The holidays don’t have to end with ugly sweaters and office parties. Portland bars are keeping the festive spirit alive well after dark. From twinkly lights and themed cocktails to over-the-top décor and cozy winter vibes, these spots turn a regular night out into a full-blown holiday night on the town.
Photo: Voysey
710 SE Sixth Ave
Voysey Bar leans into the holidays with a moody, dimly lit atmosphere and festive décor that feels cool, cozy, and just a little mischievous. Their seasonal cocktail lineup is playful and creative, perfect for anyone who likes their holiday cheer with a darker edge. One standout is the Mr. Grinch, a vibrant green cocktail that’s creamy, minty, and indulgent, blending rich flavors with a fun, nostalgic holiday twist.
Photo: Raven's Manor
235 SW 1st Ave
Raven’s Manor puts a spooky spin on the holidays, carrying the bar’s famously eerie, Halloween-worthy décor straight into the Christmas season. Twinkling lights meet dark corners and gothic details, creating a festive atmosphere that’s equal parts cozy and haunting. One standout holiday drink is The Absent Sun, a rich, indulgent cocktail layered with espresso and herbal notes, finished with whipped cream and a bright hint of citrus for a perfectly moody winter sip.
Photo: Moonshot Tavern
2725 SE Ankeny St
Moonshot Tavern has cozy, colorful décor and a playful cocktail countdown that keeps things festive all season long. Their Christmas drinks strike a fun balance between wintery cheer and tropical escape, perfect for those warmer-than-expected December nights. The Malibu Santa is a bright, slightly tropical cocktail with rum, coconut, citrus, and cranberry that feels like Christmas… just with a sunnier twist.
Photo: Hey Love
920 E Burnside
Hey Love brings tropical escape energy to Portland year-round, pairing vibrant, flavor-packed dishes with playful cocktails and especially indulgent dessert specials during the holidays. Come winter, the bar transforms into a full-on Christmas fantasy. Think over-the-top décor, twinkling lights, and festive chaos in the best way. Their holiday cocktail Secret Santa fits right in: bright, zesty, lightly spiced, and bubbly, the kind of drink that tastes like a tropical party wearing a Santa hat.
Photo: Deadshot
2133 SE 11th Ave
Deadshot Bar gets a full festive glow-up with its Miracle pop-up, turning the space into a cozy, over-the-top holiday haven complete with themed décor, Christmas mugs, and seasonal cocktails. One standout sip is the Blitzen Barrel, a rich, spirit-forward holiday drink that blends scotch with layers of sherry, honey, and sesame for something warm, indulgent, and perfectly wintery.
Photo: Creepy's
627 SE Morrison St
Creepy’s keeps the holiday season delightfully weird in the most respectful, Portland way possible by blending festive cheer with their signature offbeat charm. Santa hats, tongue-in-cheek décor, and playful irreverence make it a standout spot for anyone who prefers their Christmas a little unconventional. Beyond the cocktails, they’re known for hosting lively trivia nights and rotating events, giving you plenty of reasons to come for the drinks and stay for the fun.
Photo: Slammer Tavern
500 SE 8th Ave
The Slammer Tavern is a classic Portland dive bar that fully leans into the holiday spirit, decking the place out with festive decorations and twinkly lights. It’s casual, unpretentious, and full of cheer, making it an easy stop for a laid-back night of drinks with a side of seasonal fun.
Photo: The standard Tavern
14 NE 22nd Ave
The Standard Tavern is a cozy neighborhood bar that feels instantly familiar, with a laid-back pub atmosphere and plenty of personality. During the holidays, it fully commits to the fun with quirky decorations, think walls covered in wrapping paper, that perfectly match the bar’s offbeat, welcoming charm.
Photo: Laverne's
700 NE Dekum St
LaVerne’s feels like stepping into a warmly lit neighborhood hangout with timeless, sitcom-era charm, think cozy booths, soft glows, and that effortlessly nostalgic, lived-in warmth. During the holidays, the space leans even cozier with festive touches and seasonal cocktails that match the retro-leaning, comforting vibe, making it an easy spot to linger over a drink and settle into the night.
Photo: Dear Sandy
2800 NE Sandy Blvd
Dear Sandy leans fully into cozy, nostalgic holiday charm with a warm, retro feel that makes it easy to settle in for the night. One seasonal standout is the Polar Espress, a holiday-dressed espresso martini that’s rich, smooth, and perfect for kicking off an evening of festive sipping. With playful décor and comfort-first vibes, it feels like a holiday hangout straight out of a vintage sitcom, only with much better cocktails.
Photo: The Social Spoon
550 SW Oak St
This tiki cocktail Santa bar brings a tropical twist to the holiday season, blending festive cheer with island-inspired flair. Think Santa hats meet palm trees, with playful décor, rum-forward cocktails, and over-the-top holiday touches that feel both kitschy and joyful. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who wants their Christmas drinks to be strong, colorful, and served with a touch of escapist fun.
