Bring on the whiskey snow cones
Friday-Saturday. It’s not the North Pole, but the Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey facility in Denver has definitely got the goods when it comes to gifts this time of year. The distillery, owned by beverage giant Proximo Spirits, will release its limited-edition Snowflake Batch #26 and celebrate with the Snowflake Village Festival on Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, at 200 S. Kalamath St.
Things kick off Friday afternoon around 2 p.m. with live music, food trucks, cocktails, whiskey snow cones and s’mores. They continue on Saturday with more of the same. Over the course of the two days, there will also be sensory analysis classes, distillery tours, a cigar pairing and ice sculptures.
The whiskey itself will be released on Saturday and will sell out (in years past, fans have begun lining up the day before and staying overnight). Get more info at stranahans.com. — Jonathan Shikes
Sleigh, girl!
Friday-Wednesday. Looking for diverse holiday fare in the world of drag queens? There’s plenty coming up, including Meow Wolf Denver’s “HoliSLAY” (Dec. 16-17, meowwolf.com/visit/denver) and the “Dragstravaganza HoliGAY” (Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, at Syrup City Park, evenbrite.com).
This week we also recommend McGregor Square’s Sleigh Bar Drag Show, which runs both Dec. 1 and Dec. 15 with guests Cardi Accarest, Muni Tox and Samora Kash. Shows run 9-11 p.m. at 1901 Wazee St. by the Milepost Zero pop-up bar. Tickets: mcgregorsquare.com
It’s not exactly holiday-themed, but “RuPaul’s Drag Race” champ and Denverite Yvie Oddly will headline Englewood’s Gothic Theatre on Wednesday, Dec. 13, and if you haven’t seen her wild stage show yet, get on it. Tickets for the 18-and-up Strange Love Tour stop at 3263 S. Broadway are $30-$35 via axs.com. — John Wenzel
A feel-good crank
Through Dec. 2. Influential comic, writer and producer Dana Gould is never less than agitated on stage, as he proves during his frequent visits to Comedy Works in Denver. And yet, if you haven’t seen him before — he’s playing Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at Comedy Works South at the Landmark — now is still the perfect time.
Gould’s acting fingerprints can be seen on “Seinfeld” (where played the anxiety-ridden Frankie Merman) while his writing helped tilt “The Simpsons” into some of its best-ever episodes, amid dozens of other TV and movie credits. He created the “Stan Against Evil” series and hosts “The Dana Gould Hour” podcast, but he remains a self-effacing, apoplectic and fiercely clever stand-up at heart, with a particular emphasis on marriage and (failed) relationships.
He’s playing two 21-and-up shows each night, Dec. 1 and 2, at 5345 Landmark Place in Greenwood Village. Tickets are $20-$26. Call 720-274-6800 or visit comedyworks.com. — John Wenzel
Drink in the Christmas spirits
Through Jan. 1. Denverites love a scenic background, and that’s especially true during the holidays when bars celebrating the season pop up around the city. We’ve culled a list of the 10 most festive watering holes (bit.ly/46A7ajW) that are now open and serving themed cocktails for all of your holiday social needs.
From stalwarts like Miracle and Sippin’ Santa to newer attractions such as Big Holiday Energy and Mistletoe Lounge, there are numerous places sure to get you in the Christmas spirit while you sip a few along the way. Visit denverpost.com/things-to-do for dozens more merry-making holiday ideas. — Tiney Ricciardi
