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Celebrate Christmas In July At Year-Round Christmas Bar in Tampa

Author Jen Glorioso

Wow can you believe we’re already more than halfway through 2024? It’s not too hard to believe, after all we were celebrating “summerween” just a few weeks ago. And if you step into a craft store or Costco recently, you may already be spotting Halloween decorations. Which really means were one day closer to Christmastime. I bet we’ll be seeing Christmas decorations in stores starting in August or September. But if you can’t wait till then, you can celebrate Christmas in July at this year-round Christmas bar in Tampa.

Joy Bar is Tampa’s only year-round Christmas Bar and one of the best dive bars in the area. It’s the exact opposite of Dracula’s Legacy Wine Bar & Bistro in Downtown Tampa and St. Pete. Joy Bar was previously known as VIP Lounge, the new concept opened in 2023. From karaoke, comedy nights rare whiskey bottles or drink deals, Joy Bar is the place to be to.

whiskey bottles: Pappy Van Winkle and bottles from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
Photo courtesy of Joy Bar

Usually when someone mentions Christmas in July, you automatically think of big sale promotions at popular stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target. Or what comes to mind is cheesy Hallmark movies. But now you can think of these events happening in Tampa.

Christmas In July Holiday Events At Joy Bar in Tampa

On top of the scheduled events happening at Joy Bar all month, they have a few promotions happening every day. Everyone who wears a Christmas sweater to Joy Bar in July will receive a free Fireball shot. Christmas themed shots are $4. Joy Bar offers a Pabst Blue Ribbon Happy Hour from 5 pm to 8pm with beers for $1.50.

Christmas in July Event Schedule

Friday, July 5:  Live Music (7pm to 10pm)- Pink Whitney Takeover
Tuesday, July 9: Karaoke (10pm to 2 am)
Thursday, July 11:  Comedy (8pm) – hosted by local comedian Dan Baskt
Friday, July 12:  Live Music (7pm to 10pm)- Fireball Takeover
Tuesday, July 16: Karaoke (10pm to 2 am)
Thursday, July 18:  Comedy (8pm) – hosted by local comedian Dan Baskt
Friday, July 19:  Live Music (7pm to 10pm) -Flecha Azul Takeover
Tuesday, July 23: Karaoke (10pm to 2 am)
Thursday, July 25:  Comedy (8pm) – hosted by local comedian Dan Baskt
Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27- Jager Takeover

Joy Bar is located at 6905 N Armenia Avenue in Tampa. The year round Christmas themed dive bar is open seven days a week from 5pm to 3am. 

Jen was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. She’s been with Beasley Media Group since 2022. In her spare time, you can find her at Tampa Bay Lightning games, Tampa Bay breweries, or the beach. Catch up on Jen’s content about the highest-rated restaurants/bars in Tampa, things-to-do around the area, and upcoming concerts.

Multiple Florida Cities Rank Best Spots For Dive Bars

Multiple Florida cities have ranked high as the best cities for dive bars. Who doesn’t love cheap drinks and a chill atmosphere? Here in the Tampa Bay area, we have so many staple bars to choose from, and even more dive bars for a more laid-back evening.

While many places in Tampa Bay have created elevated cocktail menus, sometimes you just need a simple shot and a beer. That’s where these unique watering holes come in. From the delicious food to the giant mugs of beer, dive bars are a special place that explodes with character and personality you can’t find anywhere else. These bars are usually open past your typical downtown spots, so it’s usually the last stop of the night.

Another reason to love these pubs is the atmosphere. Usually, these bars are smaller and casual and even feature local music. The bartender won’t push fancy drinks on you and you can spend your night playing pool, darts, or other classic bar games. There are so many great bars scattered around the Tampa Bay area, that it’s hard to choose which is our favorite. Tampa even ranked third in this study for best cities for dive bars in the U.S.. A few more Florida cities made the list too!

Factors For Methodology 

  • Number of Bars
  • Average Star Rating of Bars
  • Number of Bars w/ Live Music
  • Number of Bars w/ Karaoke
  • Number of Bars w/ Outdoor Seating
  • Number of Bars w/ Street Parking
  • Number of Bars w/ Garage Parking
  • Number of Bars w/ Private Lot Parking
  • Number of Bars w/ a Pool Table

See the full list here: [Source: Shane & Co.]

These are the Florida cities that rank best spots for dive bars

  • Tampa, FL

    Tampa ranked number 3 (and is the best in Florida) for best cities for dive bars! We have lots to choose from in the Tampa Bay area, which one is your favorite?

  • North Port, FL

    In at number 12 is North Port, Florida, which is in Sarasota county not far from Port Charlotte.

  • Miami, FL

    Miami ranked number 17 in this list. Miami is really known for more of the fancy cocktail bars, so not surprising they didn’t make it in the top 10.

  • Orlando, FL

    Rounding out the list and the last Florida city to make it at number 20 is Orlando. After spending all your money at theme parks, the last thing you want to do is go to a bougie bar with overpriced drinks.

 

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Author Jen Glorioso
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