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Christmas bars in Des Moines | Pop-up locations, speakeasies coming to city this December

Searching for Christmassy cocktails or a cozy place to enjoy your nonalcoholic drink? Here's a list of the joints keeping Des Moines' jolly this year.

DES MOINES, Iowa — If all this jingling around the clock has you thirsty, good news is in store: Des Moines will soon be full of festive, holiday-themed pop-up bars.

Some beckon passerby with bright Christmas lights, while others are speakeasies well-hidden within other establishments — but wherever you go, jolly drinks and tasty treats are sure to follow.

Elfed Up at Destination Grille

Bundle up, because this rooftop terrace bar is bringing jolly vibes all season long. With six specialty holiday drinks to try and Destination Grille's usual menu at your disposal, there's a ho-ho-whole lot of things to try out at this pop-up bar.

When: Through Tuesday, Jan. 30

Hours: 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday; 3 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: 2491 E 1st Street in Grimes

Sip & Shop at Jolly Holiday Lights

With a new Jolly Holiday Lights location comes new amenities — including Sip & Shop.

The beloved light show is bringing Christmas cheer to the Outlets of Des Moines for the first time this holiday season, and now attendees can enjoy wine, beers, mulled hot red wine sangria, hot chocolate and other beverages as they make their way through the shopping center.

Tickets cost $25, and proceeds go toward Make-A-Wish Iowa.

When: Friday, Dec. 15 (5-8 p.m.)

Where: 801 Bass Pro Drive NW in Altoona

Miracle on Ingersoll

Step right into The Station on Ingersoll - and keep going, until you reach the newly-transformed Dugan's Hideaway, aptly dubbed the Miracle on Ingersoll.

The decked-out Christmas-themed bar is a fan favorite and serves up a plethora of boozy beverages each year. There are also eight festive, nonalcoholic options available, including Blitzen's Cider Spritz.

It's likely a good idea to show up early for your small gathering or plan ahead for groups of 15-24 people with the new reservation system.

When: Wednesday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Dec. 31

Hours: 4 to 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon to midnight Saturday; noon to 11 p.m. Sunday

Where: 3124 Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines

Naughty List at Good News, Darling

Dubbed a "spirited place" by owners, Good News, Darling is about to get a dose of the holiday spirit.

You'll have to navigate for this one: to arrive at Naughty List, walk into Hello, Marjorie and head back 'til you reach Good News, Darling, which hosts the Christmassy conclave through the end of the year.

When: Wednesday, Nov. 15 to Saturday, Dec. 30

Hours: 5 p.m. to close Wednesday to Saturday

Where: 717 Locust Street in Des Moines

Nice List at Secret Admirer

Want an ice-cold drink and warm, cozy lighting? Nice List is taking over southwest Des Moines bar Secret Admirer to deliver just that.

Filled with strings lights and serving up both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, Nice List is chock full of Christmas cheer to check out before the end of the year.

When: Wednesday, Nov. 15 to Saturday, Dec. 30

Hours: 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesday to Friday; 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday; 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday

Where: 110 SW 5th Street in Des Moines

Rudolph's Rooftop at The Republic on Grand

For those looking to get into the holiday spirit, Rudolph's Rooftop promises to find a cure for even the "grouchiest grinch" in Des Moines.

The rooftop bar says it operates as East Village's first pop-up holiday bar, offering festive drinks and artisanal food from the kitchen for a truly cozy experience.

When: Friday, Nov. 17 to Sunday, Jan. 7

Where: Sixth floor of the AC Hotel at 401 E Grand Ave in Des Moines

Winter Wonderland Holiday Pop-Up at Nightingale

Projected videos, light displays and even some faux snow will transform East Village bar Nightingale Cocktail into a winter wonderland this season. The newly-crafted "whimsical realm of holiday magic" also features eight specialty drinks inspired by the holiday season and Des Moines itself.

The immersive experience will cost you $20 per person and includes a commemorative glass, $15 credit toward any purchase on the day of the event and priority seating.

When: Friday, Nov. 24 to Saturday, Dec. 30

Hours: Varies by day

Where: 435 E Grand Avenue in Des Moines

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