Top Denver Holiday Activities to Experience This Season

Denver transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering festive lights, unique events, and family-friendly activities that bring the magic of the holidays to life. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Denver has something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the top Denver holiday activities and events, from gardens to Christmas markets and ice skating to Christmas teas.

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1. Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light

One of Denver’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens features a dazzling display of millions of LED lights illuminating the gardens. Stroll through sparkling pathways while sipping hot cocoa and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

• Location: Denver Botanic Gardens (York Street)
• Event Dates: Late November through early January
• Admission 2024: $22-$31 for the public (discounts for members, military, seniors, children)
• Tips: Tickets must be purchased online in advance, as time slots fill quickly. Arrive early to find parking or consider rideshare options.

If you are willing to travel a bit outside of the city, the Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms is a more rustic counterpart to the Blossoms of Light. Meander through lit paths, an antique homestead, and a barnyard decked out in holiday cheer. Hudson Gardens Holidays in Littleton offers a smaller and lesser known alternative.

2. Denver Christkindlmarkt

Transport yourself to a European style holiday market at the Denver Christkindlmarkt, located in Civic Center Park. This charming market features traditional German foods, handmade gifts, live music, and cozy beverages like Glühwein (mulled wine). In 2024, they are offering traditional red Glühwein, blueberry Glühwein, and even a white Glühwein.

• Location: Civic Center Park
• Event Dates: Mid-November through December 23
• Highlights: Shop for unique ornaments and gifts throughout the market
• Admission: free
• Tips: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience. Parking can be a challenge. Take public transport if possible.

One way to enjoy the Christkindlmarkt is to take a Denver holiday lights walking tour, which includes a visit to the market in addition to the top lights displays in Denver.

3. Mile High Tree

Standing over 100 feet tall, the Mile High Tree is the largest installation of its kind in North America. Visitors can step inside this enormous LED-lit tree for a unique, immersive holiday light experience, complete with festive music.

• Location: Civic Center Park
• Event Dates: Late November through early January
• Admission: free
• Tips: While the tree is free to visit, you may have to wait in line to get in. There are free nightly light shows choreographed to multicultural holiday music.

4. The Polar Express Train Ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum

Relive the magic of the classic holiday story with a ride on the Polar Express at the Colorado Railroad Museum. This immersive 2 hour experience includes a reading of the beloved book, hot chocolate served by dancing chefs, and a visit from Santa.

• Location: Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden
• Event Dates: November through December
• Admission: prices vary depending on whether standard or first class tickets are purchased
• Tips: Book tickets early, as this event is extremely popular. Dress in your favorite holiday pajamas for the full Polar Express experience! From our experience, the standard tickets sell out first; the first class tickets tend to be available longer, likely due to their higher price point.

5. Downtown Denver Ice Rink

Skate under the city lights at the Downtown Denver Rink. This outdoor rink is a favorite holiday pastime and free. Skate rentals are available for a small fee (free if you bring your own skates!). They do accept MyDenver cards for skate rentals.

• Location: 16th & Arapahoe in Denver
• Event Dates: November 21, 2024 through February 2, 2025
• Tips: Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds. Check the website for discounted and free skating days.

Other area outdoor rinks to consider are:

• Parker Ice Trail: in Parker, southeast of Denver, skaters can follow a skating loop. This is great for beginners, as there are plenty of places to hold on.
• The Rink at Belmar: enjoy skating under the lights.
• Old Town Skate in Historic Downtown Louisville: enjoy an afternoon or evening out in the historic mining town of Louisville, taking a break to enjoy the outdoor skating rink.

6. Holiday Tea at The Brown Palace Hotel

Step into elegance and tradition with Holiday Tea at the historic Brown Palace Hotel. Enjoy a refined afternoon of tea, scones, and finger sandwiches while surrounded by twinkling lights and a giant Christmas tree in the atrium.

• Location: The Brown Palace Hotel, Downtown Denver
• Event Dates: November through January
• Tips: Reservations are required and fill up fast, especially on weekends. Dress in festive attire for this upscale experience. January dates tend to be available longer than those in December.

7. A Christmas Carol at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts

For a touch of culture and tradition, catch a performance of A Christmas Carol at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. This classic story is brought to life with stunning visuals, a talented cast, and a timeless message of hope.

• Location: Denver Center for the Performing Arts
• Event Dates: Late November through December
• Tips: Purchase tickets early, as performances often sell out.

8. Parade of Lights

The 9News Parade of Lights is a must-see holiday event, and is celebrating its 50th year in 2024. This free parade winds through downtown Denver, showcasing elaborate floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself.

• Location: Downtown Denver
• Event Date: December 7, 2024
• Tips: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, or purchase grandstand seating for a premium experience.

9. Union Station Holiday Activities

Visit Denver Union Station during the holidays for a variety of activities for all ages. These include:

• November 9, 2024: Union Station hosts the Urban Holiday Market, a great place to get a jump start on your holiday shopping.
• November 29, 2024: Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination event lights up downtown, including Union Station. These lights stay on through December.
• Sundays through the Holiday Season: free visits to Santa and Mrs. Claus in Union Station’s Great Hall.
• Weekends in December: enjoy Dashing Thru LoDo at Union Station and around LoDo, holiday carolers and more.
• November 15 – December 24, 2024: For a 21+ experience, visit the Miracle at Union Station. This pop-up bar is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.

If you’re planning a visit to Union Station, consider combining this with a ride on the Ski Train to Winter Park for a day or even a week of skiing.

10. Additional Holiday Outings Near Denver

• Georgetown Christmas Market, held the first two weekends in December, with horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, and authentic roasted chestnuts. Georgetown is one of the best day trips from Denver, with much more to enjoy than just the Christmas market.
• Holiday Pop-Up Makers Market, held in Olde Town Arvada on December 7, 2024, with speciality gift stores.
• Cherry Creek Holiday Market, held in Cherry Creek from November 21-December 24, 2024, with plenty of food, drinks, live music, and gift stands.
• Cripple Creek’s Gold Camp Christmas, held in the small town of Cripple Creek November 8-December 19, 2024, with activities and craft fairs.
• WinterFest at Colorado Chautauqua, held December 5-7, 2024 in Boulder, hosts a holiday market, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn carriage rides, music, and more.
• Denver Zoo Lights, with animal shaped light displays November 23, 2024-January 5, 2025.
• From the Candlelight walk on December 6th to the Holiday Parade on December 14, to Jingle on the Avenue on December 21st, Golden hosts a wonderful array of holiday events.

Plan Your Festive Denver Getaway

Denver’s holiday season is packed with events that bring joy to every age. From shimmering light displays to charming markets, elegant teas, and magical train rides, there’s no shortage of ways to make memories this winter. Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and experience the holiday magic of the Mile High City.

What’s your favorite holiday activity in Denver? Share in the comments below!

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