Holiday celebrations are typically a family affair, and Miracle Bar Toronto is no exception.
Back for its seventh year, the pop up Christmas Cocktail Bar from Team Civil owes its unforgettable aesthetic to partner Nick Kennedy’s mother.
“Her name is Deanna Kennedy, or Mama Dea,” says Kennedy, who, along with his partner David Hyunh, operates award-winning bar Civil Liberties, Vit Beo, Third Place, Electric Bill Bar and Civil Pours and manages the new Civil Works cocktail bar at Waterworks Food Hall.
“My mom buys all the glassware for Civil Liberties. She’s always been a thrifter and she’s a creative lady, so it's a point of pride that I get to work with my mom. We spent the whole year rebuilding and making new tables [for the Miracle Bar], and my mom is meticulously wrapping them in Christmas paper right now.”
Described as the most Instagrammable Christmas experience in the city, Kennedy says attendees can expect 10,000 feet of Christmas lights, tons of festive decor and fun holiday vibes - and guests who make a reservation will get a light up Miracle beanie, a glass of bubbly or non-alcoholic sparkling wine, and seasoned popcorn.
And then, of course, there’s an imaginative and expertly crafted array of cocktails:
- Jingle Balls Nog,
- Crooked Antler,
- Christmapolitan,
- Snowball Old-Fashioned,
- Stocking Stuffer,
- Rudolph’s Replacement,
- Koala La La LA,
- Naughty & Nice Shots,
- Hot Buttered Rum
- and brand new this year the Christmasaurus Cocktail
“We were the original Christmas bar in the city, and what sets us apart is that we go over the top,” explains Kennedy, who is training a staff of thirty-four to run the experience at Third Place on Bloor St West from Friday, November 15 until Sunday, December 29.
“We bring in glassware from around the world, and this is the year of the Chrismosauraus. It’s a giant dino with a Christmas hat on that you can have a Christmas drink out of.”
Although mirth is certainly on the menu, Kennedy acknowledges holidays can be an emotionally charged time of year.
To beat the Christmas blues, entertainment abounds at Miracle Bar, with Santa photos, drag shows and a charity component all on the menu to lift any sensitive spirits.
“Every year we give a dollar from each drink sold throughout pop-up to Nellie’s, and to date we’ve raised a quarter of a million dollars,” Kennedy says. “They’re the only full family shelter in Toronto that even allows pets.”
For the first time this year, reservations can be made through Open Table.
“For those who have family coming from out of town it's a great way to get them out in the city,” says Kennedy, who stresses that walk-ins are also welcome, but lineups should be expected. “Year over year we try to improve, and we’re hoping to have the best season yet.”
