Your Guide to Richmond's Holiday Pop-Up Scene
BY THE RVAX TEAM
If you’ve ever wanted to sit down smackdab in the middle of a snow globe while you enjoy the four main food groups of elves, the holiday restaurant and bar scene in Richmond is pretty much like that — only better. Let our roundup of Hallmark-y spaces and places be your guide around the city this merry season as you “deck them halls and all that stuff.”
First, a few of our fave mainstays
Image Source: Birdie’s Bar & Cafe
Birdie’s Bar & Cafe
If you’re dreaming of snowy slopes, warm drinks, and all things festive, head to The Evergreen at Birdie’s. The pop-up features a specialty cocktail catalog with hot and cold options, a space packed to the gills with decor, and all the magic that comes this time of year. Plus, you can enjoy their regular food menu of oysters, seafood, small plates, and desserts.
Location: 305 W Broad St (Downtown)
>> Learn more <<
Image Source: @jasperbarrva
The Jasper
As one of the original festive pop-ups in the city, Miracle on Cary holds a special place in our hearts, with details like its collage-wall of Santa pics, seasonal cocktails, and then some. After all, The Jasper is one of the best watering holes in all of Richmond, so you can feel confident the spirits will be more than bright when you’re here this holiday season.
Location: 3113 W Cary St (Carytown)
>> Learn more <<
Image Source: @sippinsantarva
The Emerald Lounge
”Tropical winter wonderland” may be one of our favorite motifs, and that’s exactly what you get at The Emerald Lounge’s Sippin’ Santa pop-up. Think: twinkly lights, tinsel, and cocktails in a Santa merman glass. ‘Tis the damn sea-sun, indeed.
Location: 2416 Jefferson Ave C1 (Church Hill)
>> Learn more <<
Image Source: Cirrus Vodka
Cirrus Vodka
Cirrus Vodka is a perfectly intimate space to enjoy a cocktail to begin with, but around this time of year, the spot really gets our hearts ring-tingle-tingling, too, with Santa’s Cocktail Shop. Bask in the glowy lights that deck its halls, and sip on cleverly named festive c/mocktails, such as Silent Nightcap and Designated Sleigh Driver.
Location: 1320 Summit Ave Suite F (Scott’s Addition)
>> Learn more <<
Image Source: Brambly Park
Brambly Park
Brambly Park’s Christmas in a Yurt situation is a cold-weather must-try. The spot’s upped the ante of its typical yurt offering for the holidays with a perfectly decorated Christmas tree, a cheerful Santa to greet you at the door, mistletoe, and festive cocktails to boot. Book one with your special someones and enjoy that at-home feel while you’re out on the town.
Location: 1708 Belleville St (Scott’s Addition)
>> Learn more <<
Image Source: Bar West
Bar West
Bar West gets into the spirit with The West Pole, its pop-up featuring decorations on decorations, visits from Santa, seasonal specials, and festive drinks.
Location: 5811 Grove Ave (Westhampton)
>> Learn more <<
But there’s way more where that came from
1870 Restaurant & Bar
When you need a little extra ~joie~ with your food and drink, head here. The newer, French-inspired seafood and steak house has decked out its historical Virginia digs with plenty to feast your eyes on while you feast-feast, too.
Location: 13310 Midlothian Tpke (Midlothian)
>> Learn more <<
Beaucoup
Now, if you’re going for European vibes in Richmond proper, it’s Noël you’re looking for. Beacoup pulls out the live greenery and lights galore (plus a li’l choo-choo train riding all around!) and accompanies them with kindafrenchkindagerman region-inspired food and drinks.
Location: 111 N Robinson St (The Fan)
>> Learn more <<
Bingo Beer Co
Go to Bingo’s heated Winter Wonderland tent to stay warm within an explosion of decor, and order up a Christmas Stout while you’re at it.
Location: 2900 W Broad St (Scott’s Addition)
>> Learn more <<
Black Lodge
Black Lodge is bringing the fun and (reindeer) games again this season with Now That’s What I Call Christmas!, highlighting nostalgia-y drinks (see: last year’s Sleigh Ya! Outkast), hot dogs, caviar, and super-cute-and-cozy decor.
Location: 3200 Rockbridge St #101 (Scott’s Addition)
>> Learn more <<
Cameo Cakery & Cafe
If you’re craving something especially sweet with your holiday spirit, Cameo Cakery & Cafe can def help. The spot’s got massive nutcrackers, Christmas trees, candy cane stripes, gingerbread men, plus a festive menu of treats that’s the literal icing on top of it all.
Location: 306 Libbie Ave (Westhampton)
>> Learn more <<
Fall Line Kitchen & Bar
The cozy igloos for a chic dining experience are just the half of it here. The Fall Line Express promises a backdrop of lots of wintry decorations inside the restaurant for those of you who want to post up there for your eats and specialty cups of cheer.
Location: 500 E Broad St (Downtown)
>> Learn more <<
Game Plan Kitchen & Bar
If we learned anything from Game Plan’s Halloween pop-up, it’s that the spot will be looking just as cutie for the holidays. Frosted Lodge promises to send Christmas completely off the rails with next-level holiday cocktails, cozy comfort food, wild decorations, meet-and-greets with Santa, surprise run-ins with the Grinch, and a vibe that absolutely no other pop-up in town is touching.
Location: 101 Heaths Way Rd (Midlothian)
>> Learn more <<
Hardywood Park Craft & Brewery
The Gingerbread Saloon plans for exclusive cocktails (and Hardywood beer!) plus eats, alongside festive and warm holiday decor.
Location: 2410 Ownby Ln (Scott’s Addition)
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Helen’s Restaurant & Bar
While this one isn’t necessarily an official pop-up, we’d be remiss not to mention Helen’s as a solid spot to get seriously lit this season. Their over-the-top decorations will instantly get you into the spirit, and since it’s Helen’s, you know the crowd will be fun, the drinks will be good, and you’ll need to make your way back in the morning to help cure your hangover — for real, their brunch is 10/10.
Location: 2527 W Main St (The Fan)
>> Learn more <<
Hotel Greene
This highfalutin miniature golf course inside an old hotel has transformed part of its space into a 1920s ski lodge vibe with the Chalet Table, complete with detail-oriented decor, a festive cocktail menu, and small bites that will transport you slope-side. Dress your après-ski best and round up the crew to tee off in style.
Location: 508 E Franklin St (Downtown)
>> Learn more <<
Julep’s
Featuring a warm, sparkling Southern winter escape filled with festive cocktails, seasonal dishes, and holiday hospitality, you’re sure to feel right at home at Julep’s Make Spirits Bright pop-up.
Location: 420 E Grace St (Downtown)
>> Learn more <<
MOSAIC Restaurant
Look for over-the-top decorations, boozy hot chocolate, and lots more at Mosaic’s first-ever holiday extravaganza.
Location: 6229-A River Rd (Near West End)
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Reservoir Distillery
Under the Christmas Tree is back this year with twinkling lights, festive cocktails, and plenty of whiskey cheer to keep spirits bright.
Location: 1800A Summit Ave (Scott’s Addition)
>> Learn more <<
Scotty’s Taphouse
Scotty’s is transforming its space with all things merry. Look for cozy vibes to go with your duckpin bowling and arcade gaming here.
Location: 1304 Mactavish Ave (Scott’s Addition)
>> Learn more <<
Solaire Rooftop
Take your holiday happenings sky high and Jingle Up at Solaire, where you’ll find Mistletoe Mules, gorg decor, and stunning city views (as always).
Location: 700 E Main St 20th Floor (Downtown)
>> Learn more <<
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