The Best Denver Holiday Events for 2023

Enjoy the best of Denver’s holiday season this Thanksgiving and Christmas. In this article, we’re sharing favorite Denver holiday events, from a relaxing spa day and a Thanksgiving race to festive crafts and Christmas lights.

Whether you’re a local or visiting Denver for vacation, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.

• A spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa – perfect for relaxing
• Cherry Creek Holiday Market on Fillmore Plaza
• A Christmas Carol at the Wolf Theatre
• Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens – great for children
• Mile High United Way Turkey Trot at Washington Park
• Home Alone Concert at Boettcher Concert Hall
• Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens Theme Park
• The Nutcracker at Ellie Caulkins Opera House
• Tinseltown Speakeasy at Denver Pavilions
• Winter Wreath Workshop at Brooks Floral & Co.  – a fun holiday activity
• Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl in Downtown

A Spa Day at Oakwell Beer Spa

Dates: Year-round, and 12/31 and 1/1 for New Year’s Package

Times: 8 AM - 10:30 PM daily

Oakwell Beer Spa; Beer Therapy™ Room

Unwind during the busy holiday season at Oakwell Beer Spa, where you can enjoy a unique spa day experience.

Oakwell Beer Spa is a craft beer taproom and day spa. Enjoy local craft beers, other delicious beverages, and rejuvenating spa services: Infrared Sauna, Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, and Zero Gravity Massage. 

There’s also a special New Year’s experience, which also includes complimentary drinks and a New Year’s photo booth.

Holiday BAZAAR at various Denver locations

Dates: varies by location; see below

Times: See schedule for specific days and times

The Holiday BAZAAR is back with holiday fun with shopping, eating, drinking, and other festive activities. Enjoy this exciting event in November and December at various locations throughout and near Denver – perfect for a day trip!

Here are the locations and days you can experience the Holiday BAZAAR:

• Downtown Lakewood: November 17th - 19th (times vary)
• Denver RiNo at Zeppelin Station: November 25th and 26th, 11 AM - 5 PM
• Downtown Lakewood: December 1st - 3rd (times vary)
• Denver at Belleview Station: December 9th and 10th, 11 AM - 5 PM
• Downtown Lakewood: December 15th - 17th (times vary) 

A Christmas Carol at the Wolf Theatre

Dates: November 17th - December 24th

Times: See schedule for specific days and times

What better way to celebrate Christmas in Denver than with the classic musical A Christmas Carol? The show is at the Denver Performing Arts Center’s Wolf Theatre.

Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens

Dates: November 17th - January 7th (closed 11/23 & 12/25) 

Time: 4:30 - 9 PM

Denver Botanic Gardens; Blossoms of Light

Celebrate the holiday season in Denver at Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light.

This signature event displays ever-changing lights and colors in the gardens. It’s the perfect family-friendly or date night activity. Holiday treats and drinks are also available.

Mile High United Way Turkey Trot at Washington Park

Date: November 23rd
Time: 9 AM 

If you’re looking for active Denver holiday events, join the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot. On Thanksgiving day, celebrate the season and support local families. 

The four-mile walk/run is at Washington Park, and each registration supports families across metro Denver. Raised funds help children with school supplies, adults prepare for college or work, and families meet fundamental needs.

If you aren’t interested in joining the race, you can also volunteer with race day set-up and activities.

Home Alone Concert at Boettcher Concert Hall

Dates: November 24th - 25th

Time: 7:30 - 10 PM

Enjoy a funny and heartwarming rendition as The Colorado Symphony performs during the Home Alone screening at the Denver Performing Art Center’s Boettcher Concert Hall.

Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens Theme Park

Dates: November 24th - December 31st
Times: See schedule for specific days and times

Enjoy Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park differently with massive holiday displays and immersive experiences.

This holiday season features millions of sparkling lights, a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree, and park rides. You can also bring the kids along to meet Santa and his elves too.

The Nutcracker at Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Dates: November 25th - December 24th (November 26th for a sensory-friendly performance)

Times: See schedule for specific days and times

Watching The Nutcracker at Denver Performing Arts Center’s Ellie Caulkins Opera House is one of the most popular holiday activities. It sells out every year, and this year’s show features all-new sets and costumes for the Colorado Ballet.

This event is perfect for everyone and includes an accessible, sensory-friendly performance on November 26th at 1 PM.

Tinseltown Speakeasy at Denver Pavilions

Dates: December 1st - 30th

Times: See schedule for specific days and times

Tinseltown, a Christmas-themed pop-up, is one of the most unique holiday events in Denver.

Celebrate Christmas in Denver with Santa, festive tunes, and holiday cocktails. Tickets include entry and one cocktail. Delicious mocktails are also available.

Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo

Dates: December 2nd - January 7th

Times: 5 - 9 PM 

Zoo Lights has been one of the best Denver holiday events for decades. 

Two million lights shine over 80 acres for an incredible experience. There’s more magic than ever this year, with new animated light sculptures, original favorites, nightly ice-carving exhibitions, and festive snacks and beverages. 

Winter Wreath Workshop at Brooks Floral & Co.

Date: December 7th

Time: 6 - 8 PM

Get crafty and make your own holiday decor at Brooks Floral & Co.’s Winter Wreath Workshop.

Whether you’re a DIY pro or new to getting crafty, learn how to make a festive wreath with step-by-step instructions and all supplies provided. Festive snacks and beverages are also included.

Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl in Downtown

Date: December 16th

Time: 4:30 - 9 PM

Grab your tackiest Christmas sweater for Denver’s Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl.

Visit Downtown Denver bars, enjoy exclusive drink specials and games, and enter to win the ugly sweater contest. This is one of the most fun ways to celebrate the season with friends or join solo and meet new people.

Enjoy the Best Denver Holiday Events

We hope this article inspired you to enjoy holiday events in Denver, Colorado, for a memorable experience. There’s so much to see and do! 

And if you need to relax this holiday season, be sure to check out Oakwell Beer Spa.

By: Polly Clover