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Top Holiday Activities and Events in Denver

Holiday favorites give you the chance to do as the locals do during the holidays in Denver. Read below for some of our most beloved winter rituals and events.

We strive to post the most current and accurate event information, but changes and cancellations do occur, so please check the official event website to confirm all details before attending.

Holiday Favorites

Zoo Lights

WHEN: Thru Jan. 5, 2025
WHERE: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
It's official: Zoo Lights has been making magic, memories, and even marriages for 30 amazing years! Presented by Your Hometown Toyota Stores, this illuminating annual event transforms Denver Zoo into Colorado's WILDEST winter wonderland. Don't miss this year's historic celebration, with more than a million lights sparkling over 80 acres—plus a host of special measures to keep your family safe and healthy.

Blossoms of Light

WHEN: Thru Jan. 12, 2025
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens
Consistently lauded as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation, Blossoms of Light is a spectacular celebration that illuminates Denver Botanic Gardens' York Street location. Wander a mile-long path through immersive, luminous displays that accentuate and highlight our plant collections. A cherished holiday tradition for nearly four decades, Blossoms of Light is constantly evolving to inspire wonder and delight in even the most seasoned visitors.

Hudson Holidays

WHEN: Thru Jan. 12, 2025
WHERE: Hudson Gardens & Events Center
You'll be enchanted by even more towering trees draped in thousands of colorful lights. A grove of dancing Christmas trees, a multi-colored forest inhabited by giant snowmen, the holiday light tunnel and glowing reindeer will light up Hudson Gardens into an extravaganza of holiday cheer. Purchase a delicious cup of hot cocoa or adult beverage before stopping by for a perfect free family photo opportunity with Santa.

Light the Lights 

WHEN: Thru Jan. 26, 2025
WHERE: City & County of Denver​ Building in Civic Center Park
Each night at 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. an eight-minute choreographed light and music holiday show will light up the night. It then goes to a festive, static holiday display until 10:45 p.m. Note: There will be no show on Dec. 21 for "We Will Remember: Homeless Persons' Memorial Vigil."

Mile High Drone Show

WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Downtown 
For 40 magical nights, 400 drones will soar into the sky, creating breathtaking holiday-themed animations. See these dazzling displays from across the city every night at 7 p.m. for free. From Santa and his reindeer to iconic Denver landmarks like the Mile High Tree and Denver Union Station, each night will bring a new visual experience to life.

The Mile High Tree presented by Xcel Energy & Xfinity

WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Civic Center Park
Join in the free festivities at the Mile High Tree. It’s a brilliantly lit, 110-foot-tall immersive art installation that provides a dazzling lights-and-music show. You can experience two of Denver's most popular holiday attractions in one place: America’s tallest digital tree and the Denver Christkindlmarket, the city’s only authentic German market.

Luminova Holidays

WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park​
This family-friendly event brings larger-than-life holiday displays and immersive experiences for all to enjoy. It features millions of dazzling lights, a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree, twinkling snowmen who never melt, a 300-foot-long candy cane tunnel, giant presents and ornaments, a wall of lights, rides on Elitch Gardens attractions, interactive activities like a light-up hopscotch, strolling holiday entertainers, Old Saint Nick and his elves, and more. 

Trail of Lights

WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, Littleton
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms takes you along a winding path glistening with lights that illuminate the Colorado countryside. Tucked into the foothills under the dark sky, the glow of lights can be seen for miles. Just under a mile of walking trail, the illumination of cottonwoods, boxelders and pine trees line the pathway through the Green Farm, Crossroads, Deer Creek Discovery Children's Play Area and 1880s Hildebrand Ranch homestead. There is also the option of a shorter path for those who want to take a shorter stroll. In line with the core value of sustainability, all lights used in the event are LED.

 

Outdoor Holiday Fun

McGregor Skate 

WHEN: Thru Jan. 26, 2025
WHERE: McGregor Square Plaza
The magic of winter has made its way to LoDo with McGregor Skate, an ice skating rink for all ages. McGregor Skate will be open daily from Nov. 29 to Jan. 5, then Friday through Sunday until Jan. 26. Skates are available on-site for rental, or bring your own. Skating starts at just $6, with kids under age 2 and seniors age 65+ always skating for free! An outside bar will be available serving hot chocolate and more. 

Downtown Denver Rink

WHEN: Thru Feb. 2, 2025
WHERE: Skyline Park
Bundle up for some free ice skating in the heart of downtown and enjoy special events. ​Skate rentals for adults are $12 (or $8 for military and first responders) and $9 for kids 12 and under (fourth graders skate for free!). Bring your own pair and skate for free! If you need a skatewalker for assistance, you can also rent one $6.

 

More Holiday Fun

LITMAS: A Rooftop Holiday Popup

WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Linger

Get festive with Linger's boozy holiday cocktail menu, cozy igloos⁠, lights galore, super sleigh'd decor and Christmas (s)elfie/mugshot heaven. Come jingle your bells and get your holiday spirits lifted. If the temps go below 40°, they'll rein(deer) check. Walk-ins welcome! Here's to 'clause'ing a scene.