Levittown’s Gleason’s Bar brings holiday cheer with a festive makeover and seasonal brews.
Walk into Gleason’s Bar on Black Friday, and it feels like Christmas morning. Overnight, the neighborhood spot in Levittown flips into Gleason’s Christmas Pop-Up, a transformation packed with holiday lights, bows, movie references, and more. “It’s like when you were little and went to the mall with your parents on Black Friday. Santa would be there, and everything was suddenly transformed,” says Bar Manager Jackie Neuman, who leads the overnight makeover.
A Holiday Makeover Overnight
This year, Gleason’s will close on Thanksgiving so the staff can spend the day turning the bar into a winter wonderland. Holiday magic will cover every inch of the space. A gingerbread house corner will be filled with sweets – including homemade popcorn strings, lollipops, and cupcakes. Buddy the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, and the famous leg lamp from A Christmas Story will appear in a wintry scene filled with snowballs, sure to spark smiles. The fan-favorite “bow wall” – built with festive bows of every size – is set to return as well and serves as a perfect backdrop for photos. Even the picture frames on the walls will be wrapped, and the bourbon bottles will be dressed in tiny holiday sweaters.
Traditions That Bring People Together
One of Gleason’s most beloved traditions is the return of the customer ornament display. Patrons bring an ornament of their own to contribute to the holiday scene. The space behind and above the bar is filled with keepsakes from families and friends. “People love being involved and spotting their ornament,” Neuman says.
There are also hidden tributes to holiday movies incorporated throughout the décor. A Gremlins figurine wrapped in Christmas lights, a nod to Die Hard with memorabilia, and even some National Lampoon’s touches are all tucked around the bar, giving guests a reason to look closer with every visit. And while the décor transforms overnight, so does the drinks list.
Beverages That Fit the Season
With Origlio’s range of seasonals and staples, Gleason’s can offer holiday and year-round beverages that appeal to both longtime regulars and first-time visitors. They will be serving Evil Genius Santa! I Know Him and Sierra Nevada Celebration IPA, two beers that prove to be winners every holiday season.
On tap, Guinness has already sparked excitement since its recent addition, while Blue Moon, Yuengling Lager, and Samuel Adams’ seasonals round out the lineup. For an inclusive toast, Gleason’s offers TÖST, an alcohol-free, sparkling option that fits right in with their mocktail menu.
There is also room for creativity behind the bar. Last year’s Red Bull Winter Edition inspired the bright blue “Bumble” cocktail with vanilla vodka and mint, a playful nod to the Abominable Snow Monster. Neuman is hoping to craft something similar this year.
A Community Celebration
Last year, Gleason’s drew in new guests and families chasing holiday pop-ups across the region. One young visitor crowned the bow wall as his favorite, while regulars returned week after week to find the hidden surprises they had missed. This season, Gleason’s will also host a pajama-themed customer appreciation party, the perfect way to celebrate the holidays together.
“This is the place to come to get away from the chaos,” Neuman says of the popup. “Have some drinks, bring your family in, and get that holiday feeling without the craziness of being in a mall.” It’s a celebration fueled by the holiday spirit, festive seasonals, and the community that turns Gleason’s into Levittown’s own North Pole.