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.
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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.
WHEN: Nov. 16–Dec. 24, 2024
WHERE: Cherry Creek North
Winter Wanderland displays a collection of free holiday offerings and festivities throughout the neighborhood! Festivities include a dazzling display of nearly one million twinkling lights on more than 600 trees spread throughout the walkable neighborhood and
Giving Machines — vending machines that don't dispense snacks or drinks, but instead offer the chance to make a positive impact! Throughout the holiday season, enjoy The Million Light Plug-In (Nov. 21), Small Business Weekend (Nov. 29–Dec. 1), Saturday Night Lights (Dec. 7, 14, & 21) with complimentary holiday treats and festive entertainment, a Chanukah celebration (Dec. 29), and the Cherry Creek North Holiday Market (Nov. 16–Dec. 24), where you can browse gifts from more than 40 local makers, designers and creators.
WHEN: Nov. 20, 2024–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.
WHEN: Nov. 22–Dec. 31, 2024
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.
WHEN: Nov. 22–Dec. 31, 2024
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.
WHEN: Nov. 22, 2024
WHERE: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Whether you’re going for a date or gathering with friends, Adult Night is just for kids at heart, ages 21 and up, to see 80 acres of lights. Tickets include one drink ticket and a whole bunch of holiday fun (just without the little ones!).
WHEN: Nov. 23, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
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.
WHEN: Nov. 27, 2024–Jan. 26, 2025
WHERE: City & County of Denver Building in Civic Center Park
Starting with the kick-off celebration on Nov. 27, 2024, 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 shows on Dec. 7 due to the 9NEWS Parade of Lights and on Dec. 21 for "We Will Remember: Homeless Persons' Memorial Vigil."
WHEN: Nov. 29, 2024
WHERE: Denver Union Station
The annual Grand Illumination event will feature an expanded lineup of family-friendly entertainment of classic holiday hits by the Denver Dolls, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the grand highlight of the evening—the lighting of the station’s outdoor 40-foot-tall Christmas tree that features more than 7,000 holiday lights.
WHEN: Nov. 29, 2024–Jan. 1, 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.
WHEN: Nov. 29–Dec. 31, 2024
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.
WHEN: Nov. 29, 2024–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.
WHEN: Dec. 7, 2024
WHERE: Downtown Denver
This free holiday spectacular features more than 40 units, including extravagantly illuminated floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, magnificent marching bands, traditional equestrian units and vibrant cultural displays. And, of course, special appearances by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa!
WHEN: Nov. 21, 2024–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.
WHEN: Nov. 29, 2024–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.
WHEN: Nov. 10, 2024
WHERE: The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa by Marriott
The annual event features swordsmen using Napoleonic sabers to sever the bottlenecks of Moet champagne bottles and then pour the bubbly into the uppermost glass of an incredible two-story high, 5,200-plus glass pyramid. As the champagne flows, it cascades into the glasses below, creating a dazzling display for the hundreds of spectators. The event benefits the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation.
WHEN: Dec. 6–29, 2024 (Recurring weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday)
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.
WHEN: Dec. 7, 2024
WHERE: Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Experience an enchanting evening of dancing with your sweetheart (or maybe meet one!), amidst the 1940s and 50s vehicles, movie set lights and props, re-enactors, sleighs, Christmas trees, a canopy of lights and the most sought-after big bands and vintage touring acts such as the 19-piece Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra and the Hot Tomatoes Jazz Orchestra performing with Hollywood's Satin Dollz, Frank Sinatra and more!
WHEN: Dec. 10, 2024
WHERE: 2401 Welton St.
Celebrate the joys of the holiday season while strolling along the Welton Street corridor. Enjoy the festive sights and the winter weather-approved activities as you create meaningful holiday memories at this free event that supports small businesses located in the historical corridor.
WHEN: Dec. 15, 2024
WHERE: JCC Mizel Arts and Culture Center
JCC Denver is excited to welcome you back to our third annual Latkes and Lights event in celebration of Hanukkah! Prepare for those eight crazy nights by playing themed games, purchasing Hanukkah gifts, jamming to live music, munching on a variety of latkes from famous Denver restaurants as well as their very own community members, voting on your favorite staff-made menorah, and so much more! This family and community event is for everyone. Bring your partner, family members, children, and neighbors to enjoy this festival of lights.
WHEN: Dec. 21, 2024
WHERE: Washington Avenue, between 11th and 12th streets, Golden
Spend a magical day in Golden meeting and mingling with family favorite holiday characters along Washington Avenue. Your little ones are sure to be delighted and there will be plenty of photo opportunities, live music, Newfoundland dog cart rides and lots of festive holiday fun for the whole family.
WHEN: Nov. 8–10; 15–17; 22–26; daily Nov. 29–Dec. 23, 2024 (performances at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.)
WHERE: Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden
The story of The Polar ExpressTM is theatrically re-created and combined with a magical train ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Children get to meet Santa and experience all the sights and sounds of this classic tale as if happening all around them. This year, a whole host of carefully crafted updates have been made to ensure the health and safety of guests, cast and crew, so put on your pajamas and your most fashionable mask and bring the family to enjoy sharing hot cocoa and cookies together as the "Hot, Hot, Hot—Chocolate" song and dance unfolds before your eyes.
WHEN: Nov. 22–Dec. 29, 2024
WHERE: Wolf Theatre
Celebrate 30 years of "A Christmas Carol" at the Denver Center! Essential to the holiday season in Denver, "A Christmas Carol" is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation for the whole family that traces money-hoarding curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption. Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, the DCPA Theatre Company’s production is “a splendidly festive tradition” (BroadwayWorld) that illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.
WHEN: Nov. 30–Dec. 29, 2024
WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House
The beloved holiday favorite returns in a dazzling production like no one's ever seen, featuring all-new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet. A sellout every year, this magical tale of Clara, the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is going to be dreamier than ever.
WHEN: Nov. 7–Dec. 24, 2024
WHERE: Cherry Creek Shopping Center
There's lots to celebrate at Cherry Creek Shopping Center!
WHEN: Thru Dec. 24, 2024 (photo sessions begin on Nov. 3.)
WHERE: Bass Pro Shops
Get ready for the holiday season with Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's annual Santa's Wonderland experience! Bring your family to your local Bass Pro Shops store to join over two million kids and families in taking a photo with Santa. Enjoy a complimentary 4x6 photo with Santa and a shareable video of your visit.
WHEN: Nov. 29, 30; Dec. 7, 14 and 21, 2024
WHERE: 1303 Pearl Street, Boulder
Kids of all ages can visit with Santa for free at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center on the 1300 Block of the Pearl Street Mall. Bring your list and a camera to capture priceless holiday memories.
WHEN: Nov. 30; Dec. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
WHERE: The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa by Marriott
Celebrating the magic of the season, The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa invites families to create lasting memories while delighting in festive flavors and special moments with Santa and his cheerful elves. The elevated reception-style buffet includes a spread sure to delight little eaters with classic breakfast fare including breads and pastries, eggs, sausage, yogurt, overnight oats; a pancake bar with a selection of sweet toppings; specialties like gingerbread French toast casserole; a prime rib carving station; macaroni and cheese, and more.