Best Christmas Bars/Pop-ups in Denver, CO
It’s time for Christmas in the Rocky Mountains! Denver does it up for the holidays with a great collection of Christmas bars and holiday pop-up bars. Throw on your favorite ski jacket, pull up your alpine boots, and head out for a sparkling night of hot buttered rum and fun memories in the making. You should know a few things before you plan your big holiday-themed night out in Denver. Almost all Denver Christmas pop-up bars require reservations or tickets ahead of time. While some do run all-ages events during the day, these events are exclusively for the 21-and-over crowd once the real cocktails come out. Here’s a rundown of the best Christmas bars and pop-up events in Denver, Colorado!
Miracle at Union Station
1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado
This is your chance to celebrate the holiday season inside Denver’s Union Station. With a history dating back to the 1800s, this train depot is famed for its arched windows, high ceilings, and sparkling chandeliers. Of course, Union Station never looks as magical as it does when it’s decked out for the holidays. Miracle at Union Station is a 21-and-over pop-up experience that immerses guests in a wonderland of sparkling lights, sugar-plum visions, and delicious cocktails! Due to the popularity of this event, reservations are highly suggested.
Tinseltown: The Christmas Speakeasy at the Denver Pavilions
500 16th Street, Denver, Colorado
This Christmas-themed pop-up event at one of Denver’s favorite shopping spots brings all the warm vibes of the holiday season. Take in views of gorgeous trees all decked out in bright lights and baubles. This is widely considered the most beautiful Christmas pop-up event in all of Denver. The atmosphere here includes giant wrapped presents, mischievous elves, classic holiday tunes, and cocktails that will thaw even the most Grinch-like of hearts! Just make sure to grab tickets ahead of time for a smooth arrival at this 21-and-over experience!
Sippin’ Santa
5707 Olde Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada, Colorado
Sippin’ Santa is a nationwide holiday pop-up event that just happens to be flying into the Denver area. Sippin’ Santa can be described as a tropical Christmas extravaganza that invites guests to savor tiki drinks served in fun holiday mugs. The signature Sippin’ Santa cocktail is the Sippin’ Santa that’s made with aged Demerara rum, amaro, lemon, orange and gingerbread mix. The rest of the cocktail menu features yummy drinks with touches of buttered rum, vanilla, ginger, bourbon, cinnamon, bitters, and so many more island-meets-Christmas vibes. Reservations are needed for this 21-and-over Christmas pop-up event.
Dark Christmas: Haunted Holiday at the Mansion on Colfax
1509 North Marion Street, Denver, Colorado
Running through the end of the year, this moody holiday pop-up experience is like nothing else you’ll find in Denver! The Mansion on Colfax decorates its gorgeous restaurant and bar from top to bottom in decorations inspired by spooky movies that include “Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Krampus.” The setting of this haunted mansion from the 1800s provides the perfect backdrop for an experience where Christmas dreams mingle with frozen nightmares. Guests can look forward to performers, tasty food, and special holiday cocktails.
If you’d like to visit the mansion without getting spooked, the Mansion on Colfax also hosts a Jingle Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December. This event features special appearances from holiday characters. Brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays and Saturdays every week.
Naughty or Nice? A Choose Your Own Immersive Christmas Experience
Zeppelin Station @ 3501 Wazee Street, Denver, Colorado
This pop-up event at the Mezzanine at Zeppelin Station lets you choose your own adventure based on the ticket time you purchase! Those who choose “nice” will be transported to a whimsical land of magic with Mrs. Claus. Those who choose “naughty” will spend time in a dark world with Krampus and elves. The fun part of this interactive experience is that every choice you make will help to create your adventure. When you purchase a ticket for your custom two-hour adventure, you’ll enjoy a free welcome drink, access to a holiday-themed cocktail menu, and the opportunity to take as many photos as you want in a highly Instagramable space!
Mile High Spirits Christmas Pop-up Shot Bar
2201 Lawrence Street, Denver, Colorado
Ring in the holidays at Denver’s favorite distillery and cocktail bar! During this event, Mile High Spirits is unveiling a special menu with four holiday-themed shots. Guests will have opportunities to toast to the holidays, hang out with Santa, and make some memories. This event is taking place on Fridays and Saturdays throughout December. The doors for the event open at 10 p.m.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Denver page, here!