Christmas in Denver: Fun Ways to Celebrate the Holiday

Denver is one of the best places to visit for Christmas, with so many fun festivities and winter activities. 

If you’re hoping for a snowy Christmas in Denver, you might be in luck! According to the Christmas Day weather statistics, there’s a 36% chance of at least one inch of snow on Christmas Day. And if you want a better chance of seeing snow, you can take a Christmas day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, about an hour and a half north of Denver.

What is there to do in Denver at Christmas time?

There are so many holiday activities in Denver at Christmas time, from holiday markets and relaxing spa days to festive events and Christmas Day dinners. Below, we'll share our favorite festive things to do in December!

Ice Skating at the Downtown Denver Rink

Enjoy the holiday season on the ice at the Downtown Denver Rink in Civic Center Park. The rink is open through January, including Christmas Day.

Skating is free at Downtown Denver Rink, but you can rent skate gear and buy food and drinks.

Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens

Experience holiday magic at Blossoms of Light, an annual display of festive lights and colors at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Although the gardens are closed on Christmas Day, you can enjoy the Blossoms of Lights any other day from 4:30 to 9 PM during the holiday season.

Blossoms of Lights is known as one of the best holiday light shows in the nation. You can stroll through a mile-long path lined with immersive light displays that highlight seasonal plant collections.

Enjoy holiday treats and warm drinks at Offshoots Café and the Hive Garden Bistro in the gardens.

Spa Day at Oakwell Beer Spa

Unwind this holiday season at Oakwell Beer Spa, open daily except for Christmas Day. Take a break from holiday shopping and events, and treat yourself to a relaxing spa day.

Oakwell Beer Spa offers various spa day packages, whether you want to plan a holiday date with friends or your significant other. You can also rent multiple spa rooms for a holiday spa day party.

Experience rejuvenating spa treatments, including Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, an Infrared Sauna, and a Zero Gravity Massage. Oakwell Beer Spa also has a cozy self-serve taproom where you can enjoy locally brewed craft beer, wine, cider, tea, and kombucha.

Winter Wonderland at Cherry Creek North

Winter Wonderland is one of the best family-friendly Christmas activities in Denver. Enjoy a collection of free outdoor events surrounded by a million sparkling lights wrapping over 600 trees throughout the Cherry Creek North neighborhood.

Do holiday shopping, enjoy festive treats, and attend festive events. Activities run through December, and events include Saturday Night Lights, with a Santa meet-and-greet, and a Chanukah Celebration on December 29th. 

Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo

Zoo Lights is back for its annual tradition, with 80 acres boasting over three million holiday lights at Denver Zoo. Get into the holiday spirit as you stroll through the illuminating zoo and see unique animals, including fish, penguins, and llamas.

Zoo Lights runs daily through January 5th, except for Christmas Day. On December 31st, you can enjoy a sensory-friendly experience.

Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens Theme Park

Elitch Gardens Theme Park is back for its annual Luminova Holidays throughout December, open daily except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Enjoy festive, holiday-themed experiences, treats, and photo ops. The park is covered with huge light displays, candy cane tunnels, twinkling snowmen, and more. This is the perfect kid and adult-friendly holiday activity in Denver!

Denver Christkindlmarket at Civic Center Park

Celebrate Christmas in Denver at Christkindlmarket, a German holiday experience that runs daily through December 22nd. 

Stroll through Civic Center Park's decorated European village and shop for artisan gifts and treats at unique wooden huts. You can also enjoy German bites and drinks, including mulled spiced wine and Bavarian-style pretzels.

Holiday BAZAAR at Larimer Square

Stroll through Larimer Square for the Holiday BAZAAR on December 5th through 15th and 17th through 22nd.

With 50+ local makers and craft vendors, the Holiday BAZAAR is the perfect place to go Christmas shopping. There are also colorful light shows, festive drinks, Christmas carolers, and more.

Breakfast with Santa at The Ritz-Carlton

If you’re looking for fun Christmas in Denver events for kids, have Breakfast with Santa on December 14th. 

Experience a magical morning with the whole family with delicious food, festive games, and a special visit from Santa. There will also be cookie decorating!

Christmas in Color at Red Rocks

See one of the best light shows in Colorado at Christmas in Color at Red Rocks Amphitheatre through January 4th. 

Hop in the car for this drive-thru light show, which displays millions of lights – perfect for viewing while listening to fun holiday tunes!

Denver Santa Bar Crawl

Drink, socialize, and be festive at the Denver Santa Bar Crawl on December 14th. 

Get dressed up and enjoy the holiday season while visiting some of Denver’s best bars. Enjoy drink specials, waived cover fees, and a free after-party. 

Christmas Lunch or Dinner at EDGE

Celebrate Christmas in Denver with a delicious lunch or dinner buffet at EDGE on Christmas Day. If you’re not up for cooking or you’re visiting Denver for the holidays, a fancy dinner out is the perfect solution!

On Christmas from 12 to 8 PM, EDGE will serve a delicious spread of holiday classics with a creative twist. Reservations are required.

The Nutcracker at Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Enjoy the Colorado Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker, back at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, throughout December on various days and times. 

This show is perfect for all ages to enjoy The Nutcracker’s timeless tradition and festive spirit. 

Santa’s Little Man Ice Cream Factory

Satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season at Santa’s Little Man Ice Cream Factory, which will run through January 2nd.

At Santa’s Factory, you can enjoy twinkling lights, Elfie-Selfie walls, pictures with Santa, crafting with elves, and more. You can also shop for holiday treats and enjoy Little Man’s iconic ice cream.

Christmas in Denver: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and are excited to enjoy the best Christmas activities in Denver. With festivities happening all month and many on Christmas day, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season!

If you’re ready to start planning Christmas activities in Denver and want to enjoy a cozy spa day, book your Oakwell Beer Spa experience in advance!