13 Pop-Ups Providing Over-the-Top Holiday Event Inspiration

Target brought back its Wonderland concept, bringing the experiential retail store to 70 10th Avenue, adjacent to Chelsea Market in New York. The immersive pop-up, produced with Wasserman, took part in the season of giving by donating to Toys for Tots.

Santa's Fantastical, an immersive holiday experience in Atlanta, invited guests to explore themed rooms and participate in various winter-inspired activities, including Snowpalooza, a digital game that involved tossing snowballs at a screen of animated snowmen. The ticketed experience was the brainchild of local entrepreneurial couple Walt Geer and Sarah Blackman, who teamed up with PictureU to bring the innovative idea to life inside a 39,000-square-foot space.

Throughout the many rooms that made up Santa's Fantastical were a bevy of Instagrammable moments, including a neon "Kiss Me" sign paired with a festive mistletoe, Santa's reimagined rocket sleigh, a dreamy carousel unicorn, and more.

Following this year's annual tree lighting ceremony at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, guests got a first look at the hotel's new holiday pop-up bar, cheekily named the Thirsty Elf. Inside, red and green hues commanded the space in the form of playful wrapping paper on the walls, oversize presents hanging from the ceiling, and more.

Bartenders mixed up seasonal sips in on-theme glasses, like the Christmoose Vacation made with Irish cream, amaretto, bourbon, Rémy Martin VSOP, demerara syrup, and heavy cream.

Media brand PopSugar hosted a one-day-only pop-up in New York, dubbed the Sugar Chalet, on November 23. Held at the Overlook at Winter Village at Bryant Park, the all-day affair flaunted whimsical winter decor, seasonal sweets, yoga sessions, makeovers, and much more.
See more: See Inside PopSugar’s Whimsical Sugar Chalet

New Yorkers were treated to meditation workshops, palm readings, a gifting suite, and—of course—plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops.

BuzzFeed and Yahoo Mail joined forces for a Slay the Holidays mini pop-up marketplace, produced with Crony. New Yorkers and out-of-towners decorated sugar cookies at the Tasty Station, snapped postcard pictures at the Green Screen Photo Booth, and more—all of which earned guests points to be cashed in for prizes at the end of the afternoon.

The holidays came early to the Grove in Los Angeles on November 13, when Netflix dropped off an oversize present that opened to reveal letter-writing and gift-wrapping stations, bespoke gifts, and more—all promoting the premiere of Klaus, Netflix's first original animated feature film. Netflix worked with CSM to produce events in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.
See more: This Week in Los Angeles: Star-Studded Christmas Tree Lightings, Netflix's Charitable Holiday Activation, A.F.I. Fest's Last-Minute Shake-Up

At Netflix's Letters to Klaus pop-up, children did just that—picked up a postcard and pencil to send their holiday present wishes to Klaus himself.

New York West Village's Bell Book & Candle got a festive makeover as it became Donner & Blitzen's Reindeer Lounge for the season. Over-the-top decor that decked the walls and ceiling included traditional buffalo plaid fabrics and modern treatments on pillows, like one that said, "That's it I am texting Santa."

Scotch whiskey brand Johnnie Walker moved into the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place for the holiday season, offering complimentary bottle engravings and tastings. Award-winning actress and writer Mindy Kaling supplied suggested engravings such as "Damn, someone made the nice list" and "Sip by the fire (or a fire GIF)".

With holidays being a travel-heavy season, Away hosted a holiday pop-up with production from Breakthrough Productions and Good Friends. The luggage brand's newest products lined the walls, which were covered in a floor-to-ceiling cloud design.

Situated above the Sanctuary Hotel in New York, Haven Rooftop transformed into an ethereal winter ski chalet for the holiday season. Under twinkling lights and yuletide greenery, guests sipped on festive cocktails and soaked up the city views.

Heated igloos covered the Rooftop Terrace at Atlanta's Ponce City Market for the holiday season. Brought to life by Slater Hospitality, the private igloos—outfitted inside with cozy-chic furniture—could be rented by small groups for a two-hour outdoor dining experience, complete with a s'mores bar, bottle service, food from on-site restaurant Nine Mile Station, and entry to a 3,500-square-foot ice skating rink.

Now open on the roof of New York's TWA Hotel through the end of February, the Runway Chalet at the Pool Bar boasts an interior reminiscent of a 1960s ski lodge. The pop-up chalet welcomes visitors with toasty vibes thanks to cozy additions like a vintage fireplace and faux fur blankets. A winter-inspired food and drink menu from Gerber Group offers seasonal cocktails, traditional sips like hot cocoa and hot toddies, charcuterie boards, cheese fondue, and more. Outside, guests are welcome to take a dip in the infinity pool, which heats up to 95 degrees or higher and overlooks the runways of John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills got into the holiday spirit, but with a haute twist. A "Christmas Couture" theme took over the hotel, providing posh inspo to visitors and passersby alike.