Psst… Check out a complete guide for Denver winter holiday events, a month-full December event guide, the Santa Claus city map, and special memorable Colorado experiences this season!
WHAT TO DO WITH KIDS IN DENVER THIS WEEKEND DECEMBER 8 – 10, 2017
DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS: FOLLOW YOUR HEART
Photograph courtesy of ©Disney On Ice!
When: Friday, December 8th through Sunday, December 10th, 2017
Where: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204
Time: Friday 11am & 7pm, Saturday 11am, 3pm & 7pm; Sunday 1pm & 5pm
Cost: $20 – $80; Free for Children under 2 on lap
Purchase Tickets Online
Ages: All Ages
Follow Your Heart straight to adventure at Disney On Ice! Just keep swimming with Dory and new pal Hank from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory as they set out to find her parents and discover the devotion of family. Cheer with Joy, Sadness, and the rest of the Emotions from Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out as they work together to boost Riley’s spirit and win the big hockey game.
Make unforgettable memories with Mickey, Minnie and all your Disney friends.
DOWNTOWN DENVER RINK AT SKYLINE PARK
Photo Credit: ©The Denver Ear
When: Friday, December 8th through Sunday, December 10th, 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.
DENVER CHRISTKINDL MARKET
Photograph courtesy of ©Denver Christkindl Market
When: Friday, December 8th through Sunday, December 10th, 2017
Where: Skyline Park, 16th St Mall, Denver CO 80202
Time: Friday & Saturday 11am – 9pm, Sunday 11am – 7pm
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.
THORNTON WINTERFEST
Photograph courtesy of ©City of Thornton
When: Friday, December 8th through Sunday, December 10th, 2017
Where: Carpenter Park Fields, 11000 Colorado Blvd, Thornton, CO 80233
Time: Friday 6:30pm – 9pm, Saturday 10am – 9pm, Sunday 5pm – 9pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages
City of Thornton’s annual WinterFest celebration features a Santa’s Village, elves making toys, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, ice skating, North Pole nibbles, live music, a holiday bazaar and more!
DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS’ BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT
Photograph courtesy of ©Denver Botanic Gardens
When: Friday, December 8th through Sunday, December 10th, 2017
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206
Time: 5pm – 9pm
Cost: $15 – $20; Free for Children 2 & Under
Purchase Tickets Online
Ages: All Ages
Denver Botanic Gardens presents the Blossoms of Light, an annual family-friendly event that has become a tradition.
This annual holiday lights extravaganza transforms the York Street location’s Gardens into a twinkling winter wonderland, and includes an interactive light display, featuring a large field of sound-reactive, animated LED lights, Holiday treats, warm drinks, and a souvenir mug.
DENVER ZOO LIGHTS
Photograph courtesy of ©Denver Zoo
When:
Friday, December 8th through Sunday, December 10th, 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.
TINY HOUSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE
Photograph courtesy of ©Colorado Tiny House Festival
When: Saturday, December 9th & Sunday, December 10th, 2017
Where: The Shops at Northfield Stapleton, 8340 Northfield Blvd, Denver, CO 80238
Time: 10am – 6pm
Cost: $5
Purchase Tickets Online
Ages: All Ages
Have you ever wanted to see a tiny house festively decorated and on display for the holidays? What about ten of them? Visit the Tiny House Holiday Village, Presented by Colorado Tiny House Festival, and talk to the tiny house professionals about all things tiny!
CHERRY CREEK NORTH’S WINTER FEST ON FILLMORE PLAZA
Photograph courtesy of ©Cherry Creek North
When: Saturday, December 9th, 2017
Where: Fillmore Plaza, Denver, CO 80206
Time: 10am – 2pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages
Experience the true joy of the holiday season, including winter itself at Winter Fest on Fillmore Plaza and at participating businesses throughout the Cherry Creek North area.
This festive celebration will culminate on Fillmore Plaza, transforming the street into a winter wonderland, featuring: Live ice carving, temporary fire pits, face painting, and complimentary treats and warm beverages.
Businesses throughout the area will also be hosting Winter Fest activities, such as ornament decorating, entertainment and more.
YES PLEASE MAKERS MARKET
Photograph courtesy of ©Yes Please
When: Saturday, December 9th, 2017
Where: 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free
Register Online
Ages: All Ages
In honor of their grand opening, Moore Collection x Craft Boner = Yes Please, a new retail shop in North Denver, is hosting it’s first (and only) special Yes Please Makers Market. The Makers Market will feature over unique items and gifts from over 50 vendors.
DENVER JACKALOPE: AN INDIE ARTISAN FAIR
Photograph courtesy of ©Jackalope Arts
When: Saturday, December 9th & Sunday, December 10th, 2017
Where: McNichols Civic Center Building, 144 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages
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.
PARKER’S CHRISTMAS CARRIAGE PARADE
Photograph courtesy of ©Town of Parker
When: Saturday, December 9th, 2017
Where: Downtown Parker, CO 80138
Psst… View Parade Route Online
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages
Continue the holiday tradition in downtown Parker at the Christmas Carriage Parade! See spectacular marching bands, equestrian entries and catch a glimpse of Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
DENVER HAHO HOLIDAY MARKET
Photograph courtesy of ©Denver Handmade Homemade (HAHO) Market
When: Saturday, December 9th & Sunday, December 10th, 2017
Where: 970 Yuma St, Denver, CO 80204
Time: 12pm – 5pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages
The 6th Annual Denver Handmade Homemade Holiday Market is a special two-day event featuring different local makers each day along with live music, food trucks, stick & poke, and plenty of other surprises!
FREE DAY: DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE
Photograph courtesy of ©Denver Museum of Nature & Science
When: Sunday, December 10th, 2017
Where: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
Time: 9am – 5pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages
Enjoy a free day at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, made possible by your Scientific & Cultural Facilities District.