Denver Fall & Winter Festivals

Castle Rock Starlighting

WHEN: Nov. 23, 2024
WHERE: Downtown Castle Rock
Step into a Norman Rockwell scene at Starlighting, an annual traditional community ceremony that includes lighting the star on top of Castle Rock followed by a fireworks display. Festivities include caroling, dancing, visiting with Santa Claus, kids activities, nonprofit booths, food vendors, hot chocolate and the iconic chili supper at the Firehouse.

Switch on the Holidays

WHEN: Nov. 24, 2024
WHERE: Downtown Boulder
Kick off the holiday season during Switch on the Holidays, as Boulder flips the switch that illuminates lights along the Pearl Street Mall, Civic Area and around the Boulder County Courthouse! Bring the kiddos for visits with Santa after the program until 7:30 p.m.

Candlelight Nights

WHEN: Nov. 30–Dec. 31, 2024
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. 6, featuring revelers strolling Washington Avenue holding candles and singing carols. Golden’s Holiday Parade returns on Dec. 14, 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 21, during the Jingle On the Avenue. 

Graveyard Markets: The Lemur and Friends Bazaar

WHEN: Dec. 1, 2024
WHERE: The Learned Lemur
The Lemur and Friends Bazaar is a monthly artist market hosted right on The Learned Lemur's back patio. The bazaar hosts all kinds of artists from across Colorado, from bakers to jewelers. Pick up that perfect unique gift or something special for yourself!

CU Boulder Holiday Festival 2024

WHEN: Dec. 6–8, 2024
WHERE: Macky Auditorium, Boulder
Be immersed in the comfort and joy of twinkling lights, seasonal greenery and beautiful music at CU Boulder’s Holiday Festival, an enchanting annual tradition for all ages. Boulder’s beloved longstanding celebration brings together student choirs, bands, orchestras and world-class faculty performers for a winter concert of both holiday favorites and new delights.

LITMAS: A Rooftop Holiday Popup

WHEN: Dec. 6–29, 2024; Wed.–Sun. at 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Linger
Linger presents LITMAS: A Rooftop Holiday Popup, where the naughty list is celebrated and the Denver views are unmatched! 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...and lit!

9NEWS Parade of Lights

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!

Lights of December Parade

WHEN: Dec. 7, 2024
WHERE: Pearl Street Mall, Boulder
You're invited to enjoy floats created and decorated by local businesses, churches, schools, community groups and nonprofits at the annual Lights of December Parade in Boulder! The grand finale includes an appearance by the jolly old man himself: Santa Claus! 

Five Points Holiday Stroll

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 winter weather-approved activities as you create meaningful holiday memories at this free event that supports small businesses located in the historical corridor.​ Get photos with Santa or the Grinch, listen to singing carolers and holiday storytellers, stop into 12 shops and stores with free sweet treats and warm drinks, and enjoy an unforgettable, fun-filled holiday celebration that's bound to become your family's new favorite tradition! 

Freezie Fest

WHEN: Dec. 14, 2024
WHERE: Pearl Street Mall, Boulder
Partake in a celebration of winter and all things snowmen! This snowman extravaganza includes free train rides (weather permitting), visits with Santa, and reindeer games (crafts and other activities) for all.