Union Station is a holiday mainstay around the city of Denver. Between it’s grand light display and free visits from St. Nicholas, it’s a veritable smorgasbord of holiday cheer. But if you’re looking for something more adult, Union Station’s annual arrival of its holiday-themed pop-up speakeasy, Miracle at Union Station, is sure to fill your cup.
While there are nearly 250 Miracle Pop-Up locations across the world, Miracle at Union Station is only one of three locations in Colorado—the other two are in Colorado Springs and Golden. Greg Boehm, the company’s founder, established Miracle Pop-Up in the East Village of New York City in 2014. It became an instant holiday attraction, causing others to catch on in locations across the United States then abroad.
Miracle at Union Station is open daily from 4 p.m. to midnight until December 24 and returns for one last night on New Year’s Eve. At the end of the season, a tenth of all proceeds from the assorted mugs and souvenirs will go to the Seva Foundation, a nonprofit that provides eye care programs to people around the world.
A trail of peppermint stickers leads to the west elevator of the station and down one level to reveal gift-wrapped doors that are covered in tinsel and Christmas décor. The menu, as one may guess, features festive cocktails with hilarious, Christmas-themed names. My favorites include “Jingle Balls Nog,” “Christmapolitan” and “Crooked Antler.” Each drink offers its own unique experience and the cup it comes in can serve as memorabilia.
If I were to describe Miracle in one sentence, I’d say it looked as though Santa’s luggage spilled out onto the walls and the floor—but add booze. It was very bright while maintaining the dim ambience of a late-night bar. The walls display an arrangement of Christmas lights and garland that wrap around the assortments of ornaments and snowflakes. Most speakeasies seem to replicate a gloomy dungeon for serious whiskey drinkers, but even the whiskey at Miracle seemed to brighten my mood.
Miracle is a great opportunity for a night away from the kids or a tourist looking for festive activities while exploring the city, and conveniently, it’s open every night.
“We just want to celebrate Christmas and get into the holiday spirit,” said Miracle bartender Amanda Botello. “Every night is special for us.”
Botello is now serving her second season for Miracle at Union Station and gets the privilege of wearing Christmas sweaters each night for a month. Botello’s favorite drink is Santa Slide, which includes whiskey, cream sherry, dark crème de cacao, mole bitters and assorted orange flavors and citruses. She describes it as a Martini, and it comes in its own classy glassware.
I tried the Rudolph’s Replacement drink, which was recommended by bartender Erik Belmer. It’s a Vodka Chai with white crème de cacao, almond milk, aromatic bitters and orange curaçao. It is apparently the runaway favorite at Union Station this holiday season, and understandably so! It was smooth and had the perfect amount of sweetness to counteract the bitter aftertaste of the coffee liqueur. It also came in a fun set of glassware in the form of a friendly T. Rex wearing a Santa hat.
Ryan M., a first-time visitor from Long Island, described Denver as having a “great hipster vibe.” He came to Miracle on a recommendation from other bartenders around the city and wanted to see the holiday affairs at Union Station while in town catching up with friends. Funny enough, he was on his second (or maybe third round) of Rudolph’s Replacement and suggested the Santa Slide before stumblin—I mean, walking back to his seat.
The coziness of the speakeasy makes it easy for larger groups to linger and enjoy their drinks at the dining room-esque tables set about the bar. The warmth of the fake fireplace lets the alcohol settle and most of the bystanders near the entrance had decided to find a table and stay for another round.
If you, like Ryan, are still searching for more seasonal fun at Union Station, they have a full array of festive events that have been drawing crowds since November, including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Sundays, a chance to meet Buddy the Elf on December 13 and 14, performances by Confluence Music and more. You can check out its full line-up of seasonal offerings on Union Station’s website.
Miracle allows for a calm side quest amongst the bellowing carols and crowded store aisles along Wynkoop Street. Union Station is full of hidden gems to explore throughout the season, but a festive nightcap is a nice cherry on top. Despite loud colors and somewhat blinding tree lights, Miracle has managed to pull off a relaxing atmosphere for those searching for a low-volume night out.
