Christmas Activities Denver CO: Best Events, Lights & Family Fun
Denver transforms into a winter wonderland each December, offering countless ways to celebrate the holiday season. The city features over a dozen major Christmas attractions including the famous Mile High Tree, Denver Zoo Lights, and the authentic German-style Christkindlmarket that draw thousands of visitors annually.
You can experience everything from dazzling light displays at the Denver Botanic Gardens to festive parades through downtown streets. The city offers activities for every age and interest, whether you want to ice skate outdoors, shop at holiday markets, or enjoy live performances of The Nutcracker. If you're considering making Denver your home, explore our guide to living in Denver to discover what makes this city special year-round.
From the towering light displays in Civic Center Park to cozy family activities throughout the metro area, Denver provides memorable holiday experiences. You'll discover both traditional celebrations and unique local attractions that make Christmas in the Mile High City special.
Top Christmas Events and Festivities
Denver's holiday calendar features spectacular light displays and festive markets that draw thousands of visitors each year. The city's signature events combine traditional Christmas celebrations with Rocky Mountain charm.
Parade of Lights
The Denver Parade of Lights transforms downtown streets into a winter wonderland every December. You'll see elaborately decorated floats, marching bands, and community groups creating a magical procession through the heart of the city.
The parade typically runs along 17th Street and features over 50 illuminated floats. Local businesses, schools, and organizations participate with creative displays that light up the night sky.
Best viewing spots include:
17th Street between Broadway and Wynkoop
Civic Center Park area
Along the 16th Street Mall
You should arrive early to secure good viewing positions. The event is free and family-friendly, making it one of Denver's most popular holiday traditions.
Bundle up warmly as December temperatures often drop below freezing during evening hours. Street closures begin several hours before the parade starts.
Denver Christkindl Market
The annual Denver Christkindl Market brings authentic German Christmas market traditions to the Mile High City. You can shop for handmade crafts while sipping hot beverages in a festive outdoor setting.
Local artisans sell unique holiday gifts including ornaments, jewelry, and woodwork. Traditional German foods like bratwurst, pretzels, and roasted nuts fill the air with delicious aromas.
The market typically operates on weekends throughout December in downtown Denver. Wooden vendor booths create an authentic European atmosphere complete with twinkling lights and holiday music.
Market highlights include:
Handcrafted ornaments and decorations
Traditional German holiday treats
Live entertainment and carolers
Warm beverages like glühwein and hot chocolate
Children enjoy special activities and the chance to meet Santa Claus. The market provides a perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts while experiencing European holiday traditions.
Camp Christmas
Camp Christmas offers families an interactive holiday experience with multiple activities under one roof. You'll find everything from cookie decorating to holiday crafts in a festive indoor setting.
The event typically features photo opportunities with Santa, holiday-themed games, and seasonal treats. Children can participate in ornament-making workshops and other hands-on activities.
Local vendors often set up booths selling holiday merchandise and seasonal foods. The indoor venue provides a warm alternative to outdoor winter activities.
Activities often include:
Cookie decorating stations
Holiday craft workshops
Photos with Santa Claus
Face painting and games
Admission prices vary depending on the activity packages you choose. The event usually runs for several weekends during the holiday season.
Denver Christmas Show
The Denver Christmas Show combines shopping, entertainment, and holiday spirit in one large venue. You'll discover unique gifts from hundreds of vendors while enjoying seasonal performances and demonstrations.
Local and regional artisans showcase handmade items including jewelry, home décor, and specialty foods. The show typically features cooking demonstrations, live music, and children's activities throughout the weekend.
Vendor categories include:
Handmade crafts and art
Gourmet foods and treats
Holiday decorations
Clothing and accessories
The multi-day event usually takes place at the National Western Comple. Parking and admission fees apply, with discounts often available for advance ticket purchases.
You can find everything from stocking stuffers to major holiday gifts. The show provides an efficient way to complete holiday shopping while supporting local businesses and artisans.
Holiday Light Displays and Illuminations
Denver transforms into a winter wonderland with spectacular light displays throughout the holiday season. You can explore massive outdoor installations featuring millions of LED lights, walk through illuminated botanical gardens, and witness towering digital trees that create magical experiences for visitors of all ages.
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens hosts one of the city's most beloved holiday traditions with their annual Blossoms of Light display. This enchanting experience features over one million twinkling lights that illuminate the garden's plants, trees, and pathways.
You'll walk through themed areas where lights drape over evergreen trees and wrap around garden structures. The display highlights the natural beauty of the botanical collections while creating a magical winter atmosphere.
Key Features:
Over 1 million LED lights
Illuminated garden paths and plant collections
Family-friendly walking experience
Seasonal hot beverages available
The event typically runs from late November through early January. You should purchase tickets in advance as this popular attraction often sells out on weekends and peak holiday dates.
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms
The Trail of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms offers a unique outdoor experience in Littleton. This nearly one-mile walking trail winds through illuminated cottonwoods, boxelders, and pine trees in the Colorado foothills.
You'll follow a glowing pathway that leads through different farm areas including the Green Farm, Crossroads, and the historic 1880s Hildebrand Ranch homestead. The lights create stunning reflections against the rural landscape.
The display uses only LED lights to support sustainability goals. A shorter path option is available if you prefer a briefer walk through the illuminated countryside.
Trail Highlights:
Nearly 1-mile illuminated walking path
Historic ranch homestead setting
Shorter route option available
Sustainable LED lighting throughout
Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens
Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens runs from November 28, 2025 through January 4, 2026. This family-friendly event combines millions of lights with theme park attractions and interactive holiday experiences.
You can walk through a 300-foot-long candy cane tunnel and see giant holiday presents and ornaments. The display features a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree and includes access to select Elitch Gardens rides.
Interactive activities include light-up hopscotch games and visits with Santa and his elves. Strolling holiday entertainers add to the festive atmosphere throughout the park.
Event Features:
65-foot illuminated Christmas tree
300-foot candy cane tunnel
Theme park rides included
Interactive light displays and games
Santa visits and holiday entertainment
Mile High Tree
The Mile High Tree presented by Xcel Energy & Xfinity stands 110 feet tall on the Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus. This digital art installation combines lights with synchronized music shows from November 21 through December 31, 2025.
You can experience this free attraction alongside the Denver Christkindlmarket, an authentic German holiday market. The tree serves as America's tallest digital holiday display.
The installation provides multiple daily light and music performances. You'll find the best viewing areas around the Tivoli Quad, where the tree's full height and digital capabilities are most visible.
Tree Details:
110-foot height
Digital light technology
Synchronized music performances
Free admission
Located with German holiday market
Family Friendly Activities and Experiences
Denver's holiday season brings magical experiences that create lasting memories for families. From dazzling light displays at the zoo to train rides with hot chocolate, these activities offer something special for children and adults alike. For more family-oriented neighborhood recommendations, explore our guide to the best suburbs of Denver for families.
Denver Zoo Lights
The Denver Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with over one million LED lights covering the grounds. You can walk through illuminated animal sculptures and enjoy hot cocoa while exploring the displays.
The event runs from late November through early January. Tickets cost around $15-20 for adults and $10-15 for children, depending on the date you visit.
Popular attractions include:
Giant light tunnels you can walk through
Animated light shows set to music
Real animals in some exhibits
Food trucks with warm treats
Advanced ticket purchases are required since this event sells out quickly. Weekend dates fill up first, so weeknight visits offer better availability.
The zoo stays open until 9 PM during the light display. Dress warmly since you'll be walking outside for 1-2 hours.
Christmas at Gaylord Rockies
The Gaylord Rockies Resort creates an indoor winter village with ice sculptures and holiday decorations. You can enjoy activities like ice sliding and meet Santa Claus in a festive setting.
Admission fees apply for non-hotel guests to enter the resort's holiday attractions. The resort offers package deals that include activities and meals.
Key features include:
Hand-carved ice sculptures throughout the resort
Ice slides for kids and adults
Holiday shopping in themed areas
Special holiday dining experiences
The resort keeps the indoor temperature cool to preserve the ice displays. Bring jackets even though you're inside.
Parking costs extra at the resort, so factor this into your budget. The resort provides shuttle service from nearby hotels.
The Polar Express at Colorado Railroad Museum
The Colorado Railroad Museum offers train rides based on the popular children's book and movie. You'll ride vintage trains while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies during the journey.
Tickets range from $35-55 per person depending on seating class. The train runs on select dates from late November through December.
The experience includes:
45-minute round-trip train ride
Hot chocolate and cookies served onboard
Reading of The Polar Express story
Visit from Santa Claus during the ride
Book tickets early since these rides sell out months in advance. The museum offers multiple departure times throughout each day.
Children receive small bells as souvenirs, just like in the story. The trains are heated, but dress warmly since stations are outdoors.
Downtown Denver Rink
The outdoor ice rink in downtown Denver offers skating with city skyline views. You can rent skates on-site and enjoy food from nearby vendors.
Skating costs $12 for adults and $8 for children, with skate rentals available for $4. The rink operates from late November through February. For more winter activities in Denver, check out our comprehensive guide to Denver Colorado winter activities.
Rink details:
Open daily with extended holiday hours
Skate rentals available in all sizes
Warming huts with benches
Lockers for storing belongings
The rink offers skating lessons for beginners on weekday mornings. Group rates are available for families with four or more people.
Food trucks park nearby selling hot drinks and snacks. The rink stays open until 10 PM on weekends and 9 PM on weekdays.
Local Markets, Shopping, and Unique Attractions
Denver's holiday scene centers around festive markets with local artisans, free community celebrations, and historic venues transformed for the season. You'll find everything from handcrafted gifts to seasonal treats across the city's most popular destinations.
Holiday Markets and Pop Ups
Larimer Square's holiday celebration brings together local artisans, live music, and seasonal treats from nearby restaurants with a view. The historic district lights up with decorations that create a perfect shopping atmosphere.
The Denver Christkindlmarket offers authentic German-style holiday shopping. You can browse unique artisan gifts while enjoying traditional food and drinks.
For handmade items, visit the 11th Annual Handmade for the Holidays at Yarn Shoppe Denver. This market focuses on fiber arts and locally made crafts. You'll support local artisans while finding one-of-a-kind gifts.
Museum gift shops become treasure troves during the holidays. The Denver Art Museum shop sells beautiful prints and handmade jewelry. The Denver Zoo's Kibongi Market features hand-crafted items from Africa.
You don't need admission tickets to shop at most museum stores. This makes them perfect for quick gift runs.
Tree Town Wonderland Free Events
Several free holiday events happen throughout Denver's neighborhoods. Many feature live entertainment, family activities, and community celebrations.
Highland neighborhood decorates extensively for Christmas. You can walk through the area to see beautiful displays and visit local shops. The neighborhood maintains its festive atmosphere throughout December.
Local community centers often host free holiday events. These include craft activities for kids, cookie decorating, and visits from Santa. Check individual venue websites for specific dates and times.
Park activities continue through winter. Red Rocks Park offers winter hiking with snow-covered views. The trails stay open year-round for outdoor enthusiasts.
Union Station Holiday Activities
Union Station transforms into a holiday destination each December. The historic building hosts seasonal events, shopping, and dining experiences.
The Great Hall often features holiday decorations and special displays. You can shop at the various retail stores inside the station while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Holiday dining options include several restaurants within Union Station. Many offer special seasonal menus and holiday-themed drinks during December.
The Terminal Bar creates holiday cocktails and hosts seasonal events. You can enjoy drinks while taking in the building's historic architecture and holiday decorations.
Shopping opportunities include unique boutiques and specialty stores. The Crawford Hotel's gift shop offers locally made items and Denver-themed souvenirs perfect for holiday giving.
Experience Denver Holiday Magic Year After Year
Denver's Christmas season offers something special for everyone-from free light shows and parades to intimate holiday markets and world-class performances. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or calling Denver home, these holiday traditions create memories that last a lifetime.
After guiding buyers and sellers through Denver's real estate market for over two decades, I've seen firsthand how the city's vibrant holiday scene influences where people choose to live. Neighborhoods near downtown offer walkable access to iconic attractions like the Parade of Lights and Union Station, while family-friendly suburbs provide quick drives to Chatfield Farms and the Gaylord Rockies.
The magic of Denver's Christmas season is just one of many reasons families and professionals continue choosing the Mile High City. If you're considering making Denver your home-whether for the holidays, the lifestyle, or the opportunities, I'd be honored to share my local expertise and help you find a property that fits your vision.
Contact Urban Ground Homes to discuss Denver neighborhoods, current market conditions, and how to find your ideal home in time to enjoy next year's holiday season as a local.
