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For the past few years, more and more bars have been decking their halls with snowflakes, twinkly lights, and tinsel, and it doesn’t look like the trend is going anywhere. Call them kitschy, call them gimmicky, but call them what they are: festive goldmines that cash in on our desire for a holly jolly escape through drinks christened with punny holiday names.
Whether you’re looking for eggnog served out of a Santa head, fake-snow-dusted visuals for your TikTok, or just a heavily spiked hot cocoa, these are the 30 Denver-area Christmas bars you need to know about.
The Miracle and Sippin’ Santa Pop-Ups
- Locations:
Miracle at Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St.; Miracle at the Eddy, 1640 Eighth St., Golden; Miracle at Lookout Bar, 42 Riverfront Ln., Avon; Sippin’ Santa at Bernard’s Tiki Room (inside the Arvada Tavern), 5707 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada - Dates:
Union Station, through Dec. 24; The Eddy, through Dec. 28; Lookout Bar, through Dec. 30; Bernard’s Tiki Room, through Dec. 31
The OG Christmas bar franchise returns to Colorado this year with three light-bedecked locations, plus a Sippin’ Santa tiki takeover. This is where you’ll drink a cognac- and sherry-boosted Jingle Balls Nog out of a mug resembling Santa’s pants or a white Russian-esque Rudolph’s Replacement out of a t-rex wearing a Santa hat. While some of the pop-ups create their own wintry concoctions, the drinks menu tends to be standardized across the almost 250 Miracle franchises, and it’s up to each spot to go big on the fake snow and inflatable reindeer. Reservations required.
Ski Jorts City at Lady Justice Brewing
- Location: 3242 S. Acoma St., Englewood
- Dates: Nov. 12–Dec. 31
Inspired by its own Ski Jorts pale lager, Lady Justice is ditching the Santas and snowmen in favor of ’70s queer après ski decor. What does that mean? Think rhinestone studded denim, a Dolly Parton tree topper, and a campy-glam setting for the return of Awkward Family Photo night. No reservation needed.
Avantiki at Avanti Food & Beverage
- Location: 3200 Pecos St. (LoHi)
- Dates: through Dec. 28
Avantiki returns to Avanti Food & Beverage with an island-style holiday celebration. This means fewer snowflakes and more surfing Santas, plus a menu full of tropical cocktails like boozy punch bowls decorated with paper umbrellas. Head up to the rooftop Wolf Bar to see it for yourself, and BYOSHS (bring your own Santa Hawaiian shirt). Reservation recommended.
Home Alone Holiday Pop-Up at the Electric Cure
- Location: 5350 W. 25th Ave., Edgewater
- Dates: through Dec. 31
It may sound wholesome, but we’re guessing Macaulay Culkin is getting the adult treatment at the Electric Cure’s Home Alone pop-up. This satanic tiki bar is not for everyone, but if you’re open to some holiday debauchery, this is your spot. Reservations accepted.
The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop at Punch Bowl Social
- Location: 65 Broadway St. (Baker)
- Dates: through Dec. 28
Punch Bowl Social is already a good time, but it’s going to be a festive good time when it partners with Dallas-based Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop for a pop-up this year. There will be cheery décor, Very Merry Karaoke each Friday night, and a Matthew McConaughey inspired Santa Pants cocktail. What more do you need to know? No reservation needed.
Felix Navidad at My Neighbor Felix
- Locations: 1801 Central St. (LoHi); 7209 S. Clinton St., Centennial; 1645 Briargate Parkway Suite 203, Colorado Springs
- Dates: through Jan. 15
Christmas dreams do come true, if your Christmas dream is to take a shot of Rumchata, peppermint schnapps, and tequila out of a cookie. My Neighbor Felix is bringing the cookie shots and mistletoe margaritas to all three of its outrageously overdressed locations this year. Reservations accepted.
Big Holiday Energy at Call to Arms Brewing
- Location: 4526 Tennyson St. (Berkeley)
- Dates: through Dec. 23
After a decade in Denver, Call to Arms is turning off the taps, but before they go, they’re throwing one last holiday shindig. The taproom will be hosting a daily advent calendar, a scavenger duck hunt, and pop-up surprises leading up to the holidays, not to mention a full-on light show in their outdoor heated tent and dangling Christmas trees from the ceiling. No reservation needed.
Mistletoe Lounge at the Cherry Creek Holiday Market
- Location: 105 Fillmore St.
- Dates: through Dec. 24
If a day of gift-buying in Cherry Creek makes you thirsty, take a break at the Mistletoe Lounge. Grab a Mistletoe Margarita or a glass of cranberry mulled wine and then get back to those capitalist pursuits. No reservation needed.
Bezel Lodge at the Sheraton Denver Downtown
- Location: 1550 Court Place (downtown)
- Dates: through Jan. 31
More wintry than Christmassy, Bezel Lodge on the 16th Street Mall is a classier alternative to the Santas and snowmen that populate your typical holiday watering hole (that’s assuming you consider a fake ski lift photo-op classy). The ski-lodge decor includes fuzzy blankets, heat lamps, and that chairlift prop, plus hot cocktails to keep you warm. Reservations accepted; call 303-835-2159.
The Krampus Room at Honor Farm and How the Grinch Stole Tiki at Hell or High Water
- Location: 1526 Blake St. (LoDo)
- Dates: through Dec. 31
Sometimes you just need to trade jolly old St. Nick for a child-eating, half-demon monster. If you’re open to using a photo with Krampus for your annual Christmas card, this could be the holiday bar for you. These two bars housed in the same LoDo building will appeal to those looking for an offbeat take on the holidays, with the first floor’s Honor Farm dedicating its space to all things Krampus, and the mezzanine-level Hell or High Water Tiki paying homage to The Grinch. Reservations accepted.
Snowdrift at Adrift Tiki Bar
- Location: 218 S. Broadway (Speer)
- Dates: through Jan. 3
If “Mele Kalikimaka” is more your Christmas vibe, there’s no better spot than Snowdrift, where you’ll find fire-torched cocktails, an icicle-bedecked bar, and snow-capped palm trees. Because nothing says tropical Christmas more than sipping on a Snowdrift coquito while sitting on Adrift’s heated patio. Reservations accepted.
North PL at Poka Lola Social Club
- Location: 1850 Wazee St. (LoDo)
- Dates: through Dec. 31
Along with the standard lights, tinsel, and snowmen, the North PL at Poka Lola will also help you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with cocktail classes, fancy-schmancy wintery drinks, and—we’re guessing this is the only pop-up offering this—on-site holiday tattoo artists, for when your love of Rudolph is forever. No reservation needed.
Season’s Greetings Holiday Bar at Death & Co
- Location: 1280 25th St.
- Dates: through Dec. 30
For those who are a little more discerning with their holiday-themed cocktails, head to Suite 6A inside the Ramble Hotel, where Death & Co’s Season’s Greetings Holiday Bar brings a ’50s and ’60s theme. Wintry drinks, festive bites, tinsel, and merriment will ensue. Reservations accepted.
Winter Lodge at Peaks Lounge
- Location: 650 15th St. (Downtown)
- Dates: through Jan. 4
In what might be Denver’s highest holiday bar (not that kind of high), the Hyatt Regency Denver’s 27th-floor Peaks Lounge has transformed into Winter Lodge, an alpine-inspired experience loaded with furs and cozy cabin decor. Bonus: It’s the perfect perch to catch the Mile High Drone Show. No reservations needed.
Holiday Starlight Lounge at Retrograde
- Location: 530 E. 19th Ave.
- Dates: through Jan. 31
If it isn’t cool enough already that this bar is located inside an ice cream shop, Sweet Action’s Retrograde will be breaking out the twinkling lights and shimmering decor for their Holiday Starlight Lounge. Even better? Cocktails are inspired by Christmas cookies, like the Cranberry and Ginger Snap and Snickerdoodle Nog. No reservations needed.
The Chalet at the Kimpton Claret Hotel and private rooftop Sky Lodge at Halo
- Location: 6985 E. Chenango Ave. (Belleview Station)
- Dates: The Chalet, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through Mar. 31; Sky Lodge, nightly through Apr. 5
The second floor of the Kimpton Claret will be pouring the bubbly in a winter wonderland this season, complete with cozy fire pits and alpine inspired décor. Big spenders can reserve the Sky Lodge at the hotel’s Halo Rooftop for a private dining and drinking experience in a greenhouse with a view ($850 food and beverage minimum). Reservations not needed for the Chalet, required for Sky Lodge.
Jingle Bao Rock at Bao Brewhouse
- Location: 1317 14th St. (LoDo)
- Dates: through Jan. 4
Buckle up your best holiday fanny pack and crank the Mariah Carey, because Bao Brewhouse is lighting up its tap room and tea room ‘90s style with Jingle Bao Rock. Sip holiday cocktails while jamming to NSYNC Christmas and pray for Pogs in your stocking. Reservations accepted for the Tea Room only.
Blitzen’s at Shep’s inside the Omni Interlocken
- Location: 500 Interlocken Blvd., Broomfield
- Dates: through Jan. 11
Broomfield Christmas bar lovers can sip Mistletoe Martinis and Oye to the Worlds closer to home this year. The Omni Interlocken’s Blitzen’s Bar brings snow-day vibes to Shep’s, complete with a holiday themed menu. Reservations not needed.
Winter Wonderyard at Wonderyard Garden & Table
- Location: 2200 Larimer St. (Ballpark)
- Dates: through Jan. 15
It’s the holidays—why wouldn’t you take a shot out of an ornament and drink from a “shotski” in front of an eight-foot reindeer? Wonderyard is going big, literally. Its 2,000-square-foot tented patio will include Instagram-worthy moments aplenty, from a life-size sleigh to a 15-foot Christmas tree.
Atomic Christmas at Atomic Cowboy
- Location: All Atomic Cowboy locations
- Dates: through Jan. 1
All of the Atomic Cowboy locations in metro Denver and Colorado Springs are getting in on the holiday spirit this year as Atomic Christmas. Promising over-the-top decorations, a hot chocolate bar, Christmas movies and music, plus libations like the North Pole Nightcap and Sugar Cookie Shot, you’ll never be far from the Christmas spirits at its seven outposts. Reservations not needed.
Good Tidings at Run for the Roses
- Location: 1801 Blake St. (LoDo)
- Dates: through Dec. 31
For cocktails you know are going to be classy, head down to the Dairy Block’s speakeasy spirit lair, where Run for the Roses is turning into Good Tidings for the month. From aged eggnog to boozy hot chocolate, this newcomer to the holiday bar scene should be tasty. Reservations not needed.
Christmas Pop-Up Bar at Church and Union
- Location: 1433 17th St. (LoDo)
- Dates: through Dec. 24
Newcomer Church and Union is turning up the holiday cheer with a festive pop-up in its downstairs space, complete with cocktails and a curated selection of fan-favorite menu bites. They’re promising over-the-top décor, so it’s worth a stop-in to see if it’s truly Christmas on steroids. Reservations not needed.
Blanco Navidad at Blanco Cocina & Cantina
- Location: 4177 E. 9th Ave. (Hale)
- Dates: through Dec. 31
When you want your Christmas bar with a side of nachos con queso, consider this modern Mexican cantina in the 9+CO development. Blanco is cheering up its all-weather patio and adding holiday-themed drinks to the menu, including the Espresso Ho Ho Ho Tini and Santa’s Shotski. Reservations recommended.
A Very ’80s Christmas at the Delorean
- Location: 1753 S. Broadway
- Dates: through Dec. 28
Step back into a neon-soaked Christmas at this ’80s-themed holiday pop-up, where tinsel meets synth and the TV loops classic music videos (fingers crossed for Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”). This Christmas bar might be a blast from the past, but you’ll have to reserve your table or stool in advance (from $13.19, includes a festive shot). Advance ticket purchase required for two-hour time slots.
Elfie’s Enchanted Lounge at Lila B.
- Location: Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village
- Dates: through Dec. 31
There’s nothing funny about this Comedy Works South holiday pop-up. Sip on a holiday cocktail or mocktail and be made merry by all the festive decor. Check Elfie’s calendar for cookie decorating, holiday movie, holiday trivia, and other festive themed nights. Reservations required.
NOEL at the Bluegrass Lounge
- Location: 7415 Grandview Ave., Arvada
- Dates: through Dec. 30
For seven years, Olde Town Arvada’s Bluegrass Lounge has been decking its halls with nearly half a million lights and tons of decorations to create NOEL, a family-friendly Christmas bar. (Or at least as family-friendly as a spot featuring a cocktail called When I Think About You I Touch My Elf can be.) It will host community events all month long, from holiday karaoke to bingo to visits from Santa himself each Wednesday. No reservations needed, but some special events are ticketed. See the NOEL calendar for details.
Snowed Inn at Ace Eat Serve
- Location: 501 E. 17th Ave., Denver
- Dates: through Jan. 26
It’s cozy, it’s festive, it’s heated—it’s Snowed Inn at Ace! Grab a winter beverage in the enclosed outdoor pop-up bar and let the holiday magic (and space heaters) warm you. Reservations recommended.
Holly Jolly Hangouts for the Whole Family:
Santa’s Little Man Ice Cream Factory
- Location: 4411 W. Colfax Ave., Denver
- Dates: through Jan. 4
Santa and his crew are transforming the Little Man ice cream factory into a winter wonderland, complete with a giant holiday slide and family-friendly fun for all ages. Build and decorate your own gingerbread house, play Bingo with Mrs. Claus, or just grab a pint of eggnog, gingersnap, or frosty cocoa ice cream. No reservation needed.
Over Flyte at FlyteCo Tower
- Location: 3120 Uinta St.
- Dates: through Jan. 31
The third floor of FlyteCo Tower combines holiday magic with axe throwing and golf simulators, and why the Grinch not? Bring the whole family for games, a build-your-own hot cocoa bar, and special activities like photos with Santa. No reservation needed, but games must be booked in advance.
Camp Christmas
- Location: Stanley Marketplace, 2501 N. Dallas St., Aurora
- Dates: through Dec. 28
Camp Christmas is back at Stanley Marketplace, but this year as a 15-minute immersive journey designed to help you sleigh the holidays. Little ones can ooh and aah over the six whimsical installations while grown-ups take a well-earned break at the Base Camp Bar. No reservation needed; see details for holiday pop-up bars at various Stanley Marketplace venues, the gift shop, and other attractions.
