Christmas Weekend Events in Denver
The Mile High City will put you in a festive mood. Explore these holiday events for new ways to celebrate Christmas with your friends and family.
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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.
Featured Events
Zoo Lights
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Zoo Lights has been making magic, memories and even marriages for more than 30 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: TBA 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: Nov. 28, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026
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: TBA 2025
WHERE: City & County of Denver Building in Civic Center Park
Starting with the kick-off celebration, 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.
Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland
WHEN: TBA 2025
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 (TBA 2025), Small Business Weekend (TBA 2025), Saturday Night Lights (TBA 2025) with complimentary holiday treats and festive entertainment, a Chanukah celebration (TBA 2025), and the Cherry Creek North Holiday Market (TBA 2025), where you can browse gifts from more than 40 local makers, designers and creators.
Mile High Drone Show
WHEN: Nov. 21–Dec. 31, 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.
Blockbuster Exhibitions
A Century of Art in Latin America
WHEN: Thru June 15, 2027
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
From soaring mountains and scorching deserts to sprawling forests and splendid beaches, Latin America is a vast place. As a concept, it tries to contain cultures and landscapes with millennia of differing histories under one name. Works that artists from Latin America created during the 20th and current 21st century showcase a range of practices as complex as the places they call home. While previous exhibitions have centered around a single art movement, such as Surrealism or Abstraction, A Century of Art in Latin America offers a broader and more inclusive exploration of the rich and varied artistic trends across the region, encompassing an array of styles, time periods, nationalities and mediums, and presenting a comprehensive survey of Latin American art throughout the past 100 years.
The Mile High Tree presented by Xcel Energy & Xfinity
WHEN: Nov. 21–Dec. 31, 2025
WHERE: Tivoli Quad on Auraria Campus
Join in the free festivities at the Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy & Xfinity. 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 holiday market.
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.
Luminova Holidays
WHEN: Nov. 28, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026
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.
Candlelight Nights
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: City of Golden
Golden’s beloved Candlelight Nights returns with quaint holiday shops and festive decorations along historic Washington Avenue and thousands of twinkling lights lining the banks of Clear Creek. The annual Candlelight Walk occurs on Dec. 5, featuring revelers strolling Washington Avenue holding candles and singing carols. Golden’s Holiday Parade returns on Dec. 13, with marching bands, floats, horses, Victorian carolers, elves, fire trucks and, of course, Santa. Come back for a magical day in Golden meeting and mingling with family favorite holiday characters along Washington Avenue on December 20, during the Jingle On the Avenue.
Holiday Shopping
Denver Christkindlmarket
WHEN: Nov. 21–Dec. 23, 2025
WHERE: Tivoli Quad on Auraria Campus
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.
More Holiday Fun
McGregor Skate
WHEN: TBA 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. 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.
Santa's Flight Academy
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Cherry Creek Shopping Center
There's lots to celebrate at Cherry Creek Shopping Center!
The Polar ExpressTM Train Ride
WHEN: TBA 2025
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.
Christmas In Color
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Water World (Denver) , Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre (Morrison) , Arapahoe County Fairground (Aurora)
With not one but three locations, Christmas In Color is a can't-miss holiday lights experience! Drive through millions of lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music you’ll hear right through your radio. Drive by giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways and more. Take your time enjoying this lighting extravaganza — we won’t judge you if you join the kids with your face pressed against the window!
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
WHEN: Nov. 20–Dec. 24, 2025
WHERE: Cherry Creek North
The Cherry Creek North Holiday Market at Fillmore Plaza features more than 50 local artisan vendors, live music, and festive drinks and decor. The market is free, open to the public and family- and dog-friendly.
Larimer Lights
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Larimer Square
Enjoy visits from Santa, live holiday carolers, unique shopping from local artisans at the Holiday BAZAAR, and seasonal treats from top restaurants.
Santa's Little Man Ice Cream Factory
WHEN: TBA 2025
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.
Music Film & Performing Arts
'A Christmas Carol'
WHEN: Nov. 21–Dec. 28, 2025
WHERE: Wolf Theatre
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.
Colorado Ballet: 'The Nutcracker'
WHEN: Nov. 29–Dec. 28, 2025
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.
Museum & Gallery Exhibitions
Gallery Uno: Catawampus
WHEN: Thru Dec. 31, 2025
WHERE: Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Deep in the heart of the Children’s Museum, there is a world where nothing is quite as it seems. If you dare to grab a lantern and step through the threshold, you will find yourself in a realm full of curious creatures and unexpected environments…You’ve entered Catawampus!
Horizon: On the Plains with John Fielder
WHEN: Thru Jan. 1, 2026
WHERE: History Colorado Center
This exhibit is a new exhibition that features a selection of iconic large-format prints by Colorado’s most celebrated nature photographer. These prints evoke the photographer's emotional connection to these sublime and diverse landscapes of Colorado and invite viewers to lose themselves in the expanse of the Great Plains.
Shiki Dreams
WHEN: Thru Jan. 2, 2026
WHERE: Colorado Mills, Lakewood
Shiki Dreams by Prismajic is an award-winning immersive art installation. After showing up for your time slot and watching a short introductory video, you are given a magic flashlight to explore the real and dream worlds of Shiki, the magical yeti. Sites, smells, sounds and more surround the explorer while navigating the first installment of this zen experience. Family friendly, the environment encourages the explorer to search for red butterflies, frogs and snails. While doing so, you will find treasures of all kinds.
The Bombing of United 629
WHEN: Thru Feb. 8, 2026
WHERE: History Colorado Center
Created in collaboration with the Denver Police Museum, The Bombing of United 629 explores the enduring legacy of this tragic event while serving as a tribute to all who were lost. Having occurred 70 years ago, the bombing of United 629 was the first confirmed case of sabotage against a commercial airliner in the U.S. The subsequent investigation set new standards for forensic science in crash investigations, revealing that John Gilbert Graham planted dynamite in his mother’s suitcase. This tragedy not only led to a landmark ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court, which allowed the trial to be televised and paved the way for greater media access to courtrooms nationally, but also prompted stricter passenger safety policies for air travel.
The Disappearance of Thomas Riha
WHEN: Thru March 15, 2026
WHERE: History Colorado Center
CU Boulder Russian history professor Thomas Riha vanished on March 15, 1969. He’s never been found. Was it the FBI? The CIA? Russian intelligence? Or a mysterious woman who left a trail of lies in her wake? This exhibit invites you to investigate this unique Colorado cold case. Riha vanished during the Cold War, raising questions about possible links to international espionage. For the first time, see original documents, photos, and artifacts from key suspects and intelligence agencies relating to Riha’s disappearance. From Boulder and Washington, DC, to Moscow and Prague, History Colorado Center asks you to dig into the files and examine the evidence. What do you think happened to Thomas Riha?
Ms. Destiny
WHEN: Thru March 29, 2026
WHERE: Center for Colorado Women's History
Throughout history, Colorado women have forged opportunity out of scarcity as they created lives they desired. Ms. Destiny highlights the stories of seven unique and resilient Colorado women who took fate into their hands, overcame barriers and defined their realities. Through the lenses of relationship, financial access and occupation, and presentation, Ms. Destiny explores the self-determination and tenacity of women in the Centennial State.
Exhibition 1776
WHEN: Thru April 12, 2026
WHERE: History Colorado Center
In 1776, two Franciscan priests named Domínguez and Escalante set out from Santa Fe into territory unknown, lands claimed by Spain but controlled by the Tribes who called it home. With Indigenous guides and the help of Native tribes, the Padres and their party of 12 navigated harsh terrain, mapped vital trade routes, and documented Native cultures that had thrived in the region for centuries before Europeans arrived. Carefully selected artifacts, accounts from Escalante’s journal, and stunning landscape photographs will invite visitors to retrace the journey.
Guest of Honor: Rembrandt
WHEN: Thru Feb. 26, 2027
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
A masterpiece by Rembrandt van Rijn titled A Woman Holding a Pink and an additional portrait of Rembrandt, likely painted by his studio, are on view in the European Art Before 1800 galleries (on the 6th level of the museum’s Martin Building) as part of the National Gallery’s “Across the Nation” program. The collaboration, which brings some of the most important and beloved works of art to communities across the country, is part of the NGA’s program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America in 2026.
A Century of Art in Latin America
WHEN: Thru June 15, 2027
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
From soaring mountains and scorching deserts to sprawling forests and splendid beaches, Latin America is a vast place. As a concept, it tries to contain cultures and landscapes with millennia of differing histories under one name. Works that artists from Latin America created during the 20th and current 21st century showcase a range of practices as complex as the places they call home. While previous exhibitions have centered around a single art movement, such as Surrealism or Abstraction, this exhibit offers a broader and more inclusive exploration of the rich and varied artistic trends across the region, encompassing an array of styles, time periods, nationalities and mediums, and presenting a comprehensive survey of Latin American art throughout the past 100 years.