Around Town

Christmas-themed pop-up bar is open for business in Del Ray

By James Cullum
Joy on the Avenue in 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

A Christmas-themed pop-up bar has officially opened its doors in Del Ray.

Joy on the Avenue opened its doors at 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue on Nov. 22 and will remain until Jan. 4, when it will wrap with its annual Festivus party.

“We’ve got the elves working hard in there and the pop-up bar is ready to open,” owner Bill Blackburn announced on Facebook.

The pop-up bar rotates themes seasonally. Joy on the Avenue features small plates and holiday cocktails, like the Santa Tiki, made with Tito’s vodka, cran-rosemary simple syrup, cranberry juice, lime juice and ginger beer, served in a souvenir Santa glass.

The spring theme for the pop-up hasn’t yet been decided, Blackburn said.

Blackburn and his business partner, “Mango” Mike Anderson, also donated this year’s 36-foot tall Del Ray Christmas tree. The neighborhood’s annual tree and menorah lighting will be held this Sunday.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.