The holidays only come around once each year, so why not go all out?
Sure, you’ve strung up the lights, hung ornaments on your tree and started shopping for all the loved ones in your life. But you’ll really get into the holiday spirit when you visit these over-the-top, decked-out holiday pop-up bars along the Front Range.
Snowdrift
Adrift Tiki Bar‘s nickname is “The Beach on Broadway,” thanks to its warm, tropical vibes and colorful drinks. But, come winter, this beloved Denver bar transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with holiday totems, powdery white snow, an igloo beach bar and holiday-inspired cocktails and eats.
Snowdrift is popping up at Adrift from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30. Throughout that time, you can sip clever cocktails like the Tutu’s Boozy Pie, which is basically spiked blueberry cobbler in a glass. It’s made with chai-infused whiskey, rum, coconut cream, blueberry cobbler Syrup and lemon. Or, for something a bit brighter, go for the Cranberry Mojitho-Ho-Ho, which is a cranberry twist on the rum-based classic cocktail.
Snowdrift will also have special menu items, like the Yuletide Loco Moco, which is house-made gochujang-glazed meatloaf served in a pool of brown gravy with a side of white rice, drizzled in jalapeño serrano cranberry sauce, topped with a fried egg and crispy shallots.
So, if you’ve been itching to take a tropical vacation, skip the security lines at DIA and head straight to Snowdrift instead.
Festivus for the Rest of Us
While you’re on South Broadway, also make your way over to Festivus for the Rest of Us, the holiday-themed pop-up bar at BurnDown. The festivities will take place at BurnDown’s third-floor bar from Nov. 23 through Dec. 31 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Cocktails include BurnDown’s take on a frozen negroni with a star anise and rosemary garnish, a peppermint Irish coffee and a winter cosmopolitan made with vodka, white cranberry juice, Cointreau, lime, simple sugar and a cinnamon sugar rim. Yum!
Blazing Bright at The Inverness Denver
For the entire month of December, The Fireside Bar & Grill at The Inverness Denver becomes Blazing Bright, a holiday pop-up bar with over-the-top winter wonderland vibes. As you approach the hotel, you’ll drive through twinkling trees and festive decor. Then, when you get inside, enjoy whimsical drinks like the Angry Elf peppermint martini, an Ugly Sweater Weather mule or the Not So Silent Night sangria. Or, if you dare, take a sleigh shot! Snack on charcuterie boards and other light bites while you sit by the cozy fireplace.
The pop-up bar runs Dec. 1 through Jan. 1
Tinseltown
Created by the Viral Group, Tinseltown is a festive holiday pop up bar that will be running from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30 at The Venue in Denver Pavillions on 16th Street in Denver. Tickets are $15, which includes a welcome drink and a 90-minute timeslot at the themed bar.
Pindustry on Ice
Make your way down to Greenwood Village to Pindustry, which is transforming its expansive SkyDeck into Colorado’s only rooftop ice skating rink. The 2,400-square-foot rink is made of “Glice,” a type of high-density polymer that’s designed for skating. You can rent skates there, too, and book the rink for private events. The rink opens Nov. 24 and will be open all winter, through at least March.
While you twirl and glide, take in the sweeping views of the mountains — and munch on fun foods like tomato soup shooters with grilled cheese fingers, loaded mac and cheese bowls, sliders, nachos, cheese curds and mini corn dogs. You can even roast s’mores over the outdoor firepits.
Cocktails range from festive toasted marshmallow martinis to a warm, whiskey, ginger and spiced pear drink.
Next door, The Rouge Wine & Bourbon Bistro will host a pop-up Christmas from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30.
Avantiki
The Denver location of Avanti Food & Beverage will be transforming its rooftop Wolf Bar into Avantiki, a holiday-themed pop-up bar with festive tiki-inspired cocktails, holiday lights and even a surfing Santa. The bar will be open Nov. 25 through Dec. 29. Admission is $5, which includes a fernet piña colada shot with a shot glass that visitors can take home. A portion of admission will go to CHOW, which stands for Culinary Hospitality Outreach Wellness, a nonprofit that supports mental health among hospitality workers.
Avanti Boulder will also be serving the cocktail menu from Avantiki at its rooftop bar.
Santa’s Little Man Ice Cream Factory
Families will love heading down to Santa’s Little Man Ice Cream Factory, the holiday version of the beloved Little Man Ice Cream Factory in Denver. Come winter, the ice cream shop blossoms into a festive paradise with tinsel, penguins on parade, an in-store slide, ornaments and plenty of lights. Indulge in signature holiday-themed ice cream flavors, including Egg Nog, Gingersnap, Candy Cane and Vegan Hot Cocoa, among others.
Throughout December, the location will host events like photos with Santa, bingo with Mrs. Claus, private ice cream-making sessions, holiday cookie decorating, gingerbread house building, letters to Santa craft stations, live holiday music, community caroling, Santa Baby Swing and Soul Line Dancing date nights and more. Little Man will also be selling freshly cut Christmas trees starting Nov. 24.
The holiday pop-up runs Nov. 24 through Dec. 31.
Miracle on Main Street
You don’t have to go far to be transported to a glitzy winter wonderland — just head to Miracle on Main Street in Louisville instead. Located at 836 Main Street, this cheery experience includes unique cocktails like Yippee Yi Yay Mother F**** and The Krampus.
NOEL
Located at The Bluegrass Lounge in Olde Town Arvada, the NOEL pop-up bar returns for its fifth holiday season. The theme this year is “Christmas in Colorado,” which staffers have brought to life by stringing up more than half a million lights and decorations. Also enjoy seasonal cocktails, classic Christmas movies, karaoke and event appearances by Santa himself.
