10 Holiday Pop-Ups Sure to Make the 2022 Season Merry and Bright

The Kimpton Shorebreak Resort in Huntington Beach, Calif. debuted its Pier Summit Ski Lodge pop-up bar on Oct. 27 where, upon entering, guests are transported across decades and climates and into an ‘80s-style alpine adobe. The 157-key hotel is hosting the pop-up through mid-January 2023, and is available for buyouts for seated affairs of up to 35 guests and receptions of 50-75. For larger standing soirees for as many as 350 aspiring ski bums, consider booking the Pier Summit Ski Lodge in tandem with the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort’s 3,000-square-foot Epic Ballroom and the adjacent 1,355-square-foot Epic Foyer.

The immersive experience features decor reminiscent of ‘80s ski culture, including neon lights, a life-sized yeti, and kitschy trademarks reminiscent of the era. On-site servers will be dressed in retro one-piece ski outfits, offering up vintage viewfinders where patrons can preview what’s on order. Highlights include grandma’s vegetable soup and fireside fondue with either Swiss milk chocolate or a three-cheese blend for two courtesy of chef Gilbert Laurie, plus mixed drinks presented in experiential ways (think: the “Feeling Nippy” served in a glass made entirely out of ice).

When not hosting events, the Pier Summit Ski Lodge hosts activations, such as a free-for-everyone “Get Physical with Jazzercise” class that’s taking place every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m.; “We’re Hooked on the ‘80s” nights on Wednesdays from 5-9:30 p.m. (expect to hear electronic dance music and other classics from the decade); and special to-dos taking place in an ice luge on Fridays. Guests are invited to wear their best neon-colored outfits.

Forget milk and cookies, Omni Hotel Dallas has laid out an entire suite for Santa–and it’s fittingly known as Santa’s Suite. The specially created package debuts each year just in time for the holiday season and revamps the three presidential suites on-property (there’s 1,001 rooms total) into nooks fit for Noel.

Aside from 180-degree views of the Dallas skyline out of floor-to-ceiling windows, festive visitors staying in Santa’s Suite can enjoy the two-bedroom room in all its festive glory thanks to a decorated Christmas tree, a fireplace, an elegantly set table, and other themed decor.

Santa’s Suite guests can get in the holiday spirit with a hot cocoa bar and all the fixins', like marshmallows, candy canes, and mini chocolate chips. Also on order is a tiered tray of Christmas treats, with sugar cookies in the shapes of snowflakes, pine trees, ornaments, and gingerbread men (not to mention peppermint treats and chocolates). This holiday promotion at Omni Hotel Dallas is available for stays Nov. 24-Jan. 2 and must be booked by Dec. 31.

Somewhere Nowhere—a sky-high lounge located 39 stories up atop the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel—is launching an igloo seating arrangement in honor of the winter season, where guests can expect to eat, drink, and be merry in one of eight translucent pods, offering swoon-worthy views of the Manhattan skyline. All igloos are heated and fully furnished, setting a romantic setting for up to five guests with a loveseat, velvet chairs, a built-in fireplace and fur throw blankets inside.

Inside, guests can cozy up and order from an a la carte menu, which boasts wagyu sliders, warm lobster rolls, and a charcuterie board complete with seasonal fruits. Igloo reservations can be booked throughout the winter season on OpenTable or via Somewhere Nowhere’s website.

In Asheville, N.C. atop Sunset Mountain, Omni Grove Park Inn is celebrating the 2022 holiday season with its 30th annual National Gingerbread House Competition. The cookie-clad contest is taking place Nov. 21, with voting for the People’s Choice Awards to begin at 5:15 p.m. The winner will be announced during the Awards Ceremony, which will take place in Omni Grove Park Inn’s 18,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom and award artists more than $40,000 in cash and prizes. The first, second, and third place gingerbread houses will remain on display for hotel guests at the 513-room property through Jan. 2, 2023, with the general public able to view the festive edible structures after 6 p.m. on Sundays and anytime on Mondays.

Even if you’re set to get coal under the tree this year, The Skinny on Manhattan’s Lower East Side is inviting guests to its annual Naughty or Nice anti-holiday pop-up bar, open Dec. 1 through the end of January. Under a ceiling blanketed by string lights, guests can enjoy interactive games, holiday-inspired food and beverage menus, and an events calendar that boasts burlesque performances where attendees can meet The Skinny’s Naughty Santa.

Even when it’s not the holiday season, the 3,000-square-foot bar prides itself on being “extra,” so expect over-the-top, gaudy Christmas decor, including a wreath hung over a boarded-up fireplace that reads “Crappy Christmas.”

Chicago’s River Shannon is getting its patrons into the holiday spirit with its playfully named Pawlidays—where the dog-friendly neighborhood mainstay is getting decked out in over-the-top holiday decor and inviting guests and their furry friends to enjoy festive treats and photo ops. The pub will also be selling ugly Christmas sweaters for pups and their humans alike throughout the season; visit River Shannon’s Instagram bio for an order form.

New York City’s West Village is home to Bell Book & Candle, an American eatery where produce comes fresh from a rooftop garden. In honor of the festive season, the 2,500-square-foot space has debuted an extensive cocktail list for visitors looking to get in the holiday spirits. On order is the “Coal for Christmas,” with mint- and charcoal-infused vodka, lemon, coconut, and charcoal; the “Get Blitzed,” a blend of mezcal, tequila, lime, cucumber, and agave; and the “Kiss Me Santa” with scotch, peppermint, and chocolate. Guests can also imbibe on classics like hot toddies, mulled wine, and draft beers.

Throughout December, The Red Lion Inn has partnered with a local art museum in Stockbridge, Mass.—the Norman Rockwell Museum—to host “Joyful Family Holidays” throughout the month of December, including a slate of quintessentially holiday time activities. Aside from daily guided tours through the museum, families are invited to enjoy carolers singing festive songs, holiday piano covers, winter wreath decorating and centerpiece classes, as well as holiday drinks pop-ups featuring hot cocktails, and brunches with Santa in the bed and breakfast’s main dining room.

Ten Hope is bringing holiday cheer to Brooklyn with a winter garden in its 2,500-square-foot alfresco space, where three heated igloos and one oversized yurt will be fabricated for guests to enjoy as of Dec. 1. Igloos will be illuminated by frosty white lights and are waterproof and heated for up to eight guests to cozy up in while mixing and mingling over the Mediterranean fare on Ten Hope’s menu. Highlights on order include warm flatbread with za’atar olive oil served with house-made dips, truffle gnocchi, and seared artichokes.

Nestled on the Windy City’s Division Street is The Lodge Tavern, an eatery that was established in 1957 and is known for its cozy atmosphere (there’s a jukebox, exposed brick walls, and bowls of peanuts lining the bar). However, The Lodge Tavern ups the ante during the holidays, adding twinkling lights, festive wreaths, garland, and big red bows to its decor. The menu also gets a revamp, and will boast themed riffs on classic cocktails—like the Screw-Dolph, Mule-Tide Greetings, Ho Ho Hot Toddy, Ebenezer’s Old Fashioned, and more.