Events Guides

PSST… Over 30 Holiday Events to Attend in Denver this Winter

Denver Botanic Gardens - Blossoms of Light

“WINTER IS COMING…”

OVER 30 HOLIDAY EVENTS TO ATTEND IN DENVER THIS WINTER

CAMP CHRISTMAS

Camp Christmas

When: November 21, 2019 – January 5, 2020

Where: The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace 

Time: Check Schedule Online

Cost: $8 – $21, Free for Children 2 & under

Camp Christmas is Denver’s newest holiday experience, where yuletide traditions of the past and present get merrily mashed together in a massive 10,000-square-foot wonderland. It’s not just pretty lights and mistletoe. This is where Marie Antoinette commands a Rococo sleigh, where ancient Roman festivals become Santa-fied, and where pink is more than just a color – it’s a place. Come in from the cold with your whole family and get wrapped in the ooey-gooey, odd and sweet rituals that have brought light to the darkness of winter for thousands of years.

THE RINK AT BELMAR
Belmar | The Denver Ear

Photograph courtesy of @Belmar

When: November 21 – January 19, 2020

Where: Belmar, 464 S Teller St, Lakewood, CO 80226

Time: View Schedule Online

Belmar kicks off its 15th season of ice skating with The Rink at Belmar. Whether it’s a family tradition or a first date, the center’s 7,000 sq. ft. outdoor ice rink located at the district’s Plaza is the place for good times this winter.

DENVER CHRISTKINDL MARKET
Denver Christkindl Market

Photo: ©Denver Christkindl Market

When: November 22 – December 23, 2019

Where: Skyline Park, 16th St Mall, Denver CO 80202

Time: View Schedule Online

Cost: Free

Denver Christkindl Market transforms Skyline Park into a magical “old world” European Christmas village, with wooden vendor huts, twinkling lights, festival music, and an authentic German Bier Hall.

Patrons will be transported to an authentic holiday market like the ones found in German public squares, to shop from thirty featured gift and craft artisans, bakers and chefs, many of whom have come to Denver from around the world.

THE STREETS AT SOUTHGLENN’S HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING & SANTA’S ARRIVAL

When: November 22, 2019

Where: Commons Park at The Streets at SouthGlenn, 200 E Commons Ave, Centennial, CO 80122

Time: 6pm

Cost: Free

The Streets at SouthGlenn will host its annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival at Commons Park. The event will feature a festive and fun kick-off to the Holiday season.

Santa Claus will board a holiday-themed Clydesdale Carriage and will follow toy soldier drummers and Rockette-style dancers to make a grand entrance into Commons Park. Santa will light up thousands of lights on the tree and surrounding areas, including The Cube Ice Rink.

L’ESPRIT DE NOËL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
L'Esprit de Noël Holiday Home Tour | The Denver Ear

Photo: ©Central City Opera

When: November 22 – 23, 2019

Where: University Park Neighborhood, 2160 S Cook St, Denver, CO 80210

Time: 10am –  4pm

Cost:  $28 – $50

Purchase Tickets Online

L’Esprit de Noël, Central City Opera Guild’s holiday home tour, marks 2019 as its 43rd year. This year’s tour is being held in the architecturally diverse University Park neighborhood, near the University of Denver campus. We hope the tour of these homes will put you in the holiday spirit and will provide you with new ideas for your very own home, with the season of family, friends and merriment upon us.

Psst… L’Esprit de Noël raises funds to help support programs of Central City Opera, including Education programs serving more than 80,000 people each year!

DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’S ICE SKATING RINK
Denver International Airport | The Denver Ear

Photo: ©Denver International Airport

When: November 22, 2019 – January 20, 2020

Where: Denver International Airport, 8500 Peña Blvd, Denver, CO 80249

Time: 9am – 9pm

Cost: Free

Enjoy a true Colorado winter experience on ice, complete with carolers and seasonal music, at Denver International Airport.

Psst… Complimentary skates available!

THE BROWN PALACE HOTEL & SPA’S CHAMPAGNE CASCADE
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection | The Denver Ear

Photo: ©The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection

When: November 24, 2019

Where: The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa

Time: 10am – 1pm

Cost: $20 – $175

Purchase Tickets Online

The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa‘s annual Champagne Cascade event features swordsman using sabers to sever the bottlenecks of champagne bottles and then pouring into the uppermost glass of an incredible two-story-high, 6,000+ glass pyramid. As the champagne flows, it cascades into the glasses below, creating a dazzling display for the hundreds of spectators. To top off the festivities, guests can enjoy a holiday-themed Afternoon Tea, featuring a twist on the cherished long-standing tradition.

DOWNTOWN DENVER RINK AT SKYLINE PARK
Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park | The Denver Ear

Photo: ©Downtown Denver Partnership

When: November 26, 2019 – February 16, 2020

Where: Skyline Park, 16th St, Denver, CO 80202

Time: Varies

View Schedule Online

Cost: Free Admission; $7 – $9 Skate Rentals.

The Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park will be open for free skating, fun and more to the heart of Downtown Denver.

DENVER BAZAAR 2019 HOLIDAY MARKETS
DenverBazaar | The Denver Ear

Photo: ©DenverBazaar

When: November 29 – December 22, 2019 [Select Dates]

Where & Time: Check Schedule Online

Cost: Free

Denver Bazaar is hosting three special holiday markets this season, the Stapleton Holiday Bazaar, Larimer Square Holiday Market and RiNo Holiday Market. Blending the best elements of local goods & fashions, food and drinks, music & more to create a unique shopping & sipping experience that locals know and love.

SANTA’S VILLAGE AT DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS AT CHATFIELD FARMS
Santa's Village at Chatfield Farms

Photo: ©Denver Botanic Gardens. Photo by Scott Dressel-Martin

When: November 29 – December 22, 2019 [Select dates]

Where: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms, 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton, CO 80128

Time: 4:30pm – 8:30pm

Cost: $15 – $20; Free for Children 2 & under

Purchase Tickets Online

Santa and his friends transform Chatfield Farms into a magical village! Hop on the hayride to catch a short movie at Santa’s Cinema or walk under the magical light displays. Stop at Elf Boulevard to drop off your letters to Santa. Let the kids play in a real elf house and see the elves hard at work. Enter a giant snow globe.

UNION STATION’S THE GRAND ILLUMINATION
Union Station's The Grand Illumination

Photo: Denver’s Union Station

When: November 29, 2019

Where: Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202

Time: 5pm – 8pm

Cost: Free

Join Denver Union Station for the ceremonious lighting of the building and their 40 foot-tall Plaza Christmas tree. Featuring a vintage holiday performance by the The Denver Dolls, holiday jingles by the Denver Bronze, and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Clause! Entertainment will take place from 5pm – 8pm. The lighting will take place at approximately 6:15pm.

A HUDSON CHRISTMAS
A Hudson Christmas

Photo: ©The Hudson Gardens & Event Center

When: November 29 – December 31, 2019

Where: Hudson Gardens Event Center, 6115 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120

Time: 5pm – 9pm

Cost: $8 – $10.50

Purchase Tickets Online

A Hudson Christmas has become a holiday tradition for thousands of families and friends from across the Denver area! Walk arm-in-arm with loved ones at this winter wonderland decorated with thousands of outdoor lights. Explore the trails where bursts of light and color wrap around trees, shimmer on bodies of water, illuminate happy faces, and bring a twinkle to your eye. Share your holiday wish list with Santa Claus, watch Christmas trees dance to holiday music, sip a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and stop for photo opportunities along the way.

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS’ BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT
Denver Botanic Gardens - Blossoms of Light

Photo: ©Denver Botanic Gardens. Photo by Scott Dressel-Martin

When: November 29 – January 3, 2020

Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206

Time: 5pm – 9pm

Cost: $14 – $21; Free for Children 2 & under

Purchase Tickets Online

Denver Botanic Gardens’ signature event for over three decades, Blossoms of Light, is an annual holiday lights extravaganza that transforms their York Street location into a twinkling winter wonderland. With fresh and exciting new features including a 360-degree immersive light experience, along with some fan favorites, this year’s display is brighter and more expansive than ever before. Join them for this family-friendly event that has become a holiday tradition for thousands of Front Range families.

ZOO LIGHTS AT DENVER ZOO
Denver Zoo Lights | The Denver Ear

Photo: ©Denver Zoo

When:  November 29 – December 30, 2019

Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205

Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Cost: $15 – $20

Purchase Tickets Online

For 29 years, Zoo Lights has been transforming Denver Zoo into Colorado’s wildest winter wonderland. And this year, they’re Illuminated with Life—from a spectrum of luminous new experiences to all kinds of unexpected holiday fun!

With more than two million lights sparkling over 80 acres, Zoo Lights is the perfect way to make special holiday memories in Denver’s most beloved community gathering place. Whether it’s a family tradition, fun with friends or date night, we invite you to light it up! Like Denver Zoo and our 3,000 wonderful animal residents, Zoo Lights is yours to explore.

MOVIE AT THE SYMPHONY: HOME ALONE IN CONCERT

Home Alone

When: November 29,  2019

Where: Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St, Denver, CO 80202

Time: 7:30pm

Cost: $25 – $99

Purchase Tickets Online

Movie at the Symphony: Home Alone in Concert is a holiday classic and features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live as the film is shown on large suspended screens in Boettcher Concert Hall!

MILE HIGH TREE
Mile High Tree

Photo: ©VISIT DENVER

When: November 30 2019 – January 31, 2020

Where: Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex 

Time: 5pm – 10:30pm

Cost: Free

Create a new family tradition and join in the free nightly festivities at Denver’s newest holiday attraction, including a dazzling lights and music show every 30 minutes throughout the evening. At 39-feet in diameter, the conical structure can host up to 140 guests at a time for an immersive viewing experience within the tree itself. The tree will be surrounded by dazzling, oversized holiday ornaments. The Mile High Tree is the largest installation of its kind in North America. The tree was created by ILMEX Illumination, a globally renowned decorative lighting production company in Spain. Madrid-based Brut Deluxe handled the lighting design using pixel-mapping technology.

FLETCH HOLIDAY MARKET AT DENVER SPORTS CASTLE
Fletch Markets

Photo: ©Fletch Markets

When: November 30 – December 15, 2019

Where: Denver Sports Castle

Time: Check Schedule Online

Cost: $5 per Weekend or $10 for all Weekends

For three weekends this winter, that gigantic, historic building on Broadway will be your home for all things holly-jolly. Fletch Holiday Market is so much more than shopping, though. They’re filling it with festive drinks, activities, and gifts for everyone on your list.

HORSESHOE HOLIDAY MARKET
Horseshoe Craft & Flea Market

Photo: ©Horseshoe Craft & Flea Market

When: November 30 – December 1, 2019

Where: Highlands Masonic Temple, 3550 Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80211

Time: 10am – 5pm

Cost: Free

The Horseshoe Market is celebrating its 10th season with the Horseshoe Holiday Market. Shop for unique gifts this holiday, taste gourmet eats from local food trucks, and enjoy the festive holiday atmosphere.

COLORADO BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER
Colorado Ballet's The Nutcracker | The Denver Ear

Photo: ©Colorado Ballet

When: November 30 – December 29, 2019

Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204

Time: Varies

Cost: $30 – $120

View Schedule & Purchase Tickets Online

Colorado Ballet‘s 59th annual production of The Nutcracker returns to Denver this holiday season.

The Nutcracker will feature more than 300 costumes, 30 Company dancers, 20 Studio Company dancers, 65 Academy dancers, scenery by José Varona and timeless choreography paired with Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary arrangement performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.

DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!

Photo: ©Denver Center for the Performing Arts

When: December 3 – 8, 2019

Where: Buell Theatre

Time & Cost: View Schedule Online

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations and helps transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, while the Music and Book of Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe new life into this timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas.

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS: MICKEY’S SEARCH PARTY
Disney on Ice: Mickey's Search Party

Photo: ©Disney on Ice

When: December 5 – 8, 2019

Where: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204

Time: Varies

Cost: $15 – $80; Free for Children under 2 on lap

Purchase Tickets Online

Join Mickey Mouse and his friends at Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, a brand-new adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts! Help them follow Captain Hook’s treasure map and look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell in immersive, fantastic worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco in Miguel’s Disney On Ice debut, sail away with Moana as she bravely saves her island, see Belle in the sky above you as the enchanted chandelier comes to life, and sing-along with Elsa in the icy world of Frozen. Make memories with your whole family during Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out magical celebration on the ice, in the air, and all around.

WINTERFEST ON SOUTH PEARL STREET
South Pearl Street

Photo: ©South Pearl Street

When: December 6 – December 7, 2019

Where: South Pearl Street, Denver CO 80210

Time: Friday 5pm – 9pm & Saturday 11am – 5pm

Cost: Free

South Pearl Street is hosting a WinterFest celebration for the entire family. WinterFest will include a Box Elder Horse and Wagon rides, a holiday market with gift and food vendors, local merchant open house, and appearances by Santa!

MOVIE AT THE SYMPHONY: LOVE ACTUALLY

Love Actually

When: December 6, 2019

Where: Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St, Denver, CO 80202

Time: 7:30pm

Cost: $20 – $94

Purchase Tickets Online

Movie at the Symphony: Love Actually is the ultimate romantic comedy from the makers of Bridget Jones’s Diary and Notting Hill. Funny, irresistible, and heartwarming, an all-star cast will take you on a breathtaking tour of love’s delightful twists and turns. Fall under the spell of Love Actually and share the laughs and charm again and again.

Movie screened with live orchestra performing full film score.

Psst… Stay for the credits, you’ll be glad you did!

9NEWS PARADE OF LIGHTS
9News Parade of Lights | The Denver Ear

Photo: ©9News Parade of Lights

When: December 6 – 7, 2019

Where: Starting at W Colfax Ave & Bannock St, Denver, CO 80202

Time: Friday 8pm & Saturday 6pm

Cost: Free

The 9NEWS Parade of Lights continues to be the signature event in Downtown Denver during the holidays. You won’t want to miss the sparkling lights, marching bands, giant balloons, dazzling floats and delightful characters as they take the streets of Downtown.

Psst… Spectator viewing for the Parade is free all along the two-mile route and grandstand tickets are available in front of the City & County Building.

1940S WHITE CHRISTMAS BALL
1940s White Christmas Ball

Photo: ©1940s Ball

When: December 7, 2019

Where: Hyatt Regency Downtown Denver Convention Center, 650 15th St, Denver, CO 80202

Time: 3:30pm – 12am

Cost: General Admission $75

Purchase Tickets Online

The 1940’s White Christmas Ball will transport back in time this holiday season for an unforgettably magical 40’s and 50’s holiday party. Mix, mingle and dance among vintage vehicles, movie set lights and props, re-enactors, sleighs, Christmas trees, and a canopy of glistening lights. Enjoy live music, costumes, reenactments of classic holiday films, sleigh rides, food, drinks, and dancing!

Psst… This event raises money for The Colorado 10th Mountain Division and The Commemorative Airforce!

CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHILDREN’S CHORALE
Colorado Children's Chorale | The Denver Ear

Photo: ©Colorado Children’s Chorale

When: December 7, 2019

Where: Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St, Denver, CO 80202

Time: 1pm – 3pm

Cost: $19 – $75

Purchase Tickets Online

Christmas with the Children’s Chorale, presented by Colorado Children’s Chorale, combines 400 young singers full of holiday spirit with traditions and stories of the season from around the world.

CLEO ROBINSON DANCE PRESENTS: GRANNY DANCES TO A HOLIDAY DRUM
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Photo: ©Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

When: December 7 – 22, 2019 [Select Dates]

Where: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Time: Varies

Cost: Check Schedule & Purchase Online

For 28 years Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) has been blending dance, live music, spoken word and seasonal celebrations and customs from around the world into a memorable tradition like none other. A Denver original, Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum is a family favorite that inspires audiences of all ages to discover, celebrate and honor the holiday traditions of cultures from around the world.

CELTIC WOMAN: THE BEST OF CHRISTMAS TOUR
Celtic Woman | The Denver Ear

Photo: ©Celtic Woman

When: December 8, 2019

Where: Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St, Denver, CO 80202

Time: 5pm

Cost: $15 – $89

Purchase Tickets Online

Celebrate this holiday season with the celestial voices of multi-platinum Irish singing sensation Celtic Woman with your Colorado Symphony. Featuring music from the all-female ensemble’s most favorite Yuletide songs performed by them over the years. Prepare for an enchanting and festive evening filled with mesmerizing music, performance, and holiday cheer.

MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER
Moscow Ballet

Photo: ©Moscow Ballet

When: December 13 – 14, 2019

Where: Paramount Theatre

Time: $29 – $99

Purchase Tickets Online

Moscow Ballet’s Gift of Christmas Tour – This Christmas give your family the gift of Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker! Step into a simpler time filled with sweet dreams and Christmas magic. With world-class artists, over 200 dazzling costumes, stunning sets, towering puppets and soaring birds, don’t miss your chance to ring in the holidays with this acclaimed Christmas extravaganza.

A COLORADO CHRISTMAS WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY
A Colorado Christmas | Colorado Symphony | The Denver Ear

Photo: ©Colorado Symphony

When: December 13 – 15, 2019

Where: Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St, Denver, CO 80202

Time & Cost: Varies. Check Schedule Online

A Colorado Christmas with the Colorado Symphony fill the Hall with festive seasonal favorites including ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, narrated from stage by beloved Denver vocalist Devin DeSantis! This family-friendly evening, led by guest conductor Timothy Semanik, features traditional Christmas carols, your favorite new winter tunes, and even some newly arranged surprises – all with a chance to sing along to your heart’s content! And you better not pout because Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to see who’s naughty and who’s nice in preparation for the big night!

BRUNCH WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS AT FOUR MILE HISTORIC PARK

When: December 14, 2019

Where: Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St., Denver 80246

Time: 10am – 12pm

Cost: $15 – $25, Free for Children 2 & under

Purchase Tickets Online

Four Mile Historic Park will be be ringing in the season with a special Brunch with Father Christmas. Families will feast on seasonal fare and participate in traditional holiday merrymaking.

DENVER JACKALOPE: AN INDIE ARTISAN FAIR
Jackalope Arts | The Denver Ear

Photo: ©Jackalope Arts

When: December 14 – 15, 2019

Where: Stanley Marketplace

Time: 11am – 7pm

Cost: Free

The Denver Jackalope: An Indie Artisan Fair is a weekend shopping destination featuring over 150 local, curated and hand-selected artisans, crafters, and DIY enthusiasts. Shoppers can expect to find trendsetting indie goods including original fashion and jewelry design, ceramics and paper goods, innovative home decor and housewares, art and photography, plus much more.

HOLIDAY BRASSFEST
Denver Brass

Photo: ©Denver Brass

When: December 14, 2019

Where: Denver Performing Arts Complex

Time: 10am – 1pm

Cost: Free concert; $10 – $22 to participate

Register to Participate Online

Join Denver Brass and 100+ other local musicians for a free public concert! All participants will receive their own music book and tips to get you in shape. There will be a morning rehearsal leading up to the concert.