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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: Thru Dec. 23, 2024
WHERE: Civic Center Park
This outdoor event brings the most beloved elements of an authentic German holiday experience to The Mile High City. Stroll through a European village decorated for the holiday season as you shop for finely crafted artisan gifts and treats at charming wooden huts. Fuel your shopping with authentic Glühwein (mulled spiced wine), German Biers and hot chocolate, and nosh on Bavarian-style pretzels, fresh smoked salmon, Knödel, Goulasch, Nürnberger Sausages, pastries, caramels and European chocolates.
WHEN: Thru 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. 21–Dec. 24), where you can browse gifts from more than 40 local makers, designers and creators.
WHEN: Thru 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: Thru 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: Thru 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: Thru 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: Thru Jan. 5, 2025 (closed 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: 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.
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.
WHEN: Thru 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: Dec. 5–15 and Dec. 17–22, 2024
WHERE: Larimer Square
Enjoy shopping, light shows, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas carolers, and festive holiday bar pop-ups.
WHEN: Dec. 21–22, 2024
WHERE: Belmar Plaza (439 S. Upham St., Lakewood)
This indoor marketplace will feature 50-plus carefully curated vendors, fashion and food trucks, pop-up bars featuring festive holiday sips, live music, an outdoor ice skating rink, and more.
WHEN: Thru Dec. 22, 2024
WHERE: Dairy Block
Dairy Block is excited to celebrate the magic of the season with Holiday on the Block, an extensive line-up of festive events including a local makers market, Who-ligan entertainment, live music, winter art installations and more.
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.
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.
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: Thru Dec. 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. 7–21, 2024
WHERE: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Celebrate the magic of the season through dance, music and spoken word as Cleo Parker Robinson Dance explores holiday traditions from around the world! The 33rd anniversary presentation of this Denver family favorite will have you dancing in your seat! Guided by the Three Angels of the Rainbow, Granny visits Africa, the Americas, Mexico, Asia and the Caribbean to celebrate the joy of the holidays. From the African Harvest to Kwanzaa, from the Chinese New Year to Junkanoo, it's a celebration of both diversity and oneness!
WHEN: Thru 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: Thru 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: Thru 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: Dec. 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: Dec. 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.
WHEN: Thru 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: Thru Dec. 31, 2024
WHERE: Little Man Ice Cream
Little Man Ice Cream's famous dairy can in Lower Highland (LoHi) is getting converted into Santa's Factory and will be all decked out for the holidays with twinkling lights and ornaments. The magical slide is returning this year along with a Grinch Who Stole Christmas theme. Recurring signature events include photos with Santa, bingo with Mrs. Claus, private ice cream-making parties, gingerbread house building, letters to Santa craft stations, live holiday music, community caroling, Santa Baby Swing, Feliz Navidad Latin Night, and all of the holiday cheer and homemade sweet treats any kid or kid-at-heart could dream up. Santa’s Factory will sell holiday gifts with signature Little Man swag, frozen pint containers, and a variety of artisanally crafted candy perfect for stocking stuffers, made by the master chefs in Mrs. Claus’s Sweet Shop at Little Man. And there will be holiday-themed ice cream flavors such as Egg Nog, Gingersnap and White Chocolate Candy Cane, plus special-release ice cream pies.
