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Hanukkah Menu at Ash’Kara | December 22–30
Chef Daniel Asher invites you to share some of the dishes that make Hanukkah such a special for him and his family, with a week-long rotating menu at Ash’Kara. You won’t want to miss Asher’s pastrami short ribs, sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), and root vegetable latkes. (Read his personal essay about Hanukkah here and find recipes for a few of his featured dishes here). Menu prices vary (make reservations here); 2005 W. 33rd Ave.
A Jewish Christmas at Rosenberg’s | December 24
Regardless of whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, both, or neither, you won’t want to miss this special holiday feast. Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen is bringing back its coveted Jewish Christmas celebration honoring the common Jewish American tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas. You can eagerly expect reuben egg rolls, smoked salmon rangoon, and plum sufganiyot. $25–70; Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora; 6–9 p.m.
Feast of the Seven Fishes at Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar | December 24
’Tis the sea-son for an Italian-American seafood feast—so make a reservation at any of Jax’s four Front Range locations for a family-style, sustainably-sourced supper featuring seven different kinds of fish. Whole fish with fragrant herb salad and ceviche with salmon, conch, beet-cured salmon roe, and squid ink salsa verde are among the dishes to look forward to. $65 (call 303-292-5767 for reservations); multiple locations
Feast of the Seven Fishes at Il Posto | December 24
This seafood-centric meal is a beloved Christmas Eve tradition at Il Posto. The multi-course affair stars crab, cod, clams, lobster, and more; heighten your meal with optional wine pairings. $95 plus optional $45 wine pairing (make reservations here or call 303-394-0100); 2601 Larimer St.
Christmas Eve Paella Party at Lola Coastal Mexican | December 24
Chef Javier Plascencia’s surf-and-turf paella—packed with mussels, clams, shrimp, chicken, and chorizo—is a taste of Valencia by way of Baja California. Dig into the savory rice dish, along with two additional courses, and take home some cookies and house-made horchata for Santa, too. $40 (call 720-570-8686 for reservations); 1575 Boulder St.; 3–8 p.m.
Christmas Eve Seafood Celebration Dinner at Liberati Restaurant & Brewery | December 24
Chef Marta Biasotti will present a five-course “trail of taste” at Liberati on Christmas Eve. Savor tuna tartare, house-made fettuccine with lobster, chocolate mousse, and more. $85 with optional wine- and oenobeer-pairing options (make a reservation here, in addition to purchasing your Eventbrite ticket; 2403 Champa St.; 5–9 p.m.
Christmas Eve Festive Dinner at Crú Food & Wine Bar | December 24
If spending Christmas Eve slaving over a honey-glazed ham, herb-rubbed turkey, or roasted duck just isn’t your style, consider doing yourself a favor and gather outside the home for a no-stress meal. At Crú, you can order a three-course feast that includes dishes such as lobster potstickers, Barolo-braised short rib, ahi tartare, and eggnog crème brûlée. $45 (call 303-893-9463 for reservations); 1442 Larimer St.
Christmas Eve at Hearth & Dram | December 24
Count on the team at Hearth & Dram to prepare the elegant holiday dinner of your dreams. The three-course, prix-fixe menu includes options like grilled shrimp with barrel-aged green tomato cocktail sauce; goat cheese spinach ravioli with root vegetables and lemon; and pistachio panna cotta with pomegranate molasses. $49 (call 303-623-0979 for reservations); 1801 Wewatta St.
Christmas Eve Lamb Roast at Arcana | December 24
If an Instagram-worthy roast is on your Christmas wish list, you’re in luck: Chef Samuel McCandless will team up with Clint Buckner of Buckner Family Farms to prepare a three-course, family-style lamb roast dinner. The lamb shoulder will be served with buttermilk potatoes; braised leeks and breadcrumbs; red wine poached pear; and smoked-pepper lamb gravy. $65 with optional wine pairings (make reservations here or call 303-444-3885); 909 Walnut St., Boulder
Duck the Halls at Beast & Bottle | December 24
Chef Paul Reilly will deliver a ducky menu for two this Christmas Eve, serving a succulent whole honey-lacquered duck and festive poultry-centric sides, such as quince bread pudding, collard greens, and red beet barbecue sauce. Paired with the restaurant’s exquisite cocktails, the menu may make you question why you ever cooked for the holiday in the first place. $99 for two (call 303-623-3223 for reservations); 719 E. 17th Ave.
Christmas Eve at Le Bilboquet | December 24
A four-course, prix-fixe menu awaits at Le Bilboquet in Cherry Creek, where you can revel in a Parisian-inspired spread. Highlights include salmon gravlax; beef filet Rossini with potato macaire and foie gras; and sautéed french toast with kumquat chutney. Joyeux Noël, indeed. $85 (make a reservation here or call 303-835-9999); 299 St. Paul St.
Christmas Eve Dinner at Pepper the Noshery | December 24
Head to Boulder’s Pearl Street for a three-course dinner by chef Roy Benningfield. Start with the likes of vegan butternut bisque or omnivore-friendly crab chowder, then dig into duck cassoulet or filet mignon. Save room for the eggnog crème brûlée and salted chocolate tart. $65 (make reservations here or call 720-638-4800); 1043 Pearl St., Boulder
Vegan Christmas Eve at Charcoal Bistro | December 24
This three-course plant-based Christmas Eve dinner is hearty enough to satisfy eaters of all sorts. The set menu moves from a vegetable flight of garlic long beans, chilled cucumber salad, and spicy cauliflower to a bowl of oyster mushroom ramen, with chocolate bao for dessert. $39; 1028 S. Gaylord St.; 5–9 p.m.
Christmas Dinner at Gattara | December 25
Bring the whole family out for a festive feast crafted by chef Thomas Newsted at the cat-themed restaurant inside the Warwick Denver. Start with red beet potato gnocchi, then choose from a pan-roasted branzino fillet or lamb strip loin with parsnip ratatouille. The grand finale is the Italian outpost’s sophisticated take on s’mores. $45 (make reservations here); 1776 N. Grant St.
Tavernetta New Year’s Eve Party | December 31
Though New Year’s Eve is often a time for musing about the future, this retro party encourages attendees to look toward the past. Revelers are encouraged to dress in throwback attire (think: shimmery flapper dresses or corduroy bell-bottoms) and groove to nostalgic tunes from the past half-century. Tavernetta will provide light bites, along with bubbly, festive cocktails, and Frasca and Blackberry Farm Brewery’s collaboration beer all night long. $125; 1889 16th St.; 9 p.m.–1 a.m.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at the Bindery | December 31
Chef Linda Hampsten Fox will prepare a five-course pre-fixe meal for guests across two seatings (6 p.m. and 9 p.m.). Sip on a glass of on-the-house bubbly and savor dishes such as tenderloin with black trumpet mushrooms and green peppercorn; chicory and black truffle risotto; and Queen Vanilla Bean caramel tart. The later seating includes a midnight toast, view of the downtown fireworks, and live music. $100 or $125 for the later seating; make reservations here; 1817 Central St.; 6 or 9 p.m.
Carnevale Di Boulderado at the Hotel Boulderado | December 31
Delight in 111 years of Hotel Boulderado hospitality at this glamorous New Year’s Eve affair. Sip on festive cocktails, nibble on hors d’oeuvres and a lavish buffet spread, and enjoy a range of entertainment, including carnival performers, dancing to live music by Elevation Band, and a countdown to 2020 with a balloon drop under the hotel’s famous stained-glass canopy. $175; 2115 13th St., Boulder; 7:30 p.m.–1 a.m.
Bar Zero’s Sober Eve at Tradecraft Industries | December 31
This alcohol-free bash starts with a dinner party at Tradecraft Industries, then continues with a dance party the Phoenix, a nonprofit offering an active sober community to those in substance abuse recovery. Sip zero-proof punch and take in a midnight ball drop. $35 or $60 for two; 6145 Broadway and 2233 Champa St.; 7 p.m.–12:30 a.m.
All-You-Can-Eat Fried Chicken & Biscuits at Julep | December 31
Spend the last day of 2019 indulging in unlimited fried chicken and chef Kyle Foster’s famous biscuits at Julep. Guests who opt for the all-you-can-eat option will also receive a glass of bubbly from the bar, and à la carte sides will also be available for purchase. $24 (make reservations here); 3258 Larimer St.; 5–9 p.m.
The Bash at Hotel Born and Citizen Rail | December 31
What other soirée can claim a whiskey bar; outdoor bar with 400 hand-carved ice mugs (mittens included); and eight charcuterie and 10 entrée stations (including a grilled-to-order tomahawk steak carving station)? Attendees at the Bash will certainly welcome 2020 in style. The event features the music stylings of the Diamond Empire Band, two open bars, and views of the fireworks from the Hotel Born’s terraces. $135; 1899 16th St. Mall; 8 p.m.–1 a.m.
New Year’s Eve at Oak at Fourteenth | December 31
Bid farewell to 2019 at Oak in Boulder, with a delicious parade of 12 tapas-style dishes served in four waves. Look forward to East Coast oysters and caviar; lobster toast; braised lamb raviolo; and gorgonzola dolce toast with honeycomb and chestnuts. $95 with optional wine pairings (call 303-44-3622 for reservations); 1400 Pearl St.
New Year’s Eve at Nocturne Jazz and Supper Club | December 31
This RiNo jazz spot is offering seating options at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve so you can listen to the music of the Peter Olstad Quintet, sip on a free welcome cocktail, and sup on a four-course dinner. Those who attend the later seating can partake in a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. $59–$270 (call 303-295-3333 for reservations); 1330 27th St.; 6–9 p.m. or 10 p.m.–1 a.m.
New Year’s Eve at the Woods | December 31
At this rooftop party at the Woods at the Source, pair small bites with tasty cocktails and sway to tunes by 11-piece band Quemando. Even better: Take in an epic view of the downtown fireworks while you raise your glass for a midnight toast. $95; 3330 Brighton Blvd.; 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
Lost in Japan: New Year’s Eve at Colorado Sake Co. | December 31
Colorado’s only producer of fermented rice wine is throwing a bash for the ages, but in its own unique way: Guests are encouraged to party like it’s 1999 in Japan. Expect unlimited sake, a sushi spread, a midnight cherry blossom drop, games, and more. $70; 3559 Larimer St.; 8 p.m.–1 a.m.
Paradise 2020: A Masquerade Party at Bar Helix | December 31
Spend the last night of 2019 in disguise at Bar Helix’s all-inclusive masquerade bash, featuring an open bar with cocktails, wine, and beer; food trucks; DJs; party favors; and a midnight Champagne toast. Glam masks are encouraged, so dig up your your glittery best. $59; 3440 Larimer St.; 9 p.m.–1 a.m.
New Year’s Eve at Avanti Food & Beverage | December 31
Nosh on passed apps from Avanti’s seven restaurants (including Quiero Arepas, Bistro Georgette, and the Rotary) while you bop to live music on both levels of the food hall and linger over free drinks at each of the open belbars. Bonus: Your ticket will get you a free Bloody Mary or mimosa at the Avanti’s January 1 Hangover Brunch. $100; 3200 N. Pecos St.; 8 p.m.–2 a.m.
New Year’s Eve at Café Marmotte | December 31
On December 31, the charming bistro will serve its final French-only dinner before transiting to Restaurant Olivia, an Italian eatery, in late January. This four-course meal will take diners from Paris to Milan with a thoughtfully curated Pan-European menu, including dishes like French onion ravioli, braised chicken marsala, and chocolate budino. Attendees can (and should) opt for the wine pairings. $100 with wine pairings options (make reservations here or call 303-999-0395); 290 S. Downing St.
New Year’s Eve at Union Station | December 31
This iconic Denver landmark is offering two different events to keep you busy on New Year’s Eve: a silent disco and light show in the Great Hall or a VIP speakeasy experience in the lower level of the terminal, with unlimited libations and hors d’oeuvres and an intimate piano show. $80 or $200; 1701 Wynkoop St.; 9 p.m.–1 a.m.
New Year’s Eve Happy Hour at Rioja | December 31
Rioja is offering its full dinner menu until 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, but if you’re willing to stay up a bit longer, there’s also a special late-night happy hour menu from 11 p.m. until 1 a.m. Pair custom cocktails such as the Ball Drop (bourbon, triple sec, bitters, sparkling wine, and an orange twist) with the likes of chorizo corndogs, totchos with bacon, and the Rioja Picnic (the restaurant’s take on a charcuterie board). Menu prices vary; 1431 Larimer St.; 11 p.m.–1 a.m.
New Year’s Eve at Acova | December 31
Slip into your best attire from decades passed and eat and drink throwback favorites at this end-of-the-decade-themed party. There will be everything from concoctions like the Tom Collins, French 75, and Long Island iced tea to tomatillo beer cheese dip & chops and deviled eggs. Costumed attendees will be rewarded with a free cocktail. $25; 3651 Navajo St.; 9 p.m.–1 a.m.
New Year’s Eve at Morin | December 31
If you need something to keep you awake until New Year’s Day, this révellion at Morin should do the trick. The celebratory six-course meal includes complimentary welcome Champagne and optional beverage pairings. Heighten the experience with decadent additions like black truffles, oysters, and caviar. $125 (make reservations here or call 303-534-9979); 1600 15th St.
New Year’s Eve at Bar Dough | December 31
In addition to the restaurant’s regular menu, chef/owner Carrie Baird will offer select large-format proteins for pairs to share and special supplements like caviar and black truffles. Don’t miss her famed Fancy Toast with house-made sourdough, onion jam, beef short rib, and gruyère. Menu prices vary (make reservations here or call 720-668-8506; 2227 W. 32nd Ave.
New Year’s Tasting Dinner at American Elm | December 31
Chef Brent Turnipseede’s elegant five-course, prix-fixe dinner at American Elm promises king crab risotto, grilled duck breast, and brown butter apple tart, among other decadent dishes. Diners can opt to pair each course with wines or cocktails. $90 with optional drink pairings (make reservations here or call 720-749-3186); 4132 W. 38th Ave.
New Year’s Eve at Safta | December 31
December 31 marks the last day of 2019 and the start of Tuesday dinner service at Safta. To celebrate both occasions, chef Alon Shaya and his team will present a special multi-course New Year’s Eve menu. Dig into latkes with labneh, chives, and Hackleback caviar; crab with saffron butter; and short rib hummus. $65 with wine pairing option (make reservations here or call 720-408-2444); 3330 Brighton Blvd., Ste. 201
New Year’s Eve Soirée in the Parlor at Urban Farmer | December 31
At this luxe affair, guests will feast on six-courses that include West Coast oysters; charcuterie and cheese with honey from Urban Farmer’s rooftop hives; and local Bootheel 7 dry-aged beef with potato gnocchi. The night ends with an exquisite Veuve Clicquot Champagne cascade and tableside strawberry baked Alaska. $175; 1659 Wazee St.; 8 p.m.–12 a.m.
Roaring ’20s New Year’s Eve Party at Poka Lola | December 31
This Dairy Block social club will host a Roaring ’20s riot with a live DJ, themed photo booth, and drink specials. Costume-clad attendees will receive a complimentary Roaring Shot. Free admission; 1890 Wazee St.; 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
New Year’s Eve with Uchi | December 31
Sushi lovers will delight in Uchi’s rendition of Japanese omakase via this custom, 10-course menu for two. Highlights include Island Creek oysters, nigiri, Wagyu beef tartare, lamb belly, and cheesecake for dessert. $195 for two (call 303-444-1922 for reservations); 2500 Lawrence St.
Kids’ New Year’s Eve at Mici Handcrafted Italian | December 31
At this family-friendly event, let your little ones blow on all the noisemakers they want; enjoy Neapolitan pizzas and other Italian fare; and clink glasses of sparkling cider during at the 6:59 p.m. “midnight” toast. Menu prices vary; all Mici Handcrafted Italian locations; midnight countdown at 6:59 p.m.
