Denver in January: The Best Cold Weather Activities and Events

The Best Things to Do in Denver in January 2024

Let's explore the best things to do in Denver in January for a memorable experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there are many unique things to do in Denver.

In this article, we’ll discuss local events, cozy experiences, and snow activities. From a whiskey or beer festival to a spa day and ice skating rink, there’s something to entertain anyone. 

We’ll also share times, dates, and costs for various activities and answer common questions about winter in Denver.

What are the best things to do in Denver in January?

Get active, creative, and warm this January in Denver with these activities:

• Go ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink
• Watch a Colorado Avalanche Hockey Game
• Get warm and relax at Oakwell Beer Spa
• See live entertainment at the Colorado Symphony
• Explore Red Rocks Park
• Go to the National Western Stock Show
• Try beer at the Denver Winter Brew Fest
• Taste whiskey at the Denver Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival
• Go skiing at Echo Mountain
• Get crafty at Upstairs Circus
• Take a day trip to the Dillon Ice Castles

Go Ice Skating at the Downtown Denver Rink

Dates: All of January (until February 11th)

Time: Varies by day

Cost: Free admission (skate rentals are available)

Enjoy Denver in January ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink, conveniently located in the city’s center. Bring your own skates or rent from the rink. You can also book a private event at the rink for a party.

Watch a Colorado Avalanche Hockey Game

Watching a Colorado Avalanche hockey game is one of the most classic Denver winter activities, whether you’re a sports fan or looking for popular things to do during winter. The games are at the Ball Arena, centrally located in downtown Denver.

The dates and times for Colorado Avalanche games in Denver are:

• 1/2 10 PM
• 1/6  5 PM
• 1/8 10 PM
• 1/10 11 PM
• 1/24 10:30 PM
• 1/26 10 PM 

Get Warm and Relax at Oakwell Beer Spa

Dates: Open 7 days per week

Times: 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily

Cost: Spa services start at $189 for two people

Get out of the cold and treat yourself to a spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa, an award-winning spa with unique, beer-inspired services.

Oakwell Beer Spa has a cozy taproom that serves local craft beer, kombucha, tea, and wine. The signature treatment is the Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, a rejuvenating spa service in a private Beer Therapy™ Room. You can also enjoy an Infrared Sauna and Zero Gravity Massage experience.

In January, Oakwell Beer Spa’s brewery partner is Avery Brewing Company. Guests can try five of their best beers or enjoy other beverages.

See Live Entertainment at the Colorado Symphony

The Colorado Symphony is a live music and entertainment venue in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, one of the largest performing arts centers in the United States.

There’s an event most days in January at the Colorado Symphony, including a Harry Potter Concert, a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., and a Little Conducts ballet performance.

Dates, times, and costs for shows vary. 

Explore Red Rocks Park

Hours: 5 AM to 11 PM year-round (Visitor Center hours vary by day and season)

Cost: Free entry to the park

Red Rocks Park is a short drive from Denver and is a fun place to explore, especially during winter if you enjoy snow. Large red rock formations surround the park, which is also home to the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. While you can explore the amphitheatre during January, there aren't any shows in winter. There are also many trails of varying levels for hiking and biking throughout the park.

Go to the National Western Stock Show

Dates: January 6th-21st (times for shows vary)

Cost: Admissions tickets start at $17 with discounts for children and a free admission day for everyone on 1/9

The National Western Stock Show is an annual event in Denver every January. It’s a non-profit livestock, horse, and rodeo show that provides education in agriculture. It’s one of the largest events of its kind, attracting over 700,000 people yearly.

Enjoy kid-friendly activities, Western shopping, and a Coors Western Art Gallery.

Try Beer at the Denver Winter Brew Fest

Date: January 27th

Daytime Session: 1 - 4 PM; $54.95

Evening General Admission: 7 - 10 PM; $54.95

Evening VIP: 7 - 10 PM $64.95

Get warm in Denver this January with unlimited beer tastings at the Winter Brew Fest. Enjoy music, beers, and prizes. With a VIP ticket, you also get cheese samplings, beer pairings, and special swag.

Taste Whiskey at the Denver Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival

Date: January 27th
Time: 2:30 - 6 PM

Cost: Starting at $65

If you prefer whiskey over beer, check out the Denver Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival. Try over 20 local and international whiskies and learn from whiskey ambassadors. There will also be food, drinks, and live music.

With a VIP ticket, you’ll get top-shelf whiskey samples, early access, and a food buffet with small bites.

Go Skiing at Echo Mountain

Hours: Monday - Friday 10 AM - 4:30 PM and Saturday/Sunday 9 AM - 4:30 PM

Cost: Varies depending on activities and rental equipment

Skiing is a classic Denver winter activity, and Echo Mountain is the closest ski resort less than an hour from the city. Spend the day at Echo Mountain enjoying snow activities, including skiing and snowboarding. Equipment rentals and lessons are available.

Get Crafty at Upstairs Circus

If you’re looking for an indoor activity this January in Denver, check out Upstairs Circus. Get crafty with DIY projects, including home decor, accessories, and jewelry. There’s also a bar with cocktails, wine, beer, and other beverages to enjoy while working on your project.

Reserve a time to get crafty, with times available most days of the week. 

Take a Day Trip to the Dillon Ice Castles

Cost: $21 or $27 for adults and $16 or $22 for children, depending on the day

Dates and hours: Varies, but you can get more information when you book tickets

Experience one of Colorado’s most unique winter activities at the Dillon Ice Castles, about two hours from Denver. Race down ice slides, explore ice caverns, adventure through frozen crawl tunnels, and discover incredible ice sculptures. Dillion Ice Castles offers a fun experience for everyone and is the perfect day trip from Denver in January.

Denver in January: FAQs

Make the most of Denver, Colorado, in January with answers to common questions.

Is Denver worth visiting in January?

Denver is an excellent place to visit in January if you enjoy winter. There are fun winter activities, including skiing and ice skating. You can also get warm with cozy experiences like a day spa or craft bar.

Does it snow in Denver in January?

There’s usually mild snow during January in Denver. The average high is 49°F, and low is 20°F.

Is Denver fun in winter?

With so many exciting things to do in Denver in winter, it’s easy to have fun. From outdoor winter activities and local events to indoor experiences and sports games, there’s something for everyone.

Denver in January: Conclusion

We hope this article helped you plan a fun January in Denver. Whether you're a local looking for unique things to do or planning a memorable vacation, Denver's full of fun activities. 

To start planning your January in Denver, book a relaxing spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa.