Snuggle up with some holiday cheer as OnMilwaukee shares stories of everything merry and bright in the spirit of the season.
The OnMilwaukee Ho Ho Holiday Guide is brought to you by Educators Credit Union, Harley-Davidson Museum and MolsonCoors.
If you visit one of these holiday-themed pop-ups, your night won't be silent, but it'll definitely be festive.
Here are seven temporary Christmas installations inside area bars, many of which are open through the New Year.
1. Elf
Lost Whale
2151 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
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Calling all Cotton-headed Ninny Muggins! Fans of the film "Elf" must pop in for a Son of a Nutcracker and to check out the sweet decorations, including hand-cut snowflakes, tinsel galore and a model train hanging from the ceiling. This pop-up runs through New Year's Eve.
2. Magic at Moran’s
Moran’s Pub
912 Milwaukee Ave., South Milwaukee
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Enjoy a very Harry Potter-esque Christmas at Moran’s. Check out the "Magical Pop-up" tree garden designed by local families and enjoy libations like The Snowy Owl and an alcoholic Butterbeer while surrounded by wizard-y decor. This magical pop-up runs through New Year's Eve. Go here for more information about specific events.
3. Magic Forest
At Random, 2501 S. Delaware Ave.
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This enchanted, outdoor patio experience includes an array of festive cocktails both hot and cold. Guests can hang out by the fire for free or rent a heated enclosure. Kids welcome with their parents until 7 p.m. Open through the New Year. Go here for more info.
4. Mary Christmas Bar
Hunty's Social Club/Hamburger Mary's
734 S. 5th St.
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Hunty’s is a Christmas wonderland of vintage and kitschy decor. The drink menu includes a variety of fun options like the Cranberry Sauce’d, the Frostini, mulled spiced wine, spiked hot chocolate and more. Mary-oke takes place Thursday and Friday evenings. If you're lucky, a drag queen or two may pop over from Hamburger Mary’s on other nights, too. Mary Christmas Bar is open through mid-January. Go here for more details.
5. Miracle Christmas
Tin Widow
703 S. Second St.
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Tin Widow is one of 100+ bars participating in the official Miracle Bar experience. This year's signature cocktails include Grandma Got Runover by A T-Rex and Snowball Old Fashioned. Runs through Christmas evening.
6. Santa Camp
Camp Bar
Third Ward, Shorewood and Wauwatosa
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This is the first year that all three Camp Bar locations are decorated to the nines for Christmas. The cocktail menu features seasonal libations including ice cream drinks like The Grinch, a green-hued cocktail made with all the creams: Crème de menthe, Creme de Cacao, ice cream and whipped cream. Non-alcoholic ciders and cocoa are also available, along with St. Nick noshes like stuffed tater tots, giant pretzels and pizzas. Open through the New Year. Go here for more info.
7. SantaFox
SlyFox, 1692. N. Van Buren Ave.
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If Santa had a watering hole, this would be it. The lounge is decked out in Christmas decorations and mixing up a “Cranpus” cocktail made with cranberry juice, booze-infused eggnog along with a half dozen more. SantaFox runs through Saturday, Dec. 24.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
