December means all things holiday, and, as we noted before, pop-ups are all the rage. Over the scant decade Denver has seen the festive bar scene go up from one main show, to dozens of winter wonderlands aimed at spreading joy and getting guests into the spirit. Or at least, joy and maybe a bit tipsy on the spirits.
While it’s almost impossible to hit up every decorated delight, these 13 spots are on our radar and worth adding to your busy holiday schedule. From holi-dates with your honey to rocking around with your buds to family fun, check out these limited time menus and vibes, plus a sweet bonus inclusion.
Snowdrift at Adrift
We love how the team at Adrift brings a cool touch to the tropical vibe of the bar for the holidays. Yes, it’s tiki, but think of snowcapped plants, an igloo beach bar, Island-themed bites, and a fire roaring in certain drinks to help bring Yuletide cheer.
Get cozy with a Snowdrift Coquito, a traditional Puerto Rican drink featuring aged rum, coconut, vanilla, clove, and nutmeg. On a less classic note, the festive Partridge in a Pear Tree boasts Leopold’s No.25 Gin, Clear Creek Pear Brandy, Campari, Vermouth di Torino, and orange bitters. And in case you want to go booze free, order the Krampus Cooler with Pathfinder Non-Alcoholic Amaro, cranberry, cinnamon, ginger, and lemon. 218 S. Broadway, Denver, adriftbar.com
Cozy Cabin at Ace Eat Serve
Not every holiday pop-up has to scream Christmas. At Ace Eat Serve in Uptown the theme centers around a cabin in the mountains. It’s a glittering winter wonderland with blue, gold, silver, and fake snow, all on the covered porch until January 5.
Order a mountain of wings (or anything else off the normal dinner menu) and one of the elegant seasonal cocktails. Favorites include the Winter Coconut Cosmo and the Mountain Sunrise, neither on the saccharine side. For a more dessert-like drink, the Peppermint Chalet is a delightful sip as well. If you’re with a group, a Shotski for four may be in order, and/or the Mountain Lodge Sangria, served in a disco ball. 501 E. 17th Ave., Denver, aceeatserve.com
Steuben’s Home For the Holidays
Next door to Ace is the company’s sister restaurant, Steuben’s, which has taken Christmas and turned it into that cozy den your very extra grandma has decorated. Think more decorations, more lights, more fine cocktails. Look for drinks such as Mrs. Claus Pumpkin Pie, Santa’s Medicine Ball Toddy, and Holly Jolly Negroni featuring rosemary gin. All food from the regular menu is also available, reservations recommended.
Bonus, Ace and Steuben’s are doing a toy drive for the Denver Housing Authority. Bring a new toy to donate and receive a complimentary, house-made hot cocoa mix and voucher for $10 off either restaurant (one per guest). 523 E. 17th Ave., Denver, steubens.com
Big Fest Energy at Call To Arms Brewing Company
Last year a lot of work went into making Chris Bell’s Berkeley brewery a holiday destination inside the city, and for 2024 he went even bigger. Dubbed Big Fest Energy, Bell has created a series of over-the-top pop-ups inside his bar, each making sure the visitor becomes completely immersed in whatever seasonal sensation is going on (in the fall he did Oktoberfest).
This year look for surprises peppered around the garlands, lights, and baubles. There’s even a Hanukkah-themed spot located somewhere in the glorious glitz of the Christmas chaos. Plus, the beer is great and you can take it home. Check the website for events this season, including some kid-friendly ones. 4526 Tennyson St., Denver, calltoarmsbrewing.com
Mistletoe Lounge at the Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Now and until December 24, the Cherry Creek Holiday Market not only has all the shopping one needs, but food and drink too. Look for over 40 rotating vendor booths to peruse, and then some post-spending drinks and relaxing in the Mistletoe Lounge.
The latter offers seasonal drinks including Plum Mulled Wine, the s’mores-like North Pole Nighcap, and Under the Mistletoe, a rooibos chai drink that can be spiked with tequila. Located at Fillmore Plaza, between 1st and 2nd Avenues on Fillmore Street in Cherry Creek North, Denver.
Krampus’ Cove at Emerald Eye
Take a trip to the dark side of Christmas with the Black Lagoon’s pop-up, Krampus Cove. The immersive experience has been in other cities for three years, but this is the first Denver iteration. Expect black holiday trees with spooky decorations, devilishly good burlesque and drag shows, and unique drinks with a twist. The fun starts December 2 and goes until the end of the month. 1403 Larimer St., Denver, emeraldeyedenver.com
Miracle at The Eddy Taproom & Hotel
The first major holiday pop-up to open in Denver was Miracle bar, a concept that started in New York City around 2015. While Miracle has grown into a business complete with glassware and recipes, it’s only the third year it’s been at The Eddy in Golden.
Make a reservation for a seat in the decked out space, and order drinks including the Snowball Old Fashioned and Run Run Reindeer. If you have been to a Miracle pop-up before you’ll recognize a lot of the festive drinks, but there are some surprises. Open now to December 31, make a reservation here. 1640 8th St., Golden, theeddygolden.com
Avantiki at Avanti Food & Beverage
Get ready for a little tropical holiday at Avanti Denver this season, at least until December 29. The tiki-style pop-up takes place on the second floor Wolf Bar, complete with a great view and outside deck. Look for boozy punch bowls, spiked egg nog, and a themed snack menu from Amá Modern Mexican and Knockabout Burgers.
It costs $5 to enter per person, though a portion of the fee goes to CHOW, the Culinary Hospitality Outreach Wellness non-profit. All guests can enjoy a complimentary Fernet piña colada shot at the end of the visit, and can take the shot glass home as a gift from the tiki gods. Reservations are strongly recommended, which can be made here. 3200 Pecos St., Denver, avantifandb.com
Holiday Starlight Lounge at Retrograde
Step into the secret bar located in the ice cream freezer at Sweet Action Uptown. Here you’ll find the Holiday Starlight Lounge, going on until January 5. The intimate space offers 360-degree twinkling lights, beautiful holiday decor, and of course, festive drinks. Inspired by seasonal pies, the cocktails include a Pecan Pie Old Fashioned and a Pumpkin Pie Flip. 530 E. 19th Ave., Denver, retrogradednvr.com
Poka La La La at Poka Lola Social Club
For those seeking a drink that’s holiday light, the swank cocktail bar by the Maven Hotel is subtle but still fun and festive. There’s a tree here and there, and maybe a bit of fake snow. But what isn’t lacking is the bold flavors in the seasonal drinks.
Try The Scrooge, which is made with pecan-washed mezcal, Averna Amaro, cherry, and barrel-aged bitters. Or, tap into Charlie Brown’s Christmas spirit with Good Grief, a brown butter-washed Dickel 8-Year bourbon, thyme demerara syrup, St. George spiced pear liqueur, and a special house bitters blend. Visit the Milk Market bar now for these tipples, which will be available until the new year. 1850 Wazee St., Denver, pokaloladenver.com
Winter Holiday Pop-Up at Wonderyard Garden + Table
This year Wonderyard Garden + Table opened in Ballpark, and it’s getting in on the holiday pop-up trend. Just like the regular decor, the set up here is meant to be photographed and posted all over social media. Look for plenty of festive touches throughout the 2,000-square-foot space, including a 15-foot Christmas tree and life-sized sleigh you can get into for photo opps.
On the holiday menu items such as the Jolly Ginger-tini and Santa Spritz add liquid joy to the table. Also order the shot-filled ornaments or go all out with a shotski. 2200 Larimer St, Denver, wonderyard.com
XXX-Mas Bar at Los Chingones RiNo
This is one holiday pop-up bar you won’t want to bring the kids to, and can’t. The 21-and-up event runs until December 28, giving imbibers a taste of the cheeky side of the season. Expect naughty drinks, fun decor, and a sultry vibe. 2463 Larimer St., Denver, loschingonesmexican.com
Yuletide Renaissance Faire at The Stockroom
Last year this hidden Arvada bar wowed with a very special wizard-themed Christmas pop-up. Now, this year promises a glimpse into the Renaissance during the holidays. What that means, well, we shall see this coming week. One thing is for sure, the drinks will be unique, the small setting stunning, and the wait time long. 5713 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, thestockroomparty.com
Bonus, Non-Bar Holiday Pop Up: Santa’s Factory at Little Man Ice Cream Factory
Deck the halls with tinsel, lights, and ice cream! Once again Little Man’s West Colfax location is putting on the glitter of the holiday and adding some fun to the already whimsical ice cream shop. There’s even a Grinch-twist to the iconic slide that runs from the top of the space to the bottom.
Look for festive flavors of ice cream including Egg Nog, Gingersnap, and White Chocolate Candy Cane. There will also be various activities from meet-and-greet with Santa, bingo, and gingerbread decorating. Enjoy the decorations and special treats now until December 31. 4411 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, littlemanicecreamfactory.com
