With cold temperatures and a Mile High winter wonderland, the holidays have arrived, but just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you have to be grinchy. With frosty mountaintops, the scent of fresh pine and an illuminated downtown, Denver sets the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable holiday season. Whether you’re sipping on festive cocktails or dining with Father Christmas, the city offers a dazzling list of events to warm your hearts, spark some joy and make your holiday magical.
Christkindlmarket
Where: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Avenue, Denver
When: November 22nd – December 23rd, Sunday – Wednesday, 11 am to 7 pm; Thursday – Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm (Gates close at 9 pm)
The Lowdown: Kick off the festive season with a timeless European tradition in the heart of downtown at Denver’s Christkindlmarket. Beginning its holiday magic in 1998, this once tiny market has expanded with over 40 vendors and thousands of locals and tourists bringing holiday cheer. Combining the authenticity of German Christmas markets with locally crafted food fare, Christkindlmarket creates a joyous way to celebrate the holiday season while checking gift shopping off your list. Beat Santa at his own game with presents sure to excite, like one-of-a-kind beautifully designed travel posters by Blair Hamil, mouthwatering German chocolates from Chocoidea or handcrafted European holiday decorations from Andrey’s Gifts from Afar.
Shopping works up an appetite, but don’t worry there is plenty to indulge in at Christkindlmarket! Feast on German sausages and Sauerkraut created by award-winning European chef, Chef Neuhold at Das Brathus. Feel the joys of being a kid again with gooey, rich artisan s’mores at S’mores Haus and Igloo. Taste the popular Turkish street dish beloved by Germans, Döner at Berliner Döner Haus. Chase the treats down at Bar Hut for delicious German beers and toasty mulled wine.
Halcyon On Ice
Where: 245 Columbine Street, Denver
When: November 15th – December 31st, 12 pm to 9pm
The Lowdown: Escape to a winter sanctuary reminiscent of an Aspen ski resort in one of Cherry Creek’s most luxurious hotels with Halcyon On Ice. Make it a date night or bring the whole family for sips, dining, curated bops and ice skating up in the clouds at Halcyon’s rooftop lounge. Enjoy Christmas-inspired adult drinks like Abuelita’s Mexican Hot Chocolate or Fiery Mistletoe, and make some room for decadent hors d’oeuvres including Swedish Meatballs, Truffle Arancini and mac and cheese.
Enhance your holiday experience with a Winter Yurt retreat! For a $75 non-refundable rental fee and $75 food and beverage minimum cozy up with complimentary hot chocolate, ice skates and heaters while taking in the view of the Rockies. This unforgettable adventure will make you feel like you’re in the Alps!
Winter Yurts are available for two-hour bookings. Ice skating requires no reservations, and ice skate rentals are $5 per person.
Mile High Drone Show
Where: 1475 California St, Denver
When: November 22nd – December 31st, 7 pm
The Lowdown: Trade the holiday stress for some holiday cheer with a date night and drone show at 54thirty Rooftop. For 40 nights, 400 drones light up the Denver skyline with dazzling displays of holiday-themed animations. While you can view the holiday drone show from almost anywhere downtown, the 54thirty Rooftop bar at Le Meridien offers the perfect viewing experience for this state-of-the-art festive showcase. Choose from a list of excellent shareable plates and signature cocktails to enjoy while watching the Mile High Drone Show with zero obstructions. It’s the perfect memorable holiday escape from the sometimes chaotic days of December.
Miracle at Union Station
Where: 1701 Wynkoop, Denver
When: November 15th – December 24th, 4 pm to 12 am, December 31st. 9 pm to 12:30 am
The Lowdown: Returning for the 2024 holiday season, Miracle at Union Station brings its magical immersive pop-up bar back to the iconic downtown hotspot for Christmas spirits, cozy ambiance and extravagant decor. Filled with childhood nostalgia and whimsical beverages, Union Station’s festive transformation is sure to delight any Scrooge or Grinch.
If you can’t make it before Christmas, kick off the new year and say goodbye to the holidays at Miracle at Union Station. Reopening for one last hoorah, Midnight at Miracle Bar is a wonderful way to enjoy the last bit of Christmas and say hello to 2025!
Miracle at Union Station is only open to adults 21 and up. Reservations must be made in advance. Tickets for Midnight at Miracle Bar cost $25.
Denver Zoo Lights
Where: 2300 Steele St, Denver
When: November 23rd- January 5th, 5 pm
The Lowdown: Lions, tigers and reindeer, oh my! The family’s favorite tradition, Zoo Lights, returns to the Denver Zoo to brighten up the holidays. Illuminated by over three million lights, the park will feel like a Christmas wonderland. Enjoy holiday drinks, snacks and souvenirs like hot cocoa, cider and pretzels while walking through 80 acres of lights, perfect for a holiday photo op.
On Dec. 31, visitors with sensory processing disorders may enjoy an accommodated evening including reduced crowds, quiet rooms and low-volume music at Zoo Light’s Sensory-Friendly Night.
General admission starts at $18. Children 2 and under have free entry. Peak pricing is $21 for youth and $28 for adults and seniors.
Santa’s Little Man Factory
Where: 4411 Colfax Ave, Denver
When: November 29th – December 31st
The Lowdown: It’s never too cold for ice cream! Every year Little Man Ice Cream transforms its summer haven into Santa’s Little Man Factory. Furnished with decorated ornaments, twinkling lights and Santa’s throne and offering seasonal sweets, Santa’s Factory is the perfect spot to celebrate the holidays and shop the best stocking stuffers. Shop for candy canes, decadent pies, and handmade toffee—the best gifts for your loved ones with a sweet tooth. Each week the Factory will host different activities and events. Play Bingo with Mrs. Clause, decorate a Gingerbread House, dance at Santa Baby Swing Nights, or take part in a special date night making ice cream in Santa’s kitchen.
Holiday Lights and Sights Walking Tour
Where: Starts at Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop, Denver
When: November 25th – December 31st
The Lowdown: Celebrate the holidays while taking in the breathtaking views of the city on the Denver Holiday Lights and Sights Walking Tour. For two hours, explore the Mile High during the most festive time of year and learn about the city’s rich history and Christmas lore. The tour begins at Union Station with stops at Larimer Square, Christkindl Market, D&F Clock Tower and ends at the City and County Building. Take photos in front of landmarks and the thousands of dazzling lights along the way.
Only 20 tickets are available each evening starting at $29 per person, so make sure to grab tickets fast!
Santa’s Secret Speakeasy
Where: 3040 Blake Street #131, Denver
When: Tuesday – Saturday all December
The Lowdown: Have you been naughty or nice? It may depend on your drink of choice. Leave it up to fate at Santa’s Secret Speakeasy located at The Blind Tiger Lounge. Enjoy a whimsical pop-up experience with a chic holiday twist and an edgy drink menu. Find out if you’ll be ordering from the Naughty or Nice List on arrival with a mysterious rotating menu—either way, you’ll be sipping on delicious specialty-crafted cocktails.
The top of Santa’s list may enjoy cozy beverages with a dash of liquor like Holiday Hug in a Mug featuring bourbon and sweet cream or Holly Jolly, an adult twist on hot cocoa. If you’ve been bad, don’t worry, naughty has never tasted so nice. The Naughty List menu features You’re a Mean One, a matcha and rumchata-filled delight and Jingle My Bells, a concoction of cranberry juice and tequila topped with rosemary.
Downtown Denver Ice Rink
Where: 16th & Arapahoe St, Denver
When: November 21 – February 2
The Lowdown: What better way to celebrate the magic of winter than gliding across the ice? Swizzle, Axel jump or fall gracefully at the Downtown Denver Rink. Take a date and make a figure eight, teach the little ones how to skate or boast your skills on the ice. Throughout December and January, Downtown Denver Rink goes beyond just ice skating, creating moments to celebrate. On Dec. 13, celebrate pop icon Taylor Swift’s birthday, throw on your hideous sweater for National Ugly Sweater Day on Dec. 20 and become a Dancing Queen on January 24th for Disco Abba Night. Make this holiday memorable through a symphony of leaps and spins on the ice.
1940s White Christmas Ball
Where: 7711 East Academy Boulevard, Denver
When: December 7th, 5:30 pm to 11:59 pm
The Lowdown: Take a trip back to a decade full of glitz and glamour at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum for the biggest holiday party of the season, the 1940s White Christmas Ball. Celebrating its 16th season, this year’s ball features the theme, “The Golden Age of Holiday”, an homage to Hollywood at its peak.
Dance the night away to the sounds of big band jazz acts like The 19 Piece Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, The Hot Tomatoes Big Band Dance Orchestra, The Satin Dollz and Frank Sinatra. The floor will be filled with vehicles of the 1940s and 50s, movie props and Christmas trees. Reserve a seat at the diner for an unforgettable meal and views of the main stage, and grab a drink and watch a special screening of the holiday classic, White Christmas. Visit the Dickens Christmas Village and step inside the 1938 A Christmas Carol. Put on your party dress or uniform, grab your sweetheart and celebrate the holidays in Denver the old-fashioned way.
General admission per person starts at $111.65.
Brunch at Four Mile Historic Park
Where: 715 S Forest St, Denver
When: Brunch with Father Christmas, December 14th at 10 am; Night Brunch, December 21st at 6 pm and 7 pm
The Lowdown: Four Mile Historic Park offers two delicious ways to participate in seasonal festivities this December. On Dec. 14, families may dine on a tasty buffet with the big man himself. The Four Mile holiday tradition, Brunch with Father Christmas, returns for an array of mouthwatering breakfast foods, cozy drinks, Victorian-era decorations and Colorado Christmas crafts. When everyone’s bellies are full, take a tractor ride through the farm, then get ready to hunt for the Yule Log!
The following weekend, adults can savor a festive brunch after 6 pm in celebration of the Winter Solstice at the Four Mile Night Brunch. Receive a welcome cocktail and burrito from Ramon’s Burritos upon arrival then indulge in an assortment of breakfast meats, eggs and a tater tot and toast bar. Guests can walk around the Yule Marketplace or listen to drag queens LaLaQueen, LuLu Krystals and Racquelle C Schelle during Drag Show Story Time. Elevate the experience with VIP and enjoy early access, bottomless mimosas and the opportunity to make a Yule Alter (a place to honor the energies associated with the festive season).
Brunch with Father Christmas tickets are $37 for those 17 and younger. Adult tickets are $47. Night Brunch tickets are $65 for general admission and $105 for VIP.
Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Where: 1385 Curtis Street, Denver
When: November 30th – December 29th
The Lowdown: Here come the twirling sugar plum fairies, dancing mice and marching candy soldiers, Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House to delight audiences. Tchaikovsky’s twinkling melodies and Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov’s enchanting choreography light up the stage bringing the whimsical world of The Nutcracker to Denver. Watch as childlike dreams come to life when a young girl’s Christmas Eve toy becomes a prince. It’s a timeless story that keeps the Christmas spirit alive.
Tickets for the Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker start at $50, but hurry, tickets are limited.