Denver Holiday Events You Can’t Miss (2022)

Denver » Holiday Events

Happy holidays!! Here is a roundup of exciting Denver holiday events happening this year.

This list includes holiday markets, light shows, parades, concerts, theater, and 21+ activities. Use the table of contents below to navigate to specific categories.

This is a partial list of Denver holiday events. If you know of a good one that should be added, let me know in the comments below.

Photo by Arthur Edelmans on Unsplash

Denver Holiday Markets

Denver Christkindlmarket

Nov 18th–Dec 23rd | Civic Center Park, Denver

The Denver Christkindlemarket is an authentic German Christmas market in the heart of Denver. Enjoy a range of locally-owned shops and free activities, such as the 110 ft tall digital Christmas tree right outside of the market.

Après Holiday Market at Dairy Block

Nov 26th–Dec 19th | Friday–Sunday | Dairy Block, Downtown Denver

The Après Holiday Market is a European ski-themed market it downtown Denver’s heated Dairy Block alleyway. Enjoy a variety of locally owned shops selling unique, high-quality goods.

Horseshoe Market

Nov 27th–28th | 4751 North Broadway (North of RiNo)

The Horseshoe Market is a massive holiday market with over 100 local vendors. You can find a variety of gifts here, such as clothing, home decor, jewelry, art, and more.

Dec 4th–5th | Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton

The following weekend, there will be a smaller, more intimate version of the Horseshoe Market at Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton. There will be a holiday pop-up bar and a Christmas tree lot outside.

Photo by Intricate Explorer on Unsplash

Denver Christmas Lights

Blossoms of Light

Nov 18th–Jan 7th | Denver Botanic Gardens

See the Denver Botanic Gardens beautifully lit up for the holidays. Blossoms of Light is the Gardens’ signature yearly event. They go all out on light displays and build a fantastic immersive experience.

The Mile High Tree

Nov 18th–Dec 31st | Civic Center Park

The Mile High Tree is a beautifully lit 110ft tall Christmas art installation in Civic Center Park. It’s the largest digital tree in the United States. Pair it with a trip to the popular Christkindlmarket next door.

Trail of Lights

Nov 25rd–Jan 1st | Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms (Littleton)

The Trail of Lights is a walk-through exhibit outside the city featuring glistening lights, singing Christmas trees, and a kids’ play area with synchronized music.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Music & Theater

A Christmas Carol

Nov 18th to Dec 24th | Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Spending the holidays in Denver would not be complete without taking part in this beloved tradition. Every year, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts puts on a whimsical musical adoption of “A Christmas Carol.” It’s a wonderful show that both kids and adults will enjoy.

The Nutcracker

Select days from Nov 26th to Dec 24th | Colorado Ballet

Colorado Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” with dazzling new costumes and sets. Seeing The Nutcracker is a wonderful family tradition, and like in previous years, tickets are expected to sell fast.

A Colorado Christmas

Dec 9th to 11th | Colorado Symphony Orchestra

See the Colorado Symphony Orchestra perform your favorite classic and new holiday songs. The event is family-friendly, and you’re welcome to sing along or sit back and enjoy.

Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash

Holiday Parades

Parade of Lights

Dec 3rd | Downtown Denver

Denver’s Parade of Lights is the biggest holiday parade in the Rocky Mountain Region. You can expect beautiful floats, marching bands, horses, giant balloons, and surprise character appearances.

Lights of December Parade

Dec 3rd | Pearl Street, Boulder

Skip the Denver crowds and traffic with the Lights of December Parade in downtown Boulder. There will be floats lit up and decorated by local businesses, marching bands, Christmas Carolers, and of course, Santa.

Holiday Parade in Golden

Dec 10th | Downtown Golden

For a smaller and more relaxed parade, consider visiting Golden on December 10th. There will be a Christmas parade downtown featuring holiday floats, a marching band, Victorian Christmas carolers, Christmas character appearances, and more.

Photo by Benigno Hoyuela on Unsplash

Other Family Friendly Activities

Downtown Denver Rink

Nov 23rd–Feb 4th | Skyline Park

Visit Skyline Park for ice skating in the heart of Denver. Skates are available for rent. Bring your own, and it’s completely free!

The Polar Express Train Ride

Nov 18th–Dec 23rd | Golden

Be transported to The Polar Express with this fully immersive and theatrical experience. Hop on the train and experience a theatrical performance of The Polar Express happening around you. Hot cocoa, cookies, and a silver bell are provided.

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Bars, Clubs, & Nightlife

Miracle at Union Station Cocktail Bar

Nov 25th–Dec 27th | Union Station

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a cocktail bar at the North Pole? Maybe not, but I’m sure you’re thinking about it now. Miracle at Union Station goes all-out with the Christmas decor and delicious seasonal cocktails.

Denver SantaCon 2022

Dec 3rd | Downtown Denver

Dress up and join the crowd of Santa’s taking over Denver’s bar scene on Saturday the 3rd. The Denver SantaCon bar crawl will give you cover-free access and specials to popular bars across downtown Denver.

Krampus Room

Dec 2nd–31st | The Electric Cure | Edgewater, CO

Need a break from the sugarplums and need a little more spice? Check out the Krampus Room at The Electric Cure. It’s an odd little tiki bar with its own spin on a holiday pop-up.

Have something to add? Comment below!

Denver is a large city with so many fun events going on! Please let me know in the comments below if there’s a holiday event that should be added to this list.

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