By Matt Mueller Culture Editor Published Nov 18, 2019 at 10:00 AM

Snuggle up with some holiday cheer as OnMilwaukee shares stories of everything merry and bright in the spirit of the season.

Brought to you by Noel Indoor Light Park & Christmas Market and MillerCoors

Two weeks ago, we got news even more exciting than Santa coming to town (the real one, not that imposter who sits on a throne of lies): Splash Studio will turn into an "Elf"-inspired holiday pop-up bar. And today, we got the best possible update on "Elf Studio": It's actually opening up sooner than expected, bumped up to Saturday, Nov. 23 as opposed to its previous debut, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 29.

Splash Studio helped make the announcement yesterday with a video posted to Facebook, starring Buddy the Elf exploring the city before ending up at Splash Studio to get to work.

Hosted at the painting bar found at 1815 E. Kenilworth Pl., "Elf Studio" will feature Christmas-themed art projects, photo ops called "elfie stations," eccentric holiday decorations, tasty snacks and a menu of "Elf"-inspired cocktails including the "He's an Angry Elf," "World's Best Coffee," "Beer and a Buddy" specials and shots with buddy every Friday and Saturday night at 10:30 p.m. In addition to its regular seasonal fun, "Elf Studio" will also host a few special events – from a beef and cheese after party on Dec. 7 after the Santa Rampage to two sing-along fundraisers with First Stage Children's Theater on Sunday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 14.

"Elf Studio" will open Mondays through Thursdays from 4-11 p.m., Fridays from 4 p.m. until midnight, Saturdays from 10 a.m. until midnight and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., with extended hours planned for Monday, Dec. 23. Children with a parent or guardian are welcome at all times – save for Fridays and Saturdays after 5 p.m., when only those 16 and older are allowed. Reservations are not available, but guests can call ahead to be placed on the waiting list for a project space. 

For more information, visit the "Elf Studio" website.

Matt Mueller Culture Editor

As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.

When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.