I feel like Christmas has always been a big deal, but has it always been THIS BIG OF A DEAL? Maybe it’s the Instagram effect—I just feel like everyone is decorating for the holiday earlier and earlier, and there are now more pop-ups and bars devoted to all things St. Nick. Heck, Lala’s Little Nugget even banked on its holiday decorations for decades! Nevertheless, I’m determined to not feel like a lousy grinch, which is why I high-tailed it to Miracle on 5TH Street Thanksgiving weekend, which is returning this year after a successful first run last season.

Fun fact: Thanksgiving weekend is ALWAYS dead in Austin, so it’s the perfect time to visit any place you’ve been dying to check out.

Running until December 29, Miracle on 5TH Street is basically an explosion of Christmas cheer. This year they’ve gone even bigger and better at the Eleanor space (which I fondly remember from it’s Whiskey Bar days—sheesh, I’m old!). The front has a festive tree and reindeer lights with the ceiling completely decked out with presents. Walk through, and you’ll find yourself in a snowy ski lodge (with an even bigger tree!) and a Santa throne. Then, pass through the Christmas lights hallway and head upstairs to an snowy winter wonderland.

In addition to the incredibly festive decor, the pop-up is slinging all the ho-ho-hooch needed to make your spirits bright. (Full menu listed below!)

I ordered two very different cocktails and sipped a bunch others, and my favorites were the Snowball Old Fashioned (which is a perfectly round ball of ice!) and the Gingerbread Flip, a totally sweet treat without being cloying. If you’re just looking for the most over-the-top barware, order the Yippee Kay Yay, which comes in a tiki santa glass.

Oh, and y’all, don’t steal the glasses! Last year they apparently had such a hard time keeping stocked that they are checking bags at the door. But, never fear! Miracle-branded glassware from Cocktail Kingdom is available to purchase, and 10 percent of all sales will be donated to Action Against Hunger.

Also new this year? The ability to skip the line. Grab yourself one of their “Dasher Passes.” Options include a ’Twas the Night Pass starting at $25, which is valid for a specified date, as well as a ’Tis the Season Pass for $100, good for the entirety of the pop-up. Dasher Passes allow guests to skip to the front of the line and include a token for a free Naughty or Nice Shot. Passes are available at MiracleDasherPass.Eventbrite.com

 COCKTAILS

Christmapolitan
Grey Goose Vodka, St-Germain Elderflower, Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth, Rosemary, Lime, Spiced Cranberry Sauce, Absinthe Mist

Snowball Old Fashioned
Butterscotch George Dickel Rye Whiskey, Spiced Brown Sugar, Wormwood Bitters, Orange Zest

 Gingerbread Flip
Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Gingerbread Syrup, Whole Egg, Tiki Bitters, Gingersnap Cookie Crumbs

 Bad Santa (served hot)
Hot Milk Punch with Santa Teresa 1796 Rum, Plantation O.F.T.D., Batavia Arrack, Pineapple, Lemon, Almond Milk, 8 Spices, Coconut Water, Coconut Oil

 Christmas Carol Barrel
Bacardi 4-yr Rum, Aquavit, Jägermeister, Pumpkin Pie, Lemon, Orange, Angostura Bitters, Nutmeg

Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r!
Flor de Caña 4-yr Gold Rum, Plantation O.F.T.D., Leblon Cachaça, Sweet Potato, Cointreau, Marshmallow Orgeat, Lime

 Koala-La La La, La La La La
Bombay Sapphire Gin, Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth, Pine, Lime, Eucalyptus Syrup, Orange Bitters

 Run Run Rudolph
Hendrick’s Gin, Mulled Wine Purée, Lemon, Cane Syrup, Torresella Prosecco

 And A Partridge In A Pear Tree
Cazadores Reposado Tequila, Ilegal Mezcal, St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur, Spiced Brown Sugar Syrup, Lime, Egg White, Club Soda, Angostura Bitters, Cinnamon

 Jingle Ball Nog
Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac, Lustau Pedro Ximenez Sherry, Luxardo Maraschino, Brown Butter, Cinnamon, Cherry, Vanilla, Almond Milk, Cream, Sugar, Egg, Nutmeg

 SHOTS

Nice Shot
Mt. Gay Black Barrel Rum, Peppermint Tea, Chocolate

Naughty Shot
Fistful of Bourbon, Cinnamon, Spice 

CHALKBOARD SPECIALS

 Porter's Coffee Break
Jameson Caskmates Irish Whiskey, Chameleon Cold Brew Coffee, Guinness-Maple Syrup, Salted-Cinnamon Cream

 Santa's 'Tussin
Glenfiddich Fire & Cane Scotch, Ginger, Honey, Lemon juice, Pimento Dram, Star Anise 

Noche de Navidad
Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Ginger Snap Syrup, Ancho Reyes, Cacao, Cassia, Mole bitters, Orange peel

 Drunk & Alone
Mystery Shot. Better than coal.

Reminder, the bar is open now through December 29 and is subject to capacity and buyouts, so have yourself a merry little Christmas, y’all!