Christmas in Denver: Fun Holiday Events & Activities

Christmas in Denver is a magical time filled with lights, local charm, and plenty to do. Whether you're a local or planning a holiday vacation, there’s something fun for everyone. You’ll find holiday events and activities in Denver for families, couples, solo outings, and anyone excited to enjoy the season.

Finding the best Christmas things to do in Denver can be overwhelming with so many options. But we’ve made it easy for you. 

This guide highlights the top holiday events and activities in Denver — from light displays and markets to spa days and seasonal events. We’ll also share our favorite cozy escape, Oakwell Beer Spa, to help you rest between the holiday rush.

Ice Skating at Downtown Denver Rink

Enjoy the 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, and you can rent skates or grab snacks nearby. Its central location also makes it easy to pair with holiday shopping and other downtown activities.

Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the best outdoor activities in Denver, and Blossoms of Light brings holiday magic to the space. This annual event fills the gardens with colorful displays along a mile-long path. It’s also known as one of the nation’s best holiday light shows.

The gardens close on Christmas Day, but you can visit any other evening from 4:30 to 9 PM. Enjoy warm drinks and treats at Offshoots Café or the Hive Garden Bistro.

It holds several events every year, including:

• Blossoms of Light - A holiday light display at the gardens daily from 4:30 to 9 PM (closed on Christmas Day)
• Trail of Lights - A brightly-lit walking trail at Chatfield Farms on various evenings from 5 to 8:30 PM (closed on Christmas Day)
• Children and Family Make and Take: Harvest Wreaths - A seasonal wreath-making class on December 14th & 15th at 10 AM and 1 PM

Spa Day at Oakwell Beer Spa

Relax and recharge this Christmas in Denver with a spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa. The spa is open daily, except on Christmas Day, and is the perfect break from holiday events and shopping.

Choose from several spa packages, ideal for solo relaxation, a holiday date, or a group celebration. You can even book multiple rooms for a festive spa day party. 

Enjoy Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, an Infrared Sauna, and a Zero Gravity Massage for a unique spa experience you won’t find anywhere else. Before or after your treatments, unwind in the cozy taproom with craft beer, wine, cider, tea, or kombucha. Oakwell Beer Spa also offers a New Year’s Eve package to end the year refreshed and relaxed.

Winter Wonderland at Cherry Creek North

Winter Wonderland is one of the most family-friendly Christmas events in Denver. Walk through a neighborhood wrapped in a million sparkling lights across 600 trees.

While you explore, enjoy treats, holiday shopping, and festive activities. Events run through December, including Saturday Night Lights with Santa and a Chanukah Celebration on December 14th.

Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo

Zoo Lights returns with over three million holiday lights across 80 glowing acres. Wander through the zoo and spot animals like penguins, fish, and llamas as you enjoy the holiday spirit.

Zoo Lights runs daily through January 4th, except Christmas Day. There’s also a sensory-friendly experience on December 31st.

Create a Holiday-Themed Painting

If you're looking for creative things to do in Denver in December, join a painting class at Painting With a Twist. There are family- and adult-friendly classes on most days in December where you can paint a winter or holiday-themed picture, including a Christmas tree, cardinal, and holiday gift boxes. 

Each class includes painting materials and step-by-step instructions. The bar at Painting With a Twist also serves wine, beer, and soda.

Go on a Holiday Stroll in Five Points

Stroll, shop, dine, and mingle at the Five Points Holiday Stroll on December 10th from 2 to 6 PM. Five Points is one of Denver’s most lively areas, and you can spend the afternoon on Welton Street taking photos with Santa or the Grinch, listening to carolers, shopping for the holidays, and enjoying treats and warm drinks.

If you want to relax before or after the Holiday Stroll, stop at Oakwell Beer Spa in Five Points for a drink or spa treatment.

Watch the Parade of Lights in Downtown Denver

The 50th annual Parade of Lights is on December 7th at 6 PM. Watch over 40 decorated floats, marching bands, and special guest appearances stroll through Downtown Denver.

This is one of Denver’s most popular Christmas events, and it’s free to attend. There will also be food vendors and photo ops at the parade.

Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens Theme Park

Elitch Gardens lights up for Luminova Holidays throughout December. The park is open daily except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Walk through massive light displays, candy-cane tunnels, twinkling snowmen, and more. This is one of the most fun, festive activities for both kids and adults in Denver.

Play Holiday Lights Mini Golf

Get into the holiday spirit for holiday lights mini golf at Adventure Golf in Westminster, CO, about 20 minutes northwest of Downtown Denver. 

You can enjoy festive mini-golf throughout December with over 100,000 interactive lights on three courses. There will also be holiday treats and drinks for adults and children.

Denver Christkindlmarket at Civic Center Park

Celebrate Christmas in Denver at the Christkindlmarket, open daily through December 23rd. The park transforms into a European village with artisan gifts, handmade treats, and festive décor. Enjoy German bites and drinks, including Bavarian pretzels and mulled spiced wine.

Denver BAZAAR Holiday Markets

Denver BAZAAR hosts four holiday markets across Cherry Creek, Belleview, and Highlands Square. These markets feature local makers, craft vendors, and plenty of holiday shopping options. Expect colorful light displays, festive drinks, Christmas carolers, and a cheerful atmosphere at each location.

Christmas at The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton hosts a range of elegant yet welcoming Christmas events. Families can enjoy breakfast with Santa, gingerbread decorating, and kid-friendly activities. Adults can join festive happy hours that support local toy drives. 

There’s also a New Year’s Eve gala with dining and live entertainment for a special end to the year.

Take a Day Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

If you enjoy wintery scenery and snow activities, a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best things to do in December. The park is about an hour and a half from Denver and a lot less crowded this time of year.

During winter, the park is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, frozen waterfalls, and wildlife in the snow. You can also enjoy snowshoeing and sledding!

Christmas in Color at Red Rocks

Experience one of Colorado’s most unique light shows at Christmas in Color at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Red Rocks is known for its natural sandstone formations and world-famous outdoor concerts, making it a stunning backdrop for holiday lights.

This drive-thru show runs through December 28th and features millions of synchronized lights set to fun holiday music. This is an easy, cozy way to enjoy the season.

Denver Santa Bar Crawl

Whether you're looking to enjoy a night out with friends or a solo activity to meet new people, the Denver Santa Bar Crawl is perfect. Dress up, visit the city's best bars, and celebrate the season on December 13th. The bar crawl includes drink specials, waived cover fees, and a fun after-party. 

Christmas Lunch or Dinner at EDGE

EDGE Restaurant & Bar hosts its “Tinsel & Taste” Christmas Day buffet from 12 to 8 PM. The buffet features holiday classics, carving stations, a raw bar, and house-made desserts. Kids can also enjoy a special station with Christmas cookie decorating. 

Reservations for TInsel & Taste are recommended.

The Nutcracker at Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Watch the Colorado Ballet perform The Nutcracker throughout December at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. This classic show is perfect for all ages and adds timeless holiday charm to any trip.

The Ellie Caulkins Opera House is in the heart of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, making it easy to pair with dinner or other holiday activities downtown.

Hang Out at Denver Union Station

Denver Union Station is a historical landmark and train station in Downtown Denver, where you can eat, drink, and shop.

During the holiday season, you can also enjoy light displays and festivities. You can take photos with Santa at the Station on December 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd from 11 AM to 4 PM. Miracle at Union Station is also fun for adults, with a pop-up holiday-themed cocktail bar daily from 4 PM to midnight through December 24th.

Christmas in Denver Is Something Special

Christmas in Denver offers something for everyone — lights, markets, shows, food, and cozy winter fun. You’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate, whether you’re with family, friends, or solo. 

If you want to treat yourself to a memorable and relaxing spa day between holiday events, book your experience at Oakwell Beer Spa.