SD’s adult holiday guide 2025: Pop-ups, private dining & festive experiences

You’ve taken the kids to see the holiday lights, survived the snow sledding, and logged enough family time to last through January — now it’s time for some grown-up holiday magic.

San Diego may not get snow, but the city comes alive each season with festive lights, immersive pop-ups, rooftop cocktails, and culinary experiences made for adults who want to celebrate in style. From cozy neighborhood bars to skyline views, multi-sensory dinners, and holiday-themed environments, here’s a curated guide to the city’s top adult-friendly holiday happenings.

Pop-ups to Explore

For anyone looking for a festive, adults-only escape, San Diego’s bar scene is overflowing with seasonal takeovers, themed lounges, and spirited holiday pop-ups. Here are some of the newest and most popular spots serving up holiday cheer this year.

The Great Dickens Holiday Pop-Up, Duck Dive, Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach’s Duck Dive transforms into a winter wonderland for its annual Great Dickens Holiday Pop-Up, opening Friday, Nov. 28. Guests are invited into a festive, immersive space where holiday cocktails steal the spotlight. Signature drinks include the bright Berry Christmas, Everyone! (vodka, elderflower liqueur, blueberry cordial, lime juice, Coco Lopez), the cozy Scrooged (red wine, blood orange aperitif, mulling spices), and the shareable The Great Dickens Santa punch bowl for four (vodka, apple cider, lemon juice). Beyond the drinks, the venue is decorated to evoke Dickensian holiday charm, creating a memorable seasonal experience for friends or groups.

Details: Duck Dive, 4656 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach.
Notes: Reservations encouraged.

Brisa, Little Italy

Brisa introduces its first holiday transformation with Santa’s Cabana, shifting the Tulum-inspired bar into a warm hideaway filled with soft lighting, seasonal accents, and festive cocktails alongside nonalcoholic options.

Details: Brisa, 2228 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy.
Notes: Walk-ins welcome; best for small groups.

InsideOUT, Hillcrest

InsideOUT refreshes its holiday takeover with new lighting and seasonal cocktails served around its courtyard reflecting pool, creating a lively open-air winter retreat.

Details: InsideOUT, 1642 University Ave., Hillcrest.
Notes: Reservations encouraged for evenings and weekends.

Behind the Curtain: A Wicked Pop-Up Bar, Draft Republic

Draft Republic has transformed its North City location into a Wicked-themed speakeasy filled with Emerald City touches and a playful holiday menu. Expect Oz-inspired cocktails like the Sorcery Sling, Popular Pink Punch, OZ Dust Margarita, and OZmopolitan, plus spirit-free options including the Swankified Mocktail and Galinda’s Juice. The kitchen is serving themed dishes such as Wicked Wings, Popular Pink Pasta, The Salad of Oz, and the Bad Witch Smash Burger.

Details: Draft Republic North City, 255 Redel Road, San Marcos.
Monday–Friday 4 p.m.–close; Saturday–Sunday 11:30 a.m. to close.
Closed: Saturday, Nov. 22, for a private event.
Admission: First-come, first-served; limited capacity.

Fort Oak, Mission Hills

Fort Oak revives its wintertime Snowed In concept, bringing a snow-globe feel to its bar area with cozy décor and a lineup of holiday cocktails.

Details: Fort Oak, 1011 Fort Stockton Drive, Mission Hills.
Notes: Bar seating available; reservations recommended for dining.

Draft, Belmont Park

Draft transforms into a Winter Wonderland with themed décor and seasonal beverages, set against its beachfront backdrop inside Belmont Park.

Details: Draft, 3103 Cannon Road, Belmont Park, Mission Beach.
Notes: Family-friendly during the day; 21+ atmosphere later in the evening.

Molly’s, Mission Beach

Molly’s rolls out its Jingle Bar makeover with holiday lights and a cheerful cocktail list set steps from the beach.

Details: Molly’s, 2216 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach.
Notes: Walk-in friendly; limited indoor seating.

Miracle Pop-Up – Botanica Bar, (North Park) & Coaster Saloon (Mission Beach)

The nationwide Miracle holiday bar returns with its signature kitschy décor and themed cocktails, appearing at two San Diego locations this year:

Details:
• Botanica Bar, 3105 University Ave., North Park.
• Coaster Saloon, 744 Ventura Place, Mission Beach.
Notes: No reservations; expect high demand during peak hours.

Grass Skirt, Tiki Bar and Speakeasy, Pacific Beach

Grass Skirt hosts the tiki-themed Sippin’ Santa pop-up, delivering tropical holiday cocktails in a fully decked-out island atmosphere.

Details: Grass Skirt, 910 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach.
Notes: Reservations strongly recommended.

Mothership, South Park

Mothership launches its annual “Lost On Holiday” takeover, turning its sci-fi-themed bar into a festive escape with creative lighting and seasonal cocktails.

Details: Mothership, 2310 30th St., South Park.
Notes: No reservations; expect a wait during peak hours.

Holiday High Tea Series, La Jolla

Details: La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla
DAMMANN Frères teas, house-made scones, tea sandwiches, pastries, and a welcome glass of bubbly. Ten percent of proceeds benefit Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego.
Reservations: OpenTable

Dancing, Nightclubs

Parq Nightclub, Gaslamp Quarter

Parq unveils Santa’s Lair, a holiday-themed nightclub environment with immersive décor and seasonal cocktails layered into its multi-room layout.

Details: Parq Nightclub, 615 Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter.
Notes: Bottle service reservations available; dress code enforced.

Good Night, John Boy, Downtown

Good Night John Boy spins a disco-inspired Christmas takeover with glittering lights, throwback music, and holiday cocktails built for dancing.

Details: Good Night John Boy, 548 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter.
Notes: Reservations available for groups.

F6ix Hip-Hop Nightclub, Gaslamp Quarter

F6ix brings a club-forward twist to the holidays with a Holly Jolly pop-up filled with bold décor and festive specialty drinks.

Details: F6ix, 526 F St., Gaslamp Quarter.
Notes: 21+; check website for themed nights.

Dining Options

The area has some great dining out options if you’re too tired to cook and clean up afterward.

Communion, Mission Hills

Perched high in Mission Hills, Communion offers panoramic skyline and coastal views perfect for private holiday celebrations. The restaurant’s modern, refined aesthetic is complemented by cuisine designed to impress,

Details: 901 W Washington St., Suite 801, Mission Hills.
Notes: Reservations recommended for private dining.

Giardino & Zest – Lemon Grove

In Lemon Grove, Giardino & Zest brings warm Italian-inspired charm for intimate or neighborhood-style holiday gatherings. Indoor and outdoor spaces accommodate various group sizes, while the adjacent Zest Wine Bar transforms into a cozy venue with a heated patio and extensive wine list.

Details: Giardino Neighborhood Cucina, 8129 Broadway, Lemon Grove.
Notes: Private bookings encouraged; photos and menu highlights recommended.

Barbusa, Little Italy

Barbusa launches a holiday-inspired cocktail menu perfect for festive gatherings. Seasonal highlights include Passion of Etna (Amaras Verdes mezcal, Aperol, passionfruit, lime), Fragola Negroni, and Amalfi Rush, complementing the restaurant’s authentic Sicilian cuisine.

Details: Barbusa, 535 India St., San Diego.

Hotels

Visit one of the area’s hotels for a special dining experience, holiday special, or stay over to rest up.

Marzul, Gaylord Pacific Resort

Marzul Coastal Cuisine at Gaylord Pacific Resort offers Baja-inspired holiday dining with coastal views under Executive Chef Joshua Mouzakes. Signature dishes include a 20-oz shareable Lamb Shank with birria sauce, Black Seabream grilled with locally foraged ingredients, Oysters Michelada, and Pork Belly Pibil with pineapple salsa.

Details: Gaylord Pacific Resort, 7100 Pacific Coast Hwy, Carlsbad.
When: Fridays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Notes: Reservations recommended.

Le Petit Chef & Friends at the Hilton Gaslamp offers an internationally acclaimed 3D dining experience where animated chefs appear on each table via projection mapping. Diners are taken on a whimsical, story-driven journey of global flavors, each course perfectly synchronized to the narrative. Vegetarian and children’s menu options are available.

The Hilton also offers a Winter Wonderland-themed guest room, complete with a Christmas tree, candlelight ambiance, in-room hot cocoa and coffee cart, and playful “Rabbitville”-inspired décor for an elevated holiday staycation.

Details: At Hilton Gaslamp, 401 K St., San Diego.

Borrego Rooftop Kitchen at Hotel Indigo provides firepit seating and panoramic skyline views with a “Holiday Cheers” package.

Details: Borrego Rooftop Kitchen at Hotel Indigo, 509 9th Ave., San Diego.

California Christmas at The Lafayette Hotel

The Lafayette Hotel goes all-in on the holidays with a lobby fully decked in floor-to-ceiling décor and a lineup of festive experiences running through the new year. A Holiday Tea Service is offered Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m., featuring tea and small bites for $65 per guest. Evenings bring Christmas carolers performing on the front steps of the colonial-style property, and on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 to 10 p.m., Night Moves Santa holds court in the lobby for holiday wishes and photo moments.

At Beginner’s Diner at the hotel, guests can settle in with a nostalgic Holiday Platter of slow-roasted turkey breast, braised turkey thigh, sweet potato pave, stuffing, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and a Parker House roll. The Lobby Bar offers a seasonal cocktail menu that includes a Hot Toddy with chai and warming spices, a tropical holiday tiki drink with aged rum and citrus, and a lightly fruited Old Fashioned with bourbon, cognac, fig, and crème de cacao. The signature Lafayette Eggnog is also available through room service as a nonalcoholic base that guests can spike with rum from the in-room minibar, served in a Santa mug with notes of vanilla, caramel, and baking spice.

Details: The Lafayette Hotel San Diego
When: November through December, specific dates vary by venue.
Notes: Reservations recommended where possible.

Hell’s Kitchen at Harrah’s Resort SoCal Mission Valley

For an elevated holiday night out, Hell’s Kitchen at Harrah’s Resort SoCal offers private dining with curated holiday menus featuring signature Gordon Ramsay favorites like Beef Wellington, Crispy Skin Salmon, and Sticky Toffee Pudding. Groups can choose between the Dinner Menu (Caesar Salad, Filet Mignon or Salmon, and dessert) or the Premiere Dinner Menu, which adds options like a Golden Beet Salad and the iconic Beef Wellington.

In December, the restaurant also hosts its Sinful Sunsets Happy Hour on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring $10 cocktails (Eighteen Stars, Forbidden Apple, Ramsay’s Rage) and $18 appetizers, including Lobster Arancini, Tuna Tartare Tacos, and Short Rib & Chorizo Croquettes.

Details: Hell’s Kitchen at Harrah’s Resort SoCal, 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Funner (Valley Center).

Holiday Gondola Cruises, Cruises

Set to the seas after the kiddies tired you out with a gondola ride through the Coronado Cays or a cruise aboard the Jingle Belle Cruise.

Gondola rides, Coronado Cays

The Gondola Co. offers a limited run of Holiday Gondola Cruises through the Coronado Cays from Dec. 3 to 23. The decorated gondolas glide through the canals with holiday music, blankets, and festive glassware, creating a quiet, romantic way to experience the season on the water. Guests can bring their own wine with complimentary corkage, and pricing starts at $129 for two.

Details: Gondola Co., 503 Grand Caribe Causeway, Suite C, Coronado; phone/contact: (619) 429-6317.

Jingle Belle Cruise, Mission Bay

The Jingle Belle Cruise returns to Mission Bay with a festive lineup that blends classic holiday charm with waterfront views. Guests can enjoy live Christmas carolers, a cash bar offering fresh-baked cookies and seasonal drinks, and a visit with Santa for memorable photo opportunities. If you haven’t had enough family time, Children can take part in hands-on holiday crafts while adults relax and enjoy the floating celebration. A portion of the proceeds supports Mama’s Kitchen, which provides medically tailored meals to San Diegans affected by critical illness.

Details: Mission Bay, departing from the Bahia Resort Hotel.
When: Dec. 20, 22, 23 & 24 at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $45 per person
Notes: Family-friendly; early booking encouraged due to limited sailings

For the Singles Crowd

Lei’d Back Singles Mixer, Mission Beach

Caribbean-inspired Miss B’s Coconut Club in Mission Beach hosts the Lei’d Back singles mixer on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 6–8 p.m. in partnership with Mocktail & Mingle and Volo Sports. Designed for the sober-curious and wellness-focused crowd, the evening features handcrafted mocktails and light icebreaker games aimed at sparking easy, meaningful connections. Tickets are $20 (plus fee) and available online.

Details: Miss B’s Coconut Club, 3704 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach.

As the season unfolds, San Diego offers no shortage of ways for adults to celebrate—whether you’re sipping your way through holiday pop-ups, booking a festive dinner, or taking in the city’s skyline from a rooftop lounge. From nostalgic traditions to new immersive experiences, each venue brings its own twist to the holidays, giving you plenty of reasons to revel in the spirit all month long.