One of the most popular activities during the holiday season is exploring holiday pop-up bars. Popular bars, taprooms and restaurants embrace the festiveness of the holiday season and transform into fantasy winter wonderlands where patrons can sit back, relax and converse far away from the hustle and bustle of a season which can sometimes be stressful.

Join us on a journey exploring Denver’s holiday pop-up bars, where the city’s favorite spots have donned their holiday best to create unforgettable moments for visitors.

Here’s a look at some of the must-visit holiday pop-up bars around the Mile High City:

Felix Navidad – My Neighbor Felix

This popular, but laid back, local Mexican restaurant chain has transformed their Lower Highlands location (1801 Central St., Denver) into a festive holiday pop-up. Felix Navidad will be open until Jan. 8 and will have regular hours on Christmas Eve but will be closed on Christmas day. Their signature drink for the holidays is their “Santa’s Milk and Cookies shot.” They are also hosting a holiday toy drive at all four of their locations where customers can receive a free Winter Coconut Cosmo in exchange for a new-in-package toy.

The club at Inverness – Blazing Bright

The Inverness resort in DTC (200 Inverness Drive West, Englewood) has converted its Fireside Bar & Lounge into a holiday pop-up bar dubbed “Blazing Bright” for the holiday season. Blazing Bright will be open Tues-Thurs from 5-10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 4-11 p.m. In addition to the festive décor and cozy seating, they are serving holiday fare including sleigh shots, holiday inspired cocktails, decked-out charcuterie boards and light bites. Seating is limited so reservations are recommended.

Blazing Bright will be open through Dec. 31.

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row – Whiskey Wonderland

This LoDo watering hole (1946 Market St, Denver) has transformed itself into “Whiskey Wonderland”, billed as a new festive pop-up bar and nightclub experience. Open until Jan. 31, patrons are invited to revel in over 100,000 Christmas lights, charming photo ops like the “Elfie Selfie” wall, and savor holiday-themed cocktails. The bar is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as well as Christmas Day but stays open until midnight on Thursdays and until last call (2 a.m.) on Fridays and Saturdays.

Adrift Tiki Bar – Snowdrift

Arguably Denver’s best themed bar throughout the year, the tiki bar Adrift (218 S Broadway, Denver) has transformed itself into a holiday bar with tiki twists for the holiday season, becoming the aptly named “Snowdrift.” Running through Dec. 30, Snowdrift features holiday décor and a specialty food and cocktail menu.

Holiday flair has been added to their Polynesian inspired cuisine, like the Yuletide Loco Moco. Highlights from the drink menu include Tutu’s Boozy pie which is billed as sipping a blueberry cobbler in a glass and a holiday classic — hot buttered rum.  

Due to the popularity of this popup during the holidays and the availability of seating, reservations are required and can be made on Adrift’s website.

The Stockroom – Holidays at Hogwarts

Like the movie “Diehard”, the Harry Potter series has been the subject of intense debate over the years as to whether it is a Christmas movie or not. The Stockroom in Olde Town Arvada (5713 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada), a speakeasy located in the back of Spirits Wine Provisions does its part to nullify the debate — seamlessly marrying the Harry Potter and holiday themes.

The pop-up will be open through Dec. 31 and the 35-seat bar is open on a first come, first served basis. Hours are from 4-10 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays and from 4 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

BurnDown – Festivus for the Rest of Us

For those who prefer a non-denominational holiday rife with an airing of grievances, South Broadway modern eatery and bar BurnDown (476 S. Broadway, Denver) is hosting a “Festivus for the Rest of Us” on its third floor until Dec. 31.

The Seinfeld references don’t end there with themed holiday cocktails including the “Be sure to drink your Ovaltine” and the “Art Vandelay.” The bar will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Interested parties can check the full listing of hours as well as their cocktail menus on BurnDown’s website.