One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the transformation that the city goes through. Downtown Raleigh is so festive with its red and green lights projecting into the skyline and downtown Durham turns into a winter wonderland full of twinkle lights. A recent trend has been bars getting all decked out for the holidays as well. These are the top 7 holiday bars in the Triangle perfect for celebrating the season. Keep scrolling down for our favorites!
Top 7 Bars in the Triangle to Celebrate the Holidays
Haymaker
image via Haymaker
The Haymaker transforms into Miracle at the Haymaker and is quite a fun display of holiday decorations complete with themed glassware and festive drinks. It’s such a fun spot to enjoy the season!
Hibernian on Glenwood
One of Raleigh’s staples, Hibernian, has really gone all out with its Christmas decor. They had a great line up of Ugly Sweater Bingo and will be open on Christmas Eve!
The Colonel’s Daughter




Get into the holiday spirit with the Jack Tar team this season when they deck the halls of The Colonel’s Daughter. They’ve transformed the space into a Winter Wonderland in their signature 1950s style with festive cocktails and snacks! The Rudolph the Red Nosed Cocktail, General Tso’s Cauliflower, and Crab Rangoons are my favorite items on the menu! P.S. You can also order from Jack Tar’s menu–see more from our recent date night weekend in Durham.Â
Unscripted Durham


The Unscripted is such a cool spot in Durham regardless on the season. For the holiday season, they had a craft cocktail hour with two signature cocktails and two small bites for $20 coupled with live music in the lounge. There will still be live music in the lounge for patrons to enjoy on Thursday evenings at Sounds of the Studio. See the schedule here.
Whiskey Kitchen


Whiskey Kitchen is one of my favorite spots in Raleigh for dinner and drinks. They hang a Christmas tree upside down in the center in the restaurant and serve up tasty holiday/winter themed cocktails. Despite the winter temperatures, the outdoor patio is a warm spot thanks to the heaters to enjoy the downtown Raleigh Christmas views, too!
Images via Whiskey Kitchen
Wye Hill


Wye Hill has been my go-to place recently for date nights, happy hours, and girls’ nights out. It’s a true gem with its view of Downtown Raleigh, with a fresh, locally sourced menu. They have drink specials on Tuesdays with half priced bottles of wine and $5 beers and $5 wings on Wednesdays. Their exterior is absolutely stunning for the holiday season!
41Hundred Lounge
41Hundred Lounge, located in the Renaissance Hotel in North Hills, is all decked out for the holidays and features a delicious line up of holiday themed cocktails including “Figgin’ Awesome” and “Eat, Drink, Be Cherry” I’ve always loved their built-ins and how they decorate them for the seasons.
Winter Image via Stacey Sprenz Photography
Keep scrolling for a cocktail recipe from Whiskey Kitchen!
Special thanks to Whiskey Kitchen for providing this easy & delicious cocktail if you are hosting any parties or need something to take to an event.
Cranberry Juice: 40 oz
Whole Cloves: 1 tsp
Cinnamon Sticks 2Add all to stainless steel pot
Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes
Allow to cool to room temp Cocktail
1.5 Vodka
3 oz Infused Cranberry Juice
Served on rocks
Garnished with fresh cranberries
I love this holiday cocktail post! I cant wait to try some! There were some i was not aware of. Thanks MBG!