8 W E S T W O R D W e s t w o r d U n w r a p p e d 2 0 2 5 - 2 6 westword.com Drink Festive HOLIDAY BARS ARE POPPING UP IN DENVER. BY MOLLY MAR TIN Every year, many of the city’s best bars and restaurants deck their walls with festive de- cor to celebrate the holiday season, but this year, the merriment is off the charts. We’ve rounded up all the places going all out for their Christmas pop-up bars. There are options for everyone — whether you’re feeling naughty or nice. Here’s where to drink festive this year: Ace Eat Serve 501 East 17th Avenue Open November 21 The Snowed Inn pop-up at this Uptown restaurant promises ski lodge vibes, festive cocktails and après-ski energy — without the I-70 traffi c. Avanti Food & Beverage 3200 Pecos Street Open November 28 through December 28 Avanti is hosting its annual holiday/ tiki-themed pop-up, Avantiki, complete with island-style holiday decor and a fes- tive drink menu. The entrance fee is $5, which goes directly to Avanti’s charitable partner, CHOW, and all guests will re- ceive a complimentary shot in a glass you can take home. Reservations are strongly suggested. Bao Brewhouse 317 14th Street Open November 28 through January 4 This downtown restaurant is launch- ing Jingle Bao Rock, a pop-up that will channel nostalgic Christmas vibes of the ’90s. Reservations are available via OpenTable. Blanco Cantina + Cantina 4177 East 9th Avenue Open November 13 through December 31 This restaurant, located off Colorado Boulevard, is hosting its fi rst-ever holiday pop-up, Blanco Navidad. Its all-weather patio and bar has been transformed into a festive holiday experience with colorful décor, limited-time seasonal dishes, and festive cocktails like the Espress Ho Ho Ho Tini and Don Juan’s Spiced Cider. Reservations are highly encouraged. Call to Arms Brewing 4526 Tennyson Street Open November 21 through December 23 In September, Call to Arms announced that it would be closing for good in Decem- ber. Now we know that its last day will be December 23, but it’s going out with a sparkly, festive bang. Starting later this month, it will host one fi nal edition of Big Holiday Energy. Stop by anytime during the pop-up for festive fun, advent calendar prizes, a hot chocolate bar and more. Or hit up one of the planned events, which include a Kick the Keg party with the Colorado Brewers Guild on No- vember 21, pictures with Santa on December and Duck Scavenger Hunts and a Nick Nack Auction on December 8. Church & Union 1433 17th Street Open November 25 The downstairs level of this downtown eatery will transform into a holiday pop-up with lots of lights and cozy vibes. Guests can indulge in festive cocktails plus holiday food specials alongside Church & Union’s regular menu. Reservations are available via OpenTable. Grande Station 2299 Main Street, LittletonOpen No- vember 28 through January 3 This family-owned restaurant is hosting Prancer’s Pub, a holiday pop-up featuring festive food and drinks under twinkling holiday lights. Hyatt Regency Denver 650 15th Street Open November 2 through January 4 The Winter Lodge at Peaks Lounge re- turns to this downtown hotel for its second year, transforming the 27th-fl oor lounge into a cozy alpine retreat serving seasonal cocktails and bites. The skyline views will be particularly glitzy starting November 21, when the Mile High Drone Show starts; it will play nightly at 7 p.m. through December 31. Kimpton Claret Hotel 6985 East Chenango Avenue Open November 17 This DTC hotel is hosting two holiday pop-ups this year: The Chalet, an urban après cocktail bar on the second-fl oor ter- race (no reservations needed); and Sky Lodge at Halo Rooftop, a private dining experience for up to ten people in a green- house, along with a fi repit and outdoor seating. Sky Lodge is available for booking nightly from 4 to 10 p.m.; guests may use the space a portion of that time or the entire six hours. Email [email protected] for more information and to book the space. Lady Justice Brewing 3242 South Acoma Street, Englewood Open November 12 through December 31 Englewood’s woman- and queer-owned brewery is bringing back its immersive tap- room experience, Ski Jorts City, inspired by one of its signature beers, Ski Jorts Lager. It pays tribute to ’70s queer après-ski culture, and this year’s event includes two seasonal beer releases and weekly themed events, in- cluding Awkward Family Photos, the Ski Jorts Fun Run and the Canadian Tuxedo Formal. Miracle Bar Multiple locations Dates vary The worldwide seasonal pop-up that’s known for over-the-top decor and a variety of festive drinks is returning once again to three Colorado locations: Gallery Bar (lower level) at Union Station, open November 26 through December 24; reservations are highly recommended. The Eddy in Golden, open November 25 through December 28; reservations are recommended. Lookout Bar at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon, open November 20 through December 30; reservations are required. Mistletoe Lounge 105 Fillmore Street Open November 20 through December 24 during the Cherry Creek Holiday Market Holiday shopping and sipping com- bine this season in Bao Brewhouse has a festive cocktails lineup. continued on page 10 CONNOR STEH
