‘Jingle Bell Bar’ Multi-Sensory Holiday Wonderland Pop-Up Transforms Aero Cocktail Co.

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The immersive takeover will host a variety of festive-themed rooms, cocktails, and performances with an interactive Santa’s Workshop, and more

Jingle Bell Bar, a brand new immersive and multi-sensory holiday experience will bring magic and merriment through Saturday, December 28 to Aero Cocktail Co. in River Oaks.

The winter wonderland brings a dazzling array of themed rooms, jubilant cocktails, festive bites, enchanting performances, hands-on seasonal workshops, and will be open to the public Tuesdays-Saturdays, 4pm-12am, and Sundays, 2pm-10pm. 

The takeover will unwrap a festival of cheer bringing a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration to the area between the Galleria and River Oaks District featuring three themed rooms and two bars: 

  • “Classic Christmas” – The main bar, embellished with classic Christmas decorations in a red, green, gold, and white color scheme. 
  • “Candyland Lounge” – A confectionary dreamland outfitted with gingerbread men, sugar plums, sweets, and candy canes in a colorful pink and pastel scheme. 
  • Apres Ski Lodge – Travel up the mountain (upstairs) through a blizzard to the intimate speakeasy bar and experience a snowy Christmas landscape full of woodland creatures. 

“We’re really excited to bring Jingle Bell Bar to life,” said Mijares. “There’s something so dreamy and warm when it comes to the holidays and we wanted that to reflect in the visual storytelling throughout the space. Each room has a distinct vibe so you can feel like you are moving through a whole holiday world when you step inside. Our events and workshops are a fun way for guests to create more meaningful memories with their family and friends during their visit too!” 

Mijares, an award-winning beverage director, has crafted a menu of holiday-inspired libations to keep spirits bright with sips like Mistletoe Martini, Jingle Bell Nog, Prancer’s Milk Punch, plus non-alcoholic choices like Mrs. Claus’ Cocoa, and more. 

Spirited and spirit-free sips will be complemented by Christmas-inspired snacks. The wintertime delicacies include but are not limited to: 

  • Mistletoe Martini: Ketel One Vodka, Alma Finca Orange Liqueur, Cranberry, Rosemary, Lime
  • Festivus Old Fashioned: Redemption Rye Whiskey, Disaronno, Angostura Bitters, Allspice Bitters, Lemon Oils
  • Snowbird: Zacapa Rum, Aperol, Chai, Pineapple, Hibiscus, Lemon
  • Yule Mule: Lunazul Tequila, Cassis, Mulled Wine, Lemon, Fever Tree Ginger Beer
  • Winter Wassail (served hot): Lost Irish Whiskey, Apple Brandy, Cranberry, Orange, Apple Cider, Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger
  • Jingle Bell Nog: Hardy Cognac, Zacapa Rum, Madeira, Heavy Cream, Almond Milk, Butter Pecan, Maple, Whole Egg, Nutmeg
  • Prancer’s Milk Punch: Hardy Cognac, Redemption Bourbon, Creme de Menthe, Creme de Cacao, Heavy Cream, Vanilla
  • Mrs. Claus’ Cocoa (non-alcoholic, served hot): Triple Chocolate Blend, Oat Milk, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Toasted Marshmallow
  • La Tortola (non-alcoholic): Almave Non-Alcoholic Tequila, Grapefruit, Lime, Cinnamon, Sparkling Apple Cider

Holiday nibbles include Reindeer Chow: Chex Mix, Pretzels, Popcorn, White Chocolate, Marshmallows, Sprinkles, Grandma’s Onion Dip: Caramelized Onion Dip Served With Kettle Chips, a variety of Festive Flatbreads and Tamales from Irma’s Southwest, a generational local favorite of the Galvan family. Other bites include Santa’s Cookie Platter, Charcuterie Boards, and more. 

Throughout the seasonal pop-up, gleaming entertainment features will include Jingle Bell Jazz (8:30pm-10:30pm on 12/5 and 12/19) and Jingle Bell Burlesque by J’adore Productions Presents (7:30pm and 10pm on 12/12 and 12/26). Vocal performances of Christmas classics sung by Belle be Damned and Brad Torres (12/5) as well as “A Very Sinatra Christmas” sung by local musicians Brad Torres and Ryan Adam Wells (12/19). On Sundays, visitors can participate in hands-on crafting at Santa’s Workshop with cookie decorating, ornament making, candle making, and more. The full schedule of ticketed events can be found at JingleBellBarHTX.com.  

In the spirit of giving, the Jingle Bell Bar has partnered with Star of Hope Mission to host a toy collection drive throughout the seasonal event and will offer a complimentary shot to anyone who donates a toy. 

“Christmas is my favorite holiday and time of year” expressed Galvan. “After being home to the magic Alexis & Angie created with Cursed Cauldron for Halloween, and seeing how much our neighborhood enjoyed it, I knew that they were going to be the best people to bring the holiday cheer – which is something we wanted to do at Aero this season. I’m looking forward to what they have in store for Jingle Bell Bar!”

Aero Cocktail Co. is located at 2031 Westcreek Lane. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their holiday glitz and glam. Parking is limited with the option of valet. Rideshare and reservations are encouraged. Jingle Bell Bar is 21 and up (kids are allowed until 7pm). The pop-up is free to visit with no cover charge. Select events require tickets. 

For more information, menus, programming, and updates, visit www.JingleBellBarHTX.com or follow @jinglebellbarhtx on Instagram for the latest.

Photos by Angelique Cook Cavazos


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