LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2025

SEASONAL SIPS

Making Spirits Bright Pop-ups with a festive twist are lighting up Ontario’s bar scene this season. Across the province, bars and restaurants are creating playful, photo-friendly escapes designed to spark a little wonder. From twinkle-lit lounges to tropical-inspired bars, this year’s pop ups offer nostalgic touches, spirited cocktails and a dash of whimsy. Whether you’re raising a glass in Collingwood, sipping tiki bar– style drinks in Hamilton or basking in the glow of a historic hotel, these experiences offer a fun excuse to get out and celebrate.

BY JESSICA HURAS

1 Giggly Christmas at Project Gigglewater, Toronto For Santa season, Project Gigglewater decks out its west end space with over the-top décor, wrapping it floor-to-ceiling like a giant present. Guests sip cocktails and mocktails in novelty glassware— the Cran-brrr-rita, a wintery take on the Margarita, is an annual crowd favourite—while retro holiday tracks and Polaroid snapshots of merry guests lining the walls give the space a warm, welcoming vibe. projectgigglewater.com 2 Sippin’ Santa Part tropical beach bar, part winter wonderland, MaiPai’s Sippin’ Santa is a palm-fringed escape from the hustle and bustle of the season. Originally started by notable New Orleans bartender Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, Sippin’ Santa brings a splash of island flair to a traditional at MaiPai, Hamilton

4 Elf’s Pub at Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa Tucked inside Ottawa’s landmark Fairmont Château Laurier hotel, Elf’s Pub is a pint-size pop-up packed with oversized personality. Open to kids and adults, the seasonal hangout serves cocktails and mocktails under glowing lights, with bright décor and upbeat tunes adding to the atmosphere. It’s a cozy spot for festive tipples and plenty of photo ops. chateaulaurier.com

5 Java Jingle at

Little Sister, Toronto At Java Jingle, Toronto’s Little Sister goes all in on the spirit of the holidays. Both of the restaurant’s two locations get the full treatment, complete with yuletide décor and themed events like trivia nights. Alongside the seasonal sips, guests can enjoy Little Sister’s bold, Dutch-Indonesian dishes—ideal, whether you’re dropping in for drinks or staying for dinner. littlesisterto.com

3 Miracle on Hurontario Street at Gayety Theatre, Collingwood

December night out. Expect kitschy décor (including a 10-foot tall holiday skeleton) and cocktails served in themed mugs. maipai.ca

The lounge at Collingwood’s Gayety Theatre gets a tinsel-drenched makeover each year with the arrival of Miracle on Hurontario Street. This pop-up blends vintage holiday charm with drinks like mulled wine, hot buttered rum and inventive cocktails. Equal parts nostalgia and grown-up fun, it also offers nightly drag shows, karaoke and other live entertainment. miraclecollingwood.com

COCKTAIL IMAGE COURTESY OF GAYETY THEATRE, COLLINGWOOD; INTERIOR IMAGE COURTESY OF FAIRMONT CHÂTEAU LAURIER, OTTAWA

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———————— HOLIDAY 2025