Winter is a magical time in Denver. Although it gets dark earlier, the extra holiday lights around town make everything merrier. The festivals, markets, and events keep Denver alive and humming even when the weather cools down. Families make memories, and new traditions are started. Offices have holiday parties, and friends get together to celebrate the season. Whether you are new to the Denver area or have been here for decades, get out and explore what the Mile High City has to offer this winter. Grab some hot cocoa and make your list of magical events to experience in 2025.
Holiday Themed Denver Tours
Christmas Beer and Cookies Tour
Beer enthusiasts rejoice because on the Christmas Beer and Cookies Tour, you not only get beer, but also cookies! Visit four breweries located in the RiNo area and experience 10 beer samples plus four big cookies that are paired with a selection of beer from each brewery. In addition, participants will be guided along a one-mile walk through the RiNo Arts District and hear distinctive Denver Christmas stories.
Holiday Lights and Sights Bus Tours
Embark on a delightful 1-hour-45-minute tour of some of the most amazing lights in the Mile High City. The Holiday Lights and Sights Bus Tour starts at Union Station, and participants will travel to such iconic spots as Daniels and Fisher Clock Tower, Tivoli Quad, Larimer Square, Denver’s City and County Building, and more. Everyone on the bus will learn about holiday traditions that started in Denver and hear many more local stories.
Winter Events for Families in Denver
The Polar Express™ Train Ride
Board a steam-powered train on select dates, November 7 through December 23, 2025, at the Colorado Railroad Museum for The Polar Express™ Train Ride. Enjoy cocoa, caroling, and a visit from Santa as you relive childhood memories or introduce them to your own children.
Zoo Lights
The Denver Zoo will illuminate more than three million lights over 80 acres to boost holiday cheer at Zoo Lights. Bring the whole family to see the animals at night and enjoy the festive atmosphere from November 24 through January 4. Consider a bundle, which includes admission, two ride vouchers, and hot cocoa in a souvenir cup.
Elitch Holidays
Although a water slide may be out of the question, the holidays are still a magical time at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park. From November 28 through January 4, visitors can attend Elitch Holidays to take in millions of lights on the property, experience a thrill on theme park rides, take in huge holiday displays, and enjoy an all-new show in the Trocadero Theatre.
Santa at the Station
If your children would like the opportunity to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, take them to The Great Hall in Denver Union Station on November 30, or December 7, 14, or 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is free, but you can consider purchasing the optional “St. Nick Express Pass” for a shorter wait. Photos will be taken on your personal phone or camera by Santa’s helpers.
Denver Holiday Markets
Winter Wanderland at Cherry Creek North Pole
Various events will take place this holiday season at Cherry Creek North.
- Cherry Creek Holiday Market is available November 20 through December 24, 2025. Find unique gifts from more than 50 local vendors on Fillmore Plaza. Enjoy dazzling lights and live music as you search for treasures.
- Mistletoe Lounge, located next to the holiday market, offers festive drinks and cozy seating. It’s a great place to warm up after holiday shopping.
- Saturday Night Lights are a bonus on December 6, 13, and 20. Enjoy music, dancing, and complimentary treats under the festive lights.
Denver Christkindlmarket
Enjoy an authentic, German-style market for the holidays. Sample bites from food vendors, shop at local and European craft vendors, and enjoy entertainment with friends and family at Denver Christkindlmarket. The market runs from November 21 to December 23 at Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus.
Holiday Light Displays in Denver
Blossoms of Light
You may think that the Denver Botanic Gardens are beautiful in the daytime, but wait until you see them at night during the holidays. Thousands of lights adorn the mile-long path in the gardens. Guests can also enjoy holiday treats and warm drinks purchased at Offshooots Café and Hive Garden Bistro. Come enjoy the gardens from November 21 through January 11.
Mile High Drone Show
Are drone shows the future of fireworks? Come judge for yourself at the Mile High Drone Show, compliments of Brightflight Drone Shows. This free event occurs nightly at 7 p.m. from November 21 to December 31 in Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus. Watch holiday-themed animations illuminate the Denver Skyline as 600 drones fly through the air. In addition to Tivoli Quad, onlookers can see the show from the Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 54thirty Rooftop at the Le Méridien Denver Downtown, or Peaks Lounge at Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center.
The Mile High Tree
While you are at Tivoli Quad viewing the drone show, check out The Mile High Tree. This is America’s tallest digital Christmas tree. It includes a light and music show. After viewing the lights, head over to Christkindlmarket, which is also nearby.
Union Station Grand Illumination
Union Station is an iconic and popular destination in Denver. Many pass through its doors every day, and soon, it will be all lit up and ready to welcome the holidays. The Grand Illumination Event will take place on November 28 at 4 p.m. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment complete with music by the Denver Dolls and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The main feature of the evening will be the lighting of the 40-foot-tall Christmas tree outside the building. More than 7,000 holiday lights will twinkle when they are turned on at 6:10 p.m.
Hudson Holidays
Stroll through beautiful Hudson Gardens while taking in the lights and themed exhibits. Try your hand at conquering the lighted maze and take a picture with Santa. Consider purchasing cocktails and warm beverages to make this an event to remember. Choose from dates starting on November 28 and ending on January 4.
Trail of Lights
Bring the whole family to the Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms in Littleton from November 21 through January 11. Take a walk on the trail that is just under a mile to relish in the pine trees, cottonwoods, and boxelders adorned in LED lights. The trail also traverses through the Crossroads Garden, the 1880s Hildebrand Ranch homestead, and the Deer Creek Discovery Children’s Play area.
Christmas in Color
If you would like to experience the wonder of festive lights while staying warm and cozy in your car, consider Christmas in Color. There are two locations to choose from in the Denver area, one at Red Rocks Amphitheater and one at Water World Water Park. Both locations will have millions of lights, holiday characters, and much more. Pack your warm beverages and snacks and enjoy the lights.
Winter Music and Theater Performances in Denver
The Nutcracker
Continue your holiday tradition or make a new one by experiencing Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Join dancing mice, whirling snowflakes, the sugar plum fairy, and enchanting lands while immersed in the music of Tchaikovsky. Shows are available from November 29 through December 28 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
Holiday Brass
Join Colorado Symphony Brass as they perform seasonal classics. On December 16, come to Boettcher Concert Hall to experience the Colorado Symphony Brass Section perform carols, selections from Hollywood movies, pieces from the Renaissance, and more holiday classics you are sure to recognize.
A Christmas Carol
For many, no holiday season would be complete without seeing A Christmas Carol. Adapted from the Charles Dickens classic, this musical will be performed at Wolf Theatre from November 21 through December 28. The show is recommended for children ages 6 and over and is a feature of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
Denver Area Holiday Parades
2025 Candlelight Walk
For those nostalgic for a small-town Christmas, head over to Main Street in Littleton on November 28 for the 2025 Candlelight Walk. Enjoy a festive parade, pictures with Santa, and treats for all. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and the parade begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a fantastic drone show.
9NEWS Parade of Lights
2025 is a special year for the 9NEWS Parade of Lights as it celebrates 50 years. The parade will take place on December 7 and span a two-mile parade route in downtown Denver. Dress warm and have a good time watching illuminated floats, marching bands, balloons, and Major Waddles the Penguin.
Denver Holiday Events
Harvesting Hope 5K – 10th Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
Have a guilt-free Thanksgiving by running the Harvesting Hope 5K Annual thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot before your big meal. Come on out to Central Park in Northeast Denver on November 27 to take part in the race. Not only will you get exercise before indulging, but you will also help families in need.
Camp Christmas
If you are looking for a quirky way to find your holiday spirit, consider Camp Christmas. This event takes place at the Stanley Marketplace in Aurora from November 16 through December 24, 2025. Explore elaborately themed tents and trees with pop-up bars, beautiful decor created by local artist Lonnie Hanzon, interactive experiences, and a Merry Badge Scavenger Hunt. Santa will be on the scene, and guests can also shop and enjoy food and drinks from vendors at Stanley Marketplace.
Christmas at Gaylord Rockies
View amazing ice sculptures featuring the Grinch, along with holiday shows and activities for the whole family at Christmas at Gaylord Rockies. Consider staying overnight at the resort or just coming for the day. The entire resort will be decorated, and there are multiple activities to consider, including:
- Ice! Featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
- Gingerbread Decorating Corner
- Photos with Santa
- Candycane Mountain Indoor Snow Tubing
- Elf Training Academy
- Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions
- Build-a-Bear Workshop®
McGregor Square Ice Skating
Nothing shouts holiday fun like ice skating outdoors. This is available to Denver residents in LoDo at McGregor Square Plaza. Skate rentals are available, or you can bring your own. Rink construction takes place from November 3 through 21, and the Grand Opening is November 28 with a skate performance at 5:30 p.m. and a tree lighting at 6 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
As the holiday season draws to a close, mark your calendar for fireworks at the 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver. Bring your family to the 9 p.m. show or watch with friends or a loved one at midnight. There will be plenty of venues open for dinner, dancing, and more in the area. Just make sure you come outside in time for the fireworks to ring in the new year.
The holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year’s is jam-packed in Denver. There are so many ways to beat the winter gloom. Experience the magic of shows, live music, larger-than-life light displays, brewery tours, Christmas vendor markets, parades, and so much more. Go with your family, friends, or even on your own to experience the magic of the season.