Philadelphia's Most Over-the-Top Christmas Bar Returns at Craftsman Row Saloon

photo by cody aldrich

The holidays just got brighter in Philadelphia as Craftsman Row launches its highly anticipated Winter Wonderland Christmas Pop-Up. Nationally recognized for creating one of the country's most immersive, extravagant and super-sized holiday pop-up dining experiences, the beloved restaurant and bar is back with even more sparkle, flavor and festive flair. Craftsman (located at 112 S. 8th Street) is back even more over-the-top, decked-out and super-sized than ever.

Owners and operators brother sister duo George and Vasiliki Tsiouris are thrilled to welcome back all the holiday merry-makers into the Christmas wonderland with twinkling lights, decorations and themed food and drinks. This year look for tens of thousands more lights, thousands of feet of garland, tens of thousands of ornaments and more lush greenery. From the kitchen, look for the most holiday themed milkshakes in Craftsman Row's history, plus delicious new themed food and cocktail selections. The special decor and menus will run from now through January 2027. After the giant success of last year, Craftsman Row Saloon will be open seven days a week from the very start of the season - plus extend their hours on weekends. Hours to start the season are Mondays to Thursdays, 4:00pm to 11:00pm, Noon to 1:00am on Fridays and Saturdays, and Noon to 10:00pm on Sundays. Look for extended hours to expand later in December as well. For reservations, visit Open Table and make sure to follow the holiday adventure on social at @CraftsmanRowPHL

"We love to see the joy on people’s faces when they walk in the front door," said George Tsiouris. "Our family has been doing this tradition year after year. We are excited to add new layers of details, new dazzling decor and new special touches so there's always surprises each and every year to look forward to. Christmas holds a special place in our hearts and it’s so great to host guests from across the city and region - to those that visit us from hours away."

"We are excited to bring the festive fun back to Jewelers' Row with the Craftsman Row Saloon's Christmas Pop-up," said Vasiliki Tsiouris. "The holidays are such a special time of year - and we absolutely love making memories with everyone. From date nights, to family outings, to co-workers coming for happy hour, we are so thankful our Christmas pop-up has become an annual tradition for thousands of people every holiday season. We love the holidays and our family has so much fun putting this together. We can't wait to see everyone soon!"

For Craftsmans Row Saloon's 2026 Holiday Wonderland Christmas Pop-up, look for over 60,000+ ornaments, 20,0000+ lights, 6,000+ feet of garland, and hundreds of wreaths, nutcrackers, deer and Santa dolls that join new ornament and tree installations.

Every inch of Craftsman Row glows with thousands of shimmering lights, dazzling displays and whimsical holiday décor, transforming the space into a true holiday wonderland. Guests can enjoy creative holiday cocktails, extravagant milkshakes and indulgent burgers, making it a must-visit for travelers and locals seeking the ultimate seasonal experience.

The spectacular display becomes grander and more intricate every year, adding even more sparkle, nostalgia and heartwarming details to the experience. The magic begins the moment guests arrive and are taken on a journey through a festive wonderland. Oversized, plush velvet bows provide key photo-op moments, joined by beautifully wrapped presents, shimmering ornaments, cascading icicle lights and a charming collection of nostalgic nutcrackers standing guard over the holiday treasures. Dozens more sparkling presents and stockings hang overhead, wrapping guests in the surprise of what the holidays might bring.

Snowflakes and icicles at the front of the space lead guests past the evergreen banquette to the Classic Christmas decor, where cozy fireplaces add a layer of enchantment to an already whimsical setting. Above, a 70-foot train track winds along the ceiling beneath a new dreamy canopy installation of snow-kissed clouds, evoking cozy holiday nights.

New this year, a moss installation of rich evergreen colors and textures, set against warm lights and dusted frost, evokes the nature, warmth and the wonder of enchanting escapes to the outdoors during the timeless magic of the season.

Toward the back of the restaurant, four-foot nutcrackers now guard two mailboxes, one for Team Naughty and one for Team Nice. Scrolls and greeting cards hang nearby, asking Santa to place guests on the nice list. A colorful pile of wrapped presents completes the North Pole scene. Outside, a four-story twinkling light show welcomes everyone to the building, while festive ornaments and greenery greet guests from the street.

Every element ties together in a full-sensory holiday celebration, and the food and drinks perfectly complement the décor, creating an immersive experience . Whether inside or out, every corner offers a picture-perfect moment waiting to be captured, so keep your camera ready and your spirits bright!

Taste buds are in for a treat with a special holiday food and dessert menu available November 6 through January 2027.

HOLIDAY MENU

Shareables & Sides
Brussels Sprouts: honey-maple, bacon, apple, pecans, pomegranate, balsamic
Letters to Santa: mushroom, mozzarella, rice, marinara
Buffalo Chicken Seasonal Wreath: grilled chicken, mozzarella, blue cheese, hot sauce, wreath-style stromboli

Soups & Salads
Festive Salad: romaine-spring mix, roasted beets, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, cranberry, radish, red onion, fried goat cheese, pomegranate, pecans, blood orange vinaigrette
Candy Cane Caprese: mozzarella, tomato, balsamic glaze, EVOO. Add prosciutto and toasted baguette +$5 (that part is new this year)

Burgers
Christmas Dinner Burger: 2 smashed patties, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato fries, American cheese
Gobbler- available until Thanksgiving

Sandwiches
Holiday Havana Cuban Sandwich: ham, turkey, Swiss, pickles, apple-cranberry chutney aioli, caramelized onion mustard, Sarcone's roll

PLATES:
NEW - Christmas at Grandma's Carbonara: spaghetti, Parmesan, pancetta, sweet peas, sage
NEW VERSION - Jingle Bell Braised Short Rib: red wine 4-hour braise, sweet potato mash, mixed vegetables, thyme
NEW - Scrooge's Un-Wellington: pork tenderloin, prosciutto, mushrooms, onions, crepe, Dijon, tree-shaped puff pastry, rosemary
NEW - North Pole Roasted Chicken: served over herbed rice, gravy, thyme sprig

MILKSHAKES:
All I Want for Christmas:
local vanilla ice cream, eggnog, crushed sugar cookie, holiday decorated cookie

Santa's Cookies:
local cookie dough ice cream, crunchy and chewy chocolate chip cookies, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle

Pumpkin' to Talk About:
local vanilla ice cream, pumpkin puree, festive pretzel rod, edible fall leaves, whipped cream

New - Christmas Memories:
local mint ice cream, mint chocolate chip cookie tree, whipped cream, festive sprinkles, keepsake ornament

Winter Wonderland:
coconut rum, local vanilla ice cream, powdered sugar donut holes, cinnamon
 

Christmas Cocktails
Vodka based:
S'mores Martini: Kahlúa, chocolate liqueur, coffee, toasted marshmallow
Sugar Cookie Martini: vanilla vodka, amaretto, Irish cream, festive sprinkles

Gin based:
Christmas Light Spectacular: elderflower, lemon, light-up festive glasses

Whiskey based:
All Tied Up: pecan syrup, Licor 43, walnut bitters, keepsake festive tie
Festive Jawn: maple simple, lemon, keepsake wearable headband

Tequila based:
Frosty Approved: cranberry, coconut, triple sec, lime, keepsake snowman cup
Ornament Globe: white cranberry, triple sec, lime, take-home ornament
On the Naughty List: spicy tequila, triple sec, simple syrup, lime

Rum based:
Mistlenog: eggnog, RumChata, vanilla, mistletoe & ornament
Santa's Spice Mocktail: spiced rum, apple cider, lemon, brown sugar, take-home cup
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree: pineapple, passionfruit, lime, blue curaçao, vanilla, keepsake tree cup

Shots
Peppermint Bark: vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, whipped cream
Santa Hat Lemon Drop: vodka, lemon, strawberry
The Grinch: tequila, melon, lemon, simple syrup

All of the above will be available on the full larger menu of comfort food staples with all of Craftsman Row Saloon's other dishes that include Dorito coated mozzarella sticks, award-winning burgers, and fiery buffalo mac-n-cheese. As the perfect pairing with the shakes, for all the sweet tooths, George recommends also trying Donut Fried Chicken with glazed, bacon, american, maple syrup, and the Mac Daddy Burger with smashed patties that are smothered and dripping with mac and cheese on a martin's potato roll.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Craftsman Row Saloon is owned by brother-and-sister restaurateurs George and Vasiliki Tsiouris, co-owners of Midtown Village’s popular Drury Beer Garden that currently features their beloved Greek cuisine with the Opa Pop-up. Craftsman Row, located at 112 South 8th Street, is named for the hard-working artisans that comprise this area known as Jeweler’s Row. Craftsman Row offers guests in a comfortable, neighborhood setting.

Since taking it over, the Tsiouris family has refreshed the space, a landmark for eating and drinking for 100 years, most recently known as Coco’s, which opened in 1984.  Respecting the building’s deep history, the Tsiouris’ chose to maintain specific aspects of its character, such as the original bar facade, marked by nameplates of Coco’s regulars at each end. The nine booths, reupholstered in button tufted brown leather, and the 16 bar stools have been painted black to match the new distressed black hardwood floors that were installed. The ceiling is dark as well, brightened by light wooden beams that are now exposed. Five televisions positioned at various points of view will broadcast sports games and other events for those looking to root for their favorite local teams. Clever accents, including small, wooden faux taxidermy and modern campfire-style pendant lighting and sconces, are thoughtfully placed throughout the space, lending to the saloon vibe.

Craftsman Row Saloon
112 S 8th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 923-0123

Hours:
Now open seven days a week - with new late hours on Fridays and Saturdays
Monday to Thursday, 4:00pm to 11:00pm (look for lunch coming in December)
Friday and Saturday, Noon to 1:00am
Sunday Noon to 10:00pm

Reservations:
Open Table

For more information, visit craftsmanrowsaloon.com and follow on social at @craftsmanrowphl