The Story of Xmas Pop-Up Bars

I’m Brant Buckley, the creator of Xmas Pop-Up Bars— the largest Christmas Pop-Up Bars and Holiday Events website in the world. I’m a Chicago-based musician, songwriter, developer, and creative entrepreneur who has always been inspired by the magic and togetherness of the holiday season.

The idea for Xmas Pop-Up Bars came from my love of Christmas and my fascination with how bars and restaurants transform into winter wonderlands filled with light, music, and imagination. What started as a small idea has grown into an international ever-expanding project — now covering over 43 U.S. cities, 8 Canadian cities, and Costa Rica.

The photo above — me holding my red Muddy Waters Telecaster Guitar in front of the Home Alone House in Winnetka, Illinois— perfectly captures what Xmas Pop-Up Bars represents; nostalgia, creativity, and Christmas magic coming together.

As a Berklee College of Music graduate, I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling. Through Xmas Pop-Up Bars, I get to tell stories not through songs, but through the magical places that bring people together to celebrate. Each city page is designed to help you find those moments of wonder — from festive cocktails and themed décor to local events and community gatherings that capture the true spirit of the season.

My real goal with this project is simple — to spread Christmas magic and light.

Beyond the Bars

When I’m not discovering new pop-ups or building out this website, I teach guitar and perform music throughout the Chicago area. You can learn more about my music and lessons at BrantBuckley.com.

Both my music and this website share the same goal — to inspire, connect, and spread a little light in the world.

Brant Buckley

Cheers to the Season

Whether you’re sipping a Peppermint Martini in New York City, toasting by the fire in Chicago, or discovering a hidden holiday bar in Los Angeles, I hope Xmas Pop-Up Bars helps you feel the warmth, joy, and magic of Christmas.

Thank you for being part of this growing community — and for helping keep the Christmas spirit alive all year long.

Brant Buckley

Brant Buckley, the creator of Xmas Pop-Up Bars, is a songwriter, guitarist, author and Berklee College of Music graduate.

"Wedding Love" is Brant Buckley's newest acoustic ballad - a heartfelt, intimate song, featuring fingerstyle guitar, warm vocals, and a live string quartet. Written as a deeply personal gift for his cousin's wedding, Brant performed the song live during her ceremony at the Boulder Country Club in Colorado, where it became a defining emotional moment. Recorded in 432hz, a tuning that resonates deeply with the heart and soul, "Wedding Love" carries a calming, connective energy that listeners instantly feel. The song has received national attention, earning airplay on 34 radio stations across the U.S. and becoming Brant's debut entry on the Americana Music Association (AMA) charts. The song is ideal for wedding ceremonies, first dances, bridal showers, and romantic playlists. If you are an artist interested in covering this song, please contact Brant below.

In addition, Brant has over 16 years of experience teaching guitar to students aged 7-84. His lessons focus on real musical application, creativity, and personalized instruction. Specializing in Blues, Folk, Jazz, Pop, and Songwriting, Brant offers engaging online guitar lessons via Zoom for students at any skill level.

Brant is also the author of Chicago Blues History: Preserving The Past, a book dedicated to honoring the greatest Blues musicians. His work celebrates music, storytelling, and cultural heritage - the same passion that drives the creation of Xmas Pop-Up Bars.

If you'd like to connect about music, lessons, performances, or writing, Brant would love to hear from you.

Contact Brant

Explore, Sip, Celebrate!

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© Xmaspopupbars.com, 2024

Website By: Brant Buckley