Often considered the Western gateway to winter, thanks to the abundance of skiing in the area, Denver will always remain an attractive getaway option when snow is on the ground. The Mile High City also has quite the holiday spirit, offering numerous Christmastime activities such as traditional holiday markets and the illumination of downtown event. To whet culinary appetites, Denver is also home to many fine restaurants that are open Christmas Day.
Ellyngton’s Restaurant, located in downtown Denver at the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, traditionally opens for Christmas Day. The restaurant serves contemporary American fare, and offers a champagne brunch each Sunday. In 2010, the hotel restaurant opened its doors from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm, serving a Christmas brunch that included roasted turkey. As part of Christmas Day festivities, the restaurant featured live jazz music. The hotel also has an onsite bakery.
Bastien's Restaurant & Steakhouse, an historic Denver restaurant since the early 20th century, offered a special menu for Christmas Day in 2010. The menu included appetizers such as rattlesnake bites, escargot and shrimp cocktail, and entrees ranging from roasted duck and cornmeal-encrusted trout to prime rib and chicken. The restaurant also offers a wine and martini menu. Named best steakhouse in Denver as part of its Denver’s 7 A-List contest.
Baur's Ristorante, located in Denver's theater district, serves up a special menu for Christmas Day. Opening for dinner at 5:00 pm, this American-Mediterranean restaurant offers a holiday themed meal. Patrons were also serenaded with piano music, played live in the restaurant's lounge area. The restaurant also offers a winter menu, which includes appetizers such as butternut squash soup and calamari, and entrees such buffalo short ribs, rack of lamb, duck and filet mignon. The restaurant can also accommodate private parties.
For those looking to break from traditional American or holiday fare, Parallel 17, a Denver Asian restaurant that also combines French flavors, is open every Christmas Day. In 2010, the restaurant also offered kosher selections on its menu for its holiday patrons, as well as a special Christmas menu. Menu items include short ribs, Thai-flavored pork, duck and salmon. The restaurant also offers a selection of dessert wines and specialty cocktails including a martini made with cucumbers and basil.
