The Ultimate Christmas Crawl: Richmond & Midlothian’s Best Holiday Pop-Up Bars 2025

Why the Holiday Pop-Up Bar Scene in Richmond Is One to Visit

There’s no mistaking it: the Richmond area has fully embraced the winter wonderland vibes. Dozens of holiday-themed bars and pop-ups open each year in the RVA metro area. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill cocktail bars — they’re fully decked out with décor, themed drinks, and a festive atmosphere.

Richmond Area Highlights

Miracle on Cary at The Jasper (Carytown)

Located inside The Jasper in Carytown, this pop-up is a standout. Reservations are required, and in past years the time slots (5pm, 7:15pm, 9:30pm, 11:45pm on weekends) book up within minutes. The deposit is often significant (e.g., $300 toward your tab).

What to expect: immersive Christmas décor everywhere—from garlands and ornaments to “Snow Globe” photo settings. The cocktail menu leans heavily into the holiday theme, and the vibe is festive and a bit upscale.
Insider tip: Book early, arrive at the start of your time slot to maximize your two-hour limit, and be ready for a lively crowd.

The Evergreen at Birdie’s

This pop-up transforms local favorite Birdie’s into a winter escape. According to coverage, it typically opens mid-November and runs into January.

Why go: A slightly more relaxed atmosphere than the busiest hotspots, making it a good choice for a fun evening without as intense a reservation scramble.
Tip: Check if they're doing special food pairings or holiday bites in addition to cocktails — these events often include extras.

Santa’s Cocktail Shop at Cirrus Vodka

Hosted at Cirrus Vodka Tasting Room, this is another immersive holiday bar with a strong theme. It features Cirrus-made holiday cocktails and festive décor.

Good for: Those who want to combine craft spirits tasting with holiday ambience.
Heads-up: Because it’s an experience tied to a distillery or tasting space, there may be limited availability—book ahead if possible.

Midlothian & Chesterfield Area

The Winter Wonderland at NAPA Kitchen & Wine (Chesterfield/Midlothian vicinity)

Just outside Richmond in Chesterfield, this spot represents one of the accessible holiday pop-ups near Midlothian. The event at NAPA Kitchen + Wine has run since mid-November.

Why this is great for Midlothian residents and clients: Fewer crowds than central Richmond, easier parking, and a cozy holiday feel.
Pro tip: Consider making this your early stop on the crawl before heading into Richmond proper for the more “buzzed” venues.

Planning Your Christmas Crawl

Reservations: Many of these pop-ups require or strongly recommend reservations—especially the downtown ones like Miracle on Cary.
Time management: Block out 90-120 minutes per venue to enjoy the décor, cocktails, and photos without rushing.
Dress the part: Ugly Christmas sweaters, festive accessories, and photo-ready looks enhance the experience. One Reddit commenter noted how much the decor adds to the vibe.
Transportation: Consider rideshare if you plan to hit multiple venues, especially if you start early and move toward downtown Richmond.
Holiday spirit: These bars are about more than drinks—they’re about immersive fun, unique photo ops, and making memories. Encourage your audience on your postcard/blog to capture the moments for Instagram or the group’s Facebook page.