santa baby bar Archives | Sweating Champagne

Tis’ the season for all the Christmas pop up bars you can handle! New this year at Wrigleyville’s Deuces and the Diamonds Club is Santa Baby Christmas Bar, a pop-up bar that is exuding with Christmas spirit and one hell of a dance playlist. Not only is the bar decked out in holiday decor from head to toe, but also features a festive menu of drinks and sharables.

The first floor features sitting tables, the main bar, and a small bar/dance area. We went on a Saturday night and were able to snag an end spot at a table when we arrived, but it was so busy that it was hard to get service sitting so I recommend ordering to the bar and bringing it back to a table if possible. We decided to try the Jingle Juice cocktail in a Chalice (serves 2). It was delicious! The bar also passed out free water bottles all night which was a win-win.

My favorite part about the pop-up experience was the music. All of the songs on the first floor consisted of Christmas songs remixed with popular dance pop songs. My favorite of the night was Toxic mixed with Feliz Navidad. The songs on the second floor were a little bit different, still featuring holiday decor, couch sitting, and room to dance.

Some Things to Know Before You Go…

There is a coat check available. It’s $5 and cash only.

You can buy tickets ahead of time online. Having a ticket gets your expedited entry into the bar in front of those without Santa Baby tickets.

The pop-up is also open during the daytime for Sunday brunch. You can check out their calendar for upcoming events including holiday movie night, karaoke, gingerbread contests, and more.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in the most wonderful city! As if I didn’t love Christmas time enough, Christmas in Chicago is truly spectacular. The city comes alive with holiday cheer and the most festive events. There are many things to do in Chicago during Christmas. Read a list of them below!

Christkindlmarket Chicago

One of my favorite seasonal events in Chicago is Christkindlmarket. This Christmas market is a festive holiday tradition in the city that graces Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville. Featuring vendors from all over the world, German food and drinks, and holiday entertainment, this event offers free general admission with food and drink available for purchase. While Christkindlmarket is known for their souvenir boot mugs, which features a new design each year, this year’s featured mug is in the shape of a heart! This event is open to the public now until December 24.

Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park

The ice skating ribbon located in the Loop has been an annual tradition for Chicagoans to partake in each winter. With the beautiful city skyline as your backdrop, cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and a few laps around the rink. Admission is free, however skate rentals range from $12-$15. Fast Passes are available for those impatient to wait for a turn!

Frosty’s Christmas Pop Up Bar

Chicago’s favorite Christmas themed pop up bar, Frosty’s, is back this year! I went to last year’s event and had a blast (see picture above). This pop-up bar features themed drinks and 3 levels of all the holiday decorations you can physically fit in a room. It is down right amazing. There’s even snow confetti canons. Make sure to wear something festive! Tis’ the season for ugly sweaters.

Ride Chicago’s Holiday Train

While not the easiest to catch, every year Chicago’s L trains and buses feature festive holiday trains. These dressed up transit options are only available for on certain days and times. The full schedule can be found here. You might be one of the lucky people to get a ride from Santa and his helpers!

Holiday Tea at The Drake

If you have never had afternoon tea, The Drake’s Palm Court is a great place to start. This year’s Holiday Tea was my birthday outing wish with some of the women in my family, and boy was it worth it! Holiday Tea included a three-tier selection of tea sandwiches & deserts, your tea of choice, and festive carolers singing festive Christmas tunes.

Have a Drink at Butch McGuire’s

Locals know that come December, this family-owned bar in Gold Coast is the place to be whether it’s after-work or on a weekend outing. Featuring fun holiday decorations around the whole bar, Butch McGuire’s is a great place to grab a drink and get into the holiday spirit with decor from all your favorite Christmas movies.

Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Another one of my favorite annual events to look forward to is Lincoln Park Zoo’s Zoolights. I love looking at the different light up displays synced with favorite holiday tunes while drinking a tasty hot chocolate. I mean, who wouldn’t? Check out this picture from my first time at Zoolights in 2015! Admission into the zoo is free, however special events, like the zoo’s Holiday Market and Adults Night Out event, require a ticket.

Santa Baby Christmas Bar

Brand new this year is Wrigleyville’s Santa Baby pop-up bar, hosted at the popular Deuce’s and the Diamond Club. From what I have seen from pictures, this Christmas bar looks like a really fun time! The bar will feature festive drinks, ugly sweater competitions, Santa appearances, movie nights, karaoke, and human tree decorating. The festivities will run through January 6th.

Holiday Buffet at The Walnut Room

Located inside of Macy’s on State St., The Walnut Room features a huge Christmas tree each year for Chicago locals to admire. I recently went to see the tree for myself and my was it magnificent! There was even a cool Chicago-themed display around the bottom featuring local landmarks. One thing to note: reservations to The Walnut Room will get you a table at your requested time, however DOES NOT get you a table next to the tree. That is a separate list that you will have to put yourself on when you check in for your reservation.

Santa Baby Christmas Bar Chicago