From Tinsel to Tiki: These Merry and Bright Mile High Local Businesses are Totally “Sleighing.”
Denver’s holiday bar scene is proving that festive cheer comes best with a cocktail in hand. From tiki trees dusted with “snow” to patios turned into cozy winter wonderlands, explore the Mile High City’s finest limited-time sips, as some fan-favorite local watering holes are transformed into glittering pop-up wonderlands.
Whether you’re craving tropical twists, cozy winter vibes, or full-blown tinsel terrific Christmas chaos, these holiday pop-up bars are serving up unforgettable ways to toast the sparkle of the season. Ugly sweaters are encouraged, and every sip feels like a mini holiday getaway.
Avantiki at Avanti Denver
Avanti’s annual “Avantiki” pop-up emits a sense of “magic of the tropics meets the cozy spirit of the season.” This limited-time outpost will shine bright through Sunday, December 28, 2025, with a portion of each $5 entry fee going toward Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness (CHOW), an organization that provides mental health support to hospitality industry workers.
Bamboo and floral décor, hula dancers, Santas in Hawaiian shirts, sand-dusted snow and a sea of twinkling holiday lights make the space feel like a tropical island in the heart of Denver. Visitors can imbibe and indulge in festive, island-inspired cocktails such as spiked eggnogs and boozy punch bowls, among other limited-time yuletide tiki creations.
The Jingle Bar at Club Vinyl
Through December 23, The Jingle Bar will be “sleighing” the Mile High City as a magical Christmas pop-up bar transforming downtown Denver’s Club Vinyl into a sparkling winter wonderland. Twinkling lights, dazzling décor, and heartwarming holiday beverages, including holiday-themed cocktails and tasty treats, non-stop Christmas classics, as well as fun games hosted by the “Christmas miracle makers.”
Visitors are encouraged to don their most festive attire, whether it’s a favorite ugly sweater or a full-on, creatively constructed Santa, Elf, or even Grinch-themed costume, for a chance to win fun prizes.
Sessions run Thursday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and tickets are somewhat limited, so grab a reservation and make some unforgettable holiday memories with friends (the best gift!).
Snowdrift at Adrift Tiki Bar
Adrift Tiki Bar hosts the return of “Snowdrift,” one of Denver’s most iconic holiday pop-up bar experiences, through January 3, 2026. Visit the beloved “Beach on Broadway” and step into an exceptionally enchanting “tiki-meets-tinsel winter wonderland.”
From snowcapped palm trees and powdery snow sprinkled throughout the space and decor, signature resident blowfish decorations donning Santa hats as a festive twist, and an even icy igloo beach bar — Adrift’s “spirited” takeover is an unforgettable holiday affair.
Sip on creative seasonal libations such as the “Ba Hum Butter,” a warm, spiced, velvety Hot Buttered Rum with RL Seale 12yr and Adrift’s house-made rum batter, or the Non-Alcoholic “Holly & Berry” made with Pathfinder N/A Spirit, cranberry, orange, apple, and pear. Pair these or any other yuletide cocktail with creatively curated dishes specially designed to complement the vivacious vibes, and it’ll be a holiday memory to cherish for even the Grinch of the group.
North PL at Poka Lola
Every year during the holidays, downtown Denver’s beloved bar Poka Lola Social Club puts on a sparkling little number and transforms into a limited-time popup hotspot, Poka La La La (now North PL).
From themed holiday cocktail classes, to daily drink specials (think: “Toys and ‘Tinis Tuesday,” where visitors can donate a toy benefiting the Denver Santa Claus shop, and get 10% off a cocktail — or “White Elephant Wednesday,” when the bartender chooses your seasonal surprise sipper [whether you can’t swap or steal someone else’s is to your group’s discretion!] every night is a uniquely festive experience.
This season’s stunning holiday menu features drinks like the “Lights and Latkes,” made with crispy tater tot-infused Tito’s vodka, creme fraiche, washed dry vermouth, and house chive oil — a savory combination that almost tastes like a meal within a drink. There’s also the “Black Diamond” (for “experts only”) made with Maguey Vida Mezcal, Cocchi Americano, Benedictine, Cynar+Fernet Vallet Blend.
FlyteCo + OverFlyte “Sleighs” with Holiday Festivities
OverFlyte, located on the third floor of FlyteCo Tower, is once again hosting its twinkling holiday popup now through January 18, 2026. Step into a world of dazzling holiday lights and decor alongside FlyteCo’s usual fan-favorite on-site activities, including axe throwing, golf simulators, ping pong, darts and more — but with a special, themed holiday menu added to the mix.
Festive drinks include the “Sleigh Queen,” made with Tito’s, St. Germain, cranberry, pom and lemon and “Snowed In,” made with Malibu, rum, coconut milk, mint lime and simple syrup. FlyteCo Tower will also be hosting Pictures with Santa on Sunday, December 21 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Families can take pictures with Santa in the airplane on the 2nd floor and enjoy a build-your-own hot cocoa bar experience for $5.
Blanco Cocina + Cantina’s Blanco Navidad
Blanco Cocina + Cantina is putting a festive spin on their classic Mexican favorites with a first-ever holiday popup experience this season, called “Blanco Navidad!” Until Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Blanco’s all-weather patio and bar will transform into a wonderful winter wonderland where Denverites can celebrate the holidays all season in style.
Choose from festive cocktails like the“Espress–Ho Ho Ho Tini” made with cinnamon-spiced cold brew and the indulgent “Whiskey & Churros” pairing, served with a side of freshly made churros — while sitting among decked-out decor, from colorful lights, Christmas trees, and plenty of tinsel.
Or for a particularly Instagram-worthy treat, “The Christmas Tree” gives guests a chance to mix and match four different types of margaritas or espresso martinis — and the “Santa’s Shotski” lets them choose from three Gran Centenario tequila selections to sling back amongst friends.
Blanco Navidad will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made via their website.
Junction Food & Drink
Junction Food & Drink is rolling out a brand-new holiday pop-up bar and a local maker market this season, filled with food, music, and shopping. “Santa’s Stop at Junction” runs from Nov 22 – Dec 23, 2025, transforming the bar at Junction into “Santa’s Stop” — a cozy North Pole-inspired travel hub celebrating Santa’s journey around the world. Admire over-the-top holiday décor, indulge in themed cocktails, and soak in the lively atmosphere — a perfect spot for holiday meetups, date nights, or post-work drinks.
Other spots boasting a few exceptionally spirited yuletide cocktails and sips — from Santa’s favorite margarita to a holly-jolly pine cocktail and more
Santa’s Cabana at Atomic Cowboy
It’s Christmas in the tropics! At Atomic Cowboy, Santa has traded in his sleigh for some sand and sun while sipping this creamy coconut margarita. Made with a zip of lime and rich, silky coconut shaken with tequila, triple sec, and a touch of agave for sweetness, one might say it’s “equal parts naughty and nice…”
N/A Fig Old Fashioned at Mezcaleria Alma
Those seeking a special, seasonal non-alcoholic beverage can enjoy the Fig Old Fashioned, where jammy fig meets a bite of tamarind and warming cardamom spice in this non-alcoholic version of the beloved cocktail from MICHELIN-starred Mezcaleria Alma. Featuring Lyre’s Dry Gin, Ritual Aperitif, and Pathfinder Amaro for an NA riff on the classic, it’s sure to be the extra warmth needed to get through a cold winter’s night.
Morrison Pine Needle at La Rocca Rossa
Driven by the ethos of seasonality and sustainability, the Morrison Pine Needle cocktail from La Rocca Rossa blends foraged pine with bourbon, pink grapefruit, and lemon for a festive holiday sip. And it’s just as pretty as it sounds – garnished with a real spruce tip, this mountain-inspired cocktail brings the Christmas tree right to the table.
Coquito at F1 Arcade
This heritage cocktail recipe passed down through generations, the Coquito (which translates to “little coconut”) is a traditional Christmas drink that originated in Puerto Rico. Created by the F1 Arcade Global Director of Drinks and Afro-Boricua trailblazer LP O’Brien, it’s made with coconut, cinnamon, and rum that come together in a creamy winter cocktail garnished with a cinnamon cookie.
LoHi Falling at The Family Jones Spirit House
This spirit-forward but well-balanced treat at The Family Jones Spirit House is the equivalent of getting a grown-up version of an orange in your stocking. Each sip of the rich cream clarified LoHi Falling features juicy citrus balanced by a fluffy vanilla-bergamot foam. Starring Earl Grey-steeped Juniper Jones Gin (one of The Family Jones’ original spirits) it’s made with 100% local, regeneratively grown grains from family farms so you can support local while you sip the spirit(s) of the season.
Mr. Brown Macadamia Espresso Martini at Pig & Tiger
Pig & Tiger created a holiday spin on the espresso martini, made with Mr. Brown, the iconic Taiwanese canned coffee. This smooth treat is blended with notes of roasted macadamia and a hint of sweetness — a rich, nutty pick-me-up perfect for crisp winter nights when you need an extra boost of energy and inspiration.
