Celebrate Christmas Weekend 2017 with the entire family this weekend in Denver with these special family-friendly holiday events!
Psst… Don’t forget to check out our guide for free family-friendly things to do in Denver this winter break too!
WHAT TO DO WITH KIDS IN DENVER THIS CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY WEEKEND 2017
DOWNTOWN DENVER RINK AT SKYLINE PARK
Photograph of @Downtown Denver Partnership
When: Friday, December 22nd through Monday, December 25th, 2017
Where: Skyline Park, 16th St, Denver, CO 80202
Time: Varies
View Schedule Online
Cost: Free Admission; $6 – $8 Skate Rentals.
Psst… Free Rentals on Sundays!
Ages: All Ages
The Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park will be open for free skating, fun and more to the heart of Downtown Denver.
DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM: BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Photograph courtesy of ©VISIT DENVER
When: Friday, December 22nd through Sunday, December 24th, 2017
Where: Downtown Aquarium, Denver, 700 Water St, Denver, CO 80211
Time: 8:30am
Cost: $12.99 – $18.99
Make Reservations at: (303) 561-4450
Ages: All Ages
Enjoy a special Breakfast with Santa along with Sharkey, for a delicious breakfast buffet, exhibit discounts and more at the Downtown Aquarium Denver!
DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’S ICE SKATING RINK
Photograph courtesy of ©Denver International Airport
When: Friday, December 22nd through Monday, December 25th, 2017
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 RINK AT BELMAR
Photograph courtesy of ©Denver Figure Skating Club
When: Friday, December 22nd through Sunday, December 24th, 2017
Where: Belmar, 464 S Teller St, Lakewood, CO 80226
Time: View Schedule Online
Cost: $5 – $9.50; Free for Seniors (65+) and Children 2 & Under
Belmar continues its 13th 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.
FINAL WEEKEND: DENVER CHRISTKINDL MARKET
Photograph courtesy of ©Denver Christkindl Market
When: Friday, December 22nd & Saturday, December 23rd, 2017
Where: Skyline Park, 16th St Mall, Denver CO 80202
Time: 11am – 9pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages
For the final weekend this holiday season, Denver Christkindl Market will transformsSkyline Park into a magical “old world” European Christmas village, with wooden vendor huts, twinkling lights, festival music, and an authentic German Bier Hall.
COLORADO BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER
Photograph courtesy of ©Colorado Ballet
When: Friday, December 22nd through Sunday, December 24th, 2017
Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204
Time: Friday & Saturday 1pm & 6:30pm, Sunday 1pm
Cost: $30 – $120
View Schedule & Purchase Tickets Online
Ages: All Ages
Colorado Ballet‘s 57th annual production of 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.
SANTA’S VILLAGE AT DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS AT CHATFIELD FARMS
Photo ©Denver Botanic Gardens. Photo by Scott Dressel-Martin
When: Friday, December 22nd through Sunday, December 24th, 2017
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
Ages: All Ages
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms is hosting Santa’s Village this holiday season. Meet Mrs. Claus, Santa and his reindeer while walking through colorful holiday lights that illuminate the night. Chatfield Farms will be transformed into a magical village. Hop on the hayride to catch a short movie at Santa’s cinema and find unique holiday gifts in his workshop.
A HUDSON CHRISTMAS
Photograph courtesy of ©Hudson Gardens Event Center
When: Friday, December 22nd through Sunday, December 24th, 2017
Where: Hudson Gardens Event Center, 6115 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120
Time: 5pm – 8pm
Cost: $6 – $9
Ages: All Ages
A Hudson Christmas is a premier holiday light show with thousands of twinkling lights in majestic trees, visits with Santa and memories for the whole family. Stroll along a festively decorated outdoor walking path as you sip hot chocolate and experience dazzling displays of color and sound. In addition, Nixon’s Coffee House will be open and selling a variety of hot beverages and snacks to enjoy.
ZOO LIGHTS AT DENVER ZOO
Photograph courtesy of ©Denver Zoo
When: Friday, December 22nd through Sunday, December 24th, 2017
Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205
Time: 5:30pm – 9pm
Cost: $9 – $17
Purchase Tickets Online
Ages: All Ages
Zoo Lights will span through 60 acres of Denver Zoo‘s campus, with nightly entertainment, animal encounters, Santa meet-and-greets and, of course, illuminated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns hide in bushes and appear in places where they’re least expected.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Photo Credit: ©Adams Visual Communications. Photograph courtesy of ©DCPA Press
When: Friday, December 22nd through Sunday, December 24th, 2017
Where: Stage Theatre, 1101 Speer Blvd, Denver, CO 80204
Time: Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 1:30pm & 7:30pm, Sunday 1:30pm & 6:30pm
Cost: Starting at $35
Purchase Tickets Online
A Christmas Carol, presented by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel.
Psst… In the Spirit of Giving: the Sunday 6:30pm show includes a $10 donation to the Student Matinee program!
DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE AT SCIENCE: THE POLAR EXPRESS 3D
Photograph courtesy of ©Warner Bros. Pictures
When: Saturday December 23rd & Sunday, December 24th, 2017
Where: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
Time: Saturday 8:30am & 7:30pm, Sunday 8:30am
Cost: $6 – $9.95
Purchase Tickets Online
Ages: Film Rated G
Enjoy the holiday-favorite film, “The Polar Express”, in 3D IMAX this holiday weekend, at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science!