Festive Things to Do in Denver in December 2024

Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens (photo credit)

Enjoy the holiday season in Denver with fun activities and events. Below, we'll share the best things to do in Denver in December.

From fun winter activities and memorable Christmas events to relaxing experiences and New Year's Eve celebrations, there's something for everyone!

Enjoy the Holiday Season at the Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the most fun places in Denver to celebrate the holiday season, with several fun events. 

• 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

Watch The Colorado Ballet Perform The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a classic holiday performance, and the Colorado Ballet puts on an incredible show at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. All ages enjoy The Nutcracker’s timeless tradition and festive spirit.

There are performances throughout December on various days and times, including a sensory-friendly performance on December 1st at 1 PM.

Treat Yourself to a Spa Day at Oakwell Beer Spa

Beat the winter blues by treating yourself to a cozy spa day. Oakwell Beer Spa offers relaxing spa treatments, including Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, an Infrared Sauna, and a Zero Gravity Massage experience. 
Various spa day packages are perfect for solo self-care, a spa day with friends, or a romantic date. During your spa day, you can also enjoy locally brewed craft beer, wine, cider, tea, or kombucha.

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 through December 24th, daily from 4 PM to midnight.

Attend Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens

For the entire month of December, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park is back for its 4th annual Luminovo Holidays, featuring massive light displays, twinkling snowmen, candy cane tunnels, and more. 

The park offers fun holiday-themed experiences, treats, and photo ops for kids and adults, making for one of the best family-friendly things to do in Denver in December.

Go Ice Skating at the Downtown Denver Rink

Take advantage of Denver’s cold weather and enjoy a unique experience ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park. It’s only open during winter – daily during December. The rink is free to use, but rental skates are available.

Experience Winter Wonderland at Cherry Creek North

Cherry Creek North Winter Wonderland is a collection of free outdoor events surrounded by brightly lit trees. Winter Wonderland in Fillmore Plaza starts on November 14th and runs through December 29th.

December events include the Holiday Market for shopping, the Mistletoe Lounge for drinks, and Saturday Night Lights for treats and music.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve

End the year at one of Denver’s New Year's Eve events on December 31st.

While there are many NYE celebrations throughout Denver, some of our favorites include:

• New Year’s Eve Fireworks - Two family-friendly fireworks shows at 16th Street Mall at 9 PM and 12 AM
• NYE Bar Crawl - An annual bar crawl to some of Denver’s best bars, lounges, and nightclubs
• Denver NYE Cocktail Party - A cocktail party at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel with an open bar, casino games, music, and more
• NYE at Oakwell Beer Spa - A relaxing and fun spa day or evening with luxury spa treatments, a photo booth, and delicious drinks and snacks

Things to Do in Denver in December: Conclusion 

We hope you found this article helpful and are excited to enjoy Denver in December. From ice skating and getting warm at the spa to holiday shopping and attending festive events, there's something for everyone!

If you’re ready to start planning your December activities, book a spa day or your New Year’s Eve experience at Oakwell Beer Spa.