Wilmington’s Best Holiday Bars
Wilmington, North Carolina, is known for its vibrant bar scene, and during the holiday season, it transforms into a winter wonderland of festive drinks and holiday cheer. While these bars aren't hosting their own special events, they're the perfect places to soak in the Christmas spirit with holiday-themed drinks, cozy atmospheres, and plenty of cheer. Here’s a roundup of some of the best places to enjoy the holidays in Wilmington and beyond.
Christmas Cookies & Cocktails at Wine Knot Sky Bar
When: December 15th, 3:00 PM or 5:00 PM
Where: Wine Knot Sky Bar, 201 North Front Street Suite #909, Wilmington, NC 28401
Wine Knot Sky Bar offers a relaxing space with stunning river views, making it an ideal location to get into the holiday spirit. Enjoy a warm, festive drink alongside freshly baked Christmas cookies, and if you're feeling hungry, indulge in their delicious charcuterie boards. This event promises to add a touch of warmth to your holiday season. Be sure to grab your tickets here to reserve your spot!
Wilmington Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
When: December 21st, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: Various bars across Wilmington
Embrace the holiday tradition of wearing your most outrageous ugly sweater and join in on Wilmington’s Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl. This fun event lets you tour Wilmington’s best bars while enjoying drink specials that’ll keep you feeling festive. Your ticket includes access to 4+ bars, a free after-party, discounts on food, live music, and up to 50% off festive drinks. It’s a great way to celebrate with friends and family while experiencing Wilmington’s lively bar scene during the holidays! Grab your tickets here!
Festive Cheer at Dram Yard
When: Daily throughout the holiday season
Where: 101 S 2nd St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Dram Yard is the perfect spot to cozy up with a craft cocktail or two. During the holidays, they serve a special lineup of holiday-inspired drinks like spiced rum eggnog and cranberry margaritas. Pair your drink with one of their gourmet small plates, and you’ve got yourself an evening full of festive delight.
Holiday Magic at Rebellion NC
When: All December
Where: 15 S Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Rebellion NC knows how to channel the holiday spirit. Their cocktail menu includes themed drinks like the “Santa’s Old Fashioned” and “Peppermint Espresso Martini.” The rustic, warm interior decked out in twinkling lights makes it a prime spot for holiday gatherings.
Miracle at The Blind Elephant
When: November 24th – December 31st
Where: 21 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Step into a Christmas wonderland at The Blind Elephant, which transforms into one of the renowned “Miracle” pop-up bars during the holiday season. Sip on whimsical cocktails like the “Christmapolitan” or the “Snowball Old-Fashioned” while surrounded by over-the-top holiday décor. It’s a truly magical experience you won’t want to miss!
12 Bars of Christmas in the Outer Banks (Worth the drive!)
When: November 29th – December 31st
Where: Outer Banks, NC
If you're willing to take a little trip outside Wilmington, the Outer Banks offers one of the most festive bar crawls in North Carolina – the 12 Bars of Christmas! Between November 29th and December 31st, you can visit 12 holiday-themed bars, each offering unique drinks like “Drunken Snowmen” and “Santa’s Secret Cider.” Some of the bars on the list include GoomBRRRS, Mama Klaus’s, Jingle 12 Tavern, and The Broken Candy Cane, all serving up seasonal drinks to keep you in the holiday spirit. Many of these bars are offering family-friendly activities throughout the month, and there are festive food discounts, live music, and drink specials along the way. Don’t forget to check out their website here for more details on the event, including the fun passport challenge to make your crawl even more exciting!
Whether you're enjoying a seasonal cocktail at a riverside bar or embarking on a holiday bar crawl, Wilmington and the surrounding areas are full of opportunities to celebrate the season with festive drinks and great company. These events and bars are sure to get you into the holiday spirit, so gather your friends and family and make the most of the season!
