Every year the amount of holiday pop-up bars grow, and there’s no sign of slowing down. Celebrate the season in the most festive way possible at these 20-plus spots, which feature Christmas-themed cocktails, oodles of twinkling lights, garlands, wreaths, cookies, Santa, and more.
North PL at Poka Lola Social Club
What used to be the popular Poka La La La pop-up has rebranded as North PL (get it), but it’s the same fun holiday concept as other years. Think holiday tattoo artists on-site, cocktail classes, and themed drinks such as The Scrooge (made with pecan-washed Union Mezcal, Averna, cherry, and barrel-aged bitters) and Good Grief (brown butter-washed Dickel Bourbon, Laird’s Bonded Apple Brandy, thyme-infused demerara syrup, and a fall bitters). Enjoy the whimsy at this Downtown Denver bar until December 31. 1850 Wazee St., Denver, pokaloladenver.com
The Ultimate Christmas Experience
Camp Christmas is back at Stanley Marketplace, but this year it looks a little different. Instead of one big area full of holiday cheer, the team has spread the joy with photo spots, decorations, pun trees, and more. You can also spend $10 for the condensed version of the original instillation, or the spin cycle as it is. While much smaller, you still get a solid dose of campiness, in the best possible way. Visit bars around Stanley Marketplace for special holiday cocktails, and make sure to check out the independent vendors for local gifts. 2501 Dallas St., Aurora, stanleymarketplace.com
Starlight Lounge Brings a Classy Holiday Vibe
Did you know Sweet Action Ice Cream in Uptown is home to Retrograde, a moody cocktail lounge hidden behind a freezer? Or that every year it becomes a temporary holiday bar dubbed Starlight Lounge? Well, now you do, and it’s time to dive into the intimate space for a sophisticated holiday tipple. If you visit Monday through Thursday you’ll get $1 off drinks plus a free mini ice cream cone to pair with a drink. Open now until January 1. 530 E. 19th Ave., Denver, retrogradednvr.com
Home For the Holidays
Once again Steuben’s in Uptown has launched a holiday pop-up to be proud of. The nostalgic twist brings to mind the magic of Christmas mornings, though you can have the experience every day until January 6. The heated patio space contains this cozy haven, and you can pair the lights and decor with holiday themed cocktails. Bonus, bring a new and unwrapped toy to your reservation, and you’ll receive a gratis holiday cocktail. All toys will be donated to the Denver Housing Authority. 523 E. 17th Ave., Denver, steubens.com
Santa’s Little Man Ice Cream Factory
We’re stoked Santa’s Little Man Ice Cream Factory is back for another year, and it goes until January 4. The space is a winter wonderland with lights, decorations, and holiday flavors of ice cream such as Egg Nog, Gingersnap, Peppermint Pass, and Vegan Frosty Cocoa. Not only that, but the shop hosts various festive events including photos with Santa, private ice cream-making parties, bingo with Mrs. Clause, crafts, caroling, and more. 4411 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, littlemanicecreamfactory.com
Skate With a View at Rare Bird
Find the ideal winter perch at Rare Bird, the cozy rooftop retreat on top of Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek. Even if it’s snowing, guests can warm up in the covered bar with festive cocktails. But it’s not just imbibing and a view, the roof also turns into Halcyon on Ice, an urban ice skating pop-up. With indoor seating and sweeping mountain views, it’s the perfect place to toast the season in style. Just keep in mind, the spot is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 245 Columbine St., Denver, halcyonhotelcherrycreek.com
Snowdrift at Adrift Tiki Bar
Once again Denver’s hottest tiki bar has launched Snowdrift, now through January 3. Think of it as tiki-meets-tinsel, a winter wonderland featuring snowcapped palm trees and powdery snow throughout the restaurant, and an igloo-themed beach bar.
This year the menu features tipples such as Ba Hum Butter, a holiday take on a hot buttered rum; Snowdrift Coquito, a version of Puerto Rican egg nog that’s dairy-free; and Santa’s Last Stop, a vintage holiday punch bowl for two or four. Snowdrift dishes include Yuletide Loco Moco Meatloaf, Crispy Christmas Crab Cakes, and Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake. 218 S. Broadway, Denver, adriftbar.com
The Chalet at Claret
Get festive this season with the après cocktail bar pop-up on the Kimpton Claret Hotel’s second floor terrace. The outdoor bar keeps guests warm with cozy fire pits, and gets everyone in the holiday spirit with alpine-inspired décor. Choose from a selection of wine and winter cocktails, and pair the drinks with Italian-inspired bites from Saverina, the restaurant downstairs. The Chalet is open Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m., and runs until December 27. 6985 E. Chenango Ave., Denver, clarethotel.com
Ski Jorts City at Lady Justice Brewing
Englewood beer haven Lady Justice Brewing announced the return of its popular après ski taproom takeover, Ski Jorts City. The whole place is decked out in fireplaces, twinkly lights, and cozy blankets. Visitors are encouraged to don their finest rhinestone-studded denim, and furry friends are welcome too. This year expect two seasonal beer releases, as well as weekly themed events. The fun starts now and runs until December 31. 3242 S. Acoma St., Englewood, ladyjusticebrewing.com
Avantiki Opens at Avanti Food & Beverage
Could one have too many holiday tiki-themed pop-ups? We think not. Now until December 28 you can head to Denver’s Avanti and up to Wolf Bar at the top of the food hall for Avantiki. Expect a secluded space decked out in island-style holiday decor. Specialty cocktails include the Mule Tide (gin, pomegranate, allspice, cinnamon, lime, and rosemary) and the Papa Noel. Reserve your spot here. 3200 N. Pecos St., Denver, avantifandb.com
Go Back In Time For Christmas
The Delorean is known for its dedication to all things 1980s, and now it’s doing the same for the holidays. Find out for yourself Wednesday through Sunday until December 28. While there, catch a Christmas movie and get festive tipples such as the sugar martini called Frosty the Snowman, a hot toddy dubbed Christmas at Ground Zero, and the Cousin Eddie, a White Russian with salted caramel. 1753 S. Broadway, Denver, denverdelorean.com
Call To Arms, the Last Season
After 10 years Berkeley’s hip brewery Call To Arms is calling at quits, but not before it launches the biggest holiday bash ever. A few years ago the team dubbed the annual extravaganza of lights and decorations “Big Holiday Energy,” and you can be sure this one will be the biggest and brightest. The fun runs until December 21, and the last day of the brewery is December 23. Expect events, holiday movies, giveaways, a duck scavenger hunt, and more. 4526 Tennyson St., Denver, calltoarmsbrewing.com
Blitzen’s Bar Pop-Up at Shep’s
Not only has the Omni Interlocken in Broomfield decorated its halls with all the sparkling things, but its Christmas-themed pop-up bar is back as well. Enter Blitzen’s Bar, a space created with celebrated bar maven Julie Reiner. On the menu you’ll find specialty cocktails such as Sleigh Ride and Naughter or Spice, as well as a decedent cookie plate and other playful bites. Visit now until January 11. 500 Interlocken Blvd., Broomfield, omnihotels.com
Atomic Christmas Blows Up the Season
Now until January 1, head to all Atomic Cowboy locations for Atomic Christmas, a festive pop-up featuring all the over-top decorations you didn’t know you needed. There’s a hot chocolate bar too, perfect for kids and adults who want a little comfort in the cup. Also expect holiday-themed cocktails, music, and movies.
Atomic Cowboy also is collecting new, unwrapped gifts for kids ages 5 to 18, to be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver. Multiple locations, theatomiccowboy.com/fatsullys
Jingle Bao Rock
With two layers of holiday mayhem, Bao Brewhouse in Downtown Denver literally brings a new level to the pop-up fun. The idea centers around a nostalgic Christmas, with twinkling lights and festive decor, as well as classic and craft holiday cocktails, all the favorite movies, and of course, Christmas music. The restaurant hosts some special events too including Holi-Slaysian Drag Brunch (December 14), National Ugly Sweater Day (December 19), and Disco & Dumplings (December 20). Find more information here, and visit now until January 5. 1317 14th St., Denver, baobrewhouse.com
Mistletoe Lounge at Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Mistletoe Lounge is back, which means a fresh seasonal drink menu right in time for holiday shopping. Built and decorated by Mountain Safe Exteriors, the bar serves those visiting the Cherry Creek Holiday Market. Try the Maple Black Walnut Old Fashioned, Mistletoe Margarita, or Cranberry Mulled Wine, to name a few of the specialty cocktails. While the space welcomes walk-ins, it’s recommended you try out the new reservation system, especially when wanting to book for a large group. The bar is open daily during market hours, now until December 24.
Blanco Navidad Debuts
Blanco Cantina + Cantina has made moves to host its first holiday extravaganza, going on now through December 31. The Mexican restaurant’s heated patio now boasts festive decorations to make diners feel like they have entered the ultimate Christmas party. Look for limited-time dishes and cocktails, perfect for celebrating the season. 4177 E. 9th Ave., Denver, blancococinacantina.com
Denver Christkindlmarket
Colorado may be far away from Germany, but each year Denver pays homage to the country’s famous Christmas markets with its own. This year the Christkindlmarket has taken over the Tivoli Quad, but though the location differs, the same great mulled wine, wassail, Bavarian pretzels, schnitzel, and other German-themed delights remain. Shop for treasures from the independent shops, catch a festive drone show each night, and visit the Mile High Tree. Visit now until December 23, it’s a one stop shop for holiday cheer. 1000 Larimer St., Denver, christkindlmarketdenver.com
A Very Classy Holiday at Velvet & Spice
This winter the sixth floor of Clayton transforms into something very special, Velvet & Spice. The crimson sanctuary has been draped in velvet, illuminated with candlelight, and filled with live jazz and other warming delights. Visit the luxurious space until January 10 and try one of the new cocktails and sample winter wonderland fare worthy of the elegance. 249 Clayton St., Denver, claytondenver.com
Ugly Sweater Pop-Up Shop
Punch Bowl Social has partnered with Dallas-based and nationally acclaimed Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop to host a festive pop-up at its flagship Denver location until December 28. The eatertainment joint is rolling out a special holiday cocktail menu and a lineup of festive events including Very Merry Karaoke every Friday from 9 p.m. to midnight. Guests can belt out “Jingle Bells” or classic karaoke tunes at the free weekly event, which includes a complimentary arcade card with guests’ first drink purchase. 65 Broadway St., Denver, punchbowlsocial.com
Flying For the Holidays at OverFlyte
On the third floor of FlyteCo Tower in Central Park you’ll find an area full of games that’s also decked out for Christmas. Enjoy axe throwing, golf simulators, ping pong, darts, and more, all amid holiday lights and decor. There’s also a special holiday menu with festive food and drink. 3120 Uinta St., Denver, flytecotower.com
Church & Union Goes Holiday
The downtown spot has transformed the downstairs space into an over-the-top holiday experience. Think twinkling décor, festive cocktails, and a cozy vibe. Reservations can be found via OpenTable. 1433 17th St. #150, Denver, churchandunion.com
