Katie Hooge
Well, it’s a Christmas miracle, quite literally. A Christmas themed pop-up bar has come to Edmonton to serve spirits while lifting them.
CRAFT Beer Market was transformed into a New York-inspired winter wonderland when “Miracle” opened on Nov. 25. The popular pub located downtown at 10013 101A Ave was turned into a 6000-square foot festivity, serving up holiday cocktails to merry customers looking for some Christmas spirit.
About Miracle
Tyler Rygus, vice-president of marketing and revenue at CRAFT Beer Market, says there are nearly 100 “Miracles” worldwide.
Miracle was created in 2014 when owner Greg Boehm turned his New York construction project into a pop-up bar with holiday drinks and over-the-top decorations. People love Christmas, making the idea a hit and allowing Boehm to expand the next year. It quickly became international, and now restaurants worldwide are transforming to be merry and bright this time of year. Their website claims they can get “even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.”
Miracle in Edmonton
Miracle has several locations in Canada, including Vancouver, London, Montreal, Calgary – and luckily for us – now Edmonton.
And don’t we all need it. With COVID-19 at a peak, a jolly time is just what it might take to keep us all on the nice list.
“CRAFT was given the opportunity to host a Miracle pop-up at one of our locations, and we chose Edmonton because we believe our sprinkling of holiday spirit would go the furthest in this city. The pandemic has hit Edmontonians hard, especially those in and near the downtown area,” says Rygus. “We hope our magical little place will add some brightness to the holiday season.”
Drinks
Some of Miracle’s Christmas themed drinks include the Jingle Balls Nog, Christmapolitan, Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r!, Christmas Carol Barrel, SanTaRex and the Jolly Koala.
Miracle’s social media recommends that you book a reservation online in advance, especially if you want to guarantee a seat before it closes on Dec. 31. Reservations also allow the restaurant to manage social distancing and health procedures, says Rygus.
Other Edmonton Events
For those worried about going to a restaurant during the pandemic, there are other events happening this season for you to enjoy. The Canadian Tire Magic of Lights started Nov. 20, and there’s no need to worry about social distancing at this LED-lighted display of Christmas; you stay in your vehicle the whole time. So take your family or cohort and enjoy the sight of over one million lights. Tickets start at $25 for cars and increase for buses and limos.
A similar drive-thru event, the Winter Wonder Forest, will be opening Nov. 27 at Rainbow Valley Campground with car passes costing $30. This light experience also features certain days with special guests, including musical performers, reindeer and an appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Music
For Christmas music lovers, there will be a holiday dining musical experience at the Oasis Centre. The intimate atmosphere begins in December and features music played by a string quartet surrounded by flickering (flameless) candles. This 60-minute candlelit event features several performers but has limited tickets to ensure social distancing.
GLOW
Edmonton’s popular GLOW attraction is also set to open soon. Initially, GLOW slated the light gardens to open Nov. 18 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. However, local owner of the event Shannon Van Norman decided to postpone the event until Nov. 28 to help flatten the curve in our city. Following new restrictions, they are still deciding when and if to open.
“It’s important to do our part right now,” says Van Norman in a statement on their website. “I have full confidence in the COVID-19 protocols we have in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season experience, and I believe in the temporary shutdown now in place in Edmonton.”
Despite this season looking different than those in the past, it’s still sure to be filled with Christmas joy. But whatever you plan to do, ensure it’s from a safe distance. And if you find yourself under some mistletoe, make sure you’re next to someone in your cohort.