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Summary

Toronto's Twinkling Christmas Pop-Up Is Filled With Hundreds Of Ornaments & Festive Cocktails

The Thirsty Elf is open for the season!

A person standing in front of hundreds of ornaments with Christmas-themed popcorn in her hand. Right: Three drinks with toasted marshmallows on top in reindeer mugs.

Mira at The Thirsty Elf. Right: Three cocktails from the Fairmont Royal York bar.

Writer

The Thirsty Elf, also known as the much anticipated Christmas pop-up bar at the Fairmont Royal York, is now open for the season and the decor is better than ever.

The Christmas bar is filled with so many dazzling lights and ornaments it's hard not to be wowed from the moment you walk in. Like many things at the Fairmont Royal York, the bar is classy and boozy, which makes it a great place for a perfect night out.

This 2023 holiday season, you can walk through the doors of the magical pop-up bar and be immersed in a world that feels like the North Pole.

@miranabulsi

The Thirsty Elf at the Fairmont Royal York is decked out with hundreds of ornaments and festive vibes you can’t miss out on this holiday season. #thirstyelf #fairmont #fairmontroyalyork #thirstyelfpopup #christmas #christmaseventstoronto

From November 22 until December 22, 2023, on Thursdays to Sundays from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Christmas enthusiasts can head over to The Thirsty Elf for cocktails and mocktails that are filled with warmth, joy and holiday spirits.

The staff are dressed in ugly Christmas sweaters and tables are decked out with Christmas trees, funky straws and green and red popcorn. In other words, the cozy room is merry and filled with cheer.

The Thirsty Elf at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.The Thirsty Elf at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.Mira Nabulsi | Narcity

However, it wouldn't be a very festive bar without being able to drink a cocktail out of Santa Claus wearing a hula skirt, now would it?

At The Thirsty Elf, all sorts of mugs are used to keep your frown upside down. From reindeer to ornament mugs, you will be constantly entertained.

Three Christmas cocktails from The Thirsty Elf.Three Christmas cocktails from The Thirsty Elf.Mira Nabulsi | Narcity

Cocktails at The Thirsty Elf cost $24 and range in options. You can enjoy a Christmoose S'more, which consists of Johnnie Walker Black Label, crème de cacao, miso graham cracker syrup, cream, egg white and a toasted marshmallow.

Another fan favourite is the Gingerbread Beach House, served in a Santa mug. It has Ron Zacapa Rum, Willibald Gingerbread Gin, Hamilton Allspice Dram, lime, wintermelon, chai, ginger, and agave.

There is also a spirit-free beverage for $16 called The Nice List, and it's a hot drink with Seedlip Spice, apple cider, spiced maple, chai, orange, clove and topped with whipped cream.

Keep in mind that there are no reservations available and The Thirsty Elf is walk-in only with a one-hour seating limit per table. So, make sure to plan accordingly.

The Thirsty Elf

A person sitting at The Thirsty Elf in the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

A person sitting at The Thirsty Elf in the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

Mira Nabulsi | Narcity

Price: Free entrance

Where: Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front St. W., Toronto

When: November 22 to December 22, 2023

Why You Need To Go: To sip on boozy drinks from a reindeer mug while enjoying music, dazzling decor and a room filled with so much spirit you'll leave singing your favourite Christmas carols.

Fairmont Royal York's Website

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  • Writer

    Mira Nabulsi (she/her) was a Writer for Narcity Media with over five years of journalism experience. Before joining the team, she worked at Xtalks and Discovery Channel. Mira graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) with a Master of Journalism and completed her undergraduate degree from York University. But, now she loves to eat and taste all the different cuisines and culinary experiences the world has to offer.

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