Holiday Pop-Up Bars Are Coming to Denver—and So Is One Dedicated to Arcade Games

The holiday season is nearly here and with it chances to sip on seasonal cocktails while sitting in spaces appointed to look like something out of a particularly enthusiastic six-year-old’s most lit up and mistletoed-out Christmas fantasy.

This year, Denver will offer plenty of chances to do just that thanks to the return of Miracle, the Christmas-themed pop-up bar that first graced the Mile High City with its oh-so-festive presence last year.

5280 Magazine was the first to report last week that Miracle will be bringing its boozy brand of holiday cheer to three Denver-area locations this year: Avanti Food & Beverage in LoHi, the Arvada Tavern, and the space at 1414 Larimer Street that used to house Milk & Honey.

That means Denverites will have three times as many options for enjoying concoctions like the Christmapolitan (vodka with cranberry sauce) and Run Run Rudolph (tequila and cold hot chocolate). Though this year’s decor is still under wraps, last year’s Denver Miracle bar at Avanti included a wall covered with bows, decked out tap-handles, and plenty of places for selfies.

5280 also reports reservations are being accepted on the Miracle website now for all three bars (walk-ins will also be welcome but reservations may be the way to go if last year’s waits are any indication). All three Miracle bars will open on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, November 27, and run through December 30.

The Polar Bear Express pulls into Señor Bear

Señor Bear, Highland’s contemporary hot spot for Pan-Latin fare, is also getting on in the holiday pop-up game this year with the Polar Bear Express pop-up.

According to a press release, that experience will offer bar goers the chance to “hop aboard the Polar Bear Express train” to enjoy Latin American-inspired hot buttered rum, eggnog and spiced cider. In a distinctively Colorado twist, the bar will also be offering attendees the chance to take whiskey shots from a shot ski.

There will also be a three-course holiday bear basket of traditional Puerto Rican winter dishes. That pop up will begin on Monday, December 2 and run through New Year’s Day.

A 90s arcade game pop-up comes to town in February

Once the holidays have come and gone, the fun-crazed kid that lives inside every Denverite can look forward to the 90s Arcade Bar, a recently-announced pop-up that will take over a yet-to-be disclosed Denver location in February.

According to the event website, the 90s Arcade pop-up will include arcade game-themed beverages, “live action” versions of games like Human Hungry Hungry Hippos, Dance Dance revolution, and what is being billed as the world’s largest game of Pac Man (though it is unclear exactly what organizers mean by that).

Though the exact date and location have yet to be announced, those who love arcade games (or who just want to drink surrounded by them) can sign up online to receive information about purchasing a ticket.

• Where to Find Denver’s 2019 Miracle Christmas Bars—and How to Skip the Lines [5280 Magazine]
• Miracle [official]
• Señor Bear [official]
• 90s Arcade Bar [official]