Richmond’s downtown dining scene gets an extra dash of holiday magic this year with 16 festive food and drink pop-ups. Perfect for date nights, catching up with friends, or an extra-festive night out, these holiday popups bring a little extra sprinkle of cheer to the season.
Sip, savor, and celebrate as you make your way through the best holiday-inspired eats and drinks in downtown Richmond!
Ring in the holiday season with a festive drink in hand under the twinkling lights and tinsel at downtown Richmond's longest-running Christmas themed bar. Alongside all the holiday cheer and Yuletide magic, The Evergreen offers a warm and cold specialty cocktail menu and all of Birdie's tried-and-true menu items! This year delivers even more decorations, plus a dozen festive cocktails.
The Richmond holiday tradition, The Jefferson Hotel transforms into an immersive display of lights, ornaments, and historic elegance. Stroll through its opulent lobbies and marvel at the towering 30-foot Christmas tree, a perfect backdrop for your holiday memories. No matter if you’re a local looking to soak up the festive spirit or a visitor searching for the quintessential Richmond holiday experience, The Jefferson Hotel offers an escape into the season’s beauty and must be on your list.
Plan to take a lot in. The display includes hundreds of poinsettias, thousands of twinkle lights, yards of garland, dozens of wreaths, and over 20 smaller trees throughout the hotel. At its heart, a 30-foot Rotunda Christmas tree sparkles with oversized ornaments, bows, and countless twinkle lights.
The holiday spirit comes alive in full-force at Quirk Hotel Richmond, where their enchanting pink light displays offer an experience like no other. Stop by for a holiday photo-op under the signature pink tree or grab a drink from the resident pop-up taking over the coffee bar.
Check out the attached Quirk Gallery + Shop to cross some names off your holiday wish list.
The Tobacco Company Restaurant
Indulge in a tried-and-true holiday dining experience at The Tobacco Company Restaurant, where decorations have set the stage for a memorable meal for decades. Enjoy classic dishes amid twinkling lights, garlands, and a warm festive atmosphere perfect for celebrating the season.
Don’t miss this fun reservation-free holiday experience this season! Grab the gang and head to Winterfreuden Apres Ski Chalet for a night of mini-golf, apps, drinks from the Lobby Bar, and tons of festive fun! Hit up the Christmas bar before your round, or just swing by and enjoy the decor and live music on select dates. You can even take your drink on the course with you!
All aboard the Fall Line Express! Enjoy a relaxed, festive atmosphere with holiday-themed cocktails and seasonal bites that carry the spirit of the pop-up throughout the day. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or brunch, then come back for dinner to try their exclusive dishes and nightly specialty cocktails.
This holiday season, Julep’s New Southern Cuisine transforms into Grace Street’s newest festive pop-up, Make Spirits Bright. The restaurant leans into the season with cozy décor, creative holiday cocktails, and a Southern-inspired menu that feels right at home this time of year.
Seasons Restaurant introduces Seasons’ Greetings for the holidays, bringing together cozy décor, seasonal cocktails, and a menu of bites that carry the theme throughout the space. It’s the kind of spot where you can settle in for a relaxed dinner, grab a drink before a downtown event, or escape the holiday rush for a quieter yet festive evening.
Find specialty espresso martinis, hot cider & cocoa, coffee, and sweet treats at the Quirk Cafe Pop Up Bar, Sugar Plum Tini! As the pop up occurs in the lobby, seating in the lounge areas will be first come first serve.
Cocktail Suggestion: One of four specialty espresso martinis
Tips:
Get there early to grab a seat or take your drink and enjoy it in the Quirk Gallery + Shop!
Tinsel & Tequila
Grab your closest amigos and head to Casa del Barco's Tinsel & Tequila for an extra helping of winter cheer! Located along the Riverfront Canal Walk, this year’s Christmas pop-up transforms the tequileria into a winter wonderland, complete with dazzling holiday decor and a lineup of curated cocktails.
Tarrant’s goes all in for the holidays with Tis the Season, a festive pop-up that fills the historic space from top to bottom with winter decorations and a cozy atmosphere. Expect seasonal cocktails, espresso martini flights, fresh-baked cookies, and holiday food specials that make it an easy pick for groups, office gatherings, or a casual night out with friends.
Yuletide, the festive pop-up within Bar Session, brings holiday magic to downtown's oyster bar, Rappahannock. Known for its cozy vibe and creative seasonal cocktails, last year’s menu delighted visitors with unique holiday-inspired sips that perfectly complemented the restaurant’s fresh, coastal flavors.
Make Spirits Bright at Julep's New Southern Cuisine
Igloos and Outdoor
Fall Line Igloo Dining
Cozy up in style this holiday season with Fall Line Kitchen and Bar’s fully heated dining igloos, perfect for groups of up to six. Enjoy their seasonal menu and craft cocktails as you bask in the glow of City Center from your private retreat. Reservations are highly recommended for this 2-hour downtown dining experience.
Jingle on up to Solaire, Richmond’s tallest rooftop bar, for one of downtown’s newest holiday pop-ups. With sweeping skyline views, festive décor, and a lineup of seasonal cocktails, it’s a fun way to take in the city from above. It’s an easy pick for groups looking to start the night with something a little different.
Even with heaters outside, it can get chilly. Bundle up!
The indoor/outdoor space offers something for everyone.
The Juan Who Stole Christmas
Escape into a winter wonderland atop an Arts District rooftop with Juan's Rooftop & Cantina's fully heated dining igloos, offering a festive dining experience perfect for groups of up to eight. Reservations are highly recommended for this 120-minute downtown dining experience.
Check for igloo policies before you book; $50 reservation fee is required, with a $150 minimum spend on food and drinks.
Rum & Reindeer
Christmas in Richmond, VA just got more jolly with the return of Rum & Reindeer at Island Shrimp Co.! Stop by the Rocketts Landing seafood eatery for a new line up of cocktails and snacks and tons of decorations. Whether you’re gathering with friends or family, the festive vibes and outdoor igloo dining offer a holiday experience you won’t want to miss!
Where to see Holiday Lights in Richmond, VA Each Holiday season, Richmond transforms into a wonderland of lights…
Author
Hunter Bonniwell
Hunter Bonniwell is Venture Richmond's Marketing and Communications Manager. A VCU alum and downtown resident of seven years, he combines his professional role with a genuine passion for the city. His work highlights the people, businesses, and events that make Richmond thrive.
