Deck the Halls (and the Bars): San Diego’s Best Holiday Pop-Ups
The Pacific Terrace Hotel in San Diego is the place to be this holiday season. From all the best Christmas parties and festive holiday pop-ups to the most delicious dinner specials and creative cocktails – spending the holidays in San Diego is a magical way to enjoy the season!
Guests will love our festive hotel this holiday season, as we have prepared it just for you! From cozy holiday décor to special hotel packages to help you save, we are here to ensure you have a holly and jolly Christmas! Guests will also enjoy everything from sparkling decorations to seasonal treats, as well as exciting, planned experiences like our team gingerbread house contest, poolside s’mores, and even a complimentary room décor kit so you can have your own small tree and ornaments to make your stay extra merry!
We also invite you to “get lit” this season at the Pacific Terrace Hotel at our onsite Terrace Café, offering the best hand-crafted cocktails and festive holiday coffee drinks, along with plenty of specials to tempt your tastebuds with delicious holiday offerings.
Holly Jolly Drink Specials from the Terrace Café
- Yule Mule – This festive favorite includes lime juice, cinnamon syrup, vodka, Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider, and is served in copper mule mug w/cranberries, rosemary, and orange slices. The perfect holiday sip!
- Hibiscus Mezcalita – Made with mezcal, agave, honey syrup, lime juice, mint and sugared cranberries, this holiday hooch is giving margarita vibes with a festive flair!
- Fireside Toddy – This unique Christmas concoction includes Jameson, chai tea concentrate, water, and lemon juice and is served hot with a cinnamon stick and lemon garnish for the perfect cup of holiday cheer!
- Polar Expresso Martini – This sweet, crafted cocktail combines vodka, white chocolate liquor, coffee liquor, half-and-half, espresso, and is finished with a festive Candy Cane Rim and Chocolate Christmas Tree Garnish!
- Clausmopolitan – The sugar rim, mini candy cane, and edible glitter make this the jolliest drink in town with vodka, white cranberry juice, Cointreau, lime juice, and champagne!
Enjoy the Terrace Café at the Pacific Terrace Hotel this holiday season for a festive celebration each day of your stay!
The Best Holiday Pop-Ups and Festive Restaurants in San Diego
Great Dickens Pop-Pop at Duck Dive (Across the Street from Hotel)
An easy walk from the Pacific Terrace Hotel in San Diego, the Great Dickens Holiday Pop-Up at the Duck Dive on Mission Blvd. is happening now through December 31. Enjoy festive holiday spirits like the Bah-Rum-Bug or Fizziwig’s Ball while taking in the cozy, old school, classic Christmas décor at this local favorite in Pacific Beach bar.
Sippin’ Santa at Grass Skirt (0.5 Miles from Hotel)
This nearby holiday pop-up in San Diego is a favorite and is happening from November 20 through December 31, 2025. The island-themed Christmas bar in San Diego offers a tiki-inspired atmosphere with island-style food and drinks that transports you to a festive, tropical holiday paradise with seasonal cocktails like the Coco Ho Ho Ho, Hot Buttered Grog, Sippin’ Santa, and Jingle Bird. Dine on island faves, including bao, noodles, bowls, and burritos, while enjoying the twinkling palms and tiki-inspired holiday décor that’s about a block from the Pacific Terrace Hotel.
Miracle at Draft (2.1 Miles from Hotel)
Join the holiday fun at Miracle at Draft, a waterfront Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up next to Belmont Park. The festive holiday decor provides a fun ambiance but the collectible glassware and mugs to commemorate the occasion are the best! Choose exclusive, handcrafted cocktails made with unique flavors of the season as you try your luck at holiday movie trivia, enjoy seasonal treats, and listen to sounds of the season from DJ Jingle Jams!
Barbarella Winter Wonderland (5.1 Miles From Hotel)
Christmas in La Jolla starts at Barbarella Restaurant, where you’ll arrive to see over-the-top holiday décor, making it a winter wonderland delight! Sip on delicious festive spirits like Egg Nog Shots and the “Ornamentini” along with amazing Italian dishes you can’t resist. A great place to join friends and family for a holiday dinner and drink experience in San Diego, Barbarella is the perfect holiday evening experience near the Pacific Terrace Hotel.
Golden Girls Christmas Experience at Bayside Kitchen (7.0 Miles From Hotel)
This November 19 through January 11, 2026, treat yourself to an unforgettable experience at one of the best San Diego Christmas events! Based on the beloved sitcom icons Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia, this Golden Girls pop-up experience offers themed sweets, seasonal cocktails like Shady Pines Spritz and Sophia’s Spiked Eggnog, and even a chance to pose for photos in Blanche’s Boudoir! The menu includes St. Olaf Christmas cookies, Snowball Tiramisu Cups, Sopha’s Meatball Skewers, Mini Cuban Sandwiches, and Golden Ornament Truffles! You will love this nostalgic TV set pop-up with all the fun things you know and love about the Golden Girls TV show!
Winter Wonderland at Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music (7.5 Miles From Hotel)
So much to see and do at this Shelter Island favorite this holiday season. Enjoy the festivities and décor at the Winter Wonderland holiday event at Humphreys SoCAL Dining and Music. Snack on seasonal bites and sip on festive cocktails with a stunning marina view that’s decorated for the holidays! Be sure to stay for an exciting show at Humphreys Backstage LIVE after your Winter Wonderland experience for an unforgettable holiday celebration you won’t soon forget.
Snowed In at Fort Oak (8.6 Miles from Hotel)
Located in Mission Hills, Fort Oak offers their Snowed In holiday event from November 19 through January 3, 2026, daily 4pm – midnight. You and your guests will have a jolly good time at the Snowed In Christmastime cocktail bar with cozy winter wonderland vibes. Touted as one of the best Christmas bars in San Diego, Snowed In at Fort Oak offers a magical world of Christmas you will definitely want to take part in. Enjoy creative cocktails and small bar food along with Santa’s good tidings this winter at Fort Oak in San Diego at this Michelin-recognized restaurant holiday experience! Seasonal spirits include the Rigwaldz (Bourbon, Chocolate, Peppermint), Big Nick Energy (Apple Cider with Warming Spices) and Santa Slaps (Espresso Martini Twist with Chai and Amaretto) along with a festive, cozy winter wonderland vibe with an Art Deco touch in San Diego.
Nolita Hall (9.0 Miles From Hotel)
This popular Little Italy restaurant welcomes Christmas November 20 through January 6, 2026. Nolita Hall, a festive Italian restaurant in San Diego, is the place to be during the holidays as they go all out with their Christmas décor and the best seasonal holiday cocktails to help you deck the halls the SoCal way! From the Partridge in a Pear Tree and Dasher’s Road Soda to the Grinch Martini, you will love the fun, holiday drink offerings. You’ll also love dining on the best pizza, pasta, salads, and Italian dessert specialties in San Diego! Nolita Hall has something everyone will enjoy this winter, including a variety of daily dinner specials and holiday festivities in Little Italy.
Elf on the 12th at Mister A's (9.9 Miles From Hotel)
Now through December 31, experience the 12th floor views at Mister A's at the Elf on the 12th holiday celebration every day starting at 3:30pm! Enjoy themed cocktails like “Resting Grinch Face” and “All the Jingle Ladies” along with tasty bar bites that include unique dishes like Caviar Tater Tots and Hiramasa Crudo all served up with spectacular views of decorated San Diego.
Santa’s Lair at Parq Nightclub (10.8 Miles From Hotel)
Happening November 29 through January 4, 2026, this Premier Holiday Speakeasy Pop-Up experience, Santa’s Lair, is the perfect place for those looking for cozy fun with the best holiday cocktails. Guests will enjoy an immersive holiday experience while sipping on seasonal cocktails in a magical atmosphere. Choose from a variety of festive beverages, including steaming spiked hot chocolate! Party goers will love the welcome cocktail in a jolly, keepsake class as a souvenir of your Christmas in San Diego and dine on festive bites of the season including holiday specials as well as regular menu selections. Cozy holiday fun in a welcoming setting in the Gaslamp District of San Diego.
Holly Jolly Bar at F6ix (10.9 Miles From Hotel)
Get your jolly on at one of the newest Christmas bars in San Diego -Holly Jolly Bar! Get in the holiday spirit with this exciting, immersive Christmas party that has floor-to-ceiling decor and the perfect backdrop for holiday fun. Indulge in seasonal cocktails likeSanta’s Spiked Hot Chocolate, Angry Elf, and a Snowflake Margarita at this over-the-top holiday party with a fun, festive vibe for friends, cocktails, and seasonal sipping in San Diego!
The Jingle Bar at Bang on 5th (11.0 Miles From Hotel)
Quite possibly the merriest Christmas pop-up bar in San Diego – The Jingle Bar at Bang on 5th is a holiday bar like no other! The halls are definitely decked with tons of Christmas décor, twinkling lights, and is ready for festive fun! Enjoy holiday hits and jolly jingles with non-stop music, festive cocktails, and tasty treats, along with Christmas games, live entertainment, and an ugly sweater contest! There’s a dedicated time for families to enjoy the event — Saturdays & Sundays at 1pm and 3pm. Kids can enjoy the Jingle Bar magic together with their family and take part in holiday craft corners, kids’ Christmas karaoke, and family-friendly games like “Reindeer Ring Toss,” and “Elf Bingo.”
Xmas Bar at Good Night John Boy (11.1 Miles From Hotel)
The Xmas Bar fun and funky holiday pop-up at Good Night John Boy is a mix between New York’s Studio 54 and your parents’ 1970's basement! Located in the heart of San Diego's popular Gaslamp Quarter, this popular holiday event is sure to be one of the most talked-about San Diego winter events. Sip on a seasonal cocktail like the “Naughty or Nice” or “Jingle Juice” as you dance under the Christmas lights at this festive San Diego holiday pop-up.
The Grinchmas Holiday Pop-Up at The Tipsy Crow (11.3 Miles From Hotel)
Join the fun from December 4-26 at the Tipsy Grinchmas Holiday Pop-Up that is happening again this year at The Tipsy Crow! Guests will be entertained by Grinch-inspired holiday décor, with specialty Grinch-worthy seasonal cocktails like “Max’s Spiked Hot Cocoa.” Come out and have a great night of holiday fun at this free event at Tipsy Cow in San Diego.
Celebrate the Season by the Sea at Pacific Terrace
If you are looking for a festive holiday getaway filled with fun things to do, delicious food, holiday-themed activities, and a cozy resort feel that makes you never want to leave – the Pacific Terrace Hotel is the perfect choice this season!
You’ll be close to all the best holiday pop-ups, restaurants, and activities, and enjoy the comforts of home at our amazing waterfront property. Book your holiday escape today to the Pacific Terrace Hotel in San Diego and let the festivities begin!
