Details: 435 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, wonderlanddesmoines.com.
Reservations: tix.nightingale.bar
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Where to find the best holiday pop-up bars in the Des Moines metro
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
