Spice up your schedule this December and choose your own adventure with this ultimate list of cheerful events  

The city of Denver is full of events each holiday season, and it can be challenging to choose events that align with your schedule.

While sitting around digesting Thanksgiving dinner, here’s a list of ideas to help pack a schedule full of festive fun for the holiday season: 

Holiday pop-up bars and dining  

1. ‘Atomic Christmas’ at Atomic Cowboy – Sip festive cocktails in an over-the-top decorated atmosphere, featuring a hot chocolate bar, Christmas movies and music. Signature drinks include, a ‘North Pole Nightcap’ (festive twist on an espresso martini), ‘Sugar Cookie Shots,’ ‘Fizz the Season’ sparkling cocktail, and a ‘Jolly & Toasted’ old fashioned. In addition to the pop-up bar, Atomic Cowboy will be gathering unwrapped gifts for the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver from now to Dec. 18.  
   WHERE: All Atomic Cowboy locations throughout Colorado  
    

2. ‘Starlight Lounge’ at Retrograde – A holiday bar with romantic winter wonderland vibes decorated in silver and gold decor. Monday through Thursday, guests can enjoy $1 off drinks plus a free mini ice cream cone pairing.  
   WHERE: Retrograde 530 E 19th Ave, Denver, CO 
    

3. ‘Snowdrift’ at Adrift Tiki Bar – Immerse yourself in a holiday experience unlike any other at Snowdrift’s tropical winter paradise featuring snowcapped palm trees and powdery snow. Tiki meets tinsel with a festive menu with seasonal cocktail mixes like ‘Deck the Palms’ holiday twist on a tiki classic, a ‘Ba Hum Butter’ hot buttered rum, a holiday themed Negroni ‘Partridge in a Pear Tree,’ in addition to seasonal punch bowls, non-alcoholic beverages as well as seasonal appetizers.  
   WHERE: Adrift Tiki Bar 218 S Broadway, Denver, CO
   

4. Christmas Pop Up at Church and Union – A winter wonderland awaits you at the downstairs dining room at Church and Union in Denver, with a seasonal menu and festive cocktails such as the ‘Ho Ho Horchata.’ Church an Union will also be hosting a New Year’s Eve event featuring a 3-course prix-fixe menu and champagne.  
   WHERE: Church and Union 1433 17th St #150, Denver, CO
    

5. Jingle Bao Rock at Bao Brew House – Whether you’re naughty or nice, everyone is invited to the ‘Jingle Bao Rock.’ Enjoy festive movies, cocktails and music at the Bao Brew House between Nov. 28 and Jan. 4 and even a festive ‘Holi-Slaysian’ drag brunch and a ‘Disco and Dumplings’ holiday event in December.  
   WHERE: Bao Brewhouse 1317 14th St, Denver, CO 
    

6. High Tea at the Brown Palace – Afternoon high teas at the Brown Palace are a classic holiday tradition for many Denverites. The extravagant holiday decor that adorns the hotel in combination with live music like piano or hard add to the holiday ambiance. Warm yourself up on a snowy day with hot tea, pastries and finger sandwiches with add ons like champagne to help you feel extra fancy for the holidays.  
   WHERE: The Brown Palace 321 17th St, Denver, CO
    

Activities & Holiday lights 

1. Holiday Lights Mini Golf at Adventure Golf & Raceway – Open nightly, enjoy a stroll through three different mini golf courses that feature 100,000 magical holiday-themed lights for the holidays. Weather permitting you can put your putting skills to the test, all while enjoying the holiday lights. A perfect two-for one activity for families with younger kids.  
   WHEN: Nov. 8 – Jan. 5 
   WHERE: Adventure Golf & Raceway 9650 Sheridan Boulevard, Westminster, CO 

2. McGregor Skate – Don’t miss out on ice skating this season with McGregor Skate. With the Downtown Denver rink closed for the season, McGregor offers a perfect spot in the city to enjoy twinkling lights and romantic glides across the smooth ice.  
   WHEN: Grand opening of the rink will be on Nov. 28 and stay as a winter activity, weather permitting. Admission $6 if you bring your own skates, $15 for admission with skate rentals.  
   WHERE: McGregor Square, 1901 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 

3. Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens – Vibrant holiday light displays and immersive installations transform the garden into a sparkling wonderland. Celebrate 40 years with the Denver Botanic Gardens at their Blossoms of Light Birthday Bash on Dec. 3 which features complimentary cupcakes, cookies as well as additional drinks and bites.  
   WHEN: Nov. 21, to Jan. 11. Birthday Bash on Dec. 3.
   WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St, Denver, CO 
     

4. Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo – A family-friendly tradition perfect for all ages and one of Denver’s most popular events. Stroll through 80 acres of sparkling lights, animated animal-themed light sculptures and festive food and drink alongside the zoo animals.  
   WHEN: This event will only be offered on select nights Nov. 24 – Jan. 4. Tickets start at $26 for adults and seniors and $19 for kids 3 and up (kids 2 and under are free).  
   WHERE: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance 2900 E 23rd Ave, Denver, CO
   Tip from someone who’s been: Pack a couple thermoses of hot cocoa and some reusable coffee tumblers to stay warm and cozy while you stroll through the zoo. For families with small children, don’t forget to reserve a wagon and bring some cozy blankets and dress in layers for the kids to stay warm for the best experience.
    

5. 9NEWS Parade of Lights – For one night only, Saturday, Dec. 6, the streets of downtown Denver will be flooded with over 40 floats, giant balloons, marching bands, equestrian units, cultural displays, and special guest appearances. This year the parade will include a pop-up Parade Village at Skyline Park which will feature food, coffee, vendor booths and a chance to connect with Denver Summit FC.  
   WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 6 
   WHERE: Get the full parade map here 
    

6. Magical Winter Nights at The Denver Museum of Nature and Science – Step into a winter wonderland and walk below dazzling stars in a northern, night sky. Walk at your own pace through select areas of the Museum, specifically the West Atrium and Third Floor diorama halls which have been transformed into winter worlds with curated experiences like fireside cocktails and cocoa, an indoor ice-less rink and an indoor Northern Lights experience.  
   WHEN: This event runs from Thursday, Nov. 20 – Sunday, Jan. 4, with special 21+ events on Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18.  
   WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO
    

7. Christmas in Color at Water World – This drive through light show is perfect for those who want to enjoy the lights from the comfort of their own vehicles, without the fuss of having to drive around neighborhoods or follow a holiday lights map.  Drive through tunnels with over 1.5 million lights tuned to the holiday music on your radio. Don’t forget your hot cocoa and camera for the car ride! General admission tickets start at $34.99.  
   WHEN: Nov. 28 – Dec. 27  
   WHERE: Water World Christmas in Color 8801 N Pecos St, Federal Heights, CO 

8. Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens – A fresh take on Elitch Holidays, with over 4 million twinkling lights bringing holiday cheer to the amusement park. Ride roller coasters, meet Santa, take unforgettable holiday pictures or see a holiday show in the Trocadero Theatre ‘Spirit of the Season.’  
   WHEN: Tickets are $24.99 and the event runs between Nov. 28 and Jan. 4.  
   WHERE: Elitch Gardens 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO
    

9. Krampus The Fright Before Christmas at 13^th Floor – Each holiday season, after the Halloween haunts have ended, 13^th Floor transforms into a Christmas wonderland, minus the glitter, sparkles and snowflakes. If you’ve wanted to experience the Krampus festivals in Austria but don’t have the extra money for a plane ticket – Krampus is closer to home than you might have thought. More than just Krampus, this holiday haunt features a truly chilling experience.  
   WHEN: This event is only on the weekend of Dec. 12 –14 
   WHERE: 13th Floor Haunted House Denver 3400 E 52nd Ave, Denver, CO

Markets and shopping 

1. Denver Christkindl Market – A beloved holiday tradition in Denver, this authentic, German-style holiday market has a new location this year at Auraria Campus. WHEN: The market will feature artisan vendors creating handcrafted gifts, food, and holiday lights displays. This year also features a Western Carousel, the holiday drone show and a Krampus Nacht! 
   WHEN: Nov. 21 to Dec. 23 
   WHERE: Tivoli Quad 1000 Larimer St, Denver, CO 
   Tip from someone who’s been: Go during the day for low parking rates and be sure to check out the glass blowing to create your own ornament. Stop for a beer at Tivoli Brewing Company or across the street at Brooklyn’s at Ball Arena.

2. Cherry Creek Holiday Market – Choose a holiday gift for your family from the artists at the holiday market in Cherry Creek. This market is located at the Fillmore Plaza in Cherry Creek North. Shop from local small businesses with a selection of over 45+ rotating local makers, designers and outdoors creators.  
   WHEN: Nov. 20 – Dec. 24 
   ^{WHERE: 105 Fillmore St, Denver, CO 80206} 
    

3. RiNo Holiday Market by Denver Bazaar – Another holiday themed pop-up market, Denver Bazaar is hosting five weekends of shopping, sipping, and sugar-high holiday vibes in Denver’s RiNo district. Shop local with 60+ local Denver vendors, hand-crafting gifts, decor, and holiday treats. Take a syrup shot to really get yourself in the holiday spirit.  
   WHEN: The market runs Nov. 21 – Dec. 21, Fridays and Saturdays.  
   WHERE: 2620 Walnut St, Denver, CO 

Drive a little for 

1. Santa’s Lighted Forest Georgetown Express – A truly magical train experience for the whole family, the Georgetown Loop takes you along a track that is decorated with more than 300,000 holiday lights. On-board snacks and beverage service, including special holiday cocktails available for purchase. Tickets for this event sell out fast.
   WHEN: There are various dates throughout the month of December for different experiences, so it’s best to check here for the experience you want.
   WHERE: 646 Loop Dr, Georgetown, CO

2. Polar Express train Durango – This train experience is perfect for young children and parents who love the Polar Express. Feel the nostalgia and magic that you remember from the children’s book and grab your golden ticket to board the train. Listen to a reading from Santa himself as the train makes its way to the North Pole. You’ll even get a silver bell at the end to commemorate your trip.
   WHEN: This even runs from Nov. 28 – Jan. 3 with limited slots available for the season.
   WHERE: 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO
   Tip from someone who’s been: Warm up after your winter adventure with a beer and classic Colorado cuisine at Carver Brewing Company. Don’t forget to wear your pajamas to really get into character and feel the magic.

3. Broadmoor Gingerbread House Display – If you’re feeling a little fancy this holiday, The Broadmoor is a great stop to enjoy festive treasures and treats with a bougie vibe. The Gingerbread house display changes year to year with last year’s gingerbread was Santa riding on a golf cart – which was a tribute to the Broadmoor hosting the U.S. Senior Open Championship in June 2025 – featuring thousands of pounds of flour, butter and sugar. This year’s gingerbread is being cooked as this is typed.
   WHEN: The month of December is ample viewing time. The gingerbread viewing experience is not exclusive to guests.
   WHERE: 1 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, CO
   Tip from someone who’s been: If you are feeling extra fancy, enjoy a Sunday Brunch at the Broadmoor in the morning, or grab a lunch at The Golden Bee, and spend the day enjoying views of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak or shop in Manitou Springs. Then go back to see the gingerbread house at nighttime.

4. The North Pole in Colorado Springs – Sitting at 7,500 feet above sea level, at the base of Pikes Peak, sits Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole. Surrounded by forest and sweeping views of Colorado Springs, this is a great stop for families with children who still believe in Christmas. With a lifelike Santa Claus, a train and amusement park rides, it is worth the drive from Denver to experience this uniquely magical place.
   WHEN: The North Pole is open year-round, but during peak season and days starting Nov. 1. Tickets start at $35 per person, everyone age 3 and over.
   WHERE: 5050 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO

Free and Easy Finds 

1. Westminster City Hall Holiday Display – This small holiday display features a a candy-cane lined sidewalk, train and Christmas tree, making for a perfect spot to enjoy holiday lights with the family for free. The city is hosting a tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 6.
   WHERE: Westminster City Office 4800 W 92nd Ave, Westminster, CO
2. Denver Union Station – The train station is decorated inside and outside each holiday season with a large tree and light displays. Each Sunday Union Station is hosting free visits with Santa.
   WHERE: Union Station 701 Wynkoop, Denver, CO
3. Light the Lights – Each night the City and County building in downtown Denver will light up between the hours of 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. until Jan. 26, the lights will keep lighting until after the Stock Show.
   WHERE: City & County of Denver​ Building 1437 Bannock St, Denver, CO