Christmas-themed seasonal pop-up bar opening in Port Barrington

A pop-up bar inspired by a turn-of-the-20th-century boat captain who delivered Christmas trees to families in need is opening next week in Port Barrington.

Captain Santa’s Pop-Up Bar will pop up Dec. 4 at Pier 91, 99 Kazimour Drive in Port Barrington, and operate through Jan. 4. The venue is a seasonal holiday experience created by the team behind No Wake Bar & Grill, also at Pier 91.

Nestled along the Fox River just outside downtown Barrington, Captain Santa’s Pop-Up transforms more than 4,000 square feet into an immersive Christmas wonderland.

The pop-up combines festive food and drinks, immersive décor and themed entertainment for guests of all ages to enjoy throughout the holiday season.

Captain Santa’s promises to be family-friendly fun by day, while catering to adults at night.

“We wanted to create something truly magical for families and friends, a place where everyone can share in the joy of the season, from daytime cocoa and sweet treats to festive nightcaps under the lights,” said Michelle Streit, co-owner of Captain Santa’s Pop-Up Bar and the No Wake Bar & Grill. “Every inch of this space has been designed to capture the wonder and warmth of the holidays.”

The concept was inspired by Captain Herman “Captain Santa” Schuenemann, skipper of what was known as the Christmas Tree Ship. Each December in the early 1900s, Schuenemann sailed from northern Wisconsin to Chicago. He loaded his ship with evergreens for needy families along the Great Lakes, earning him his nickname.

“The story of Captain Santa captures exactly what this season is about,” Streit said. “We wanted to bring that legacy to life on the Fox River, blending the history of the Great Lakes with a little modern-day holiday magic.”

To learn more, visit the website.