8 bars that go hard for the holidays

By Erin Felgar

Like it or not, the holiday season has officially begun and some Brooklyn watering holes are more ready than others to cram the season — and all of its twinkly, sprinkly, glittering joy — right up your tuchus. Whether you’re into Christmas tiki drinks, hot spiked mugs of potables, or a cozy crackling fire, Brooklyn has something for everyone.

The food and beverage industry has had a tough couple of years, and these festive pop-ups are a great way to support your (mostly non denominational) local by filling both their barstools and pockets.

From Sleyenda to Grinchy’s t0 Snowday, here’s our semi-official secular guide to Brooklyn bars that go all out for the Holidays. We’ll be updating this list throughout the month as more pop-ups pop up.

Sleyenda at Leyenda
221 Smith Street, Boerum Hill
Smith Street’s beloved Pan-Latin inspired holiday pop-up is back and festive as ever. “Sleyenda” is the spot to indulge in scrumptious Latin American eats and creative boozy bebidas while snuggled into a holiday haven packed with tinsel, garland, twinkling lights and gift-wrapped bottles. What to look for on the drink menu this year: Oy Vey Spagliato and their famous Tequila Coquito Ho Ho.

Miracle on Union at Thief
595 Union Avenue, Williamsburg
The Miracle on Union pop-up returns to Thief this year with holiday cocktails like “Grandma Got Run Over By a T-Rex” and “The Island of Misfit Toys” Open daily from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. for grilled sandwiches, gooey smoked mozzarella garlic bread, and beverages served in novelty glassware. This dazzling display of decorative delights runs through New Year’s Eve.

The Ho Ho Holiday Lounge at The Springs
224 Franklin Street, Greenpoint
This large bar and patio space in Greenpoint gets a holiday makeover during the month of December, complete with colorful twinkling lights, frozen seasonal slushies, and the Frau Meyer food truck. Spend your visit sipping on a “Nog Yourself Out” while nibbling on an Alpine Burger smothered with Raclette cheese. The Ho Ho Holiday Lounge is a perfect outing for the whole family before 7 p.m., or for getting tipsy sans little ones after that.

“Snow” Day In Brooklyn
348 Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg
If cozy Apres-ski vibes are more your style, look no further than Sunday in Brooklyn, where their buzzy eatery has become Snow Day in Brooklyn, offering shareable eats like cheesy spinach artichoke dip and beer butter mussels alongside instagram-worthy cocktails, cozy blankets, and chic, rustic decor. Reservations strongly recommended.

Dromedary Bar
266 Irving Avenue, Bushwick
This self-proclaimed “Tropical Escapism” Tiki Bar has transformed into “A Very Merry Dromedary” dripping with lights, garland and inflatables. Fun tropical drinks named after holiday movies like “Ralphie’s Secret Decoder Ring” and strong, fruity concoctions served in ceramic Santas are sure to whet your whistle and fill you with cheer. They’ll be open on Christmas Eve and have a full food menu.

Grinchy’s Tiki Lodge at Roberta’s
261 Moore Street, Bushwick
Roberta’s is bringing Bushwick a debauched bah-humbug twist to the season with their outdoor (winterized) tiki lounge, Grinchy’s. It’s Dr. Seuss meets your uncle’s man-cave meets hipster pizza club house slinging seasonal frozen drinks, beer and shot specials. Grinchy’s is promising “In-Tents” programming for the month so check out their instagram page.

Black Mountain Wine House
415 Union Street, Cobble Hill
Maybe a trip to Twinkle Town just isn’t your thing? You’d perhaps prefer a low-key, candle-lit atmosphere. For cozy simplicity in the heart of Historic Carroll Gardens, look no further than Black Mountain Wine House. It’s perfect for snuggling up next to a crackling (real!) fireplace with warm, dripping fondue for two and a mug of aromatic mulled wine. Holidays are just as special without all the glitter.

The Wicked Monk
9510 3rd Avenue, Bay Ridge
Wanna get crunk like a monk? Head to this classic Bay Ridge neighborhood Irish haunt, known to locals as simply “The Monk.” The original wood and stained glass were, according to the owners, shipped from a monastery in Cork, Ireland — and date to 1897. Yes, they deck those monastery halls, and yes, they pour a (presumably) proper pontifex pint. Late night eats and seasonal live music will also get you into the spirit.