This post is about the best things to do during Christmas in Denver, Colorado.
Looking for the best activities this holiday season in the mile high city? Well, we’ve got you covered!
Denver is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit because of their festive things to do. See light displays, do holiday shopping, drink festive cocktails and hot cocoa, or take a winter train ride.
A Colorado Christmas is so much fun as Christmas lights light up the streets of downtown Denver and the entire Denver area glows in holiday lights. These festive celebrations and special events are a great way for the whole family to spend quality time together.
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Related Links
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Know Before You Go
Don’t Expect A Winter Wonderland
While Denver is an awesome place to visit around Christmas time, it does not get as much snow as people typically think. Denver is located East of the Rocky Mountains, framing the city beautifully. However, this means Denver is at much lower elevation than these iconic mountains and in turn doesn’t get as much snow.
If you’re looking for a Christmas getaway with lots of snow falling around you, try checking out one of Colorado’s mountain towns to visit instead.
Book Events Early
Some activities on this list sell out fast and early. If there’s something you have your heart set on doing, be sure to book early or at least check their website for more information!
Things like the light show at the Bontanic Gardens sell out fast and early in the season.
Dress For the Weather
While snow is unusual for Denver in December, the temperatures stay cold! December and January are the coldest winter months for the city. Don’t let the cold weather deter you from the outdoor holiday events – dress warm!
Accommodation Recommendations
Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Downtown
For an affordable stay without sacrificing quality check out the Hampton. There is free breakfast, comfy beds, a pool, gym, and free wifi.
The Ramble Hotel
For a bit more luxury, The Ramble Hotel has a restaurant, bar, gym, free wifi, and gorgeous rooms with large windows.
Christmas in Denver
Denver Christkindlmarket
A Denver Christmas is not complete without visiting the Christkindlmarket German Market! This traditional German holiday market will capture your heart with its charming atmosphere.
There are 40+ vendors that participate in this annual holiday market; selling a variety of Christmas gifts, crafts, stocking stuffers, as well as food and drinks like pretzels, hot gluhwein, and pastries.
The market opens on November 22 this year and runs until December 23 at Civic Center Park. It is free to attend and also dog-friendly!
For more information or to see a list of vendors, check out their website.
The Parade of Lights
The Parade of Lights is commonly named Denver’s Favorite Tradition!
The parade features 40+ floats with live music, fun displays and of course special appearances from Major Waddles the penguin and Santa Claus himself.
The parade will take place on December 7 from 6 – 9pm MST. It is free to attend!
Try to arrive early to secure a good spot to see the parade.
Union Station’s Grand Illumination
The Grand Illumination event is another iconic Denver holiday event that takes place at the train station. The event is free with attractions like the lighting of a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree with over 7,000 lights, a visit from Mr and Mrs Santa Claus, holiday music, hot chocolate and coffee as well as other seasonal drinks, and other fun activities like face painting, balloon animals and caricatures.
The event occurs on November 29 at 4 pm at Denver’s Union Station.
Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light
The Botanic Gardens is a gorgeous place to visit any time of year, and Christmas is no exception!
The gardens are lit up in tons of dazzling lights, transforming the already beautiful grounds into something unforgettable.
There is also another event during this time at the Botanic Gardens named the Trail of Lights located by Chatfield Farms. The Trail of Lights is an mile-long trail littered with trees covered with festive lights – some that are even synced to music. The trail also has light tunnels and fun light sculptures that move.
Warm drinks and holiday treats are available to purchase at each event.
Tickets must be purchased online and sell out quickly – head to their website here to buy.
Ice Skating at Skyline Park
No Christmas vacation is complete without some classic ice skating – and what better place to do it than Skyline Park in Downtown Denver?
The lively atmosphere and central location in the city makes this a great choice for some skating.
Being close to the Denver center means more opportunities to check out other local businesses and food vendors in the area.
Ice Skating is free if you bring your own skates or you can rent some there. The rink is open from November 21 to February 2.
Ride the Royal Gorge Railroad
This is a day trip activity as it is about a 2 hour drive from Denver – but worth the excursion!
The Holiday Train Experience by Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a fun festive experience for everyone. The train route features incredible views of the beautiful Rocky Mountains featuring breakfast, lunch or dinner as well as cocktails.
Dress warm so you can wander outside in the open observation car, featuring 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and Arkansas River.
Tickets start at $89 for this 2 hour train ride, running from November to early January. It is advised to arrive one hour early to departure to pick up your tickets.
For more information and to purchase tickets head to this link here.
