Whether you are a Colorado native or are planning a winter adventure to Denver in December, you will absolutely love all of the festive things to do in Denver for Christmas—celebrate the holidays in the Mile High City in style.
And…if you are like my daughter, you have already made your Christmas countdown chain and queried, “When can we start decorating for Christmas?”
21 Festive Things To Do In Denver for Christmas
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YOU may have even begun to wonder when it is socially acceptable to begin celebrating the Christmas season with winter activities, shopping for gifts, and planning December getaways.
Martha Stewart weighs in: “It was once considered to be the general rule of thumb to wait until after Thanksgiving before decorating for Christmas, but, in modern times, that no longer seems to be the case.”
You have Martha’s permission to get started.
Every year, our family attends “A Colorado Christmas” performance with the Colorado Symphony. With busy December and holiday schedules, we try to plan for a few additional festive events to attend as well; the Light the World Giving Machines and the Christkindlmarkt have become new favorite family traditions.
Click HERE to see if The Giving Machines will be close to you this year.
Discover some FREE things along with fun and festive holiday things to do while visiting Denver in winter before the new year.
If you are headed to Breckenridge or Vail or Aspen in Colorado with friends or family—Frommer’s top 20 destinations for a winter vacation in the USA—be sure to leave some time for visiting Denver itoo.
>> Related: 43 Great Travel Gifts to Make Holiday Giving a Breeze
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1. Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland Light Walk
Wander through Cherry Creek North under twinkling lights that are choreographed to seasonal melodies.
- WHERE: 2401 E 2nd Ave #150 Denver, CO 80206
- WHEN: Mid November thru December 24, 2025
- COST: Free
2. Christmas in Color
A drive-thru animated light show at three Colorado locations that pairs perfectly synchronized lights and music. Listen on your car radio. You are a part of the parade of lights!
Your kids might just be poking their heads through the sunroof to get the best view. Choose from one of three locations.
- Water World: 8800 N Pecos St., Federal Heights, CO 80260
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
- Arapahoe County Fairgrounds: 25690 E Quincy Ave., Aurora, CO 80016
- WHEN: November 13 thru December 30, 2025
- COST: Priced per vehicle
3. Colorado Nutcracker Ballet
“The holiday spirit leaps to life in this treasured family tradition. Featuring breathtaking new sets and costumes for the second year, Colorado Ballet invites you to follow Clara and her Nutcracker prince on the sweet, snow dusted adventure only Tchaikovsky could score. See where the story you know by heart takes yours this year.” ~ Colorado Ballet
Create a Christmas tradition at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts with concerts, ballets, plays and performances. These performances will be among the favorite Denver Christmas activities that you’ll want to enjoy year after year.
- WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House 1385 Curtis St., Denver, CO 80204 (DPAC)
- WHEN: November 29 to December 28, 2025
- COST: Pricing varies
4. Colorado Symphony Orchestra
Enjoy nostalgic holiday melodies, movies set to live music, and timeless favorites with the Colorado Symphony at the Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC) when planning your December events with the symphony in Denver for Christmas.
Choose from fan favorites: A Colorado Christmas, Holiday Brass, Too Hot to Handel, How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Concert, Drums of the World, A Holiday Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr., and A Night in Vienna
- WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th Street, #15 | Denver, CO 80202
- WHEN: November and December
- COST: Pricing varies by concert and seating
5. Denver Botanical Gardens Lights
The Denver Botanical Gardens offers Christmas events for families at both of their locations. Celebrate the season with dazzling light displays. This family-friendly event is a holiday tradition as both York Street and Chatfield Farm are transformed into twinking wonderlands.
Blossoms of Light – York Street
- WHERE: 1007 York Street Denver, CO 80206
- WHEN: November 21, 2025 thru January 11, 2026 (closed Nov. 27 & Dec. 25), 4:30-9:00 pm
- COST: General, Military and Member Pricing
Trail of Lights – Chatfield Farm
- WHERE: 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Road Littleton, CO 80128
- WHEN: November 21, 2025 thru January 11, 2026 (closed Nov. 27 & Dec. 25) 5:00 – 830 pm
- COST: General, Military and Member Pricing
Denver Christmas Markets
The markets in and around Colorado’s Mile High City offer festive things to do in Denver during Christmas that will spark the holiday spirit of giving.
6. 16th Street Mall Holiday Festival
The 16th Street Mall is usually bustling with residents and tourists year round.
If you are visiting Denver in winter, the street is decked with colorful twinkling lights with a 16th Street Mall Holiday Festival that features one-of-a-kind treasures, handcrafted goods, delectable foods, home decor, and unique holiday gifts and ideas.
- WHERE: 16th Street Mall at Welton and Glenarm in Downtown Denver
- WHEN: Temporary hiatus due to construction
- COST: Free Entrance
7. Après Ski Holiday Market
Have you ever been to the Dairy Block in the heart of Denver’s LoDo neighborhood? The block celebrates unique arts and crafts of all kinds in the heated alleyways of the local shops and restaurants. If you have ever visited the Christmas markets in Europe, the Après Ski Holiday Market in Denver in December brings them close to home.
- WHERE: Dairy Block 1800 Wazee St.Denver, CO 80202
- WHEN: Weekends from Mid November 25 thru Mid December
- COST: Free Entrance
8. Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Santa’s elves give thanks for the Cherry Creek Holiday Market so they can stock up on gifts ideas from the “50+ local makers, designers, and creators“. Discover the magic of Fillmore Plaza bedazzled in its Christmas finery if you are in Denver in December.
- WHERE: Fillmore Plaza in Cherry Creek North
- WHEN: November 20 thru December 24, 2025
- COST: Free Entrance
9. Christkindlmarkt
Discover an authentic German Christmas Market in the heart of Denver! Reminiscent of Christmas markets worldwide, the Christkindlmarkt brings you row on row of festively decorated wooden huts to browse for unique handcrafted arts, gifts, and treats. Come for a unique couple’s date, bring the whole family, or grab your friends for a girl’s night out.
- WHERE: Auraria Campus, Tivoli Quad 1000 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80204
- WHEN: November 21 thru December 23, 2025
- COST: Free Entrance
- HOURS: Monday – Thursday from 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- HOURS: Friday – Sunday & Last Week (Dec. 15 – 23 ) from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
10. Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show
The Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show arrives in November, so if you aren’t on your toes, you’ll miss it. Walk miles of holiday booths filled with handcrafted goods, Colorado-made gifts, and food plus a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- WHERE: National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80216
- WHEN: November 21 – 23, 2025
- COST: Tickets available online and at the door
11. Denver Downtown Skating Rink
Gather with family and friends for a night under the stars. Bundle up for a fun time; bring your own skates and skate for free in Downtown Denver in December.
- WHERE: Skyline at 1601 Arapahoe St., Denver, CO 80202
- WHEN: Open from January 6 – February 2, 2026, check schedule for times
- COST: Free with your own skates. Skate rentals are available
12. Denver Parade of Lights
Think helium-filled balloons, twinkling floats, marching bands, and vibrant displays. Watching the Denver Parade of Lights kicks off December with the first of many Denver, Colorado Christmas events. Families and friends gather in downtown Denver to usher in the holiday season and celebrate a famous guest of honor.
“Spectators can view the parade for free along the two-mile route on Tremont Street between 14th and 17th Streets, on 17th Street from Tremont to Arapahoe Street, on Arapahoe between 17th and 15th Streets, and on 15th Street from Arapahoe to Glenarm.” ~ Denver Parade of Lights
- WHERE: 16th Street Mall and Downtown Denver, CO
- WHEN: December 6, 2025 at 6:oo pm
- COST: Free
13. Elitch Holidays
Elitch Holidays (formerly known as Luminova Holidays) returns if you happen to be visiting Denver this winter. You’ll love the giant holiday displays with over 3 million twinkling lights and a larger-than-life Christmas tree. If you are a fan of the rides at Elitch Gardens, there will be limited rides available in December. You might even spy Santa Claus and a few of his hard working elves.
- WHERE: Elitch Gardens 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver, CO 80204
- WHEN: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- COST: Ticket prices vary
14. Gaylord Rockies
Celebrate the holidays with your family and friends at Christmas at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora. Step into a magical wonderland of carved and colorful ice sculptures. Be sure to check out the ICE bumper cars too! Make a weekend of it and plan for a fun overnight adventure at the resort.
The theme for 2025 ICE! exhibit features Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas™.
- WHERE: 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard, Aurora, CO 80019
- WHEN: November 24, 2025 – January 2, 2026
- COST: Varying prices and events
15. Light the World Giving Machines
“This holiday season, come back to Denver and give to those in need. Join us as we light the world, one donation at a time.” Giving Machines
The Light the World Giving Machines are open 24/7 during Thanksgiving week 2025 through the New Year of 2026 in a new location this year.
- WHERE: Cherry Creek Holiday Market, 2nd Avenue and Fillmore Plaza, Denver 80206
- WHEN: Thanksgiving thru the new year
- COST: Donations
16. Mile High Tree
Hey! Denver will be lighting the Mile High Tree in a new location in the Tivoli Quad, but it will still be next to the Christkindlmarkt.
- WHERE: Auraria Campus, Tivoli Quad 1000 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80204
- WHEN: November 21 – December 31, 2025
- COST: Free
17. Polar Express Train Ride
Marvel at the re-creation of the beloved story of The Polar Express along with a magical train ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Put on your favorite pajamas and prepare to meet Santa as you enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. Tap your toes to the “Hot, Hot, Hot—Chocolate” in a theatrical worthy performance.
Get your tickets early as this magical train ride is a holiday favorite.
- WHERE: Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Avenue, Golden, CO 80403
- WHEN: November 7-8-9, 14-15-16, and 21-22-23-24-25. Daily starting November 28 thru December 23, 2025
- COST: Varying prices
- HOURS: Main show begins at 5:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., or 8:00 p.m
18. Union Station Festivities
“The annual Grand Illumination event in November will feature performances of classic holiday hits by the Denver Dolls, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the grand highlight of the evening — the lighting of the station’s outdoor 40-foot-tall Christmas tree that features more than 7,000 holiday lights.
“Also, the Grand Illumination kicks off the Merry & Bright Lights show, which will once again transform the exterior façade of Denver’s landmark train station into a spectacular canvas spreading holiday cheer. You can see it each night of the season. Miracle at Union Station , a whimsical pop-up cocktail bar, will open on Nov. 22. Meanwhile, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making regular appearances at the station.” ~ Denver Union Station
- WHERE: Union Station 1701 Wynkoop, Denver Colorado 80202
- WHEN: November 28 for Tree Lighting at 6:10 pm, festivities continue through December 2025
- COST: Varies
If you’ve never ridden the train from Denver’s Union Station, pack your bags for an adventure to Glenwood Springs on Amtrak.
19. Denver Zoo Lights
Denver Zoo Lights are a staple in holiday things to do in Denver for Christmas. Marvel at the wonder of Aurora Borealis, Savannah Sunset and Electric Jungle as you stroll through the illuminated zoo. Be sure to stop and watch the ice-carving demos, warm your hands at the fire barrels, and enjoy festive treats and drink. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the animals!
- WHERE: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street Denver, CO 80205
- WHEN: TBA
- COST: Member and Non-Member Pricing
20. Mile High Drone Show
If you have ever watched a drone show at any of the Disney themed parks, you know this will be amazing. Watch the sky each night in downtown Denver for fun holiday-themed animations. Each night will be just a little different with a dazzling visual experience lighting up the night sky.
- WHEN: November 21 through December 31, 2025
- WHERE: Downtown Denver
- COST: Free
21. Ring in the New Year with Fireworks
Two spectacular fireworks shows light the sky in Downtown Denver on New Year’s Eve—one at 9:00 pm and the other at midnight. If you are ringing in the New Year with young ones, be sure to bundle them up and enjoy the countdown at 9:00 pm. The best place to view the fireworks is along the 16th Street Mall. Jam to music from 8 pm to midnight.
- WHERE: 16th Street Mall, Denver, CO
- WHEN: December 31 at 9:00 pm and midnight
- COST: Free
Whew! I have tried to be concise and to get the most accurate information and details as possible. Please check the links for dates, times and pricing for the most up-to-date information on all the amazing and festive things to do in Denver for Christmas!
Stay Warm as You Visit Denver in December!
If you aren’t used to the weather in Denver during the winter months, you’ll want to come prepared. Temperatures are often below freezing and cool off considerably after dark.
- Columbia Puffy Jacket for Women
- Columbia Puffy Jacket for Men
- Fleece Ear Warmers
- Winter Gloves
- Rechargeable Hand Warmer
- Hot Hands Disposable Hand warmers
Need a Place to Stay?
Check out some exciting locations in Denver for your December visit on Booking.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there snow in Denver at Christmas?
With average temperature in Denver in December ranging from a high of 42°F (6°C) to a low of 22°F (-6°C), Denver can get chilly. There will often be snow on the ground, but there is no guarantee!
What is the warmest and coldest recorded Christmas temperatures in Denver?
Records for December 25th temperatures in Denver range from a high of 69 degrees recorded in 2005 down to a low of -10 degrees in 1983.
Is Colorado popular for skiing?
“Colorado always makes the top of the list for best states for skiing. From Aspen and Vail to Breckenridge and Telluride, the state is full of amazing ski resorts.” ~ Select Registry
Why is Denver called the Mile High City?
Denver, Colorado claims the nickname of the “Mile High City” because it has an official elevation of 5,280 feet (1,609.3 meters) above sea level. 5,280 feet equals 1 mile.
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Final Thoughts on 21 Festive Things To Do In Denver for Christmas
How do you like to celebrate the holiday season? What are your favorite Christmas activities for kids and adults? Do you have holiday traditions such as a white elephant gift exchange, an ugly sweater party, holiday craft projects, caroling, or sleeping under the Christmas tree?
Add to your Christmas traditions by choosing one or five or ALL of these festive things to do in Denver for Christmas. You may find that your city has similar activities and celebrations; let this list spur you to look for things to do in Denver for Christmas or wherever you live.
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Such great events and traditions to get you in the holiday spirit in Denver!
Wow. Definitely adding Christmas in Denver to my list!
We don’t live terribly far from Denver, yet we’ve never been down there for Christmas. I didn’t know there was so much to do, but we will definitely have to consider this for future trips
I love Christmas markets!!! It’s interesting to know that you could do so many things in Denver. I imagine it would be full of life in Christmas.
Thanks for sharing!
There seems to be a lot of things to do in Denver for Christmas! I would love to visit the Botanical gardens, visit the Christmas markets and listen to the symphony orchestra. I have not been to Denver yet, but when I do, I will definitely look up your list even if it is not Christmas, 🙂
I love visiting Holiday markets! Thanks for the great list of things to do during the holiday season.
Wow! Maybe I need to get out to the rockies for Christmas. There’s so many things to do! I love Martha but I must say that I can’t decorate for Christmas until the day after Thanksgiving, as much as I want to, to me it’s a sin. Lol
We often don’t think of heading to cold weather spots for Christmas. But Denver looks like it offers a lot of things to put us in the holiday spirit. And an animated light show would be a lot of fun. If we got there before the holidays we might even get some shopping done!
Denver sounds great at Christmastime! I love that there’s an authentic German Christmas market!
Great to see a city that offers so much to get everyone in the holiday spirit! Must be great for families to have that tradition every year.
Everything looks so much fun. Thanks for sharing!
Some lovely events and they say Denver is boring! The Parade of Lights sounds fun!
I’ve never been to Denver but it looks like it would be so much fun at christmas!
This would definitely get people into the Christmas spirit, all looks so beautiful. I would especially love to see the Symphony Orchestra.
The Denver Christmas market really appeals to me because I love eating and shopping at them. Thanks for the great tips!
Looks like so many amazing things to do in Denver. I love Christmas markets, that would be fun. I would probably love the Elitch Gardens too. I pinned this for future travels.
I haven’t been to Denver in years but now I want to go back ?
I’ve only experienced a hot summer Christmas since I’ve grown up in Australia my life. I’d love to experience a winter Christmas some day! Sounds like Denver is a lovely place to experience in the winter festive months. Thanks for sharing this listicle of top things to do!
Denver looks like a magical place to spend Christmas! Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland Light Walk looks so enchanting and the giving machines sound like such a lovely idea!
Love this post! Love the variety of activities..esp. ones that go past Christmas Day.. I am looking at where to go for Christmas 2026 and Denver is now a real contender!