It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and one of the things that makes the holidays so fantastic is all the food – from hearty holiday dinners to perfectly decorated cookies and flavorful festive beverages. This season, there’s no shortage of ways to boost your holiday spirit while enjoying delicious food – whether you’re at a holiday pop up bar, strolling through a Christmas festival, or fine dining.
Here are our top five holiday events taking place around the Valley for foodies to enjoy this winter.
Sippin’ Santa at Bitter & Twisted
November 15 – December 28
While holiday pop-up bars are becoming increasingly popular, Sippin’ Santa at Bitter & Twisted has been a go-to for years with its whimsical tiki-themed take on a Christmas bar experience. Attendees will experience the bar covered in holiday décor from floor to ceiling, Christmas drinkware, and of course – themed cocktails like the namesake Sippin’ Santa and Sugar Plum Mai Tai. However, sustenance is key for maintaining stamina during the holidays, and Bitter & Twisted’s dining menu shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s packed with elevated versions of bar food favorites, like Korean nachos, green chili mac and crispy chicken sliders.
12 Days of Christmas Dining Experience at COURSE Restaurant
December 13 – 29
Fancy foodies can treat themselves this holiday season with an eight-course dinner inspired by traditional Christmas dishes, songs and movies. Dishes include a Home Alone-inspired cheese pizza with caviar, The Grinch-themed hash with duck, sweet potato and scallions, and an Elf-approved sweet coffee complete with panna cotta, hazelnut and Nutella.
Christmas at the Princess
November 22 – January 4
This mainstay holiday event is celebrating its 15-year anniversary after becoming a local favorite for its stunning lights and festive and family-friendly activities, but its event-specific dining offerings have only gotten better over the years. Our recommendation is The Lodge, a cozy sit-down dining pop-up serving pretzels and crispy schnitzel. However, there are plenty of other treats to be found too – like churros from the flaming coffee and churro cart, over-the-top flavored (and alcoholic!) hot chocolates from stands around the event, and cookies from Mrs. Claus’ Cookies pop up.
Ember Lounge in The District Dome at Desert Ridge Marketplace
November 8 – January 12
Reward yourself after a day of shopping your way through Desert Ridge with a forest-themed meal at Ember Lounge. The menu is made up of shareable dishes including a bruschetta board, meatball skillet and steak feast. For dessert, our top pick is the smoked campfire s’mores with marshmallow fluff custard, espresso dark chocolate ganache, smoked salted caramel and graham cracker crumb toffee brittle with torched meringue. The cocktails are equally decadent with options like the aptly named Douglas Fir, crafted with gin, pine needle, Earl grey honey, lemon, basil and rosemary.
Christmas at Schnepf Farms
Through December 24
A holiday evening at Schnepf Farms offers the perfect balance of festive activities and food. Visit Santa’s deer, watch a holiday movie, peruse Santa’s workshop and ride the Illumination Express, taking breaks in between to visit each of the dining options which include pizza, ice cream, oversized Christmas cookies, kettle corn and more. To add to the Christmas joy, there’s even a beer and wine garden offering a selection of alcoholic beverages.
