The two-night 9NEWS Parade of Lights is the signature event of the holiday season in downtown Denver. But that's not all! Check out other fabulous events like blockbuster museum exhibitions and holiday-themed events.
Stay for the weekend and take advantage of great hotel deals.
9NEWS Parade of Lights
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: Downtown
See countless sparkling lights, marching bands, giant balloons, majestic floats and delightful characters like Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa. The 9NEWS Parade of Lights begins at the Denver City and County Building on 14th Avenue and Bannock Street and makes a rectangular, two-mile pattern, finishing on 14th Street and Glenarm Place. While viewing is free along the route, there is a ticket charge for grandstand seating at the City and County Building: $16 for children 2–12 and $19 for 13 and up for advance tickets; $25 for all tickets when purchased on the day of the event.
PERFORMING ARTS
'ELF – THE MUSICAL'
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities
Follow Buddy the Elf as he travels from The North Pole to New York City in search of his biological father, spreading holiday cheer and saving Christmas in the process.
'A CHRISTMAS CAROL'
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: Stage Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex
Based on Charles Dickens' classic novel, this joyous and opulent musical adaptation traces money-hoarding skinflint Ebenezer Scrooge's triumphant overnight journey to redemption. "A Christmas Carol" illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.
'THE SANTALAND DIARIES'
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: The Jones, Denver Performing Arts Complex
Crumpet the Elf returns for more hilarious holiday hijinks in this acclaimed one-man show. Looking for a little more snark in your stocking this year? David Sedaris' offbeat tales from his stint as a Macy's elf in New York City is the sure cure for the common Christmas show. Because of mature language, "The Santaland Diaries" is best enjoyed by adults.
'THE NUTCRACKER'
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Performing Arts Complex
The holidays are not complete until you see the Colorado Ballet perform their annual "The Nutcracker," featuring unforgettable characters, dazzling costumes, classic choreography and Tchaikovsky's extraordinary arrangement performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. This dazzling spectacle of glittering snowflakes and shimmering sugarplums will transport audiences to the Land of Sweets.
ALL BEETHOVEN
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Hans Graf takes the podium as the Colorado Symphony performs a full weekend of some of Beethoven's most revered and recognized works.
BLOCKBUSTER EVENTS
DIOR: FROM PARIS TO THE WORLD
WHEN: Nov. 19, 2018–Mar. 3, 2019
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
See 150 couture dresses, accessories, drawings, photographs and videos that span 70 years of the House of Dior's enduring fashion legacy.
STAMPEDE: ANIMALS IN ART
WHEN: Sept. 10, 2017–May 19, 2019
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
Whether depicted as faithful companions or threatening adversaries, animals have been the subjects of human art for centuries. Stampede allows visitors to consider the roles animals play in our lives and in our art through more than 300 paintings, sculptures and more.
The Art of the Board
WHEN: Nov. 17, 2018–March 31, 2019
WHERE: History Colorado Center
Boarders and non-boarders alike will find inspiration in this look at the artistic side of snowboard design. Colorado artisans including Never Summer, Donek, Weston, Meier, and High Society will fill the History Colorado Center atrium with 26 Colorado-themed snowboards.
OTHER HOLIDAY EVENTS
The Polar ExpressTM Train Ride
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: Colorado Railroad Museum
The story of The Polar ExpressTM is being theatrically re-created so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children's tale. Prepare to be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the holiday season!
SANTA'S FLIGHT ACADEMY
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Let your little ones help Santa ready his sleigh for the big day during Santa's Flight Academy! Visit with jolly St. Nick, try out his Flight Suit Visualizer and enjoy the magical snow and light show at Cherry Creek Shopping Center.
DENVER CHRISTKINDL MARKET
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: Skyline Park
The Christkindl Market includes vendors from Germany and other countries, as well as local artisans, offering high-quality, handcrafted gifts such as traditional hand-carved wooden figurines, handmade candles and ornaments. Traditional German food will tempt your taste buds. Sip on warm Glühwein (hot spiced wine) as you listen to traditional Christmas carols and live German music. Entry is free and the entire family is invited to enjoy this great tradition!
DOWNTOWN DENVER RINK AT SKYLINE PARK
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: Skyline Park, the corner of 16th and Arapahoe
One of the most popular holiday events in Denver, the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park returns with ice skating and family fun. The rink is free and open to the public with the option to bring your own skates or rent a pair at a minimal cost.
SANTA'S VILLAGE AT CHATFIELD FARMS
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
Bring the kids to Santa's Village to meet Santa (and his reindeer), make crafts with Mrs. Claus and take a magical hayride under twinkling holiday lights. Afterward the whole family can shop for handcrafted gifts in Santa's workshop.
A HUDSON CHRISTMAS
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: Hudson Gardens & Events Center
Bundle up for a visit with Santa at Hudson Gardens in Littleton. After sharing your list with Ol' Saint Nick, sip hot chocolate as you stroll the outdoor paths lined with trees decked with more than a million twinkling lights.
BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens
Embrace the holiday season at Blossoms of Light. The first night will display over one million colorful lights draped in elegant designs highlighting the Gardens' winter beauty. Enjoy sparkling passages, new displays and romantic kissing spots under the mistletoe, all made even more beautiful through HoloSpex glasses. Warm drinks and tasty treats will also be available.
LAKEWOOD LIGHTS
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: Lakewood Heritage Center
Get a free family photo with Santa, listen to Yuletide tunes and take a holiday hayride at Lakewood Lights, where all of the buildings at the Lakewood Heritage Center will be lit up in a display of seasonal cheer. Afterward, warm up in the Country Schoolhouse and make holiday ornaments while watching holiday films.
ZOO LIGHTS
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: Denver Zoo
Zoo Lights will span 70 acres of Denver Zoo's campus with nightly entertainment, animal encounters, Santa meet-and-greets and, of course, illuminated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns hide in bushes and appear in places where they’re least expected.
1940'S WHITE CHRISTMAS BALL
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center
Set in a beautiful ballroom in downtown Denver, the 1940’s White Christmas Ball is one of the The Mile High City's most glamorous holiday events. Dance to big band music among vintage vehicles, movie set lights and props, re-enactors, sleighs and Christmas trees under a canopy of glistening lights.
MISTLETOE JAM
WHEN: TBA 2019
WHERE: 1STBANK Center
Kick off December with Halestorm and In This Moment along with New Year's Day at Broomfield's 1STBANK Center.
MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS
EL INFINITO
WHEN: Sept. 13, 2018–Feb. 23, 2019
WHERE: Museo de las Americas
This exhibit explores some of the powerful images taken by different satellites of Latin America over the past 20 years and the connection that exists between people, satellites and the Infinite — the eternal inhabitants of the universe.
SPORTING EVENTS
Check back for the 2019 sporting events lineup.