Where to find holiday pop-up experiences at bars and restaurants in San Diego this year

With San Diego’s mild weather in November and December, sometimes it takes walking through the door of fake winter wonderland to bring on the true holiday spirit.

Thankfully, bars, restaurants and hotels across the county go all out for locals looking for a festive cocktail or a dazzling indoor display of tinsel and lights. This year’s options include an experience on the high seas, candy cane cruises on a lake and a fruit cake-themed cocktail.

To make this list, the restaurants and bars included have to have a major amount of dedicated decorations, as well as special activities, food or drinks that can only be found during the holidays. The pop-ups are listed in order of opening date.

Blitzen’s Bar: Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad and Omni San Diego Hotel at The Ballpark are both offering a Blitzen’s Bar experience where it’s all about the cocktails this holiday season. Find on the menu a lineup, created by mixologist Julie Reiner, that includes Espresso-Ho Ho Martini, Oye to the World, Frost Bite and Merry Spritz-Mas Zero Proof. 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Nov. 13 to Jan. 2. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Audrey’s, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad; 4 to 11 p.m. daily. Nov. 28 to Jan. 4. Omni San Diego Hotel, 675 L St., San Diego. omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa/dining/blitzens

Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop: The Dallas-based Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop experience is coming to Punch Bowl Social. Throughout the holiday season, guests will find themed drinks with names such as Santa Pants and The Ho Ho Ho. On Fridays, there will be Very Merry Karaoke from 9 p.m. to midnight. This event is exclusive to guests ages 21 and older on Fridays and Saturdays after 10 p.m. 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Nov. 14 to Dec. 28. Punch Bowl Social, 1485 E. St., San Diego. punchbowlsocial.com/location/san-diego

Miracle at Coaster Saloon: Coaster Saloon’s holiday experience stands out with its calendar of events, including trivia on Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, ornament decorating on Dec. 4 and a paint night on Dec. 11. Follow on Instagram for the latest updates: @CoasterSaloon. Purchase tickets to these special events online. Visitors will also find festive decor, themed cocktails and unique mugs.11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays;1 0 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays. Nov. 17 to Dec. 31. Coaster Saloon, 744 Ventura Place, San Diego. thecoastersaloon.com

Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern: Margaritaville Hotel San Diego’s LandShark Bar & Grill is hosting a pirate-themed holiday pop-up with food specials, nautical holiday decor and special cocktails. In addition, expect live appearances from pirates on Saturdays in December from 7 to 9 p.m. and live music Wednesday to Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Open daily from 11 a.m. to close. Nov. 22 to Dec. 31. Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, 435 6th Ave., San Diego. Free. margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-hotel-san-diego/live-entertainment/holiday-happenings

Winter Wonderland at Draft: Find special collectible mugs at this pop-up at the beach at Draft. Guests can order a cocktail inspired by holiday fruit cake and a mulled wine-inspired martini. There will also be red and green ornament shots. Winter Wonderland is on the edge of Belmont Park, so visitors to the experience can also check out some of the amusement park’s holiday festivities, such as ornament decorating on select nights and face painting and special holiday food offerings. Nov. 28 to Jan. 4. Belmont Park. 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego. belmontpark.com/draft-belmont-park/winter-wonderland

Winter Wonderland at Lakehouse Resort: One of the most family-friendly pop-up experiences, Lakehouse Resort throws an annual holiday festival with candy cane cruises on Lake San Marcos as a highlight. Seasonal drinks will be for sale for all ages. Activities include a frozen fun zone, a train, a s’mores station, bounce houses and more. Groups of families and friends can rent out igloos with fire pits, s’mores, charcuterie, wine and family dinners. Early bird prices are available online through Nov. 26. Prices vary per activity. Nov. 28 to Dec. 26. 1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos. $10 admission for ages 10 or older, free for kids under age 10. events.thelakehouseresort.com/e/winter-wonderland-at-lakehouse-resort-2025

Jingle Bar: This pop-up experience originated on the east coast but is making it’s way to San Diego. Here, jolly locals can find holiday music, games, prizes for the best Christmas attire and special food and drinks. On Wednesdays, a Cocktails and Carols event ticket will include carol performances and a free drink. Saturdays, a family-friendly period starting at 3 p.m. will feature karaoke for kids, crafts and games. Time slot reservations available online. Dec. 4 to 23. Molly’s in Mission Beach, 3770 Mission Blvd., San Diego. $17.78. events.thejinglebars.com/events/jinglebar/1438371