Contributor Alex Esposito has put together a guide of KC’s holiday pop-up bars and insider tips. Get the scoop on where to visit before these wonderlands disappear until next year.

After the success of Rockhill Grille’s Miracle pop-up last year, three new Kansas City holiday bars—The Toy Shop, Better Watch Out, and Sippin’ Santa—have emerged. Each has its own unique personality and menu of festive libations to choose from. Christmastime maximalists will want to visit them all, but if you’re more particular with how you spend your holly jolly time, I’ve toured all the stops so you don’t have to. Read on to find which pop-up you’ll love the most.

For the person who’s too cool to admit they love this stuff: The Toy Shop

Crossroads Hotel | 2101 Central Street

Looking for a yuletide night that doesn’t compromise on edge? The Crossroads Hotel has created a spot that seamlessly combines Christmas and culture. As part of their artist-in-residency rotation, they called on Kansas City Art Intitute alum James Trotter to transform the lobby gallery into “Gasoline Rainbow,” an expansive display of vintage toys, holiday memorabilia and more lights than the Griswold’s. And right in the middle of it all is a charming bar and specialty cocktail menu crafted with help from Tom’s Town Distillery.

The drinks: Truly embracing all things cozy, the Flannel Shirt is a delightful bourbon nip made with local cider from Louisburg. If you’re looking for something more jovial, the Sugar Plum Fairy is garnished with edible glitter and a gumdrop. There’s even a Christopher Elbow hot chocolate bar.

Insider tip: Due to the openness of this space, you’ll likely get a table with no issues, but if Toy Shop happens to be packed try one of the Crossroads Hotel’s other swanky drink stops. Or make a night of it and do a mini bar crawl without leaving the premises.

For the person who prefers spooky season: Better Watch Out

Screenland Armour | 408 Armour Road

If your favorite holiday movies include macabre hits like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Die Hard, this is the pop-up for you. From the group who brought us Halloween bar Apparition, comes a merry watering hole with a gothic twist. The décor at Better Watch Out is quite happy, but with villainous vibes like a neon “Hail Santa” sign and a Naughty List photo wall featuring bad guys like Hans Gruber, The Grinch and Kanye West.

The drinks: I really loved the Gin of Christmas Past, a crisp egg white cocktail made with Restless Spirits gin. But if you want to go all-out, order the Silent Night, Deadly Night. The spiced rum and eggnog drink is served in a seasonal mug that’s straight from your grandma’s cabinet.

Insider tip: If you’re looking for a photo op, this place has a few good ones, so come selfie ready.

For the person who wants to find a vacation in their stocking: Sippin’ Santa

Julep | 4141 Pennsylvania Avenue #104

If you’re a lover of tiki or just someone who’s already over the snow and cold, be sure to make it to Sippin’ Santa, the luau currently happening inside Julep. With spirited island décor and drinks to match, you’ll be instantly transported to warmer lands. Space is tight, so there may be a line, but it’s worth the wait, especially if you snag one of their cute tables. The drinks are incredibly tasty and served in equally brilliant barware in styles like surfing Santas and ceramic coconuts.

The drinks: My pals and I enjoyed the Kris Kringle Colada and the pop up’s namesake drink (The Sippin’ Santa) but the Shaka Kalikimaka really stole the show. Served in a stunning traditional red tiki glass, this frozen drink has notes of allspice, orange and cranberry, aka the perfect wintery combo.

Insider tip: These cocktails may be fruity and sweet, but they pack a sneaky punch. Decide what kind of night you want to have and imbibe accordingly.

For the person who put their tree up on November 1st: Miracle

Rockhill | 2000 Grand Boulevard
Plaza | 4807 Jefferson Street

Serving up the brightest of spirits is hands down Miracle. This bar contains so much cheer they had to open a second location. Both sites are dripping in colorful lights, decorations and pure wonderment, so you’ll feel totally immersed in the spirit. In a bar that’s so over-the-top, every day duds won’t do, so wear your tackiest sweater and you’ll fit right in. I even spotted someone at Miracle in a full-on Santa suit.

The drinks: If you’re the type who loves a good Old Fashioned, Miracle’s Snowball version, featuring Reiger whiskey, should do the trick. Looking for something more refreshing? Take a joyous spin on Carrie Bradshaw’s fave drink with the Christmaspolitian.

Insider tip: Miracle gets busy, so if you hate waiting in lines, buy a reservation at miraclepopupkc.com.

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