Pink Shark Wonderland: San Antonio's Adults-Only Christmas Pop-Up Bar (2025 Guide)
- Dec 8, 2025
- 10 min read
By Jessica Marinez & Amber Hernandez, Co-Owners of Pink Shark
Jessica Marinez and Amber Hernandez transformed Pink Shark into "Wonderland" this December, creating a glowing winter escape that balances tropical Christmas cocktails with their signature pink maximalist aesthetic. Featured in San Antonio Current's Best Holiday Spirit Destinations.
Quick Guide: Pink Shark Wonderland 2025
The Theme: "Pink Shark Wonderland" – A glowing winter wonderland hidden behind a secret entrance.
Dates: December 1–31, 2025
Location: 203 N Presa St, San Antonio, TX (Steps from the Riverwalk)
Hours: Open Daily 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Happy Hour: Daily 3 PM – 8 PM (Shark Hour specials)
Must-Try Drink: Merry Mai Tai (Served in a take-home Hula Claus Tiki Mug)
Top Events:
Adult Santa Photos (Dec 6, 9 PM)
Santa Pub Crawl (Dec 13, 7 PM)
Mariah Carey Look-Alike & Karaoke Contest (Dec 20)
The Christmas Hangover (Dec 27 - All Day)
Perfect For: Date nights, friend gatherings, adults-only holiday celebrations
The Vibe: Sophisticated Christmas meets hidden bar experience
What is Pink Shark Wonderland?
Leave the mall Santa for the kids. Pink Shark Wonderland is where you go to make adult holiday memories.
Step through our secret entrance and discover a transformed winter wonderland that's nothing like the cozy, nostalgic Christmas bars you've seen before. This glowing holiday decor meets a sophisticated edge. Think twinkling lights, festive installations, and a shark-shaped disco ball dressed for the holidays.
Pink Shark Wonderland runs the entire month of December at Pink Shark Bar, San Antonio's most Instagram-worthy cocktail destination. We've taken our signature maximalist pink aesthetic and given it a festive glow-up that's equal parts sophisticated and playful.
What makes this different from other San Antonio holiday pop-ups?
While other bars lean into traditional Christmas nostalgia, Pink Shark Wonderland embraces the unexpected. You'll find tropical-inspired holiday cocktails, a "naughty or nice" photo op with an adult twist, and the same dual-room experience that made us #5 on San Antonio Current's 50 Best Bars.
Our front room pulses with holiday energy and pink-washed Christmas lights, while our back room offers a moodier, more intimate winter escape. Both spaces fully embrace the Wonderland transformation, giving you two distinct vibes without leaving the venue.
The adult angle: This isn't a family-friendly Christmas experience. Pink Shark Wonderland is designed for the 21+ crowd who want their holiday cocktails strong, their photos Instagram-worthy, and their Santa visits decidedly grown-up. We're taking professional photos with Santa where you can wear your hottest holiday outfit instead of matching pajamas.
San Antonio Current recognized us as one of the city's top destinations for getting into the holiday spirits this season. Come see why downtown's most whimsical bar makes the perfect backdrop for your adult Christmas celebration.
What holiday cocktails are on the Pink Shark Wonderland menu?
Pink Shark's holiday menu features Christmas-inspired cocktails with festive flavors you won't find anywhere else in San Antonio.
Forget the standard cocktails this holiday season. Our bartenders crafted a holiday menu that balances festive flavors with our signature playful approach to mixology.
The Merry Mai Tai: Your Take-Home Souvenir
This is the showstopper. Our Merry Mai Tai blends Bacardi 8yr, Creme de Cacao, and Pistachio Orgeat into a smooth, nutty riff on the classic Tiki cocktail.
🎁 Collector's Alert: The Merry Mai Tai comes served in a limited-edition Hula Claus Tiki Mug that you take home with you. These ceramic keepsakes are exclusive to Pink Shark Wonderland 2025, and once they're gone, they're gone. Early December visitors have the best selection—by the time we hit Christmas week, the mugs tend to sell out fast.
If you're a Tiki mug collector or just want a unique holiday souvenir that isn't a generic ornament, arrive early in the month to secure yours. Check our event calendar to plan your visit around our busiest nights.
The Holly Jaw-lly Margarita: Festive Meets Frozen
A festive blend of Cazadores Silver Tequila, Pomegranate Liqueur, and Cinnamon Syrup that tastes like Christmas in a glass. The pomegranate adds a tart, jewel-toned brightness while the cinnamon brings warmth.
Insider tip from our bartenders: If you're sitting in the front room, ask for this one frozen. The frozen version amplifies the pomegranate flavor and makes for better photos with the pink-and-red swirl.
Christmas in July: Escape the Season
Not everyone wants to lean fully into winter. Christmas in July is our tropical escape hatch, mixing Bacardi Coconut, Allspice Dram, and fresh Pineapple. It's the drink you order when you're over the cold and ready to daydream about beaches.
This one pairs beautifully with our Shark Hour oysters—the coconut and pineapple complement the briny flavors perfectly.
Mint Condition: The Espresso Martini Gets Festive
An Espresso Martini riff featuring Peppermint Syrup and a candy cane garnish. This is your late-night energy boost wrapped in holiday flavor. Perfect for powering through a full night of bar hopping or keeping you sharp for the Mariah Carey karaoke contest (more on that below).
Planning your cocktail strategy: Start with the Merry Mai Tai for the mug, then rotate through the other three based on your mood. Browse the full menu to see our year-round cocktails—they're still available throughout Wonderland season.
What special events are happening at Pink Shark Wonderland in December?
Pink Shark Wonderland isn't just a pop-up bar. It's a month-long celebration with themed parties, pub crawls, and the kind of adult holiday events you won't find anywhere else in downtown San Antonio.
December 5: First Friday Pub Run (8 PM)
The monthly First Friday tradition gets a holiday makeover. The run starts and ends at Pink Shark, which means you'll work up an appetite for our happy hour menu after burning those calories.
Wear your fave Christmas sweater or your most festive running gear. The crowd is friendly, the pace is social, and the post-run cocktails taste even better.
December 6: Adult Santa Photos (9 PM – 12 AM)
Have you been naughty or nice?
This is not the mall Santa. Pink Shark's Adult Santa Photos event offers free professional photography with Santa in our fully-decorated Wonderland setting. Bring your friends, your partner, or fly solo—this is your chance to get that Instagram-worthy Santa shot without any kids in line ahead of you.
What to wear: Literally anything. Show up in your hottest holiday outfit, your ugliest sweater, or full festive glam. The only rule? Leave the kids at home. This is a 21+ event designed for grown-ups who want to reclaim the Santa photo tradition with cocktails in hand.
Photos are free, and our professional photographer will capture you against Pink Shark's signature pink backdrop with holiday decor. Tag @pinksharkbar in your posts—we love seeing how creative you get.
December 13: Santa Pub Crawl (7 PM Start)
Here's where Pink Shark Wonderland connects to our sister bar for the ultimate downtown holiday night.
The Santa Pub Crawl kicks off at Pink Shark at 7 PM. Dress as Santa, an elf, a reindeer, or anything Christmas-adjacent. The energy will be high, the cocktails will be flowing, and you'll be surrounded by San Antonio's most festive bar hoppers.
The move: Ends at 9 PM at our sister concept, Howdy Sore Loser, just minutes away. But here's the thing—you don't have to leave.
Staying at Pink Shark? Our monthly Sagittarius Zodiac Party fires up at 9 PM, keeping the energy going for anyone who wants to stay in Wonderland. You get live DJs, zodiac-themed drinks, and the same vibrant crowd without moving locations.
Hitting both? Smart. Start at Pink Shark for the pub crawl launch, move to Howdy for the main party, then circle back to Pink Shark for the Zodiac after-party. Check both calendars to plan your route.
December 20: Mariah Carey Look-Alike & Karaoke Contest
Do you have the range?
This is Pink Shark Wonderland's signature event. We're hosting a full Mariah Carey-themed night with a look-alike contest and karaoke competition. Can you hit the high note in "All I Want for Christmas Is You"? Can you channel Mariah's iconic style? Here's your chance to prove it.
Why this matters: The Mariah Carey party attracts a specific crowd—people who commit to the theme, dress up, and bring serious vocal energy. It's the kind of night that creates legendary social media moments. If you've ever wanted to perform for a room full of strangers while dressed as the Queen of Christmas, this is your moment.
What to bring: Your best Mariah look (think glitter, glamour, and confidence), your karaoke A-game, and your friends to hype you up. We'll provide the stage, the sound system, and the festive cocktails.
December 27: The Christmas Hangover – Post-Christmas Recovery
The last Saturday of the year deserves its own celebration. The Christmas Hangover is your post-holiday recovery party, running all day on December 27.
By this point, you've survived family dinners, gift exchanges, and probably one too many Christmas Eve cocktails. The Christmas Hangover is your reward—a full day of comfort cocktails, laid-back vibes, and a crowd that's equally exhausted and ready to close out the year strong.
Reserve your table if you're bringing a crew—this night tends to fill up with locals looking for post-holiday relief.
Is there food at Pink Shark Wonderland?
Yes. Pink Shark serves food daily, and our Shark Hour deals run throughout the entire Wonderland season.
Happy Hour: Shark Hour Runs 3 PM – 8 PM Daily
Even during Wonderland, we're still serving our legendary Shark Hour specials. You get oysters and oyster shots at peak value pricing every single day from 3 PM to 8 PM.
Pair your holiday cocktails with fresh oysters for the ultimate flavor combination—the briny, cold oysters balance the sweetness of drinks like the Holly Jaw-lly Margarita perfectly.
Strategy: Arrive during Shark Hour (especially before 6 PM) to lock in the oyster deals, then transition into Wonderland cocktails as the night progresses. See the full Shark Hour guide for detailed timing and pairing tips.
Late-Night Bites to Fuel Your Night
Beyond oysters, we have a full menu designed for sharing and snacking:
Little Hottie Flatbread: Pepperoni with hot honey—sweet, spicy, and perfect for soaking up cocktails
Italian Sandwiches: Hearty enough to keep you going through a long night of bar hopping
Shareable plates: Browse our full menu for updated options
The kitchen stays open late, so you can order food well past happy hour. This is crucial if you're planning to close down the bar at 2 AM—you'll need sustenance.
Do I need a reservation for Pink Shark Wonderland?
No reservations or tickets required for general entry. Pink Shark Wonderland is walk-in friendly, just like our regular service.
Planning Your Visit: The Basics
Hours: Open Mon-Fri from 3 PM to 2 AM & Sat-Sun from 11 AM to 2 AM throughout December
Location: 203 N Presa St, San Antonio, TX 78205 (Steps from the Riverwalk)
Entry: Free. Walk in, grab a seat, and order at the bar or from your server.
Reservations: Available for groups who want to guarantee seating. Book here if you're bringing 6+ people or visiting on a peak night (weekends, event nights).
Peak times to watch:
Fridays and Saturdays after 8 PM
December 6 (Adult Santa Photos)
December 13 (Santa Pub Crawl launch)
December 20 (Mariah Carey party)
December 27 (The Christmas Hangover)
Check our event calendar before you visit to see what's happening that night. Some events draw bigger crowds than others.
The "Downtown Duo" Itinerary: Pink Shark + Howdy Sore Loser
Want the ultimate holiday night out in downtown San Antonio? Hit both of our bars in one evening.
Here's the perfect itinerary for experiencing everything we've built this December:
3 PM – 8 PM: Start at Pink Shark for Shark Hour
Arrive during happy hour to lock in oyster specials
Order a round of Merry Mai Tais to secure your Tiki mugs
Explore both the front room and the back room to see the full Wonderland transformation
Grab photos while the bar is less crowded—early arrivals get cleaner shots
8 PM – 10 PM: The Main Event at Pink Shark Wonderland
Settle into the full evening vibe as the DJ starts spinning
Work through the holiday cocktail menu—try at least two beyond the Mai Tai
If there's a special event happening (Santa Photos, Mariah karaoke), participate
10 PM – Close: Walk to Howdy Sore Loser for the After-Party
Head over to Howdy Sore Loser (just minutes away on foot)
Experience their "Kevin's Hideout" back room and nostalgic Home Alone-themed holiday pop-up
Dance to live DJs and close out your night with a completely different holiday aesthetic
This itinerary gives you two distinct holiday experiences, two hidden back rooms, and the best of downtown San Antonio's bar scene in one night. You'll hit tropical Christmas vibes at Pink Shark and cozy nostalgia at Howdy, all without needing to drive or Uber between locations.
Pro tip: Start early (3 PM) if you want to execute this full itinerary. It's a marathon, not a sprint—pace yourself on the cocktails, order food at both stops, and bring your most adventurous friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Pink Shark Wonderland run? December 1–31, 2025. We're open weekdays from 3 PM to 2 AM & Saturday & Sundays from 11 AM to 2 AM. The full Wonderland decor stays up the entire time.
Do I need tickets or a reservation? No tickets required for general entry. Reservations are available for groups and recommended for peak nights. Book here if you want guaranteed seating.
What's the Hula Claus Tiki Mug and how do I get one? It's a limited-edition ceramic Tiki mug that comes with the Merry Mai Tai cocktail. You keep the mug as a souvenir. Arrive early in December for the best selection—they sell out fast.
Are the Adult Santa Photos really free? Yes. December 6 from 9 PM to midnight, we provide free professional photography with Santa. Just show up, get in line, and our photographer will capture your moment. Totally free, 21+ only.
Can I visit both Pink Shark Wonderland and Howdy Sore Loser's holiday pop-up in one night? Absolutely. They're minutes apart on foot. We recommend starting at Pink Shark for Shark Hour (3–8 PM), enjoying Wonderland through 10 PM, then walking to Howdy for the late-night energy.
Is Pink Shark Wonderland kid-friendly? No. This is an adults-only (21+) experience. The "Adult Santa Photos" and overall vibe are designed for grown-ups who want their holiday celebrations without children present.
What should I wear? Whatever makes you feel festive. Your most festive fit & sweaters work. Glam holiday outfits work. Casual downtown attire works. Just dress for photos—this place is Instagram gold.
Is Pink Shark LGBTQ+ friendly? Yes. Pink Shark is welcoming, inclusive, and safe for everyone. Our staff maintains a friendly, respectful environment. Bring your crew and celebrate.
Experience Pink Shark Wonderland This December
Pink Shark Wonderland is naughty, nice, and neon all at once. It's tropical Christmas cocktails, adults-only Santa photos, and a glowing winter escape hidden behind a secret door. It's everything you love about the holidays without the family obligations.
The pop-up runs December 1–31, 2025, at Pink Shark Bar in downtown San Antonio. No tickets, no reservations required (unless you want them), and no kids allowed.
Your next steps:
Check our December event calendar for special parties
Reserve a table for groups or peak nights
Browse the full menu to plan your cocktail order
Read our Shark Hour guide for happy hour strategy
Follow @pinksharkbar and tag us in your Adult Santa photos
Make your holiday memories at Pink Shark Wonderland. We'll see you behind the secret door. 🦈🎄
Pink Shark Bar is committed to responsible alcohol service in compliance with Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission regulations.
