Best Upcoming Holiday Events in Denver
Are the holidays already starting to wear you down? Is it time to take a break from the madness? When the holiday preparations start getting out of control, maybe you should consider taking a breather and exploring some of the special events in town.
Denver knows no season when it comes to special activities and celebrations. And from now until New Year’s Eve, the opportunities for fun and frolic abound. There are traditional Christmas bazaars to light extravaganzas to holiday parades — certainly something for everyone to help ease the holiday tension and focus on thankfulness, giving, caring and providing hope.
This is also a perfect opportunity to start thinking about giving back to your community, either through monetary donations or through the gift of your time. Make that charitable donation before the end of the year and enjoy not only the health benefits of “giving back” but also the tax advantages come April. Read our recent blogs to find out some of our favorite charities and non-profit organizations.
Listed below, you’ll find some of the most interesting and memorable activities scheduled for the next four weeks. Put them on your calendar and then, make it happen!
Denver Christkindl Market, Now through Dec. 23, Skyline Park
The Christkindl Market includes vendors from Germany, Ukraine, Ireland and other countries — as well as local artisans — offering high-quality gifts such as hand-carved wooden figurines, and handmade clothing, candles and decorations. Enjoy traditional German food and sip on warm Glühwein (hot spiced wine) as you listen to traditional Christmas carols and live German music. Entry is free and the entire family is invited to enjoy this great tradition!
Downtown Grand Illumination, Union Station and Denver City and County Building
Check out the lights at Union Station and the City and County Building. These historic structures in the heart of Denver are illuminated each night through the end of December. Get in the holiday spirit while shopping for those special people in your life.
Blossoms of Light, Through Jan. 1, 2019, Denver Botanic Gardens
Over one million colorful lights draped in elegant designs will highlight the Gardens’ winter beauty. Enjoy sparkling passages, new displays and romantic kissing spots under the mistletoe, all made even more beautiful through HoloSpex glasses. Warm drinks and tasty treats will also be available.
Denver Zoo Lights
Guests of this popular holiday tradition will experience a light safari with 60 brilliantly-illuminated acres of lights, featuring more than 150 animated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they’re least expected.
Santa’s Village at Chatfield
Santa and his friends can now be found at Chatfield Farms, which has been transformed into a magical village. Join us for an exciting holiday experience for all ages. Hop on the hayride to catch a short movie at Santa’s cinema and find unique holiday gifts in his workshop.
Admission includes the following:
- Meet Santa’s live reindeer
- Kids get pictures with Santa, Snow Man and the reindeer
- Craft with Mrs. Claus
- Holiday lights
- One hayride
- Santa’s Cinema on Elf Boulevard
- Santa’s Workshop includes craft vendors
Christmas Parade in Golden
Saturdays in December feature authentic and traditional decorations and fun family events in historic downtown Golden. See cowboys on horses, floats, marching bands, old cars, elves on unicycles, the Grinch in his corvette, and of course, Santa Claus. The parade winds down Washington Avenue with lots of activities before and after including snappy barbershop quartets, hot cider, Victorian carolers, and antique fire trucks.
A Hudson Christmas
Don your warm apparel and get ready to create lifelong memories while you explore this unique display of holiday light artistry. Take as much time as you need to see how this woodsy terrain transforms into a winter wonderland where brightly lit trees weave neon colors into the night sky, reflect off surreal bodies of water, and illuminate happy faces. Share your holiday wishes with Santa Claus, take a family photo on Santa’s sleigh, warm up in the yuletide yurts, sip a steaming cup of hot chocolate or spiced apple cider, and stop for holiday surprises along the way.
Horseshoe Market, Belmar Shopping Center
The Horseshoe Market is dedicated to providing exceptional handmade items and vintage goods. A community of local artists, designers, collectors and entrepreneurs will have their wares for sales, and customers can help support small businesses in the area.
Youthbiz Marketplace, Dec. 8, Lakewood
The YouthBiz Marketplace is the ultimate buy local experience. Young business owners display and sell their unique products to the local community. All products are handmade and personally sold by the owners. You will find beaded jewelry, greeting cards, bath products, home baked goodies, artwork, and unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Marketplace is free for the public to attend and has complimentary parking nearby. Credit cards are accepted at many shops.
