Where to drink now

Houston’s 13 most festive holiday bars serve lots of Christmas cheer

Jingle Bell Bar at Aero Cocktail Co. will feature festive beverages and tasty treats.

Angelique Cook Cavazos

The holiday season is here, and Houston’s bar scene is pulling out all the stops to spread Christmas cheer. From over-the-top décor to imaginative cocktails, these festive destinations promise an experience as bright as the twinkling lights that adorn them. Whether you’re donning your glitziest outfit or rocking a kitschy sweater, here’s where to toast to the magic of the season.

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse holiday cocktail The Santa on Acid is part of Betelgeuse Betelgeuse's holiday menu.Courtesy of Betelgeuse Betelgeuse

Courtesy of Miracle

Miracle pop-up has made its way to Johnny's Gold Brick and Winnie's.

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
Celebrated for its offbeat vibe, Betelgeuse Betelgeuse turns on the Christmas charm in December. While exact dates for the transformation of its Montrose Boulevard and Washington Avenue locations haven’t been announced, patrons can expect merry elixirs like the frozen grasshopper with 14 House mint vodka, white chocolate syrup, creme de cacao, and ancho reyes, and the visions of sugarplums with 13 Still Austin Gin, Damson Plum Gin, pomegranate liqueur, lemon, turbinado, and Lambrusco. Check the temperature before you head to Betelgeuse Betelgeuse to sample the Christmas Cocktails selection—the eatery only offers some of the beverages when the temperature dips below 65 degrees.

Crazy Christmas Lights Holiday Pop-up at Bandista
Step through a bookcase at downtown’s luxurious Four Seasons hotel to discover a merry and bright wonderland at speakeasy-style Bandista. The intimate lounge embraces the seasonal spirit with an eclectic mix of dazzling decorations and an ambitious holiday cocktail menu. Highlights include the “Wallow in Self Pity,” a yuzu vermouth cocktail with winter melon, pineapple, lime, and egg white, and “Your Favorite Side Dish,” a creative mix of agave spirits, toast-infused vermouth, and celery bitters. Reservations are essential for this intimate experience, which runs through January 1.

Fireside at Heights & Co.

This may be the coziest of Christmas bars to choose from as Heights & Co. is once again holding movie nights with all the trimmings of the season through December 23. The movie screen is set up on the bar’s patio, with blankets, space heaters, and fire pits on demand when the temperature drops. Charming s’mores boards, with a house ganache, torched marshmallow cream, marshmallows, and graham crackers, can be enjoyed with a tabletop fire pit. Cutesy glassware holds boozy beverages such as a salted caramel carajillo and a cookies and cream espresso martini. Showtimes run Sunday through Thursday at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday at 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm, and 9:30 pm. Reservations are required to secure a spot.

people celebrate at frosty's christmas bar This is the first year that Frosty's Christmas Bar has made its way to Houston. Courtesy of We Love Pop Ups

Frosty’s Christmas Bar
There must be some magic in the air with Frosty’s Christmas Bar, coming to life at 2106 Dallas, Suite 100. This two-story spectacle boasts multiple bars, lively dance floors, and photo ops galore. The parent company, We Love Pop Ups, is known for dazzling events in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, with Frosty’s making its Houston debut. The festive setup is worthy of Buddy the Elf with oversized nutcrackers, twinkly lights, and themed nights. The pop-up is open Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to close, Friday from 4 pm to 2 am, and Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm to 2 am, and runs from November 29 to January 5. Guests under 21 are welcome before 7 pm. Ticket prices range from $25 to $350.

jingle bell bar at aero cocktail co has fun, festive drinks Aero Cocktail Co. is decking its halls with the Jingle Bell Bar pop-up.Photo by Angelique Cook Cavazos

Jingle Bell Bar at Aero Cocktail Co.
The creative minds behind The Cursed Cauldron are taking over Aero Cocktail Co. once again, but this time for Christmas. Running November 27 to December 28, patrons can explore Jingle Bell Bar with three themed rooms and two bars. Classic Christmas charm fills the main bar, while the Candyland Lounge offers sweet surprises. Upstairs, the Après Ski Lodge sets a cozy scene with a woodland-inspired ambiance. Sip on winter-inspired drinks like the Winter Wassail of Lost Irish whiskey, apple brandy, and cider, and snack on Santa’s Cookie Platter or Irma’s tamales. Entry is free, but special events like burlesque shows and cookie-decorating workshops require tickets. The Jingle Bell Bar is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 pm to 12 am, and Sunday from 2 pm to 10 pm.

johnny gold brick's at christmas Miracle is celebrating its sixth year at Johnny's Gold Brick this season.Courtesy of Johnny's Gold Brick

Jingle and Mingle at Lyric Market
Before watching lords and ladies leap across the stage at Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker, attendees can grab a Christmas cocktail or mocktail at Lyric Market’s Jingle and Mingle pop-up. Glittering Christmas trees await around each corner and tinsel shimmers from above at this free event. Sip on the “Peppermint Express,” a vodka-based blend with RumChata, peppermint, and cold brew, or the holiday mule, a non-alcoholic concoction of lime, ginger beer, and cinnamon syrup. Patrons can play Santa Claus by donating to the Toys for Tots box at Lyric Bar, with free two-hour parking provided to those who either donate a toy or purchase a cocktail. Live Christmas tunes can be heard every Friday and Saturday from 6-8 pm through December, making it a merry outing for all ages.

Julep
Julep brings Southern charm to the holidays with a dazzling display of sparkling lights, 1,000 presents suspended from the ceiling, and a parlor filled with nutcrackers. Owner Alba Huerta and her skilled staff have created a menu that features innovative takes on classic favorites, such as the spiked hot cocoa with vodka and toasted marshmallows, the holiday spice Old Fashioned that incorporates sherry and spiced cocoa bitters, and the applesnap Julep that blends bourbon and sous-vide apples. From December 2 through December 31, Julep will open at 3 pm daily. Book through Open Table to ensure a seat.

Miracle at Johnny’s Gold Brick and Winnie’s
A Houston holiday staple, the Miracle pop-up returns for its sixth year at Johnny’s Gold Brick and its third at Winnie’s. Revellers can raise a glass to the holidays with jolly drinks such as the popular Christmapolitan, a vodka concoction with spiced cranberry sauce, and absinthe mist. For a prehistorically good time, there’s the bold new Christmasaurus with pineapple rum, mezcal, Velvet Falernum, and apricot liqueur, paired with rich flavors such as toasted cumin and coconut milk. Both locations are open daily, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas, until December 30. Reservations are recommended, but dinner at Winnie’s is walk-in only.

cocktail at sippin' santa pop-up The Yuletide cocktail is available at Nickel City's Sippin' Santa pop-up.Courtesy of Sippin' Santa

Sippin' Santa at Nickel City
The Houston outpost of the popular Austin bar has quickly become a standout in the city’s nightlife scene. This season, Nickel City adds a retro, kitschy flair with the Sippin’ Santa pop-up, offering a playful take on Santa’s tropical getaway. Open daily from 12 pm to 2 am through December 29 (including Thanksgiving and Christmas), the festive oasis invites guests to escape the winter blues. Sippin' Santa and Miracle have the same parent company with beloved holiday mugs in creative shapes such as Santa's Head, and SanTaRex as part of the appeal. Patrons may purchase the charming glassware to take home after enjoying creations such as Frosty the Merman, a rye drink with pear, apricot, and allspice liquors.

chifley hotel tinsel town pop up The Chifley Hotel in the Galleria is hosting Tinsel Town pop-up, along with three themed rooms for guests to stay in.Courtesy of Chifley Hotel

Tinsel Town at Chifley Hotel
The Galleria’s Chifley Hotel invites all to immerse themselves in a winter wonderland, complete with the Tinsel Town pop-up and festive-themed suites. Through January 4, the hotel’s restaurant, Rouse, will dazzle guests with glittering adornments, live music on weekends, and scheduled themed nights. Attendees can extend the magic by booking one of the three decked-out hotel rooms — Candy Cane Lane, Tinsel Town, or the Polar Experience — complete with cookies, hot chocolate, and turndown service.

Toasted Coconut Holiday drinks Toasted Coconut is offering a wide bevy of beverages for the holidays.Vivian Leba

The Toasted Coconut
Escape to an island paradise at the Toasted Coconut. This Montrose gem is renowned for decking its halls with flair and this year’s menu features fan-favorite drinks like the Puerto Rican Coquito, cream of coconut, rum, cinnamon, and nutmeg, alongside new creations. Bar manager Tiffany Kirk told CultureMap that she’s excited about the Crimson and Clover Club, which has the unusual ingredients of beet tempered by raspberry. The cleverly named “there’s always caffeine in the banana stand” is the Toasted Coconut’s nod to Senegal’s national coffee drink, Cafe Touba. The concoction features a house-made stout reduction with Grains of Selim, an African spice akin to black pepper, topped with a banana cold foam for a bitter coffee flavor balanced by sweet cream.

Trashmare at Trash Panda Drinking Club
Eerie blends with merry at Trash Panda’s Trashmere, a holiday pop-up inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas. This tiki bar escape channels Oogie Boogie’s playful mischief and Sandy Claws’ holiday magic with creative riffs on six classic cocktails, a shareable concoction, and two hot drinks. Flavors are as imaginative as the theme, featuring the Nightshade Tea, a smooth blend of Amaras Mezcal Verde, Suze liqueur, toasted marshmallow, and Trinity bitters. For a bolder sip, try the Bone Daddy, a spicy cocktail served in a collectible Jack Skellington mug, crafted with Trash Panda’s limited edition El Tesoro Nixta corn liqueur, Ancho Reyes Verde, and horchata. Pair your drinks with Trashmere-exclusive bites, such as the rich and zesty chicken pozole ($12) with a tomatillo and chili broth, or the subtly sweet arroz con leche ($10). Take a themed mug of Jack Skellington, Sally, Zero, Oogie Boogie, or Lock, Shock, and Barrel home with you for $17.

Christmas cocktail at Finn Hall Cheers to the season at 12 Days of Christmas pop-up in Swallow's Nest. Photo by Ryan O. Harris

12 Days of Christmas at Finn Hall
Finn Hall’s 12 Days of Christmas pop-up transforms Swallow’s Nest on the mezzanine into a nostalgic yuletide haven. Select from cocktails infused with honey harvested from the dining hall’s sixth-floor terrace bees, or the cleverly named “Sleigh Responsibly” menu with non-alcoholic delights. From December 12 through December 23, patrons can sharpen their skills in mixology classes with local expert Roberto Rivas, test their knowledge at holiday trivia nights, sway to soulful Motown or jazz, or dive into hands-on workshops inspired by Santa’s headquarters. Finn Hall vendor FireNoodz is serving bites to stave off any hunger pains.

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This article has been updated on November 27 and December 2 with additional bars.

where to drink nightlife cocktails holiday bars houston

Spoiler Alert

These 7 Houston restaurants could earn Michelin Guide honors this week

Photo by Vivian Leba

Chef Manabu Horiuchi looks poised to earn a Michelin Star for Sushi Horiuchi.

The eyes of the culinary world will be on Texas this Thursday, October 8, as the Michelin Guide announces its third annual selections for the state’s restaurants. Unlike in 2024 and 2025, when Michelin hosted a ceremony in Houston that drew almost all of the state’s top culinary talent, this year’s announcement will be made via email.

As a reminder, the selections are determined by anonymous inspectors who evaluate restaurants on five criteria: product quality; mastery of cooking techniques; harmony of flavors; the personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine; and consistency over time and across the entire menu. Based on those criteria, inspectors may recognize restaurants with one of three designations:

Michelin Stars, rated at one, two, or three for restaurants that offer exceptional experiences
Bib Gourmand, described as “restaurants that offer great quality food at good prices”
Recommended, for good restaurants that don’t quite meet the level of either a Star or Bib Gourmand

The Guide also presents special awards to individuals. Elliot Wood of Credence received the Michelin Service Award in 2025, and Steven McDonald of Pappas Bros. Steakhouse received the Sommelier Award in 2024.

Last year, Michelin added three Starred restaurants statewide, bringing Texas’ total to 18, along with eight new Bib Gourmands and 16 new Recommended restaurants. Overall, 140 restaurants were included in the Guide in 2025.

Naturally, rumors have been flying about which Houston restaurants could be added. Based on conversations with various people in the hospitality industry, CultureMap has identified at least seven establishments that are likely to receive good news on Thursday.

They are:

Sushi Horiuchi: Chef Manabu Horiuchi’s six-seat omakase counter looks poised to be the newest Houston restaurant to hold a Michelin Star.
Oru: This sushi restaurant in the Heights from Comma Hospitality — the Houston group behind Japanese-inspired restaurants Neo, Toga, and Kira — could be in line for either a Bib Gourmand or Recommended designation.
Osteria di Mercato: One of this year’s buzziest openings, chef Mauricio Alvarado’s 30-seat Italian restaurant in West U. might not be Star-worthy (yet), but it should join the Guide.
Angie’s Pizza: Just like his mentor Chris Bianco’s eponymous Pizzeria Bianco, chef Angelo Emiliani’s recently opened Italian restaurant in the Heights should add a Bib Gourmand designation to its growing list of accolades.
1111: Chef Emmanuel Chavez already holds a Star at Tatemó, his Mexican tasting-menu restaurant in Spring Branch. Now 1111, the Montrose bar with a Mexico City-inspired menu that includes a tuna tostada, tacos, and sea bass with red and green salsa, should soon celebrate its own spot in the Guide.
Kitchen Rumors: Chef Jassi Bindra may have had a too-brief run on Top Chef, but his restaurant in Old Sixth Ward that blends Indian flavors with global influences will likely join the Michelin Guide with either a Bib Gourmand or Recommended designation.
Murray’s Pizza & Wine: Founded by Leaf & Grain partners Deets Hoffman and Edward Thompson, this Memorial-area restaurant devoted to sourdough pizza, small plates, and wine should join Angie’s as Houston pizzerias with Michelin designations.

Photo by Vivian Leba

Chef Manabu Horiuchi looks poised to earn a Michelin Star for Sushi Horiuchi.

Some restaurants that locals are rooting for — such as Camaraderie, Squable, Milton’s, and Barbacana — still seem to be shut out of Michelin recognition. Perhaps opening Zaranda will finally earn James Beard Award winner Hugo Ortega his first spot in the Guide.

What’s not clear is whether Michelin will elevate any local restaurants above their current status. For example, some people have speculated that Baso, the Basque-inspired live-fire restaurant in the Heights, will move from Recommended to a Star. Similarly, one-Star March could be in line to become Texas’ first restaurant to hold two Stars.

While Michelin could also lower a restaurant’s designation or remove it from the Guide entirely, we’re erring on the side of optimism that all of Houston’s entries will at least maintain their current status.

The future of Michelin in Texas

This year marks the end of the initial three-year, $2.7 million agreement between the Michelin Guide, the destination marketing organizations of five Texas cities — Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Dallas — and the statewide Travel Texas agency. Reporting by Matthew Odam in the Austin American-Statesman suggests the agreement will be renewed in some form, ensuring that Texas restaurants have Michelin recognition to aspire to.

While the Guide’s track record in Texas has been mostly positive, a selection doesn’t guarantee financial success. Two Houston restaurants included in the Guide — Afro-Mexican restaurant Late August (Recommended) and Southern comfort-food restaurant Killen’s (Bib Gourmand) — both closed this year. In Austin, one-Star Olamaie closed in July after 12 years in business.

Beyond the criteria referenced above, Michelin’s process is largely opaque to both the restaurants it reviews and the general public. Dining anonymously helps ensure inspectors receive the same treatment as any other customer, which is undeniably beneficial.

Still, tweaks to other aspects of Michelin’s process could further enhance its credibility. Michelin won’t disclose how many inspectors are assigned to Texas, how many visits the inspectors make to a restaurant before deciding on a designation, which restaurants it visits that don’t make the Guide, or whether it revisits restaurants from year to year to ensure standards are being maintained.

Renewal could be an opportunity for the tourism bureaus to insist on changes. For example, almost all of the Houston selections are in Harris County, shutting out potentially worthy suburban restaurants like Amrina, Charolais, and Xalisko in The Woodlands and Ishtia in Kemah. The Guide has shown a willingness to go beyond a city’s main county for barbecue restaurants such as Burnt Bean Co. (Seguin), Barbs-B-Q (Lockhart), and Killen’s Barbecue (Pearland), which is in Brazoria County, but not for other types of cuisine. Houston First, the city’s tourism agency, could partner with its sister organizations in those places to require Michelin to at least consider these establishments.

As the Guide continues to expand its presence across America, it’s important that Texas restaurants remain on an equal footing with their peers in other states. That means maintaining the state’s relationship with Michelin and pushing for better, more thorough coverage in the years to come.

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