The Best Denver Holiday Events & Activities: A Complete Guide for 2021
Denver offers so many ways to celebrate the holiday season! There’s something for everyone from winter wonderlands and holiday markets to bar crawls and spa days. This 2021 guide will take you through some of the most iconic and unique Denver holiday events and activities for families, friend groups, couples, coworkers, and more.
Let’s take a look at how you can celebrate a Denver, Colorado Christmas, holiday season, and New Year!
What Are the Best Denver Holiday Events & Activities?
Looking for some of the best Christmas lights in Denver or where you take the little ones to see Santa? Maybe you’re interested in brewery events or New Year’s celebrations. No matter how you’d like to spend your holiday season, we’ve got great ideas for everyone!
Take a Christmas Beer and Cookie Tour
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than by tasting delicious beer and cookies? Join Denver Microbrew Tour and visit 4 breweries in the RiNo area. At each stop, you’ll get to try local beers, ciders, and cookies. This is the perfect activity for work parties, friend get-togethers, and Denver travelers!
When: December 5th – 30th, every Thursday and Sunday, times vary
Where: Starts at Ratio Beerworks, 2920 Larimer St.
Explore Winter Wanderland
There’s holiday joy for everyone at Denver’s Winter Wanderland. Marvel at more than 600 trees wrapped with almost a million twinkling lights – talk about a great photo op! As you explore, you can find opportunities for shopping, Saturday night light shows, and various Denver holiday events.
When: November 18th – December 31st, 10 AM to 10 PM
Where: Cherry Creek North, 2401 E. 2nd Ave., Suite 150
Go Ice Skating
Bundle up and hit the Downtown Denver ice rink amidst holiday lights, music, and events. Best of all, it’s free to visit and skate!
When: November 24th – February 2022
Where: Skyline Park, 1601 Arapahoe St.
Visit Santa
If you’re looking for Denver holiday events for children, visiting Santa is a must! Your little ones can share their Christmas wishes at several locations, including Denver Union Station, McGregor Square, the Downtown Aquarium, and more.
If you have a child with special needs, you can also make a reservation for a Sensory Friendly Santa Experience.
When: all season long, times vary
Where: Check out this map of Santa-sightings with more information.
Relax at the Spa
It’s no secret how exhausting the holiday season can be. Take a break from holiday shopping, decorating, and events by enjoying a day at the spa. Oakwell Beer Spa in Denver offers a one-of-a-kind spa day experience. Kick back and relax in a hydrotherapy beer bath, detox in the sauna, and check out the cozy craft beer taproom. This is also the perfect NYE date!
When: 7 days a week, 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Where: Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, 3004 N Downing St.
Shop and Sip at a Holiday Market
Shop for unique gifts at Cherry Creek’s holiday market. It features 30 local makers, creators, and designers. From apparel and art to local coffee and woodwork, it’s easy to check off your entire shopping list! You can also find local live music and a full bar with festive drinks.
When: November 18th – 24th, 7 days a week, times vary
Where: Fillmore Plaza, 105 Fillmore St. Suite 105
See the Mile-High Tree
We can thank the Mile-High Tree for some of the incredible Downtown Denver lights! This giant, 110-foot tall art installation is beautifully lit up for the season and is the largest installation of its kind in all of North America. You can step inside or see it from afar and, of course, it makes a great photo-op. While lit, it also features festive and diverse holiday songs.
When: November 19th – January 1st, 7 days a week, 5 PM to 10 PM
Where: 16th Street Mall at Welton Street
Visit a German Holiday Market
Denver’s authentic German holiday market, Christkindlemarket offers warmth and holiday cheer throughout alleys in the heart of the city. Stroll through the charming streets lined with gift shops, small businesses, and biergartens. Enjoy holiday music while you shop, attend events, and enjoy local entertainment.
When: November 19th – December 23rd, 7 days a week
Where: Civic Center Park, 101 W 14th Ave.
Enjoy December Delights at Four Mile
Four Mile Historic Park, a local history museum, is featuring various Denver holiday events and activities throughout the season. There’s something for everyone from seasonal snacks and beverages to scavenger hunts and ice skating!
When: November 26th – January 2nd, Wednesday – Saturday, times vary
Where: Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S Forest St.
See The Nutcracker
If you’re looking for classic Denver holiday events, be sure to check out The Nutcracker. This dazzling production is one-of-a-kind with all new sets and costumes specially created for Colorado Ballet. This show sells out every year, and for great reason!
When: November 27th – December 24th, times vary
Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St.
Christmas at the Botanic Gardens
One of the most popular things to do in Denver for Christmas is visiting the Botanic Gardens for Blossoms of Light. This family-friendly event that features an incredible light display, plus holiday treats and drinks, has become a Colorado holiday tradition. And, if you’ve been before, this year is a little different! The garden has added a stunning 200-foot-long tunnel filled with animated lights.
When: November 19th – January 8th (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas day), 7 days a week, 4:30 PM to 9:00 pm
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St.
Holiday Tie-Dye and Cocktails
The Bluegrass Coffee & Bourbon Lounge in Denver is hosting holiday tie-dye sponsored by Jim Beam. Join this fun and festive event and turn a Jim Beam sweater into an ugly Christmas shirt or festive holiday statement. Get creative while enjoying a signature Jim Beam cocktail, flights, and holiday jams.
When: December 14th, 6 PM to 9 PM
Where: The Bluegrass Coffee & Bourbon Lounge, 7415 Grandview Ave.
Denver Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Grab your ugly Christmas sweater for one of the most fun Denver holiday events, an Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl. You’ll head off on a guided tour that will take you to 6 of Denver’s best downtown bars. Enjoy live DJs, complimentary holiday liquor shots, drink specials, and cash giveaways.
When: December 18th, 2 PM to 10 PM
Where: Start at Icetown Tavern, 1801 Wynkoop St. #150
Grinchy Ornament at Bruz Beers
Paint, sip, and relax this holiday season at Bruz Beers’ Grinchy Ornament event. Join Canvas and Cocktails at Bruz Beers for some painting, craft beer, and holiday tunes.
When: December 21st, 6:00 PM
Where: Bruz Beers, 1675 W 67th Ave. #100
Denver NYE Cocktail Party
Looking for a fancy way to bring in the New Year? This Denver NYE Cocktail Party is an upscale downtown event that features an open bar, live bands, DJs, casino games, photo booths, and more. Enjoy fireworks and a champagne toast at midnight, too.
When: December 31st, 8 pm to 2 am
Where: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, 1500 Court Pl.
Annual Introverts’ New Years Eve at BookBar
Bring in the New Year at a more laid-back event hosted by The BookBar. This quaint bookshop and wine bar is holding their Annual Introverts’ New Year’s Eve. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, a champagne toast, games, books, and more. Read on couches, socialize with friends, and enjoy fancy literary cocktails.
When: December 31st, 8 pm to 12:30 am
Where: BookBar, 4280 Tennyson St.
New Years Eve at Happy Camper
Join one of Denver’s top New Year’s Eve celebrations at Happy Camper, a cool pizza joint. What better way to start a new year than with DJs, pizza, cocktails, beers, and more?
When: December 31st, 9 am to 1:30 am
Where: Happy Camper, 3211 North Pecos St.
Enjoy the Denver Holiday Events & Activities!
We hope you’ve found a handful of holiday events and activities that you’re excited about! From relaxing at the spa to holiday markets and New Years’ Eve celebrations, Denver’s one of the best places to enjoy this joyful season.
Check out more things to do in Denver during the holidays here.
