Explore Wisconsin: Adventure Awaits Closer Than You Think!

Uncover Wisconsin's Best Holiday Bars and Crawls for Festive Fun

Update Explore Wisconsin's Best Holiday Bars and Crawls The holiday season in Wisconsin is as much about the joy of gathering with friends and family as it is about festive drinks flowing at local bars. With an abundance of cozy neighborhood dives and themed pop-up bars, there’s no shortage of places to celebrate the season, which Jared from Wisco Dive Bars highlights beautifully in Wisconsin’s Best Holiday Bars & Crawls. From Christmas lights dazzling the streets to cocktails that bring a twinkle to your eye, let’s dive into the wintery wonderland that is Wisconsin's bar scene!In Wisconsin’s Best Holiday Bars & Crawls, the discussion dives into the festive bar scene across the state, exploring key insights that sparked deeper analysis on our end. Meet the Dive Bar Connoisseur Enter Jared, the man behind Wisco Dive Bars, who is not just a dive bar aficionado but a dedicated reviewer with a whopping 1,080 bars under his belt! As he shares his stories across the Badger State, Jared turns the spotlight on the bartenders and unique experiences each dive brings. His enthusiasm for the local scene makes him the ideal guide to navigate the holiday hotspots in Wisconsin. Top Dive Bars to Visit This Holiday Season When it comes to festive drinking, Jared recommends Cleo's in Appleton as the top holiday bar, famous for being decorated since it opened in 1970. Dive into its atmosphere filled with twinkling lights and cozy corners, perfect for sipping a specialty drink like the Dirty Snowball. Want a cool experience? Pair your festive cheer with their famous Christmas cocktails and enjoy the camaraderie radiating from the bar. Another must-visit place is Plywood Palace. Its character is a story in itself, boasting a rustic setting with money and bras hanging from the ceiling. Who knew that scantily clad bras could double as holiday decorations? If you can brave the no running water and an outdoor port-a-potty, the vibe and sausage party at this dive are worth the adventure! The Crawls: Dive Right In! The Wisconsin holiday bar crawls aren’t just about hopping around from bar to bar—they’re about engaging with local culture. Events like the Ugly Sweater Trolley Pub Crawl in the Wisconsin Dells promise transportation to three bars, so you can safely sip and be jolly without a worry. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t want to wear an ugly sweater while drinking in a fun atmosphere? It’s like a fashion statement that says, “I’m here for a good time, not a long time!” Meanwhile, in Madison, the official Christmas bar crawl features drink specials and a chance to snag a festive Santa hat. Talk about holiday swag! Plus, with bars like Hawks Bar and Grill and Red Rocks Loon in the lineup, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer (or drinks that need to be sipped in succession—responsibly, of course). Pop-Up Bars That Bring the Cheer If you're seeking a more elaborate holiday experience, be sure to check out the various pop-up bars around the state. Locations like Lucille in Madison transform into Miracle on King Street, and Tin Widow in Milwaukee boasts the brilliancy of 48,000 lights with its holiday theme, dubbed Miracle on Second Street. These bars go all out, serving themed cocktails while creating a magical ambiance—think Clark Griswold meets Happy Hour! Reasons to Embrace the Holiday Spirit in Wisconsin While not every bar might be decked out year-round, the seasonal pop-ups create excitement and anticipation. Participating in themed bar crawls could introduce you to new friends, great drinks, and unforgettable memories. Plus, supporting local businesses during the holidays is a great way to give back to your community. Remember, every drink isn’t just a drink; it's a toast to camaraderie, support, and Wisconsin pride. One More Festive Bar Highlight: The Holler House How could we forget the Holler House? This bar serves as a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s holiday vibe and an authentic slice of history with its manual bowling lanes dating back generations. Imagine sipping on an artisanal spiced hot cider while waiting for your turn at the bowling lane—what could be more festive? Just avoid turning the lanes into a slippery ice rink; nobody wants to bowl while sliding on their backside! Winter in Wisconsin means fun—and what better way to embrace it than by supporting local bars decorated with holiday cheer? Whether you’re out for a “no plan” night or a planned crawl, remember that adventure awaits and laughter is best shared over a drink. Join the Fun! Don’t just sit at home this winter! Check out the holiday-themed bars and events across Wisconsin that make the colder months bright. Sip on specialty cocktails, gather with friends, and create lasting memories in the heart of the state’s dive bar scene. Your next favorite holiday buzz awaits!