‘Xmas Bar’ is a must-visit holiday pop-up in downtown St. Pete

Sleigh bells are ringing all over St. Pete this year. Christmas and holiday-themed pop-ups have become more popular than ever (you can see our full list here), and Xmas Bar St. Pete is one of the flashiest to open in the Burg, complete with its own “snow”-capped balcony looking over downtown.

Xmas Bar was actually the first pop-up of the season to begin welcoming guests, opening its doors at 260 1st Avenue North over the Thanksgiving holidays. Run by the same team behind Goodnight John Boy and Welcome To The Farm, Xmas Bar is a cheery and decadent delight that has transformed the bar on the second floor above Yard of Ale into a magical winter wonderland.

The entire space features three full bars (including one indoor/outdoor bar opening onto the balcony), as well as photo ops galore spread throughout the festive space. Housed on one of the city’s busiest blocks, Xmas Bar is open seven days a week, both for afternoon excursions and late-night partying. Operating hours are: Monday-Wednesday from 4-10 pm, Thursday and Friday from 4 pm – 3 am, Saturday from 1 pm – 3 am, and Sunday from 1 pm – midnight.

Of course, festive decor isn’t the only reason for a visit. Xmas Bar has a full lineup of yuletide cocktails and shots. Options include the Drunken Gingerbread, Here to Sleigh, and Santa’s Little Nightcap, among over a dozen more.

Forward Hospitality, the group behind Xmas Bar, has been leading the way in bringing more and more life to the Jannus Block. With anchor tenants like Mandarin Hide, Mary Margaret’s, Five Bucks and The Pelican (not mention the concert venue itself), the block has been a nightlife hub years. With the addition of Goodnight John Boy, Welcome To The Farm, and Xmas bar, Forward Hospitality is responsible for a significant increase in traffic this year, while bringing more themed concepts to the neighborhood.

While details have not yet been announced, Forward Hospitality says it has plans in the works for two more concepts on the block, as well as a new theme taking over Xmas Bar after the holiday season. Follow Xmas Bar on instagram to see more.