7 holiday pop-ups in Chicago perfect for unique memories and cozy indoor boozing

Snow, sleet and freezing rains will become more of a constant as the weather outside gets frightful this winter.

But these indoor holiday delights, including a lumberjack lodge, brunch with Santa and plenty of photo ops offer something for everyone in your crew — and a few even continue after December, so the holiday spirit can carry you into 2023.

Embrace your inner child in a giant pool of plastic sprinkles at this sugary, pink-themed Christmas wonderland. Located in Tribune Tower, the Museum of Ice Cream isn’t just scooping up pink peppermint soft serve; cotton candy, aptly colorful cocktails and mulled wine are also on the menu. The whimsical and highly Instagrammable decor includes a giant snow globe, a pink Christmas tree forest, animal cookie-shaped carousel rides, giant doughnuts on the wall and jelly bean wallpaper. Put on your rose-colored glasses and don’t leave without sampling their signature hot dog-flavored ice cream, concocted with liquid smoke, garlic, molasses, maple syrup and neatly scooped in a bright pink mini hot dog bun. Weekday tickets from $25; weekend from $33; through Jan. 9. 435 N. Michigan Ave., museumoficecream.com

The two-story bar and restaurant in River North is showcasing festive drinks in holiday glassware from award-winning bartender Sarah Syman, including spiked hot cider and a winter spice Old-Fashioned. Also on deck are a holiday trivia night Dec. 20, and a Festivus celebration Dec. 23. Through Dec. 31. 694 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-846-6420, TheDandyCrown.com

The 8 Crazy Nights pop-up bar running through Jan. 8 features more than 14,000 white and ball lanterns hanging from the ceiling, an 8-foot-inflatable dreidel, a Hanukkah sweater wall and more festive decor. A special menu offers matzo ball soup, latkes, brisket and rum-infused jelly doughnuts, plus themed cocktails such as Chag Nog, a blend of eggnog, coconut rum and light rum garnished with a cinnamon stick. Revelers can also spin dreidel and play Connect 4 with Hanukkah gelt. 3441 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-666-5450, graystonetavernchicago.com

A Very Harry Christmas at Replay Lincoln Park is back again for an encore season. Chicago witches, wizards and muggles who are 21 and older are invited to the Hogwarts winter wonderland, which will include Harry Potter-themed trivia, a House Cup competition and an art fair. On Dec. 22, there will be holiday beer tasting at Hogsmeade ($20) and, for one night only, a speakeasy featuring a burlesque show ($30, includes two drinks) Dec. 29. Though A Very Harry Christmas is not new to Chicago, there will be an all-new extensive specialty cocktail menu, and of course, a traditional Butterbeer. Through Jan. 1. 2833 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-665-5660, replaylincolnpark.com

The piano bar in Pilsen’s Thalia Hall is featuring seasonal drinks and bites such as a boozy hot chocolate or cranberry sauce G & T. Say cheers while listening to jazzy Christmas tunes on the piano, or stop by for one of the live music sets scheduled this month. Through Dec. 31. 1227 W. 18th St., 312-526-3851, tackroomchicago.com

Don your finest flannel for a visit to Smoke Daddy in Wrigleyville’s Hotel Zachary. The barbecue spot is transformed into a cozy lodge with festive forest greenery this winter and is serving up seasonal cocktails, shot skis and treats, including s’mores platters. Upcoming events include ice carving on the patio Friday, Saturday brunch with Santa and boozy gingerbread house building Dec. 19, along with recurring bingo games Tuesdays and trivia Thursdays through the end of the month. Event prices vary; through Jan. 8. 3636 N. Clark St., 773-227-2583, thesmokedaddy.com

New this year at the Wrigleyville pop-up hot spot is a Christmas-themed photo walk-through featuring pose-ready over-the-top backdrops depicting Santa’s sleigh, gingerbread men and holiday lights galore. The first floor will still take table reservations, but limited food and drink service will be available at the Santa Baby bar upstairs. Giant shareable drinks, including an electric green margarita named The Grinch, flavored shots and jam-packed milkshakes are on the menu. Also on schedule are paint and sip nights led by artist Dana Phipps on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. through the end of the month. Tickets for photo walk-through $10; paint and sip $25; through Jan. 9. 3505 N. Clark St., 833-967-2682, santababybar.com

lazu@chicagotribune.com

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