Just when you thought you’d seen every single holiday attraction in Philadelphia comes this news: a Christmas pop-up cocktail bar, called Tinsel, is opening in Midtown Village. The holiday-themed watering hole comes courtesy of Craft Concepts Group, the folks behind BRU Craft & Wurst, Cinder, U-Bahn, Uptown Beer Garden and Finn McCool's Ale House.
The bar is taking over the space formerly occupied by Simpson's Jewelry (116 S 12th St), which closed about a week ago. Step inside to find three rooms decked floor to ceiling with Christmas garb, we’re talking tinsel, lights, trees, wreaths, a toy train set and of course occasional visits from Santa. Artist Scott Johnston whose work you’ve seen at Silk City Diner and Franky Bradley’s, will supply two original artworks: a glowing fireplace installation and a creepy Krampus mural.
Now for the important part: the booze. Guests can cozy up to custom, high-top wooden counters or a 25-foot bar that once served as the counter at the jewelry store. On the menu is a variety of Christmas-themed cocktails, and American and Belgian craft beers like Troegs Mad Elf ($7), Hardywood Bourbon Gingerbread Stout ($8) and Chimay Grande Reserve ($9). Cocktails will range from $8 to $10, with rotating flavors each week. Nibbles like Christmas cookies, appetizers and sandwiches are also available.
Tinsel opens December 8 and runs through the 31st. Operating hours are Tuesday to Thursday 5 to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 2pm to midnight and Sunday from noon to 5pm. Stop by Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 7pm for happy hour, which includes select cocktails and all drafts for $5.
Looking for more holiday fun? Check out our complete guide to Christmas in Philadelphia.