Holiday pop-ups can be way too expensive. Some restaurants or bars use the excuse to charge extra for a mediocre drink that just so happens to have a holiday theme. I certainly don’t want to be a Grinch this Christmas, so here are my top affordable pop-ups in Nashville that won’t break the bank.
East Nashville Beer Works’ “Home Alone”-themed pop-up perfectly captures the playful chaos of Kevin McCallister’s iconic funhouse. (Marie Cecile Anderson / City Cast Nashville)
FREE “Home Alone” Themed Pop-Up at East Nashville Beer Works
If you listen to the podcast, you know that both myself and our executive producer Whitney Pastorek call ENBW on Trinity Lane our home away from home, and this month it’s all decked out as Kevin McCallister’s Fun House. It does not disappoint.
$5 Tinsel Tavern at Sports & Social
Sports & Social Green Hills has transformed their private dining room into a Tinsel Tavern with a $5 entry fee. Compared to the $25 door charge for Mariah Carey’s holiday pop-up at the Virgin Hotel, that’s a steal. Lots of photo ops with tinsel and twinkling lights, so depending on when you go, you could save money and rush those pics into your family Christmas card.
Holiday lights galore at Nicky’s Coal Fired in the Nations. (Margaret Kingsbury / City Cast Nashville)
$5 Peroni on Tap at Nicky’s Coal Fired
As the temperatures drop outside, might as well head inside to Nicky’s Coal Fired, where it’s warm thanks to Tennessee’s only coal-burning oven. This month, they’ve transformed their Italian restaurant into a North Pole-themed winter wonderland, featuring holiday-themed cocktails and a “Christmas Tree Bologese” — but I’ll stick to the $5 Peroni on draft, thank you very much.
Boozy Egg Nog in a Moose Mug at Schulman’s
I freakin’ love Schulman’s. In my opinion, this spot has the perfect holiday vibe for those who prefer to be naughty over nice. They’ve decorated the joint as a “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” pop-up, which I totally dig. Cozy up in a booth for one of their featured boozy egg nogs (in a moose mug!) or spiked hot apple ciders, which I suggest pairing with their $4 chips and dip.
$16 Christmapolitan at Tiger Bar
When I want to get fancy, I head to Tiger Bar. This month, they’re doing their own spin on the holidays with a Miracle Pop-Up. This place is sexy with its red and green lighting, but it’s the food menu that really gets me hot. Literally, they have Flamin' Hot Mozz Sticks for $14, and paired with their $16 Christmapolitan, your behavior afterwards will definitely be getting you coal for Christmas.
