Denver Holiday Lights and Bites Tour

We kick off our festive evening inside Tavernetta, where warm Italian hospitality meets downtown Denver’s holiday charm. Located right beside Union Station, this celebrated dining spot sets an inviting tone with its cozy lounge and glowing fireplace. To open our tour, we gather around the fire for a lively Brachetto Spritz—a sparkling, berry-forward cocktail whose bright acidity perfectly complements an array of artisanal bar snacks. Guests will enjoy Tavernetta’s famed housemade focaccia, baked fresh daily to yield a crisp, golden crust and pillowy interior brushed with extra virgin olive oil. Alongside the warm bread, we serve citrus-marinated olives infused with fennel, coriander, and a touch of Calabrian chili for a bold, savory bite. This relaxed aperitivo hour offers the ideal opportunity to toast the season, connect with fellow guests, and warm up before stepping out into the glittering lights of downtown!

From Tavernetta, our journey continues as we pass through the vibrant open-air plaza at McGregor Square, fully transformed into a winter wonderland for the season. Framed by twinkling holiday lights and the glow of downtown, this bustling gathering place serves as the perfect bridge between culinary stops and historical landmarks. During the holidays, the plaza's central lawn converts into a charming outdoor ice-skating rink, where skaters glide beneath a canopy of festive decorations and the massive LED screen playing seasonal classics. As we walk through, your guide will share stories of Denver’s transformation into a premier holiday destination while you take in the lively, festive energy of families and couples enjoying the ice. It’s a quintessential Denver holiday scene—combining modern city style, cheerful outdoor ice skating, and dazzling light displays—offering fantastic photo opportunities as we make our way toward our next delicious tasting along the tour route!

Next, we make our way into Milepost Zero, the vibrant food hall at the heart of McGregor Square, for a festive celebration of holiday cocktails and mouthwatering tacos. Surrounded by glowing seasonal decorations, this energetic gathering space offers a lively local backdrop to warm up and unwind as our tour continues. At our tasting stop, guests will enjoy a chef-crafted taco loaded with bold, savory flavors and fresh ingredients, perfectly paired with a signature seasonal cocktail created exclusively for the holidays. Whether you're sipping a spiced winter margarita or a cozy, fruit-infused creation, the cheerful atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax and savor Denver’s dynamic food hall culture. With its central location right next to the plaza's ice-skating rink, Milepost Zero captures the vibrant, modern energy of downtown Denver during the holidays—combining great drinks, delicious food, and unmatched festive cheer!

Our next tasting stop brings us inside Poka Lola Social Club, an elegant craft cocktail lounge tucked inside The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block. During the holiday season, the hotel and alleyway transform into a winter spectacle filled with glowing light installations, festive art, and grand seasonal decorations. Inside the lounge’s retro-chic setting, guests will enjoy a curated pairing of two mini holiday cocktails hand-crafted by expert mixologists to capture the flavors of the season. To complement the drinks, we serve crispy, golden fried chicken sliders topped with tangy pickles, accompanied by a side of hot, seasoned ranch fries.

Leaving Poka Lola, we step into the magical glow of the Dairy Block’s historic alleyway, one of downtown Denver’s most enchanting holiday pass-throughs. Transformed into an immersive winter spectacle, this vibrant pedestrian alley features twinkling overhead light canopies, festive art installations, and gorgeous seasonal greenery strung between historic brick facades. As we stroll through the softly lit passageway, your guide will share fascinating stories behind Dairy Block's rich history and architectural revival. With cozy boutique shopfronts glowing on either side, it’s an ideal spot to snap stunning holiday photos, take in the bustling festive energy, and enjoy the ambient sounds of the season. This enchanting walkway offers a quiet, magical moment to soak in Denver’s holiday charm before we head into our final destination for dessert.