Christmas Pop-Up Will Open at Former Havana Site
Operators of the seasonal bar will move into the Capitol Hill space this November to boost year-end revenue.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Christmas Dive Bar will debut at 1010 E Pike in Capitol Hill near Thanksgiving. This seasonal pop-up occupies the former home of the Havana nightclub, which closed in summer 2026 after 20 years of operation.
Why it matters
Seasonal pop-up models allow operators to leverage vacant real estate to stabilize year-end revenue and support staff finances. This specific transition follows the sale of the operators' previous location, Queer/Bar, to the owners of The Cuff.
The transition involves a venue with a 20-year history of operation in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The new pop-up will occupy the address at 1010 E Pike.
The players
Joey Burgess
Operator of the Christmas Dive Bar who previously managed and recently sold the Queer/Bar establishment.
Murf Hall
Partner in the Christmas Dive Bar pop-up venture and co-operator in previous Seattle nightlife ventures.
The details
The Christmas Dive Bar utilizes established nightlife infrastructure to facilitate its seasonal operations. By moving into the former Havana space, the operators continue a strategy of adapting existing nightclub venues for holiday-themed service. This approach provides a temporary use for the site ahead of broader changes in the district, such as the planned closure of the nearby Glossier store in January 2027.
Timeline
Summer 2026: Havana nightclub concluded 20 years of operation.
October 1, 2026: Official announcement confirmed the new location.
November 2026: Estimated debut of the pop-up bar.
December 2026: Active operating period for the holiday venue.
January 2027: Permanent closure scheduled for the local Glossier store.
Market Landscape
This move follows the pattern set by the closure of the Havana nightclub by repurposing its former real estate for a temporary, high-turnover business model. It reflects a broader trend of hospitality operators cycling through legacy nightlife venues in Seattle.
Operators should monitor how seasonal pop-ups utilize short-term leases to mitigate the overhead of permanent nightclub spaces. Reviewing lease flexibility in legacy venues may offer similar opportunities to stabilize revenue during transition periods.
The takeaway
Using temporary, themed concepts allows businesses to maintain cash flow while navigating the long-term changes occurring in neighborhood real estate. Keep a close watch on your own lease terms and the availability of vacant venue spaces in your area as permanent businesses exit.
Further reading
For more on shifts in local retail and nightlife, visit Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CHS Capitol Hill Seattle.
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Do you prefer seasonal pop-up shops over permanent businesses in your neighborhood's nightclub spaces?
