Sleigh bells sing; the snow is glistening. Holiday fun? We’re listening. The most magical time of year is officially in the air, and you can find festive cheer around every turn. It may be early December, but Milwaukee’s holiday bars and pop-ups are already going all-in on the festive frenzy. Here are some of the stops that are making the nice list this year, bringing festive fun and holiday cheer to the Good Land.

 

SAUCED Night Market

Friday, Dec. 5, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6, 5-10 p.m.

The SAUCED Night Market is back at Pilot Project Brewing with its holiday edition. Knock out some holiday shopping and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list amidst DJs and boozy sips. Here, you’ll find more than 40 local vendors slinging their best holiday goods, including Heady Cup Coffee Roasters, Ollie Skincare, Poptone, and Vardeaux, as well as returning favorites such as Love U Candle, Virginia Day Studio, Sweet Little Box Co., and Lydia Andersen Studio. This market is all-ages, free to attend and primed for holiday merriment.


A brightly decorated bar interior filled with colorful holiday lights, ornaments, and themed displays. Red cushioned bar stools line a corrugated metal bar with twinkling lights hanging along the front. A tall sign reading Believe leans against the bar. Above the seating area are Christmas figures, strings of lights, and shirts displayed on a yellow wall. Two televisions are mounted near the ceiling while wooden booths sit along the left side of the room. The entire space feels festive and full of playful seasonal decor.

 

Twisted Santa’s Ice Camp

Twisted Fisherman is decking the halls this season with tons of festive lights and decorations. Step inside the Menomonee River Valley restaurant to discover an enchanted winter wonderland where holiday cheer comes in a fishbowl or a cocoa mug with a plate of delicious seafood to boot. Outside, you’ll find the private heated domes, ready to turn your chilly outing into your personal snow globe (without the frostbite).

 

Sippin’ Santa

Pufferfish is bringing back Sippin’ Santa, the only spot in Wisconsin where Santa officially goes OOO for a tiki getaway. Island vibes meet festive nostalgia as the bar takes a trip to the tropics with Pufferfish’s well-loved hand-crafted cocktails. The pop-up pours festive Mai Tais in limited-edition Sippin’ Santa mugs, and you can take home your limited-edition glassware, including the brand-new 2025 Pineapple Mug, a top-tier gift or keepsake for anyone who prefers their holidays with a splash of rum.

 

An outdoor holiday setting at night with rows of decorated evergreen trees lit by white and multicolored lights. Strands of bright bulbs hang overhead, casting a warm glow across the space. A white picnic table sits in the center where people in winter clothing gather with drinks. Small greenhouse structures on the right side shine with interior lights. The ground is covered in gravel and the scene feels cozy and festive.

 

Magic Forest

At Random’s Magic Forest is back to bring the winter wonderland vibes. Step into heated huts and get whisked away to a cozy, twinkling universe. Sip on hot cocoa, spiked milkshakes, or festive cocktails surrounded by throngs of holiday lights and feel the festive cheer all around you. Spots are limited, so reserve yours now to make sure you don’t miss this enchanted escape.

 

Santa Camp

 

Santa Camp

Better watch out, better not hide, you better not pout, I’m telling you why…Santa Camp is coming to town! Now popping up at all Camp locations —  Wauwatosa, Shorewood, Third Ward and Deer Camp — Santa Camp is a dressing up for the holidays with tons of twinkling lights throughout the bar, festive drinks and taxidermy raccoons in Santa hats. It’s kitschy, cozy and totally Instagram-ready.

A bar decorated with colorful holiday lights that cover the ceiling in long strands along with stars, ornaments, and icicle shaped lights. A large Christmas tree filled with ornaments and glowing bulbs stands on the left. In front of the tree is a life-size cutout of Buddy the Elf with an excited expression. Red bar stools line the counter on the right where more holiday decorations surround bottles and shelves. The room glows with pink and purple lighting that adds to the festive atmosphere.

 

Elf Lost Whale

Son of a nutcracker! Elf at Lost Whale is back for its 5th year. You pass through the seven levels of the candy cane forest, through the sea of swirly-twirly gum drops and drive over the Hoan Bridge to get to this one. Inside the inviting ambience of Lost Whale, where you’ll find a glittering spectacle of tinsel, hand-cut snowflakes, candy-inspired cocktails, and who knows, you might get lucky and spot Buddy. The Palino Burger food truck is also back, serving a special holiday menu to complete the festive fun.

 

A room filled with dense holiday decorations including glowing string lights, ornaments, garlands, and inflatable characters that cover the walls and ceiling. A brightly lit Christmas tree hangs at an angle near the center of the space. Plush figures, candy cane props, and colorful light displays create a playful and crowded scene. Vintage style chairs and small tables sit beneath heavy red curtains. The entire room feels packed with holiday items that surround the seating area with color and light.

 

Miracle on 2nd Street

Miracle on 2nd Street is back at Tin Window, and they’re not holding back. Come in from the cold and discover a smattering of holiday chaos: an eruption of décor, wall-to-wall Christmas magic and 48,000 lights doing the absolute most inside this snug neighborhood bar. Holiday cocktails come served in pure cheer and festive glassware, with an all-new lineup this year and a few fan favorites making a comeback.

 

Component Brewing

Component Brewing

For the third year running, beer is just one component of holiday cheer at this Bay View brewery. Component Brewing is once again decking the halls in an increasingly elaborate display of jolly festive joy, complete with twinkling lights, laughing, rosy-cheeked Santas and all sorts of reindeer games taking place inside this taproom. The weather outside may be frightful, but a pint inside this taproom is sure delightful. 

 

Get in the holiday spirit this season! Discover holiday markets, ovation-worthy performances and festive fun at every turn. Make your plans and book your winter getaway today.