The holiday season is just around the corner in Denver! Dazzling light displays, festive parades, and cozy neighborhood traditions fill the city with cheer. Sip cocoa under the glow of a million twinkling lights or explore one of Denver’s favorite winter festivals. Here are some of the most magical events to enjoy this season.
🚂 THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
When: Select dates November 7 –December 23, 2025
Where: Colorado Railroad Museum
Board a steam-powered train for an immersive holiday adventure with caroling, cocoa, and a visit from Santa.
🎄 Camp Christmas
When: November 14–December 24
Where: Stanley Marketplace, Aurora
Three themed pop-up bars, interactive holiday stations, Santa visits, and dazzling décor make this an unforgettable experience. New this year: Camp Christmas Express for a quick 15-minute holiday boost.
❄️ Winter Wanderland
When: November 20–December 24
Where: Cherry Creek North
Walk under nearly a million twinkling lights, visit the Cherry Creek Holiday Market, and explore festive pop-ups like the Mistletoe Lounge.
🌸 Blossoms of Light
When: November 21–January 12 (closed Nov. 27 & Dec. 25)
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens
The gardens come alive with thousands of colorful lights along a mile-long path, plus immersive displays and festive surprises.
🌟 Mile High Drone Show
When: November 21–December 31, nightly at 7 PM
Where: Tivoli Quad, Auraria Campus
Watch 600 drones create holiday-themed animations across Denver’s skyline — free and magical!
🌲 The Mile High Tree
When: November 21–December 31
Where: Tivoli Quad, Auraria Campus
Experience America’s tallest digital Christmas tree, complete with a light-and-music show and nearby Denver Christkindlmarket.
🦒 Zoo Lights
When: November 23–January 5
Where: Denver Zoo
Over a million lights illuminate the zoo for a wild winter wonderland experience, perfect for families.
🎅 Christmas at Gaylord Rockies
When: November 24–January 2
Where: Gaylord Rockies Resort
From ICE! sculptures featuring Dr. Seuss’ Grinch to holiday shows and festive activities, this is a full day of Christmas magic.
🦃 Harvesting Hope 5K – 10th Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Where: Central Park, Northeast Denver
Kick off Thanksgiving with a fun, family-friendly run or walk in Central Park to support Harvest Hope and give back to local families in need!
🏙️ Union Station Grand Illumination
When: November 28
Where: Denver Union Station
Denver’s 40-foot outdoor tree lights up with 7,000 sparkling lights — the perfect way to kick off the season.
🕯️ 2025 Candlelight Walk
When: November 28
Where: Main Street, Littleton
A festive parade, music, treats, and photos with Santa make for a charming small-town holiday experience.
🌲 Hudson Holidays
When: November 28–January 4
Where: Hudson Gardens & Events Center
Giant light displays, glowing reindeer, and a multi-colored forest make Hudson Holidays a festive family outing.
🎢 Elitch Holidays
When: November 28–January 4
Where: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
A wonderland of millions of lights, rides, holiday-themed activities, and interactive experiences.
✨ Trail of Lights
When: November 29–January 5
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, Littleton
Take a glowing stroll along a mile-long path lined with cottonwoods, boxelders, and pine trees — perfect for a winter evening walk.
⛸️ McGregor Square Ice Skating
When: Open Daily starting November 28
Where: McGregor Square Plaza
Enjoy outdoor ice skating in LoDo with rentals or bring your own skates; hot drinks and a festive atmosphere await.
🎭 The Nutcracker
When: November 29–December 28, 2025
Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Experience the magic of Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a beloved holiday tradition filled with dancing mice, Sugar Plums, swirling snowflakes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score!
🎅 Santa at the Station
When: November 30, Dec. 7, 14 & 21
Where: Denver Union Station
Free indoor visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus in The Great Hall. Optional “St. Nick Express Pass” for shorter wait times.
🎆 9NEWS Parade of Lights
When: December 6
Where: Downtown Denver
See festive floats, marching bands, helium balloons, and even Major Waddles the Penguin in this free, citywide celebration.
🎺 Holiday Brass
When: December 16
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall
Colorado Symphony Brass performs seasonal classics, from carols to movie favorites, in a show full of holiday cheer.
🎄 Christmas in Color – Red Rocks & Water World
When: November–December (exact dates vary)
Where: Morrison & Federal Heights
Drive through dazzling tunnels of lights and holiday displays — keep cozy in your car while the lights dance to music!
🎆 New Year’s Eve Fireworks
When: December 31
Where: 16th Street Mall, Downtown Denver
Celebrate the new year with two spectacular fireworks shows at 9 PM and midnight.
The Mile High City is brimming with holiday cheer this season! Bundle up, grab some cocoa, and explore the lights, markets, and magical experiences Denver has to offer — there’s truly something for everyone. 🌟
Did we miss your favorite holiday event? Reach out and we will add it to the list!
Featured Image: Visit Denver
