There’s no place like Denver during Christmas! I’ve lived here for a few years now and I’ve fallen in love with Colorado’s snowy streets, colorful Christmas lights, and wide array of wintertime activities. If you’re new in town, or a long-time resident looking to explore your city, I’ve got you covered. In this article, I’ve outlined 21 activities to partake in this season with your family and friends. From Christmas Markets to Light Extravaganzas, there’s plenty of wintertime fun to be had within 100 miles of the city.
Merry Christmas!
Image via Denver.org
1. Skate at the Downtown Denver Rink
π 1601 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80202
π For their hours of operation, click here.
Open from mid-November to mid-February, the Downtown Denver Rink is a great location for families of all ages. Best of all, admission is free! Bring your own pair of skates or rent a pair at the rink. Then, you’ll really know who the best skater in your family is! π
2. Afternoon Tea at the Brown Palace
π 321 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
π www.brownpalace.com
π MonβFri 12pmβ4pm; SatβSun 11amβ4pm
If you’re a couple looking for an exclusive spot to dine, head over to the Brown Palace for Afternoon Tea, accompanied with delicious Devonshire cream. I’ll warn you, this outing is pricey at approximately $75 per person, but worth the cost if you’re looking for a memorable outing. The tea is deliciousββfreshly shipped from England. The pastries, scones, and tea sandwiches are handmade, and go nicely with the live music entertainment in the atrium. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the feeling of royalty while listening to piano, harp, and other lounge and cabaret style music.
3. Head Downtown for the Parade of Lights
π 14th and Bannock Streets
π winterindenver.com/parade
The Parade of Lights is famous in Downtown Denver! I’ll admit, I haven’t made it yet, but my grandmother (longtime resident of Denver at 87 years of age) absolutely raves about the parade. Every year, over 40 floats,Β balloons, marching bands, equestrian units, cultural displays, and special guests appear to celebrate holiday magic. Thousands of people show up to see the parade. Many watch for free, standing at various spots along their 2-mile route. Maybe next year, I’ll finally make it!
4. Stop by the Denver Christkindlmarket
π 101 W 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80204
π christkindlmarketdenver.com
π SunβWed: 11amβ7pm; ThurβSat: 11amβ9pm
I adore Christmas markets. There’s something about bringing this German tradition to the states that lights me up inside. Denver’s Christkindlmarket is located at the Denver Civic Center Park, and features local and European, craft and food vendors, and entertainers. Enjoy this free-to-visit, authentic German-style holiday market in our very own city!
5. Enjoy Mistletoe Market at the Dairy Block
π 1800 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202
π www.dairyblock.com
π 12pmβ5pm
What a cute name, right? Mistletoe Market is located in the Dairy Block, which converts over Christmas to support a wide variety of local Colorado vendors, live carolers, holiday music, festive cocktails, and photo-ops. The Mistletoe Market is free to attend and filled with surprises and delights at every turn. Best of all, you get to support local Denverites!
6. Grab Drinks at the Cooper Lounge in Union Station
π 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
π www.cooperlounge.com
π MonβFri 4pmβ12am; SatβSun 11amβ12am
Union Station evokes the same feeling as old Hollywood to me. There’s a glamorous, sophisticated feel to the construction, which makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. If you didn’t know, there’s a very special spot at the top of Union Station, known as Cooper Lounge. To many, it’s Denverβs most glamorous lounge, offering high-end cocktails, an extensive wine list, and an exquisite menu. I recommend making a reservation in advance, which can be booked up to two weeks in advance.
Featuring the most beautiful Christmas tree!
7. Shop at Larimer Square
π 1430 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202
I’ve been to Larimer Square countless times and never fail to enjoy all of the shops. Milly Rose, Cotopaxi, and Dog Savvy, anyone? Larimer Square is often referred to as the beating heart of Downtown Denver. Therefore, it’s only fitting that it’s on my list of 21 things to Do in Denver for Christmas.
As you can see, you need to bundle up in Denver!
8. Enjoy the Denver Botanical Gardens’ Light Extravaganza
π 1007 York Street, Denver, CO 80206
π 4:30pmβ9pm
If you beleive the world needs more color, this is the place for you. Step into the Denver Botanic Gardens to enjoy a dazzling display of light, which transforms the garden into a twinkling wonderland. You can purchase your tickets in advance here.
9. Board the Polar Express Ride
π 17155 W 44th Avenue, Golden,Β COΒ 80403
π www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org/polar-express
If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure, it’s time to purchase a ticket to the Polar Express. This magical journey includes a three-part theatrical experience, so you can experience a complete holiday adventure. First, you’ll enjoy holiday caroling in the Polar Express Pavilion. Then, you’ll take a ride to the North Pole in the comfort of your vintage coach, pulled along by a powerful, coal-fired steam locomotive. Last but not least, you’ll get to see Santa! What a memorable trip for the little ones.
10. Enjoy Date Night at First Friday Films
π 2101 Arapahoe Street, Unit 1, Denver, CO 80205
π www.denver.org/event/first-friday-films/108111/
π 6pmβ8pm
If you’re a movie buff, you may enjoy a relaxing night inside at First Friday Films, which shows short films on the big screen at the Denver Community Center every first Friday of the month. After your show, you can expect a 30-minute open forum and Q&A session with the film creators. Snacks are included, phew!
11. Marvel at Gaylord Rockies’ ICE! Exhibit in Aurora
π N Gaylord Rockies Blvd, Aurora, CO 80019
π www.christmasatgaylordrockies.marriott.com/ice
Wow! This is a bucket list item. I can’t remember the last time I’ve made anything memorable out of ice, let alone a sculpture. If you’re looking to be dazzled, take a visit to the Gaylord Rockies Hotel, where dozens of ice sculptures are carved out of 2 million pounds of colorful ice. Heads up, you can even slide down one of the sculptures!
12. Check out the Lakewood Lights
π Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, 801 S Yarrow St., Lakewood, CO, 80226
π www.lakewood.org
π 5pmβ9pm
Are you local to Lakewood? Take advantage of Lakewood’s annual lights celebration, a fun holiday experience for family and friends alike. After the main lighting ceremony, you can expect to leisurely stroll through the light displays, sip on hot cocoa, and meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, if you can find him!
13. Shop at the Cherry Creek Holiday Market
π 105 Fillmore St, Denver, CO 80206
π www.cherrycreekholidaymarket.com
π 12pmβ7pm
There’s a lot to see and do at the Cherry Creek Holiday Market on Fillmore Plaza. If you’re looking for special stocking stuffers for family and friends, browse the market’s 50+ vendors for unique gifts, crafts, and treats. But if you’re late to the game, don’t worry one bit. The Cherry Creek Holiday Market is open daily through Christmas Eve!
14. Attend the Nutcracker
π 950 13th Street, Denver, CO 80204
π www.thenutcrackerdenver.com
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the Nutcracker in town. This magical Christmas ballet first premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1892, and now is enjoyed and attended by audiences worldwide! if you want to support Denver’s acclaimed ballet companies, buy your ticket to this captivating Christmas performance.
15. Drive to Christmas in Color
π 3051 S Rooney Rd, Morrison, CO 80465
Sometimes, you don’t want to get out of your car to have fun. If you’re down for a drive-through, head over to Christmas in Color, where one million lights are perfectly synchronized to holiday music.
16. Head to the Olde Golden Candlelight Walk
π Parfet Park 719 10th Street, Golden, CO 80401
π visitgolden.com
π 6:30pm
Golden is not technically a part of Denver, but it is a suburb of Denver, so this experience is worth including! The Olde Golden Candlelight Walk takes place in historic Golden and features thousands of glowing candles held by participants. You can join the candlelight walk, shop along Washington Avenue, or grab a hot cider or cocoa and enjoy the overall glow of the city. This candlelight walk is a swoon-worthy, Hallmark moment, for sure!
17. Attend a Concert at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater
π 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Plenty of awesome performers fly into Denver, Colorado around Christmas time. Enjoy the magic of live music at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre with your family and friends this season. Just make sure to dress warmly!
18. Visit the Georgetown Christmas Market
π 6th Street, Georgetown, CO 80444
π www.historicgeorgetown.org/georgetown-christmas-market-2/
π 10amβ5pm
Before you say it…yes, I know that Georgetown is not a part of Denver. But if you’re up for a short roadtrip, you won’t regret visiting the annual Georgetown Christmas Market. This quintessential Christmas experience is breathtaking, set amidst the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. For a breakdown of what to do at the Christmas Market, read my Ultimate Guide to the Georgetown Christmas Market, which explores the town’s boutiques, live entertainment, and local activities.
19. Book a Dog Sledding Tour in Breckenridge
π 6061 Tiger Rd, Breckenridge, CO 80424
π www.goodtimesadventures.com
I’ve had a wonderful experience with Good Times Adventures, so I wanted to share the fun with you this season. For an exhilarating winter experience, book a dog sledding tour up in Breckenridge. Good Times runs a beautiful 6-
20. Try Cross-Country Skiing at Rocky Mountain National Park
π 1000 US Hwy 36. Estes Park, CO 80517
π www.nps.gov
Have you ever tried cross-country skiing? I have once, and it was incredibly meditative and relaxing! Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect place to strap on your cross-country skis and get exploring. For beginners, the west side of the park is better for cross-country skiing, but you can strap on your skis anywhere in the park!
21. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
As an Ikon-pass holder, I couldn’t resist including skiing on the list. There’s so many destinations to enjoy, Copper Mountain and Winter Park being my personal favorites to drive out to from Denver. Below, you’ll find a short list of Denver’s local ski resorts. You won’t regret making the drive!
- Loveland Ski Area |π I-70, Dillon, CO 80435
- Winter Park Resort | π 85 Parsenn Rd, Winter Park, CO 80482
- Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (A-Basin) | π Dillon, CO 80435
- Keystone Resort | π Keystone, CO 80435
- Copper Mountain | π 209 Ten Mile Circle, Copper Mountain,Β COΒ 80443
- Breckenridge Ski Resort | π Breckenridge, CO 80424
- Vail Mountain Resort | π Vail, CO 81657
If you’re here, you’ve made it through that entire list! I’m sure that was a lot to read, and trust me, it was a lot to write, too. If you enjoyed any of my ideas, please drop a short comment below. I’d love to hear what you and your family are enjoying this holiday season. But enough chit-chat, go out and enjoy all that Denver has to offer! Merry Christmas to all.
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