Northern Kentucky bars are decking the halls and the drink menus with Christmas pop-ups, twinkling lights, heated igloos and festive cocktails.
Here are five festive NKY bars to check out this holiday season:
Galaxie, Covington
This holiday season, bar and dance spot Galaxie is hosting Miracle on Madison, an immersive Christmas-themed pop-up bar with original cocktails, over-the-top decorations, holiday-themed food, Christmas movies, karaoke and a merchandise lineup. The cocktail selection includes favorites like the Snowball Old Fashioned, Christmapolitan and the Jingle Bells Nog.
There are also non-alcoholic options like Snow Day Sipper, crafted with chocolate hazelnut and coconut syrup, coconut whipped cream and cacao dust and served hot. To eat, try the roast turkey, Swiss cheese and cranberry sliders; poutine; loaded fries and “Roast Beast” Wakatakas (flatbread tacos that Galaxie is famous for). The pop-up is open to all — no ticket required.
Galaxie is located at 815 Madison Ave., Covington.
Covington Yard, Covington
Food container park Covington Yard has turned into its Winter WonderYard for another season. Winter WonderYard aims to capture the nostalgia of Christmas, with sparkling Christmas lights, festive décor and holiday cheer.
Guests will be able to enjoy heated and covered seating, as well as a special menu of themed holiday cocktails, like the food park’s warming signature Hot Chocolate Flights, and food from El Jefe’s, Mad Anthony Pizza and Empanadas.
Covington Yard is located at 401 Greenup St., Covington.
Igloobar at Braxton Brewing Company, Covington and Union
This season, enjoyan ice-cold Braxton beer in a heated, comfy igloo. The private igloos are available to rent for $40, which includes two hours of seating for up to eight people. Sip on one of Braxton’s seasonal brews or try a holiday-themed cocktail. Each igloo comes with a heater, blankets, a table, and a Bluetooth speaker.
Igloobar is available at Braxton in Covington, 27 W 7th St, and Union, 8901 US-42.
Jerry’s Jug House, Newport
This Newport bar has the holidaze decor and Great Lakes’ Christmas Ale on tap. This year, they also have a special Malört Advent calendar, and the first customer of the day gets to open it.
Jerry’s Jug House is located at 414 E. Seventh St., Newport.
Three Spirits Tavern, Bellevue
This B-Line stop offers a festive holiday atmosphere and Christmas-time cocktails. Try a spiced chai hot toddy, Kentucky bourbon cream and coffee, or a crushed candy cane martini.
Three Spirits Tavern is located at 209 Fairfield Ave.
CityBeat contributed to this story.