Themed Bars to Celebrate the Ho-Ho-Holidays in Indianapolis

Dec 4

I love a themed bar — it doesn’t matter if it’s an Irish pub, a Paris-themed wine spot, or yes, a holiday bar. While I think there are a lot of opportunities for disappointment in a themed bar, Christmas and the winter holiday season in general are pretty hard to mess up. You can go over-the-top gaudy with Christmas lights, decorations, and music, and it will still never be “too much.”

I love watching the holiday bars pop up across Indy once November hits. Normal restaurants and bars turn into winter wonderlands with trees, snowflakes, lights, music, and lots of holly jolly drinks — seemingly overnight.

Where should you spend your cold winter nights this month? At a local bar, of course. Keep reading for suggestions.

Sippin’ Santa at Almost Famous

Sippin’ Santa is back at Almost Famous, a coffee shop by day, bar by night on Mass Ave in downtown Indy. This is a tiki-themed pop-up bar with great cocktails (I hear that the espresso martinis are fab) and plenty of seasonal decor.

721 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Whoville Hideaway at The HC Tavern

Head to Fishers for this pop-up bar at The HC Tavern on the second floor of the restaurant. The Grinch may have tried to steal Christmas, but he can’t steal the joy you’ll find at this Whoville bar. Enjoy Grinch-themed appetizers and drinks, larger than life decor, festive photo ops, and signature moments from the fictional town of Whoville. Open Saturdays through Tuesdays, 4 PM to close, through December 26.

9709 E 116th St, Fishers, IN 46037

A Proper Holiday Bar

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Proper! This holiday pop-up is another option on Mass Ave, open on Friday nights in December from 6-10 PM (Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22). Sip on delightful festive cocktails, immerse yourself in dazzling decorations, and let the holiday magic fill the air. Put on your elf shoes and gather your friends for a night of jingling and mingling! Unlike most holiday pop ups, this one is open to all ages.

614 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Hotel Tango

Hotel Tango’s Salute to Santa is an annual tradition in Fountain Square that’s free and open to the public (21+). Their event space is a winter wonderland open Tuesday through Sunday with holiday cocktails, giant candy cane decor, a crackling fireplace, and a festive selfie station. Try the “Deck The Halls” cocktail made with Hotel Tango’s bourbon, or “Santa’s Got a Brand New Bag” with their vodka.

702 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203

Turner’s Bar

While Turner’s isn’t a holiday pop-up, they’ve decorated their bar for the holidays, and it’s perfect. Think: fake snow frosting the windows, blow up candy cane balloons, Christmas trees, and more. Peppermint vodka, anyone?

Located in the Stutz, 1060 N Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Tinseltown at Nevermore Union Station

This national pop-up takes decorating to the max. Located at Nevermore Union Station in downtown Indy, Tinseltown consists of many different rooms decorated with tinsel, trees, lights, arches, and nearly every Christmas decoration you can think of. Tickets are required.

Nevermore Union Station, 302 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46204

Emily Brungard

Marketer by day, food lover by night. And also by day.