Where to Spark Up Your Holiday Cheer
By Camille Morgenstern | Illustrations by Charmaine Koehler-Lodge
Editor’s Note: When our Moveable Feast columnist Meredith Pakier requested the season off, we asked Camille Morgenstern—contributor of last season’s marvelous Brazilian dining roundup—what she likes to explore in the winter season. She said that for her it’s all about twinkle lights, garlands, creative cocktails, and kitschy decor, so buckle up and enjoy the ride. It’s an East Bay land of holiday cheer.
If you think Acme Bar & Company in Berkeley takes their whiskey seriously, wait ’til you see their holiday decorations. For over 20 years running, they’ve transformed their ambiance in mid-November with more than 300 stockings hung along the walls and thousands of ornaments dangling from the ceiling. The patio features themed motion lights beaming images indoors and out. You can gift yourself an ornament filled with fancy whiskey or enjoy another of the bar’s inspired holiday cocktails. acmebarandcompany.com
On December 20 and 21, when all the Christmas trees at Albany’s Flowerland have gone off to new homes, the courtyard is transformed into a festive holiday pop-up market jammed with food vendors from the local community. Don’t miss the New Orleans–inspired fare by Pops’ Creole or the chocolate salami from the Confectionist. Other vendors include the Butter Block, Oven Lovin’, Vintage Berkeley Wines, Uncommon Poppy Jams, and Girl and Her Dog, as well as an artisan market of gifts crafted by Flowerland staff. Saturday features a live band. flowerlandshop.com
At Jupiter in Berkeley, the whole family can enjoy pizza in a garland-strung garden wonderland. jupiterbeer.com
Find a dash of Bay Area nostalgia and old-school hospitality at The Fat Lady restaurant in Jack London Square, where holiday Christmas decor makes this welcoming Bay Area establishment all the merrier. thefatladyrestaurant.com
For a sip of Victorian tradition, reserve your seats in the lobby lounge for the Claremont Resort’s Holiday Tea. You’ll get all the classic high-tea accompaniments—pastries, desserts, and little sandwiches—alongside tea or some bubbly. claremontresortandclub.com/events/holiday-tea
Head out to Livermore Valley on December 6 and 7 to enjoy Holidays in the Vineyards, a longstanding annual tradition when decorated tasting rooms throughout the Valley offer special wine tastings, seasonal goodies, holiday music, and crafts by local artisans. Join the Toys for Tots drive with collection spots at every winery. Admission is free, and events vary by winery; tasting fees may apply. lvwine.org
Have you heard of Miracle Pop-Up bars? It’s a trademarked concept that requires an application and adherence to strict Miracle Cocktails Inc. standards. Two East Bay spots have passed the high bar (so to speak), so you can visit The Fat Pigeon in Livermore or The Double Standard in Oakland between Thanksgiving and early January and enjoy a Jingle Balls Nog or the Krampus, two of many specialty cocktails served in thematic mugs. In honor of the season of giving, Miracle donates ten percent of all proceeds from select merchandise sales to seva.org, a nonprofit that creates equitable access to eye care around the world. fatpigeonbar.com, doublestandardbar.com
Hop over to Pleasanton to meet Miracle’s tropical sister. At the Beer Baron’s Sippin’ Santa Pop-Up Bar, the cocktail menu is designed by tiki connoisseur Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, author of six books on vintage tiki drinks and cuisine. Here, sleighs are replaced with surfboards and palm trees prevail over pine trees. Sipping on the Pineapple Upside-Down Cask or the Sugar Plum Mai Tai will have you singing “Mele Kalikimaka” all the way home. beerbaronbar.com ♦
Camille Morgenstern is a culinary creative residing in the East Bay. Find her online at theriokitchen.com, where she shares recipes, Rio tips, and lifestyle inspo and also hosts a shop with elegant, joyful objects for the home and kitchen. She also shares her POV as a Brazilian in California on theriokitchen.substack.com.
Artist Charmaine Koehler-Lodge grows most of her family’s food in their large home garden.
