If you’re in Cleveland and looking for nightlife, The Flats is the place to go. This redeveloped area on the banks of the Cuyahoga River is home to restaurants, shops, clubs, and a Christmas pop-up, XMAS Bar. The inside of XMAS Bar is completely decked out with Christmas decor. The bar stools are topped with Santa hats, red and green lights are strung across the ceiling, and Christmas trees inhabit every corner.
Along with the amazing holiday decor are of course, holiday themed drinks. While regular and well-known brands of liquor and beer are offered, their specialty holiday cocktail menu has many savory and sweet must try drinks. Here are some highlights:
Jingle Juice: Cinnamon infused Tito’s Handmade Vodka, sweet and spicy syrup & pomegranate. Served in a take home XMAS Bar ornament.
Naughty or Nice Bubbly: Art of Sucre “Naughty or Nice Glitter Bomb” paired with house prosecco. Stir & watch it sparkle!
Comets Cocoa: Milk chocolate hot cocoa, Baileys, SelvaRey Chocolate Rum, s’mores toppings.
Peppermint Crush Shot: Peppermint Vodka, Creme de Cacao & Rumchata.
On my visit I chose a non-alcoholic Comets Cocoa. It was delicious and the perfect way to warm up on a cold Cleveland night out.
After enjoying those delicious drinks, you’ll definitely be looking to order something from their food selection as well. The food menu includes some bar favorites like house battered chicken tenders and grass-fed burgers, but also has some special Christmas treats like the Xmas Morning Cinnamon Roll and Xmas Dinner Empanadas.
The bar also has some great events coming up, like their Ugly Sweater Crawl on December 22. Guests will be provided with a free passport from the XMAS Bar by 8 PM to get stamped along the bar crawl. There will be $5 Xmas shot specials at each venue. Turn in the passport by 10 PM for a chance to win cool prizes. And don’t think that after Christmas the fun has to end. You can attend the XMAS Bars very own Anti New Year’s Eve Party on December 31st. Doors open at 4pm and no tickets are required to join in on the holiday fun.
The bar also has a beautiful private event space on the third floor that can be rented out for parties and corporate event. This is the perfect background for last minute holiday party.
The XMAS Bar is very popular this season, so make sure to check their social media and official website for updated hours and events, as their high volume of private parties impacts their hours.
This bar was a highlight of out holiday travels we can’t wait to visit again!
Words by Emily Cigan @emily.cigan and Amy Harris @thetraveladdictig