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Miracle Pop-Up at Allusion | December 1–December 31
Join the folks from Miracle, the New York-based pop-up holiday bar concept, as they take over Allusion Speakeasy in Colorado Springs with nostalgic holiday decor, a signature cocktail menu, and ugly sweater party. (There are also three pop-up locations in Denver.) Get in the holiday spirit by sipping on a Christmapolitan, Run Run Rudolph, or SanTaRex (served in a green T-rex mug). Menu prices vary; 323 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs; Wednesday–Saturday throughout December, 6 p.m.–midnight
Sock-It-To-’Em Campaign at SALT Bistro | December 1–31
In an effort to collect winter clothing donations for Colorado’s homeless and underserved populations, Boulder’s SALT Bistro has teamed up with Colorado’s Sock-it-to-’em Campaign to gather the most-needed but least-donated article of clothing: socks. Guests who bring a new pair of socks with them when they dine at SALT this month will receive a $10 gift card for a future visit, and the clothing will be delivered to shelters, service centers, and agencies across Boulder and Denver. 1047 Pearl St., Boulder
Death & Co. Holiday Pop-Up at Suite 6A | December 1–28
This chic RiNo cocktail bar inside the Ramble Hotel is putting on the ritz this month at its hidden mezzanine speakeasy sister concept, Suite 6A, with holiday-movie-themed cocktails handcrafted by Death & Co.’s talented bar staff. Sip on a You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid (made with bourbon, rum, brandy, cream, and a whole egg), or the Filthy Animal, made with red wine, brandy, amaro, pomegranate, orange, and cinnamon, among others. In the spirit of the season, a portion of the proceeds made from cocktail sales will be donated to local charities, including the Gathering Place and Focus Points Family Resource Center. Drink prices vary; 1280 25th St.; Thursday–Saturday, starting at 5 p.m.
Wassail Days | December 1–December 8
Head to Frisco for a multi-day celebration of the warm English apple cider, “wassail.” This year’s fest will showcase more than 60 local businesses, each with its own rendition of the drink; guests will have the opportunity to cast votes for their favorite recipes. Other not-to-miss happenings include a tree lighting, fireworks, and unlimited snow tubing. Free; various locations in Frisco; times vary
Niman Ranch Fat Tire Food Truck at New Belgium Brewing | December 1
New Belgium Brewing Company and Niman Ranch—two brands that are masters of sustainability, and deliciousness—are showcasing their Fat Tire BBQ Collection collaboration on Sunday, December 1. That’s when the Niman Ranch Fat Tire Food Truck parks at the brewery to sling its fare, from pulled pork with Fat Tire amber ale BBQ sauce to Fat Tire spicy cheddar beer bratwurst. Prices vary; 500 Linden St., Fort Collins; 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Uchi and Sturia Champagne and Caviar Collaboration Dinner | December 1
For one night only, dine on a special multi-course Uchi dinner in collaboration with the French caviar producer, Sturia, at this expertly crafted Champagne-and-caviar affair. Dinner will be served family style at community tables, so raise a glass of bubbles to your neighbor as you devour the decadence. $125; 2500 Lawrence St.; 7–10 p.m.
FoodMaven, Volunteers of America, and Chef Tim Ma Collaboration Lunches at the Mission | December 2–4
Virginia-based chef Tim Ma is teaming up with the Denver branch of Volunteers of America and Colorado Springs-born FoodMaven to cook three lunches using ingredients diverted from the food waste stream. Come for Ma’s Taiwanese oven-fried chicken, striped bass fish tacos, or braised pork shank stew. Attendees are encouraged to bring winter clothing donations for the Mission, Volunteers of America’s day shelter. Free, winter clothing donations accepted; 2877 Lawrence St.; 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Breck the Halls | December 3
Breckenridge Brewery’s Farmhouse in Littleton will host a holiday market complete with boutique Colorado vendors, gingerbread house-making, and of course, plenty of Holidale and Christmas Ale to go around. The first 50 guests to purchase a Christmas Ale 12-pack will receive a free Christmas tree. Bonus: For every pint or package of Christmas Ale sold in December, BB will donate a meal to Food Bank of the Rockies. Free admission; 2990 Brewery Lane, Littleton; 6–9 p.m.
Pappy Repeal Dinner by Hearth & Dram | December 4
The whiskey experts at Hearth & Dram will ring in 86 years of Prohibition-free fun with a special four-course Repeal Day dinner. Come dressed in your finest Roaring Twenties outfit; nosh on dishes like char siu pork belly, braised mushroom ragu, and foie gras sausage; sip on special Pappy cocktail pairings. $145 per person, call 303-623-0979 for reservations; 1801 Wewatta St.
Sugarfire Westy Pop-Up | December 4
Chef Mike Johnson will unite two of his concepts, Westminster’s Sugarfire Smoke House and St. Louis-based Hi-Pointe Drive-In, through a pop-up in Westminster called Rocky Mountain Hi, which will feature some of Hi-Pointe’s “stoner-approved” creations such as Bacon Blunts, mac and cheese wrapped in bacon, and the Dabwood, a burger with brisket, turkey, bacon, and hemp aioli. The event will also include a meet-and-greet with Broncos players from 5–8 p.m. and an eating contest at 6 p.m. Prices vary; 14375 Orchard Pkwy., Suite 100, Westminster; 11 a.m. until sold out
Breakfast in Your Beer | December 5
For the eighth year in a row, Odell Brewing is teaming up with the iconic 86-year-old Silver Grill to bring you the the CinnsationAle, a limited-edition cinnamon roll-infused autumn ale. Pair it with a free cinnamon roll at the tapping party or on its own at Odell’s Fort Collins tasting room and at the Silver Grill while supplies last. Who says you can’t drink beer for breakfast? Prices vary; 800 E. Lincoln Ave., Fort Collins; 4–6 p.m.
Repeal Day at Teller Bar | December 5
The Teller Bar at the Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel, once the site of the Colorado National Bank Building, will pay tribute to the building’s past and Teller Bar’s history by offering a very special Repeal Day cocktail: the Old Hat. The $50 drink is a high-end specialty Manhattan garnished with edible gold leaf, a nod to the fact that the Colorado National Bank held one of the nation’s largest gold reserves. $50; 918 17th St.
Repeal Day at the Oxford Hotel and Cruise Room | December 5
This iconic downtown martini bar opened the day Prohibition ended, so naturally Repeal Day calls for a throwback bash. Snag cocktails at 1930s prices ($.35 to $.50!), while you swing dance to live jazz by Matt Skellenger. Prices vary; 1600 17th St.; 4:30–7 p.m.
Cocktails and Cookies at State 38 Distilling | December 5–7, 12–14
’Tis the season for booze and baked goods, and this Front Range distillery has the cocktail and cookie pairings you never knew you needed. Spirits and sweets flights including pairings like Damn Good Gin with ginger spice cookies and Scottish Peak Smoked Whisky with biscotti. $20 per flight; 400 Corporate Circle B, Golden; 4-6 p.m.
Truffle SZN @ OAK | December 5–8
Truffle season is upon us, and the folks at Boulder’s OAK at Fourteenth know this ephemeral period is cause for celebration. Make your reservation now to dine on dishes featuring white truffles from Alba, Italy, as well as Perigord black truffles and Burgundy black truffles. Think: bay scallop tempura with black truffle and tofu crema or the umami bomb burger with oak-grilled Pat LaFreida dry-aged beef, cheddar, and shaved truffles. (Also, follow @oakatfourteenth on Instagram this month; a surprise, from complimentary glasses of Champagne to a percentage off your bill, will be posted daily 10 a.m. from December 1–25.) Menu prices vary, call 303-444-3622 for reservations; 1400 Pearl St., Boulder
’Nog Off Eggnog Competition at Dry Land Distillers | December 5–7
Dry Land Distillers, Longmont Dairy, Savory Spice Shop, the Roost, and West Side Tavern are partnering to bring you this egg-citing holiday drink competition. Enjoy an eggnog flight made with local ingredients and Dry Land spirits, then vote on your favorite creation. Free; 471 Main St., Longmont; flights are available from December 5 at 3 p.m. to December 7 at 7 p.m.
Matriarch Market at Infinite Monkey Theorem | December 7
Use your purchasing power to support outstanding female bakers, crafters, tattoo artists, and more by picking up wares from female-owned businesses at this holiday bazaar. Sip wine from RiNo’s signature urban winery while you shop for goods by featured creators such as the Spinster Sisters, Long I Pie Shop, and Little Lula Rose. Free admission; 3200 Larimer St.; 3–7 p.m.
Timpano Cooking Class at Cattivella | December 7
Inspired by the 1996 comedy Big Night, this cooking class, led by chef Elise Wiggins, will teach you how to make timpano, the complex baked Italian pasta dish made with layers of pasta, cheese, sausage, boiled eggs, and fresh mozzarella, which is wrapped in dough… like an edible present. Wiggins will give you all of the tips you need to whip up a similar feast at home. $65; 10195 E. 29th Dr., Suite 110; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Women’s Bean Project Holiday Open House | December 7
Join the ladies at this Denver-based social enterprise for its annual holiday bazaar. Sample appetizers made from the Women’s Bean Project’s own gourmet offerings (think: 10 bean soup, blue corn salted caramel popcorn, and cream scones) and snag some of the seriously discounted goodies to take home with you. Free; 3201 Curtis St.; 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Spirit Hound Distillers’ Anniversary Party | December 7
In lieu of its annual Prohibition-themed party, Spirit Hound Distillers will ring in its seventh year in business with a ’40s-themed bash. Party-goers are encouraged to arrive early to partake in the festivities (including the Lyons Christmas parade and fireworks show) before heading over to the distillery. There, you can munch on bites from the Ohana Eatery food truck, swing to jazz by Good Manners, and show off your Rosie the Riveter and WWII military-attire in a costume contest. Free admission; 4196 Ute Hwy., Lyons; times vary
Lone Tree Brewing 8th Anniversary Charity Event | December 7
Sample speciality pours like Lone Tree’s carrot cream ale and horchata stout along with the tapping of several firkins (quarter-barrels). A portion of the proceeds from this charity bash will be donated to Buddy’s Builders, a local nonprofit that builds dog houses; lend a hand to a furry friend by bidding in the silent auction for deals at Front Range spots like the Denver Zoo, the Brown Palace, and the Denver Center for Performing Arts. Prices vary; 8200 Park Meadows Dr., Suite #8222, Lone Tree; 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Boulder County Farmers Market Winter Market | December 7–8
With more than 100 Colorado-based vendors on site, shoppers can snag market essentials such as cheese and eggs or browse wares from Centennial State jewelry makers, woodworkers, apothecaries, and much more. Free admission; Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd., Longmont.; 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sundays with Santa at Table Mountain Inn | December 7, 14, 21, 28
If simply getting your kids’ photo taken with Santa isn’t enough to get the family in the holiday spirit, join St. Nick for breakfast any Sunday throughout December at this historic inn in Golden. Don some red and green; enjoy special brunch offerings from the Table Mountain Grill; and savor a morning for the memory books. Menu prices vary, call 303-277-9898 or click here for reservations); 1310 Washington Ave., Golden; 12–2 p.m.
Sunday Brunch with Santa at Que Bueno Suerte | December 1, 8, 15, 22
Que Bueno Suerte will host the famed Man in Red and offer an array of dishes, including frittatas, chilaquiles, and breakfast tacos. Bring a non-perishable item for the food drive, and take the perfect selfie with Santa, too. Menu prices vary; make a reservation here; 1518 S. Pearl St.; 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Women’s Wine Guild Self-Defense Class and Brunch at Potager | December 8
Join the ladies of the Women’s Wine Guild of Colorado for a one-hour self-defense course with Safety Sofia at the Carla Madison Recreation Center, followed by a family-style brunch at Denver’s farm-to-table classic, Potager. Naturally, your meal can be served with (optional) wine pairings, because wine is (almost) always a good idea. $35–50; 2401 E. Colfax (self-defense class), 1109 Ogden St. (Potager); 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Golden Moon Speakeasy’s Holiday Punch Class | December 10
Golden Moon brand manager Anika Zappe will walk attendees through her favorite recipes for well-balanced punches—which will make you the star of any soirée. Look forward to trying three punches, including the Golden Full Moon Punch with gin, absinthe, sage, floral green tea, lemon, and sparkling wine. $45; 1111 Miner’s Alley, Golden; 5:30–7 p.m.
Muga Wine Dinner at Rioja | December 12
This extraordinary five-course affair features the wines of Spanish maker Muga, each paired with culinary creations by Rioja chef Gabe Wyman. The likes of orange-cured Arctic char, octopus with red wine risotto, and venison with onion-fennel bread pudding—plus chocolate beignets—will all be enhanced with Muga’s reds and whites. $200 including tax and gratuity; 1431 Larimer St.; 7:30 p.m.
KNOCKOUT Cancer Art Auction and Dinner | December 13
This immersive fundraiser is sure to be a, well, knockout, what with a creative, family-style dinner by James Beard Award nominee Kelly Whitaker (Brutø, Basta, the Wolf’s Tailor) being served inside a pop-up art exhibition curated by conceptual artist Scott Young. Craft cocktails and wines will be provided by Run for the Roses and Blanchard Family Wines, two more Dairy Block concepts. 100 percent of proceeds from the live auction that follows dinner goes to First Descents, a Colorado nonprofit that provides life changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. $165; 1821 Blake St.; 6–10 p.m.
The Denver Beer Festivus | December 14
This epic, festive suds sesh spotlights Denver’s best breweries—and only Denver’s. Don your best ugly Christmas sweater and/or pajamas to participate in the silent disco; taste creations from dozens of Mile High City breweries; and bask in the party’s beloved ’90s nostalgia. $45-60; Major Studios, 3881 Steele St.; 3–6 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa at Union Station | December 14
Graze on a Christmas-themed breakfast buffet and snag a Union Station Christmas ornament for the tree. Kids will enjoy story time with Father Christmas while adults sip on festive cocktails—all amid the beauty of Denver’s historic train station dressed in its holiday best. $45 for kids, $80 for adults; 1701 Wynkoop St.; 8–11 a.m.
Feast of the Seven Fishes at Coperta | December 18–24
This piscine Italian-American holiday ritual is a beloved, delicious tradition, and Denver’s Coperta will honor it during lunch and dinner for a full week: Enjoy four courses (antipasto, primi, secondi, dessert) that include seven seafood dishes. The revolving menu will include options such as wood-fired octopus, anchovy fritters with agrodolce, and crispy dogfish with salmoriglio and polenta. $69, call 720-749-4666 for reservations; 400 E. 20th Ave.
Sarto’s Feast of the Seven Fishes | December 18
Chef Garret Meyer of Sarto’s will be whipping up a seven course, seafood-centric dinner with dishes including creamy lobster bisque, salt cod gnocchi tots with lemon aioli, and spaghetti with shrimp puttanesca. Guests will sip on cocktails and eat snacks before the dinner, and there is an option to add wine pairings to your meal. $75, call 303-455-1400 for reservations; 2900 W. 25th Ave., 6:30 p.m.
Boozy Cookie Decorating & Christmas Movies at ViewHouse | December 18
Take advantage of $20 wine and flatbread specials and let your inner artist shine at this free cookie decorating session at the Viewhouse Ballpark, where classic Christmas flicks will play on the big screen. Each person receives three sugar cookies and unlimited access to a station stocked with icing, sprinkles, and frosting. Free; email kyrab@viewhouse.com to reserve your spot; 2015 Market St.; 6–8 p.m.
Build Your Own Charcuterie Board and Cocktail Tasting at Hotel Teatro | December 18
Nothing eases the stress of holiday entertaining like knowing there will be a gorgeous curated charcuterie board on the table—the staff at Hotel Teatro’s the Nickel will show you how it’s done. Sip on three holiday cocktails while you learn, create your own meat-and-cheese board, and head off into the holiday season with recipes and confidence under your belt. $35; 1100 14th St.; 6–8 p.m.
Señor Bear’s Naughty or Nice Holiday Party and Toy Drive| December 21
All month long, Señor Bear will turn its Highlands outpost into a winter wonderland with holiday cocktails and menu specials. But on the 21st, the team will throw a party complete with an ice luge and “Toys 4 Shots:” Bring a new toy to donate to the Toys For Tots toy drive and get a free shot, plus photo opps with Santa Claus and tasty Pan-Latin small bites. Free to attend; 21 and over only; 3301 Tejon St.