Your Essential Guide to Christmas Themed Restaurant NJ Spots, Christmas Pop Up Bars & Holiday Pop Up Bars at the Jersey Shore

The holiday season along the New Jersey Shore transforms coastal towns into glowing, cheerful winter destinations filled with twinkling lights, festive streets, and some of the most spectacular christmas pop up bars and christmas themed bars in the state. Restaurants and bars create immersive holiday pop-up experiences by designing themed décor, crafting special holiday menus, and setting up festive atmospheres to attract guests and enhance the seasonal ambiance. If you’re searching for the best holiday pop up bars or planning a visit to a christmas themed restaurant NJ locals rave about, this guide covers the most magical experiences from Cape May to Atlantic City, extending up toward Long Branch, Point Pleasant Beach, and beyond.

Many of these festive bars are short-term pop up experiences—completely decked out with themed cocktails, snow-inspired décor, holiday mugs, photo ops, and special events designed for the whole family, groups of friends, or a fun holiday night out. Be sure to check the opening and closing dates for each pop-up, as many have specific event dates and limited runs. Whether you’re enjoying a weekend getaway at a ShoreSummerRentals.com vacation home or simply planning to celebrate Christmas with festive cocktails and seasonal fun, this list highlights the Top 10 Holiday Pop-Up Bars you must visit in 2025. Don’t forget to include these unforgettable holiday pop-up experiences in your seasonal plans!

Top 10 Holiday Pop-Up Bars & Christmas Themed Bars at the Jersey Shore

From Cape May to Atlantic City Pop Up Bars — Holiday Cheer, Festive Drinks, and Christmas Magic

1. Harry’s Jingle Bar – Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille, Cape May

Cape May’s Most Iconic Christmas Themed Restaurant NJ Pop Up

Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille becomes one of the Shore’s best-known Christmas pop up bars, blending beach-town charm with a full winter wonderland atmosphere. Running November 14 – December 31, this seasonal transformation includes:

• Sparkling lights wrapping the entire oceanfront deck
• Holiday mugs & collectible glassware
• The famous Snowflake Eggnog and Mistletoe Margarita
• Breakfast with Santa
• Live music on select December weekends
• A cozy indoor bar decked in holiday cheer

It’s the perfect holiday season experience for visitors staying in Cape May vacation rentals or stopping by during a festive trip. For families, couples, or anyone seeking Christmassy comfort, Harry’s offers delicious food, themed drinks, and magical décor.

2. Miracle on 96th Street – AGAVE Tequila Bar, Stone Harbor

A High-Energy Holiday Pop Up With Blue Christmas & Holiday Cheer

This Stone Harbor favorite returns for 2025 with bold, immersive décor and a completely overhauled cocktail menu. Known as one of the most elaborate christmas themed bars, Miracle on 96th Street features:

• Famous Miracle glassware
• The Blue Christmas, Christmas Cricket, and Mistletoe Margarita
• Drinks featuring dry vermouth and absinthe mist
• Floor-to-ceiling lights and decorations
• Themed snacks & food specials
• Weekend special events perfect for groups

If you want a photogenic, high-energy holiday pop atmosphere with unforgettable festive drinks, this is your spot.

3. Gingerbread Grille – Keenan’s Irish Pub, North Wildwood

A Gingerbread-Themed Event for the Whole Family

Keenan’s transforms into a gingerbread village filled with twinkling lights, candy-themed décor, sweets, and festive cocktails through December 31. Their ugly sweater contest and gingerbread-inspired holiday menu make it a standout for groups seeking fun. Just like Santa’s workshop, Gingerbread Grille offers:

• Kids’ crafting and adult crafting like Wreath Making
• Brunch with Santa or the Grinch
• Paint and Sip
• Warm drinks

It’s a great stop for the whole family, especially those staying in a Wildwoods vacation rentals during the holiday season.

4. Holidays at Hen-Ville – MudHen Brewing Company, Wildwood

Wildwood’s Most Family-Friendly Holiday Pop Up Bars Event

Hen-Ville is one of the few christmas themed restaurants NJ visitors describe as both festive and kid-approved. Throughout November and December, guests enjoy:

• Cookie-decorating classes
• Breakfast with Santa and Mrs Claus
• Lynch Toy Drive
• Live music
• Holiday marketplace
• Fire pits and large outdoor heaters
• Hot chocolate bars & seasonal beers from the Christmas Pop-up bar

Its whiskey flights, festive food menus, and cozy décor make it a must for families celebrating Christmas in the Wildwoods.

5. Jester’s Holiday Pop-Up – Jester’s Dive Bar, Rio Grande

A Nostalgic Dive Bar Transformed Into a Holiday Wonderland

Few holiday pop up bars feel as homey and heartwarming as Jester’s. Open daily, this popular Cape May County bar becomes an intimate Christmas retreat with:

• Floor-to-ceiling decorations
• Classic red-and-green décor
• Comfort food
• Festive cocktails
• A welcoming atmosphere perfect for lunch or a night out

This bar channels the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas—ideal for those who love photo ops and local, small-town warmth.

6. The Candy Cane Lounge – Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City

One of Atlantic City’s Most Dazzling Holiday Pop Ups

Resorts Casino turns an entire lounge into a peppermint-inspired spectacle. The Candy Cane Lounge brings holiday cheer to the famous AC boardwalk with:

• Seasonal cocktails
• Peppermint-themed decorations
• Live entertainment
• Polished christmas themed bars aesthetic
• Plenty of holiday photo ops

Atlantic City lights up during December, and this lounge is a perfect pre-show or post-dinner destination.

7. Jingle Bell Bar – Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City

The Ultimate Atlantic City Pop Up Bar With High-End Holiday Style

Inside Ocean Casino Resort, the Jingle Bell Bar offers shimmering lights, plush seating, and a cocktail menu loaded with memorable drinks. Expect:

• Warm, luxurious décor
• High-end festive cocktails
• Themed drinks served in seasonal glassware
• Cozy seating perfect for groups or couples

It’s one of the most stylish Christmas bars—ideal before catching a concert or enjoying the casino’s nightlife.

8. Miracle at Avenue – Long Branch

A Coastal Christmas Pop Up With Ocean Views & Holiday Pop Culture Flair

Held on the rooftop at Avenue, guests enjoy:

• Ocean views
• Holiday cocktails served in collectible Miracle glasses
• Snowy décor
• Cozy lounge seating
• Impressive Christmas installations

Whether you’re dressing up for a night of fun or planning a holiday celebration, this popular pop up creates a memorable night out.

9. A Sinner’s Christmas Experience – Sinner’s Steakhouse, Point Pleasant Beach

Point Pleasant’s Most Immersive Christmas Themed Restaurant NJ Transformation

This fully decked transformation at Sinner’s in offers:

• Elaborate Christmas decorations
• Grinch-themed pop up cocktails
• Hot Cocoa Workshop
• Holiday entrées and desserts
• Family-friendly fun
• Seasonal cocktail menu

A perfect holiday season stop for anyone who wants great food, creative festive drinks, and immersive décor. Book your Point Pleasant Beach rental and make your reservations now!

10. Miracle Bar at iPlay America – Freehold

A Monmouth County Favorite for Over-the-Top Holiday Spirit

This popular Freehold event features:

• Elaborate decorations
• Collectible Miracle glasses
• Massive themed displays
• Creative cocktails
• Nostalgic décor

It’s one of Monmouth County’s most memorable holiday environments—ideal for families, couples, or groups seeking a fun-themed festive escape.

Bonus Event: Port Marina Holiday Reserve Dinner – Cape May

Exclusive, Seasonal Dining With Waterfront Views

Held December 12, 2025 at Port Marina in Cape May, this enchanting event features:

• A four-course dinner
• Two holiday cocktails
• Heated patio with fire pits
• Premium cigars
• Elegant Christmas décor

Perfect for a sophisticated holiday season celebration.

Plan Your Christmas Pop-Up Bars Weekend at the Jersey Shore

Enhance your getaway by booking a ShoreSummerRentals.com vacation home. You’ll avoid NJ lodging tax and unnecessary booking fees, letting you spend more on festive cocktails, dinners, and fun seasonal outings. The site connects you directly with owners for transparent pricing, more choices, and upgraded stays.

For those seeking more holiday adventures, you can also discover festive experiences in Jersey City (such as Franklin Social), New Brunswick, Cowan’s Public, and Parkside Social. Cowan’s Public is a Nutley, NJ holiday pop-up bar known for its elaborate Christmas décor and themed cocktails, transforming into a festive destination each season. Another unique option is Grinch’s Grotto, a themed holiday pop-up experience featuring immersive Grinch-inspired décor, family-friendly activities, and photo opportunities. Many Christmas-themed pop-ups and events run through early January, so visitors can enjoy the holiday spirit even after New Year’s. The Miracle Pop-Up brand even expands internationally, with seasonal locations in Canada and worldwide.

Plan Your Jersey Shore Holiday Stay & Save with ShoreSummerRentals.com

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