It doesn't matter if you've been naughty or nice this year: Chicago's top holiday pop-up bars aren't here to judge. New to this year's lineup is Santa Baby, an experiential takeover from Smartmouth Designs, a Chicago-based company that has built installations at EDM-centric music festivals such as Electric Forest. The concept will take over Deuce's and the Diamond Club in the heart of Wrigleyville from November 21 through January 6.
Santa Baby offers several different bars and experiences within the space, including Alpine Village, Brat Haus Beer Hall, Santa's Workshop, Rudolph's Elf Dive Bar and Winter Wonderland—all of which are decked out in colorful Christmas decor. Of course, it wouldn't be a pop-up bar without themed cocktails, and Santa Baby has plenty of options to keep revelers feeling merry. Share a decanter of Jingle Juice—rum, Grand Marnier, amaretto, orange and pineapple juices, sprite, citrus and cranberry—or do a shot of Gingerbread Man, a tummy-warming mixture of Fireball, Irish cream and butterscotch schnapps.
On the food front, expect a menu of holly, jolly treats, like turkey burger sliders topped with cranberry mustard, arugula, stuffing, crispy green beans and truffle aioli. The Atomic Yule Logs are likely the dish that will take over your Instagram feed: Three giant cheese sticks are crusted in Flamin' Hot Cheetos and Sriracha dust. If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, order the Lumps of Coal, rice krispies coated in chocolate cookie dust.
Throughout its Wrigleyville run, Santa Baby will keep guests entertained with Christmas Movie Mondays, mistletoe kiss competitions, ugly sweater contests, karaoke nights and "human tree decorating." More information is available at santababybar.com. General admission tickets start at $20, and drink vouchers can be added on at the time of purchase. As an added bonus, Santa Baby will donate a portion of its proceeds to Toys For Tots, and toy-donation bins will be available on-site. Take a look around the over-the-top festive experience, and grab a drink at Santa Baby when it opens tomorrow.
Photograph: Kailley Lindman Photography
Photograph: Kailley Lindman Photography
Photograph: Kailley Lindman Photography
Photograph: Kailley Lindman Photography