Fargo has embraced the festive season with the reopening of a holiday-themed bar, Marge’s Reindeer Room. Located in the basement of the former Boiler Room, this pop-up venue opened its doors on Black Friday and will operate from 14:00 to 22:00, Thursdays through Saturdays, throughout December.
The Reindeer Room is adorned with garlands, streamers, and twinkling lights, creating a vibrant winter wonderland atmosphere. Suspended presents and illuminated decorations enhance the festive spirit, while Christmas music sets the mood for guests. Owner Dan Hurder kept plans for the bar under wraps until a surprise announcement on social media at 21:00 on Thanksgiving night. “We did one social media post that went kind of crazy, and that’s pretty much been it so far,” Hurder shared while clad in an inflatable reindeer suit.
Inspired by similar concepts in larger cities, Hurder saw the opportunity to bring a seasonal bar to Fargo. “They’re popping up all over in places like Chicago and Des Moines. I thought this is a cool idea that might resonate with people,” he explained.
The Boiler Room previously operated as a bar and restaurant until July 2023, when it closed to focus on other ventures. Although the Reindeer Room does not offer a full food menu, it recently featured a baked potato bar and encourages guests to bring in food from local establishments like Blackbird Woodfire or Detroit Deli.
The drink menu boasts a variety of holiday cocktails, drawing on last year’s offerings. Hurder highlighted popular choices such as the Creamsicle Martini, made with Galliano, triple sec, orange juice, and cream. He also enjoys the Naughty Elf, a spicy margarita, and recommends Santa’s Old Fashioned to patrons. Other options include an Aperol Spritz, Mrs. Claus-arita, Amaretto Something Fun, a decaf Espresso Martini, and the North Pole Grasshopper, which combines crème de cacao, crème de menthe, and cream.
Guests place their orders at the bar, where bartenders dressed in festive attire contribute to the lively atmosphere. “We’ve got a strict cheer policy amongst staff. If people want to be grumpy, that happens, but we’ll see if we can’t get you out of it,” Hurder remarked. The positive energy is palpable, with both customers and staff embracing the festive vibe.
Local patrons Robin Borgen and Julie White expressed their excitement about the Reindeer Room. “I love all of the holiday cheer,” Borgen said, while White noted the pop-up’s resemblance to similar events in Minneapolis.
The festive environment owes much to designer Rachel Wassberg, who transformed the space in just one week. She coordinated the design elements, sourcing lights, garlands, and decorations to ensure an immersive experience. “It’s really cool. It feels more intense with the lower ceilings,” Wassberg stated.
Hurder and staff worked diligently on Thanksgiving day to prepare for the grand opening, and he takes pride in the unique decorations, including a paper chain made from old invoices. He also thanked local collector Lauren Kupfer for lending the bar several blowmold decorations.
As an added highlight, the Reindeer Room will open from December 17 to December 21 to coincide with concerts by The Blenders at the Fargo Theatre. “It’s a fun reason to come downtown,” Hurder noted. “With the square lit up and various Christmas events, it’s a great opportunity for those who haven’t visited downtown in a while.”
With its festive offerings and vibrant atmosphere, Marge’s Reindeer Room promises to be a delightful destination for holiday revelers in Fargo.
