Denver in December is beautiful. The weather might be freezing but nothing beats sipping a warm cup of cocoa and checking out the light displays and shopping for gifts. The Mile High City celebrates holiday season with extravagant lights, sprawling markets, and plenty of festive attractions for all ages.
Also Read: 16 Most Charming Christmas Towns in Colorado
Denver Christkindlmarket
A German-style holiday market in downtown Denver. Wooden huts host European and local crafts, live music, warm drinks, and seasonal food. This is one of my favorite holiday events to attend in the Mile High City.
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
The York Street gardens are lit with immersive displays along a walking path. It’s one of Denver’s most loved light shows during the holiday season. Be sure to get tickets in advance as the light show can get pretty crowded on popular nights.
Also Read: Top Things to do in Denver for Families
Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo
The zoo is transformed with millions of lights and festive sculptures across its grounds. It runs through early January. Kids love the chance to see animal themed light displays as well as the chance to observe some animals by night.
Mile High Tree
This is a 110-foot digital light installation at the Civic Center Park. It includes LED displays set to music through the season. You can even walk under it to see the changing lights. The tree is surrounded by other large holiday light displays and is great to take photos with the family.
Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens
At Elitch Gardens theme park, Christmas is magical. The entire park is decked with massive holiday displays, tunnels of lights, interactive features, as well as fantastic thrill rides amid the festive decor. The tickets, while not inexpensive, offer lots of fun activities for the whole family. Order your tickets before Thanksgiving for most discounts.
Hudson Holidays at Hudson Gardens
One of the newer Christmas events in the Denver area! Hudson Gardens and Event Center in Littleton hosts a seasonal light show with decorated trees, light tunnels, and holiday scenes. Families can have fun strolling through the gardens and exploring the maze.
Georgetown Christmas Market
Just an hour outside of Denver, you will find Georgetown, Colorado. This mountain-town has a wonderful holiday market on the first two weekends of December. Expect outdoor stalls, horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, and traditional holiday charm.
A Christmas Carol at Denver Center for the Performing Arts
A theatrical production of this Dickens classic runs in Denver every holiday season. For several locals, A Christmas Carol is their favorite holiday tradition – and they love to watch as Scrooge tried to redeem himself on stage!
Parade of Lights
Denver’s annual parade features several elaborate floats, bands, performers, giant balloons, and special performances. The parade brings festive energy throughout downtown. It’s the perfect event to kickoff the holiday season and held first Saturday in December.
Also Read: 3 Days in Denver: A Mile High Itinerary
The Brown Palace Holiday Tea
The historic Brown Palace Hotel in Denver has been around since the Old West and Colorado Gold Rush days. It serves special holiday afternoon teas surrounded by festive décor. It’s a cozy and elegant way to experience the season – however the tickets to the tea get sold out months in advance so plan ahead.
Denver’s holiday offerings bring together traditional markets, dazzling light displays, immersive art experiences, and festive performances. From downtown parades to elegant teas and mountain-town charm, the season in Colorado’s capital feels truly magical.