Forget stale office parties; the only way to celebrate the holidays in DC is by diving headfirst into a fantastical, themed pop-up bar. This season, the city is giving two incredible, high-concept options. Whether you prefer playful nostalgia with a “naughty” twist or a full 360-degree digital immersion, DC’s holiday drinking scene has you covered.
Step Inside: Snowglow at The Dome at Hi-Lawn
For a different kind of winter escape, head to the rooftop at Union Market for Snowglow at The Dome, returning to Hi-Lawn. This bar is less about elves and more about an ambitious, immersive visual spectacle. Running now through Jan. 4, The Dome transforms Hi-Lawn’s 50-foot spherical tent into a giant, heated snow globe.
The defining feature is the 360-degree projection experience designed by award-winning digital artist Laura Alice. Inside, you’ll be surrounded by animated winter scenes—swirling snow, auroras, frosted forests, and shimmering ice crystals—making you feel like you’ve been transported to a cinematic winter wonderland.
The food and beverage programs take inspiration from fancy neighborhood holiday parties of decades past. You can warm up with hot applejack toddies (also available non-alcoholic) or indulge in creative punches like spiced eggnog and tropical Swedish punsch. The menu features shareable, elevated comfort food like Alpine fondue, wagyu party meatballs, and rum balls.
Tickets typically include a 90-minute reserved seating slot inside the dome to take in the visual show, but the adjacent Snowglow Lounge is open to the public for walk-ins and features the same festive menu. Snowglow is located at 1309 5th St. NE.
Whether you’re looking for playful elfin fun or a high-tech visual journey, these two D.C. pop-ups are the perfect venues to make your holiday season memorable.
Naughty or Nice: Cheers from the Shelf at Morris American Bar
Morris American Bar is making Christmas mischief official this year by hosting the nation’s first-ever official The Elf on the Shelf pop-up bar, Cheers from the Shelf. This unique experience, running Dec. 5 to 30, transforms the stylish craft-cocktail lounge into a whimsical North Pole dreamland perfect for holiday-lovers who grew up with the Scout elves.
Upon entering the bar at 1020 Seventh St. NW, you’ll find the space re-envisioned as an elf cityscape, where dozens of mischievous Scout elves observe guests from every corner. The immersive decor includes a fun “Shrinking Tunnel” photo op and, upstairs, a stunning replica of the Northern Lights, illuminated by violet, emerald, and blue washes. A 3D projection even offers a “window” view out onto a snowy North Pole scene.
The cocktail menu embraces the spirit of the season, splitting into two distinct lists: The Naughty Menu, featuring fiery, smoked, and spiced cocktails like the Coal Fashioned, a smoky take on the classic Old Fashioned finished with a “coal” garnish; and The Nice Menu, offering cool, crisp drinks like the frosty Nice-Tini (complete with a crushed candy cane rim) and the A Glowing Report spritz.
Need a bite? The food menu leans into comforting nostalgia, featuring elevated favorites like Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup and a delightful Cookies and Milk Flight. While the bar is strictly 21-plus after 5 p.m., they offer family-friendly hours on Saturdays and Sundays (noon to 5 p.m.) with a special hot chocolate “workshop.” Reservations are highly recommended.
