Santa’s elves are dropping Christmas cheer all over the state this month

By the Thirst Team

When a Christmas tree in the corner isn’t good enough, there are spots around Colorado bringing next level holiday decor and festivities through the next month, including bars, restaurants and even a hotel room. Let’s take a tinseled trip across the state. Happy holidays.

Cocktails at the Miracle pop up bar in Avon

Avon: Miracle at Lookout Bar

The Lookout Bar in Avon’s Riverfront Village transforms into a Miracle bar on Wednesday, Nov. 20, with décor, nostalgic cocktails and cheer through Dec. 30. Offerings include the new Dancing Sugarplums (made with gin, limoncello, plum wine, plum milk syrup, lemon, tiki bitters and nutmeg) and the returning Christmapolitan and Snowball Old-Fashioned. There also will be new non-alcoholic cocktails.

Miracle’s merry pranksters transform cocktail bars into over-the-top immersive holiday destinations all over the world.

Reservations for 90-minute visits are required.

Broomfield: Blitzen’s Bar at the Omni

Blitzen brings the wild side of Santa’s team to Shep’s at the Omni Interlocken in Broomfield. His pop-up bar opened last week, and is decked out every day through Jan. 11.

In addition to festive decor, bartender Julie Reiner crafted eight inventive seasonal cocktails from the Sleigh Ride to the Naughty or Spice, served alongside curated snack pairings.

Denver: Blanco Navidad

Blanco Cocina + Cantina is already celebrating the season with the debut of Blanco Navidad, open through Dec. 31. The all-weather patio and bar has been transformed into a winter wonderland offering food and festive cocktails such as the Christmas classic margarita or Espress Ho Ho Ho Tini.

Denver: Call to Arms Big Holiday Energy

Call to Arms will close for good Dec. 23, but the welcoming north Denver brewery is going out with a gaudy bang. The taproom hosts the final chapter of its Big Holiday Energy party in a gift-wrapped, tinsel-festooned bar starting Friday, Nov. 21.

The event also includes daily holiday movies, weekend hot chocolate bar, a duck scavenger hunt and pictures with Santa on Dec. 6.

Denver: Good Tidings at the Dairy Block

Run for the Roses is an underground cocktail bar below the alley at the Dairy Block near Coors Field. It will transform into Good Tidings, a winter forest escape, from 5 p.m. to midnight Nov. 26 to Dec. 31. Offerings include craft cocktails and holiday favorites such as boozy hot chocolate with Luxco spirits, as well as aged eggnog and novelty glassware available for purchase.

Denver: Hyper Holiday Pop-Up Suite

The Curtis Hotel in downtown Denver offers an opportunity to sleep in an over-the-top winter wonderland. The Hyper Holiday Pop Up Suite includes festive decor, a Christmas stocking with goodies, a holiday drink and a curated holiday Spotify playlist.

Denver: Miracle at Union Station

The Miracle team also will craft Christmas and Hanukkah magic inside Union Station, possibly for the last time. This year’s theme is “Holidays at Grandma’s House.” The Miracle pop-up bar brings decor, holiday joy and creative cocktails to the historic building from 4 p.m. to midnight Nov. 26 to Dec. 24. Reservations are recommended.

Denver: Santa’s Stop at Junction

As the name might suggest, the Junction food hall is perfectly located steps from a movie theater, Dave & Buster’s and a transit station. On the way to any holiday entertainment, check out Junction’s new holiday pop-up bar and local makers’ holiday craft market.

The bar in the middle of Junction will become Santa’s Stop, a North Pole-inspired travel hub celebrating the big guy’s journey around the world.

Denver: Snowdrift at Adrift Tiki Bar

South Broadway’s Adrift Tiki Bar will bring added holiday magic to its tropical vibes from Nov. 25 to Jan. 3. Snowdrift is among Denver's longest-running holiday pop-up bars. This year’s whimsical tropical winter paradise will feature snowcapped palm trees and powdery snow, as well as festive Santa hats on the blowfish decorations, and an icy igloo beach bar.

Adrift is open Tuesday through Saturday, and reservations are recommended.

On Dec. 18, Snowdrift also hosts a holiday-themed adult spelling bee.

Littleton: Lady Justice Brewing

Lady Justice Brewing in Littleton evokes a very specific retro vibe with the Ski Jorts City pop up, which opened last week and runs through New Year’s Eve.

In addition to cringily great Christmas decor, Ski Jorts City also has a packed month of events. Highlights include awkward family photos, a makers’ market, a jorts contest and Canadian Tuxedo semi-formal, drag comedy, live music and more.