Chill Out this Holiday Season at the Frosty Factory

by Angie Kay Dilmore

The Frosty Factory has been transformed into a delightful Christmas wonderland! Hosted by Carrie Collins and Darla Meyer—aka the Candy Cane Girls—this holiday themed pop-up bar has been enchanting revelers since just prior to Thanksgiving. “Every inch of the Frosty Factory is decked out in holiday splendor,” says Collins. “It’s the perfect place for holiday office parties, a girls’ night out, photo-ops or simply for friends to gather and enjoy the season.”

The Candy Cane Girls concocted the idea for this unique space—a first for Lake Charles—after a girls’ weekend in Houston to celebrate a friend’s birthday late last year. Part of their festivities included a Christmas pop-up bar. Describing the space as beautiful, adorable and over-the-top, Meyer says that as she and Collins left the venue, they looked at each other and said, “We could do this!” 

Planning began in January. “Once we got the commitment from the Frosty Factory, it was ON!” says Meyer. By March, the Candy Cane Girls, both with full-time jobs in business and marketing, began sourcing Christmas decorations from estate and garage sales, donations and a particularly lucrative auction in Dallas where they procured many of the larger holiday features. The pair then worked tirelessly, with 6 a.m. brainstorming sessions and long hours during evenings and weekends in their warehouse, creating Christmas magic. To bring the décor to life, they collaborated with Twisted Vines for the lighting. They also have holiday “elves,” aka family and friends who have helped with set-up and management. 

The Candy Cane Girls say all the effort is their way of giving back to their beloved community. “People and businesses are struggling right now,” says Collins. Open during normal Frosty Factory hours through January 3, many exciting events will be held throughout this month, such as karaoke and movie nights. Frosty Factory mixologists have concocted several specialty holiday drinks to accentuate the holiday vibe, including Sugar Cookie Martini, Cranberry Paloma, Rum Rum Rudolph and White Cranberry Cosmo. 

With their Candy Cane Girls for a Cause program, two nights this month are dedicated to supporting local non-profits: St. Nicholas Center for Children and Families Helping Families of SWLA. Like any bar, patrons must be 21 or older to enter, but Sunday, December 14, is Family Day for all ages. The Frosty Factory will be open for a Cookies with Santa event, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Admission is $5. 

This brand-new Christmas pop-up bar is already lighting up patrons’ social media profiles. Collins cites the nostalgia factor as a draw. “If you’re from Lake Charles, your first daiquiri was likely from the Frosty Factory.”  

Tickets to that Houston attraction last year were $45, but the Candy Cane Girls want their pop-up bar to be more affordable. Admission is $10 Monday through Thursday, and $20 Friday and Saturday. Tickets include one free drink. Spaces for private parties or VIP tables can be booked for an additional fee. The Frosty Factory, located at 4688 Common St., does not offer food, but guests are welcome to bring their own food or have their event catered.  

The Candy Cane Girls are excited to bring something new and fun to Lake Charles. “It’s our Christmas gift to our sweet city.” 

For a full schedule of events or to reserve a spot for your holiday party, find Candycanegirlsllc on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.