Iowa’s Holiday Pop-Up Bars: Christmas Drinks and Decorations for 2026

What is a Holiday Pop-up Bar?

Holiday pop-up bars are restaurants and bars that transform for the Christmas season with over-the-top decorations, festive drinks, and seasonal menus. Some offer a place for a holiday dinner, while others focus on cocktails, photo opportunities, and special events.

Below are Iowa holiday pop-ups to keep on your radar for 2026. We’re updating individual listings as venues announce their plans. Check each venue’s website or Facebook page before making the trip, especially for dates, reservations, and age restrictions.

Holiday Pop-up Bars in Eastern Iowa

Holly Jolly Holiday Pop Up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

WHERE: LP Street Food, 302 3rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

WHEN: November 17, 2026, through January 3, 2027

WHAT: LP Street Food transforms for the holidays with over-the-top decorations, twinkling lights, a festive food menu, and seasonal cocktails.

RESERVATIONS: Book a table through LP Street Food’s OpenTable page.

WEBSITE: lpstreetfood.com

FinchMas in Marion, Iowa

WHERE: 740 10th Street, Marion, Iowa at Goldfinch Tap + Eater

Santa’s Saloon in Dyersville, Iowa

WHERE: 149 1st Ave E, Dyersville, Iowa at The Palace Saloon Bar & Grill

Big Christmas in Bettendorf, Iowa

WHERE: 2239 Falcon Ave, Bettendorf, Iowa at Central Standard

Mistletoe Mixer in Bettendorf, Iowa

WHERE: 2815 W. Locus Street, Davenport, Iowa at Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds

Holiday Pop-up Bars in Central Iowa

Joy in Ankeny, Iowa

WHERE: 2510 SW White Birch Dr in Ankeny, IA at Main Street Café & Bakery

Elf’d Up in Ankeny, Iowa

WHERE: 1350 SW Vintage Pkwy, Ankeny, Iowa at Whiskey River Ankeny.
WHAT: Decorated over the top with a complete Elf menu. We have also partnered with Charters on Vine and will be offering several nightly trolley light tours that start and end right at Whiskey River.

Miracle at Jordan Creek in West Des Moines, Iowa

WHERE: Jordan Creek Town Center, West Des Moines

Tinsel in Des Moines, Iowa

WHERE: 6222 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. at Either/Or

Santa Paws in Des Moines, Iowa

WHERE: 6218 Willowmere Dr. in Des Moines at Paws and Pints

Rudolph’s Rooftop in Des Moines, Iowa

WHERE: The Republic on Grand, 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa
WHAT: Holiday themed drinks with an excellent view of Des Moines skyline!
WEBSITE: https://therepublicongrand.com/rudolphs-rooftop/

Miracle on Ingersoll in Des Moines, Iowa

WHERE: Dugan’s Hideaway, attached to The Station on Ingersoll, 3124 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, Iowa
WHAT: Enjoy holiday themed drinks while “Christmas Vacation” plays on repeat.
WEBSITE: https://thestationdsm.com/

The Nice List in Des Moines, Iowa

WHERE: Secret Admirer, 110 SW 5th St, Des Moines, Iowa
WHAT: Holiday lights and drinks
WEBSITE: https://www.secretadmirerdm.com/

The Naughty List in Des Moines, Iowa

WHERE: Good News, Darling – 717 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa
WHAT: Cocktail bar with holiday themed drinks and decorations and photo ops
WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/p/Good-News-Darling-100066983130288/

1833 Saloon in Des Moines, Iowa

WHERE: 1833 Saloon, 1833 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, Iowa
WHAT: Holiday decorations
WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092506353143&mibextid=b06tZ0

Snow Globe DSM in Des Moines, Iowa

WHERE: Exile Brewery, 1514 Walnut Street, Des Moines, Iowa
WHAT: During the holiday season, Exile Brewery (which serves meals and beverages) becomes a snow globe adorned with holiday decorations.
WEBSITE: https://www.exilebrewing.com/snowglobe

Elfed Up in Grimes, Iowa

WHERE: Destination Grille, 2491 E First Street, Grimes, Iowa
WHAT: Serving meals and beverages, Destination Grille become a winter wonderland during the month of December.
WEBSITE: https://www.destinationgrille.com/elfedup

Iowa’s Holiday Pop-Up Bars: Christmas Drinks and Decorations for 2026

What is a Holiday Pop-up Bar?

Holiday Pop-up Bars in Eastern Iowa