Get into the holiday "spirit"

4 Houston-area bars shake up naughty and nice pop-ups for a spirited holiday tradition

Miracle cocktails are served in festive glassware.

Photo by Melissa Hom

A nationwide Christmas cocktail tradition returns to Houston this week. Miracle and Sippin’ Santa will be held in three Bayou City bars and one in Galveston.

Both Miracle and its tiki-themed cousin Sippin’ Santa take over existing establishments with festive holiday decor and holiday-themed drinks. The pop-ups start this week and run through the end of the year.

First started in New York in 2014 by bar owner Greg Boehm, Miracle will take place in over 100 bars nationwide; approximately 40 more will transform into Sippin’ Santa. After ramping down in 2020, the program is back for in-person experiences nationwide.

“Miracle and Sippin’ Santa have always been a festive holiday haven for our fans — from guests to partners to industry professionals — and we feel incredibly lucky to be able to bring back our fun and whimsical holiday oasis this year,” Boehm said in a statement. “The holiday season has always been a time to share in cheer and camaraderie and this year we plan on making these cherished moments even more special with new programming and events.”

Joann Spiegel’s cocktail menu features both returning favorites as well as new sips that utilize holiday flavors. At Miracle, Spiegel has added the Elfing Around (Prosecco, gin, mulled wine reduction, grapefruit shrub, bitters) and updated recipes for drinks such as the Jolly Koala, On Dasher, and SanTaRex. At Sippin’ Santa, look for the White Russian Christmas, Azul Navidad (tequila, mezcal, lime, cream of coconut, Blue Curaçao, hazelnut liqueur, and pineapple rum), The Regifter (Martinique rhum agricole, caramelized pineapple-garam masala Syrup, cherry liqueur, and lemon), and more.

Drinks are served in festive holiday glassware, which is conveniently available for purchase via Boehm’s company Cocktail Kingdom; 10 percent of proceeds are donated to the James Beard Foundation’s Open for Good campaign that benefits independent restaurants.

Locally, the pop-ups will be held in the following locations:

Miracle at Johnny’s Gold Brick
Miracle at Winnie’s
Miracle at Daiquiri Time Out (Galveston)
Sippin’ Santa at Night Shift

Night Shift’s presentation of Sippin’ Santa will take place next door to the bar at the Ronin Art House. Working with local design firm Rootlab, the space has been transformed into four different holiday-themed rooms with elements such as Naughty Nick, an 8-foot-tall tiki Santa, an active volcano, and an igloo room featuring Sippy the Snowman.

Those traveling across Texas will find Miracle and Sippin’ Santa in the following cities:

Miracle on 5th Street (at The Eleanor in Austin)
Sippin’ Santa at Nickel City (Austin)
Miracle at Royal 38 (Dallas)
Sippin’ Santa at RoPo & Logan (Dallas)
Miracle at Nickel City (Fort Worth)
Miracle on Austin Ave (at Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits in Waco)

cocktails holidays

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

A taste of Manhattan has made its way to Houston with the immersive LIT-Mas Spectacular holiday pop-up. From now until January 12, Houstonians can discover the hype behind New York City’s The Drunken Lab that's known for its unique blend of science and cocktails.

This pop-up marks the first expansion for The Drunken Lab’s parent company, Science and Sip, a concept created to make science accessible and unforgettable. Attendees can dive into holiday-themed science experiments — including explosive endothermic reactions — while enjoying festive cocktails in a winter wonderland setting enhanced with a live DJ. Appropriately, the pop-up is located in the Museum District at 4715 Main Street.

“Houston was the perfect next step for Science and Sip,” founder Cautney Nelson said in a statement. “The city’s vibrant culture, love of celebration, and ties to science through world-famous programs like NASA aligns beautifully with our mission to blend entertainment with discovery.”

Visitors enter a world filled with larger-than-life gingerbread decor and candy-inspired installations where light bulbs and laboratory flasks have been transformed into quirky beverage containers. Admission includes one cocktail or mocktail, a lab coat and goggles, and two to three science experiments. Add-ons like cocktail-filled ornament “Booze Balls” and Grinch-inspired pouches in festive red and green add an extra dose of holiday charm.

“We’re thrilled to host guests for an immersive holiday experience that merges festive fun with curiosity,” Nelson added. “With each pop-up, we aim to create a space where a great party and exploration come together, and we’re excited to see how Houston embraces The LIT-Mas Spectacular.”

A portion of the proceeds from LIT-Mas will benefit Millennial Scnce, a nonprofit founded by Nelson that provides students with accessible STEM resources and educational opportunities.

Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with showtimes at 2:30 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. Private party and group bookings are also available.

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

cocktails holidays museum district nightlife