
On Thursday, ’Twas the Nite gets a little more electric (and a lot more fun) when Milwaukee’s own Steve Watts returns for a live piano set by the river.
Steve’s a high-energy, crowd-first piano man—equal parts entertainer, bandleader, and human jukebox—pulling requests, riffing on the room, and stitching together singalongs, quick-hit medleys, and “wait… how did that turn into THAT song?” mashups. It’s classic piano-bar energy with a holiday twist: lively, nostalgic, a little chaotic (in the best way), and built for people who came to participate, not just watch.
Expect a set that moves fast: big hooks, surprise pivots, call-and-response moments, and that “everyone in here is suddenly a choir” feeling—whether you’re packed in close to the keys or posted up on the patio with the river and Hoan Bridge glowing in the background. One minute it’s a warm, familiar chorus; the next it’s a whole-room clap-along and you’re laughing because you didn’t plan on staying this long.
Add ’Twas the Nite’s hot & cold holiday cocktails, great zero-proof options, hot food, and crackling fires by the river, and you’ve got the move for a December night in Milwaukee: festive without being fussy, a little rowdy, and exactly the right kind of cozy.
On Christmas Eve (Wednesday, Dec 24), ’Twas the Nite on the Boone & Crockett riverfront patio turns into a riverside singalong when Vic Ruggiero of The Slackers plugs in for a special solo set at 8pm (doors/party at 6).
Longtime frontman, songwriter, and all-purpose troublemaker for the cult-favorite ska/reggae institution, Vic brings lived-in songs that feel like late-night bar stories—crooked love songs, bittersweet ballads, and grin-in-the-dark hymns for people who stay for one more round. It’s part ska, part rocksteady, part rock & roll, all heart.
Expect stripped-down Slackers favorites and deep cuts, plus the kind of off-the-cuff crowd moments that only happen when it’s just a voice, a guitar, and a roomful of people who actually showed up—one minute a hush, the next a shout-along chorus with the whole bar suddenly in the band.
Add ’Twas the Nite’s hot and cold holiday cocktails, solid NAs, hot food, crackling fires by the river, and Hoan Bridge views, and you’ve got the move for Christmas Eve in Milwaukee: festive without being fussy, a little rowdy, a little nostalgic, and cozy enough for fun-loving grownups who want their holiday spirit loud, live, and slightly off the beaten path.
Fire pits crackling, the river glowing, and holiday drinks flowing all night long.
Put on your best outdoor gear, grab a drink, and stay awhile.
It’s a cozy Midwest winter celebration at the best outdoor Christmas bar in town.
Expect holiday-inspired drinks (hot, cold, and non-alcoholic) and plenty of good vibes to keep you warm!
Fire pits crackling, the river glowing,
and holiday drinks flowing all night long.
Put on your best outdoor gear,
grab a drink, and stay awhile.
It’s a cozy Midwest winter celebration
at the best outdoor Christmas bar in town.
Expect holiday-inspired drinks (hot, cold, and non-alcoholic) and plenty of good vibes to keep you warm!

’Twas the Nite transforms Boone & Crockett into Milwaukee’s most inviting holiday pop-up bar - complete with crackling fires, festive cocktails, hot food, and cozy outdoor spaces built for lingering under the lights. Whether you’re searching for a Christmas pop-up bar in Milwaukee, a seasonal night out with friends, or a place to warm up with a crafted holiday drink and something delicious to eat, this riverside patio celebration delivers the city’s favorite cold-weather gathering spot.
From cookie-inspired cold cocktails and spiked hot chocolate to zero-proof elf-approved sippers, our menu leans cozy, decadent, and fun. Expect thoughtful flavors and midwest holiday-bar vibes for everyone on the naughty and nice lists.
Warm up with hot food from Taco Moto and South Water Snacks. From street-style tacos to cozy comfort bites, there’s always something warm and flavorful to pair with your drink. Grab a plate, find a fire pit, and turn it into a full night out—not just a quick stop for a cocktail.
Holiday playlists and special events soundtrack the night while the Kinnickinnic River glows beside you. Sip, sway, and sing along under twinkle lights, with room to toast friends, snap photos, and take in the city’s most festive waterfront views.
Gather around crackling fire pits with mittens wrapped around hot mugs, layered blankets, and good company. Outdoor heaters and open flames keep the chill at bay so you can linger late, swap stories, and watch the sparks and snow mix in the night air.
Set on Boone & Crockett’s iconic riverside patio, ’Twas the Nite mixes craft cocktails, food-truck eats, and postcard views of Milwaukee. It’s your outdoor holiday bar on the waterfront—no long drive north, just serious winter-cabin energy and even better drinks.
"We provide encouraging spaces to select and prepare free quality foods, and explore nutrition and wellbeing. The foods are thoughtfully sourced to offer options and reduce waste. We’re always looking for valuable ways to love our community, which is why we go out of our way to meet people where they’re at. When we join together, we are nourished and help each other grow.
Hunger is a real problem, and access to food should be a fundamental right. No one should be made to feel they’re not deserving of nourishment when there is more than enough for everyone to thrive.
As humans, we also can’t survive without community; it’s imperative for our health and longevity. We’re all different with unique stories and backgrounds, but we all want to feel meaning, to feel like we matter. By creating an environment where volunteers and shoppers can both give and receive, life begins to have meaning and hope again"
* UPDATE ! DECEMBER 17-28
+ NEW YEAR'S EVE - DECEMBER 31
4PM - MIDNITE
Heirloom Espresso, Grand Marnier,
Valrhona Hot Chocolate, Koatji Oat Milk,
Toasted Italian Meringue
*...is my favorite Christmas movie.
Diplomatico Reserva, Lustau Solera Reserva,
Koatji Oat Milk, Malt Powder, Brown Sugar, Spices,
Whole Eggs, Vanilla Bean
Red Wine, Grand Marnier, Mulling Spices, Bergamot,
English Black Tea
Heirloom Espresso, Grand Marnier, Valrhona Hot Chocolate, Koatji Oat Milk, Toasted Italian Meringue
*...is my favorite Christmas movie.
Diplomatico Reserva, Lustau Solera Reserva, Koatji Oat Milk, Malt Powder,
Brown Sugar, Spices,
Whole Eggs, Vanilla Bean
Red Wine,
Grand Marnier,
Mulling Spices,
Bergamot,
English Black Tea
Diplomatico Reserva and Mantuano,
Hampden Rum Fire, Speculoos Cookie Orgeat,
Lime
Modest Vodka, Sparkling Rosé, Cranberry,
White Sage, Orange Bitters
El Jimador Blanco, Top Note Grapefruit Soda,
Pomegranate Molasses, Bittercube All Day Bitters
*Kevin’s parents were not good people.
Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye, Ginger Vanilla Bean Vermouth, Bittercube All Day Bitters
Laird’s Straight Apple Brandy, Lustau Solera Reserva Brandy, Chamomile Tea, Pineapple, Lemon, Orange, Sparkling Wine
Diplomatico Reserva
and Mantuano,
Hampden Rum Fire,
Speculoos Cookie Orgeat,
Lime
Modest Vodka,
Sparkling Rosé,
Cranberry,
White Sage,
Orange Bitters
El Jimador Blanco,
Top Note Grapefruit Soda,
Pomegranate Molasses,
Bittercube All Day Bitters
*Kevin’s parents were not good people.
Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye, Ginger Vanilla Bean Vermouth, Bittercube All Day Bitters
Laird’s Straight Apple Brandy, Lustau Solera Reserva Brandy, Chamomile Tea, Pineapple, Lemon, Orange, Sparkling Wine
Lustau Brandy and Speculoos Cookies
Jack Daniels Bonded Rye,
Sloe Gin, Amaretto
Lustau Brandy and Speculoos Cookies
Jack Daniels Bonded Rye,
Sloe Gin, Amaretto
Valrhona Hot Chocolate, Koatji Oat Milk,
Toasted Italian Meringue
Koatji Oat Milk, Malt Powder, Brown Sugar, Spices, Whole Eggs, Vanilla Beans
Apple Cider, Roasted Barley, Kumquats, Spice Blend
Homemade Birch Beer with Local Honey
Valrhona Hot Chocolate, Koatji Oat Milk, Toasted Italian Meringue
Koatji Oat Milk, Malt Powder, Brown Sugar, Spices, Whole Eggs, Vanilla Beans
Apple Cider, Roasted Barley, Kumquats, Spice Blend
Homemade Birch Beer with Local Honey
Meet Our Team
Chief Executive Officer
Projects Complete

John Doe
Food Critic

John Doe
Food Critic

John Doe
Food Critic
’Twas the Nite is a 21+ outdoor holiday bar. Please drink responsibly. For your safety, use caution around fire pits, heaters, and any wet or icy surfaces, and follow all staff instructions. All hours, programming, and operations are subject to change at any time due to weather, safety concerns, or other unforeseen circumstances; the most current updates will be posted on our social channels @twasthenitepopup.
This information is for general guidance only and does not replace any applicable laws, regulations, or official policies.

818 S Water St
Milwaukee, WI 53204
’Twas the Nite is a Christmas pop-up bar and outdoor holiday experience on the Boone & Crockett patio in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood. From November 28 through December 31, 2025, we’re open Wednesday–Sunday, 6pm–midnight, with no cover, riverside views of the Hoan Bridge, festive décor, fire pits and a full menu of craft holiday cocktails and zero-proof options.
’Twas the Nite is built like a riverside Christmas party for adults: craft cocktails in holiday glassware, hot drinks by the fire pits, rotating food options, live music nights and plenty of room to bring friends. Every night includes a full menu of festive cocktails plus non-alcoholic holiday drinks, so everyone in the crew has something fun in their glass. Dogs are welcome on the patio, and there’s never a cover charge.
Visiting the Miracle® Christmas cocktail pop-up at The Tin Widow? ’Twas the Nite is just a few minutes away at Boone & Crockett on the river. Make it a south-east Wisconsin holiday bar crawl: start at Miracle® for their over-the-top kitschy Christmas décor, then head over to ’Twas the Nite for more craft cocktails, zero-proof options, fire pits and live music. Two different holiday pop-ups, one night out.
Season: November 28 – December 31, 2025
Days: Wednesday–Sunday
Hours: 6:00 PM – Midnight
Location: ’Twas the Nite at Boone & Crockett, 818 S Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Cover: Never any cover charge