The Miracle holiday pop-up has returned to Johnny’s Gold Brick, illuminating the Heights bar with Christmas lights and over the top holiday decor through December 30. Along with whimsical glassware and cocktails like the Christmapolitan and a Snowball Old Fashioned, expect countless photo ops to help you get in the spirit of the season. Reservations are available on Resy and are highly encouraged.

This rum-filled tiki bar has gotten merry with Christmas decor galore and a full holiday menu of fun cocktails. Indulge in Lei Low’s “Holiday in Paradise” with its Ponche Pants drink, a combination of Oaxaca rum, tamarind, pomegranate, cinnamon, lime, and orange that’s served in a Santa pants mug, plus $7 chocolatey Elf Hooch shots, and a celebration of the return of Coquito season with its comforting version of this Puerto Rican holiday nog.

From now until January 7, explore more than 100 lantern sets designed as castles, worldwide landmarks, oceanic scenes, and magical lands at this dazzling display set up outside Katy Mills Mall. You will also encounter over 6 million lights divided into themed sections to make the evenings happy and bright. Tickets range between $18 and $25; a family four-pack is $88.

Drink and be merry at the Tinseltown bar pop-up, which has taken over Chatters Cafe through December 30. Bask in the cheery atmosphere, as nostalgic holiday tunes flood the room, and partake in a Christmas-themed beverage menu, which includes hot drinks and zero-proof cocktails. Tickets are $22 per guest for 90-minute sessions.

The intergalactic cocktail bar and pizzeria trades in some of its spacey theme for some seasonal cheer, complete with holiday lights, fun inflatables, and a cozy outdoor firepit. Expect the same delicious fare, including pizza fries, ironclad-style pizzas with crispy edges, and inventive cocktails, plus specials that you can only get this time of year.

Downtown newbie, the Big Casino, has been transformed into the Holly Jolly Holiday Bar for a holiday pop-up through December 30. The immersive experience features floor-to-ceiling tinsel, trimmings, and ornaments, plus a variety of holiday-themed cocktails and mocktails. General admission starts at $15 for a 90-minute session, but you can also splurge on the burlesque brunch, which starts at $65 and includes a burlesque performance, entree, and themed cocktail.

If planning a visit to the Wortham Theater for the Nutcracker, consider Lancaster Hotel’s elegant holiday afternoon tea before or after the show. Two seatings are offered at noon and 2:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through December 31, during which a selection of hot teas, tea sandwiches, cranberry scones, and seasonal patisserie are on offer. The experience is topped off with a complimentary tea tin to takeaway, packed with Lancaster’s specialty holiday spiced black tea.

Hit the rooftop terrace at Pastore for a breezy holiday sip and shop on Friday, December 8 from 2 to 6 p.m. Peruse items from Colores Collective, Paris Texas Apparel Co., Kendra Scott, French Cuff Boutique, and others while sipping on hand-crafted spritzes and bubbles and munching on light bites. Attendees may enter a raffle to win a number of prizes, including a chef-curated dinner at Pastore. Tickets are $5.

The Four Seasons Hotel is hosting an interactive gingerbread tea at Toro Toro on Sunday, December 17 with two seatings at noon and 2 p.m. Along with a selection of hot teas, pastries, and sparkling wine, attendees may partake in decorating gingerbread houses and enjoy a visit from jolly ol’ Saint Nick. Tickets are $95 per guest, with complimentary entry for children ages 5 and under.

Discovery Green is a draw for visitors year-round, but it feels especially magical during the holidays with the park illuminated with twinkling lights. Stock up on Christmas or Hanukkah gifts at the weekly holiday Flea by Night market, then wind down by gliding around the Green Mountain Energy ice-skating rink. Finish off the evening with a seasonal cocktail, like the pumpkin espresso martini or Woodford Reserve-fueled cinnamon whiskey sour, at the Grove. 

This interactive bar lives up to its imaginative reputation by getting into the Christmas spirit, with fun installations that serve as the perfect backdrop for selfies, bright lights, and plenty of drinks — whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year.

‘Tis the season for hot toddies, and Eloise Nichols is the place to partake. The Adair Family restaurant is featuring a dedicated holiday drink menu showcasing six seasonal cocktails for $10 each. Try the Four Roses Bourbon-fueled Eloise Hot Toddy, hot mulled wine, or the house nog. Visit Eloise Nichols’ daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and enjoy the drinks at the bargain price of $7.

Like Johnny’s Gold Brick, the Miracle holiday pop-up is in effect at Winnie’s through December 30. Unlike its Heights counterpart, which is taking reservations, the Mid Main bar is opening its seating up to walk-ins only, with sessions limited to 90 minutes. From wall to wall, the bar is furnished with holiday trimmings and its menu has been refreshed to include holiday-themed sandwiches, snacks, and cocktails.

In addition to its weekly lineup of events and specials, including its Wednesday drag competition, Grand Prize Bar is decked out in holiday decor that will make any outing of the week a more joyous occasion. Explore its two floors of cocktails and illuminated fun, including the upstairs area, which is ornate with Christmas trees and a pool table for some friendly competition.