Holiday scene

Denver Christmas Guide 2024

Denver's Best Christmas Events for 2024!

Last updated February 18, 2025.

From the towering Mile High Tree to the twinkling Larimer Lights, Denver transforms into a winter wonderland each December. The city's signature events like the Denver Christkindlmarket and Zoo Lights draw locals and visitors to celebrate the season in true Mile High style.

Whether you're ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink or experiencing the magic of Colorado Ballet's Nutcracker, the Front Range knows how to celebrate. From Aurora to Littleton, festive markets and dazzling light displays create memorable Rocky Mountain holiday moments.

Explore our Mile High holiday guide below!

When is Christmas? Thursday, December 25th, 2025

Denver Holiday Light Displays

Mile High Tree Lighting

The Mile High Tree is a 110-foot-tall, 39-foot diameter conical structure covered with 60,000 LED lights. It features nightly free public light shows choreographed to multicultural holiday music, accommodating up to 140 guests at a time for an immersive viewing experience. Located at Civic Center Park, the tree is a prominent part of Denver's holiday celebrations, offering a festive and diverse light display with music programs starting every 15 minutes.

Details:

New Year’s Eve Special at Mile High Tree

The Mile High Tree in Civic Center Park is a 110-foot-tall, 39-foot diameter conical structure featuring 60,000 LED lights. It hosts nightly free public light shows choreographed to multicultural holiday music, accommodating up to 140 guests at a time for an immersive viewing experience. The tree is a family-friendly attraction that offers a special New Year's Eve countdown with digital ball drops at 9 p.m. and midnight.

Details:

Parade of Lights

The 9NEWS Parade of Lights is a signature holiday event in downtown Denver, featuring over 40 dazzling entries including illuminated floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, equestrian units, and vibrant cultural displays. The parade brings together thousands of people to celebrate the holiday season with festive and entertaining activities.

Details:

Blossoms of Light

Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens is an annual holiday event featuring a dazzling display of over one million twinkling lights. The event transforms the gardens into a shimmering wonderland with lighted tunnels, glowing orbs on frozen ponds, colorfully lit fountains, and trees filled with colorful lights. Visitors can wander through a mile-long path filled with sparkling trees and illuminated pathways, showcasing the beauty of the plant collections. The event is designed to captivate all ages with its breathtaking holiday decor and festive atmosphere.

Details:

Denver Zoo Lights

Denver Zoo Lights is an annual event that transforms the Denver Zoo into a spectacular winter wonderland with over a million lights spread across 80 acres. The event features special measures to keep families safe and healthy. It includes a variety of attractions such as illuminated animal sculptures and festive decorations, making it a unique holiday light display.

Details:

Luminova Holidays

Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens in Denver features over three million twinkling lights, including a 65-foot tall Christmas tree, 25-foot tall snowman, and a 300-foot candy cane tunnel. The event includes rides on featured Elitch Gardens attractions, visits with Santa Claus, and interactive activities like light-up hopscotch. Guests can also enjoy photo opportunities with immersive light displays and festive atmosphere perfect for creating lasting memories.

Details:

Grand Illumination

The Grand Illumination at Denver Union Station features family-friendly entertainment, including performances by the Denver Dolls and Youth On Record. The event includes a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, balloon artists, seasonal beverages, and the lighting of a 40-foot-tall outdoor Christmas tree with over 7,000 holiday lights.

Details:

Light the Lights 2024

Light the Lights 2024 is Denver's annual holiday kickoff event, bringing the community together for an evening of music, lights, and celebration. The event features performances by the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, special appearances by Denver’s beloved mascots, and a dazzling light and music show at the City and County Building. The light and music show repeats nightly from November 27 – January 26 at 5:45 PM and 6:45 PM.

Details:

  • 📅 Dates: November 27 – January 26, 2025
  • ⏰ Time: 5:45 PM and 6:45 PM nightly
  • 🏛️ Venue: City and County Building
  • 📍 Address: 101 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80204

Trail of Lights at Chatfield

The Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms is a holiday light display featuring over a million LED lights, illuminating cottonwoods, boxelders, and pine trees along a winding trail. The event includes dancing Christmas trees, illuminated antique tractors, light tunnels, and lights synchronized to music. Visitors can stroll through the Green Farm Barn, Crossroads Garden, Deer Creek Discovery Children's Play Area, and 1880s Hildebrand Ranch homestead. Hot beverages, nuts, kettle corn, fudge, and caramels are available for purchase. The event supports sustainability by using LED lights and offers an interactive experience with music-synced treehouse play areas.

Details:

Holiday Lights in Civic Center

Holiday Lights in Civic Center is a festive event featuring the Mile High Tree, a 110-foot-tall immersive art experience with nightly light shows synchronized to festive music. The event also includes the Denver Christkindlmarket, an authentic German-style holiday market with artisan gifts, live music, and delicious treats. Additionally, the City and County Building's holiday lights display offers nightly light and music shows. This event brings the community together for an evening of music, lights, and celebration.

Details:

Christmas in Color

Christmas in Color is a spectacular holiday light display featuring millions of LED lights perfectly synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes. The event includes larger-than-life Christmas trees, candy canes, and animated snowmen who serenade visitors with songs. This immersive experience is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Details:

Denver Holiday Markets and Shopping

Denver Christkindlmarket

The Denver Christkindlmarket is an authentic German-style holiday market featuring local and European craft and food vendors, live events, and entertainment. Guests can stroll through a European village square, visit vendors in charming wood huts, and sip authentic Glühwein while enjoying holiday music. The market offers handmade artisan gifts, delicious treats made from European recipes, and a variety of winter beverages. The Bank of America Festival Hall provides heated seating for guests to relax with friends and family while enjoying live entertainment. The market also includes family-friendly activities like Denver7 Story Time and Kinder Wunderland, which features s’mores stations and outdoor games.

Details:

Denver Christmas Show

The Denver Christmas Show is a holiday market featuring over 450 booths with vendors and artisans offering a wide array of giftable goods, including fine handcrafted jewelry, clothing, floral designs, furniture, home décor, toys, vintage and antique items, holiday décor, sculptures, and crafts. The event also includes delicious food from top chefs, cooking demonstrations, samples, and edible gifts. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present for photos and holiday wishes. Local artists will showcase handmade jewelry, wood carvings, gift baskets, décor items, candles, soaps, and glassware. The event will also feature holiday-themed entertainment from local dance studios and a variety of holiday activities.

Details:

Larimer Lights

Larimer Lights is a holiday celebration at Larimer Square in downtown Denver, featuring dazzling lights and festive decorations. The event includes live music, unique shopping from local artisans at the Holiday BAZAAR, and seasonal treats from top restaurants. Visitors can enjoy visits from Santa and live holiday carolers, making it a festive and memorable experience for all ages.

Details:

Holiday Bazaar at Stanley Marketplace

The Holiday Bazaar at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora, United States, features a variety of holiday-themed activities and shopping opportunities. Shoppers can find sparkly lights, decorated trees, festive wreaths, live music, carolers, and holiday events while supporting 50+ small, Colorado-owned, independent businesses. The marketplace offers a wide range of products from fashion to toys to books, making it a one-stop-shop for gifts. The event includes a Tour of Trees, The Giving Tree, and various live holiday performances and entertainment options.

Details:

Holiday Art Market at History Colorado Center

The Holiday Art Market at History Colorado Center is a premier venue for fabulous fine arts and crafts handmade in Colorado. This event features a diverse array of 2-D media, ceramics, jewelry, glass, fiber, leather, metal, wood, and edibles. The market attracts hundreds of shoppers and grosses over $125,000 each year. Artwork by selected artists is displayed attractively in a festive gallery setting. The sale benefits local Colorado artists and Foothills Art Center programming.

Details:

Mistletoe Market at Dairy Block

Mistletoe Market at Dairy Block in Denver features a variety of local Colorado vendors, live carolers and holiday music, festive cocktails, crepes, hot beverages, photo ops, and a gift wrapping station. The event also includes a screen-printing station for the first 100 attendees each day.

Details:

  • 📅 Dates: December 14 – December 22
  • ⏰ Time: 12 – 5 PM daily
  • 🏛️ Venue: Dairy Block
  • 📍 Address: View on map

Holiday BAZAAR at Belleview Station

Holiday BAZAAR at Belleview Station features over 80 local makers, including craft vendors and fashion trucks. The event includes holiday-themed pop-up bars, a heated beer garden, and street food vendors. It offers live entertainment, such as performances by School of Rock and the Reindeer in Training Dog Parade. The event is free to attend and dog-friendly, with additional options for Shop & Sip tickets that include bottomless mimosas and drink tokens.

Details:

Denver Holiday Shows and Entertainment

Colorado Ballet: The Nutcracker

Colorado Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is a classic holiday ballet featuring Tchaikovsky's beloved score and a timeless tale of Clara and her magical journey. The production includes custom-made sets and costumes, showcasing the company's commitment to artistic excellence. It is a family-friendly event that has become synonymous with the holiday season, attracting sold-out performances year after year.

Details:

Holiday Concert at Boettcher Concert Hall

The Holiday Concert at Boettcher Concert Hall features the Colorado Symphony's annual family-friendly Christmas spectacular. The event includes soaring, singable arrangements and high-spirited performances by conductor Taylor Martin and musical theatre star Devin DeSantis. The Colorado Symphony Chorus and the Colorado Children's Chorale also participate in this heartwarming celebration of Christmas.

Details:

Tiny Tots: Christmas – Inside the Orchestra

Tiny Tots: Christmas – Inside the Orchestra is an immersive, interactive concert designed for families with children aged 7 and under. The event features a 30+ piece orchestra performing holiday classics and popular tunes. Attendees are seated on the ground and surrounded by the musicians, creating a unique and engaging experience. The program includes meet and greet time with the performers and activities that connect young children with music physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Details:

  • 📅 Dates: December
  • ⏰ Time: 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
  • 🏛️ Venue: McNichols Civic Center Building
  • 📍 Address: View on map

Denver Other Holiday Activities

Santa at the Hangar

Santa at the Hangar in Denver offers a festive holiday event featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday-themed activities, and interactive exhibits. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, participate in games and holiday crafts, and enjoy a candy cane scavenger hunt. The event also includes select open cockpits of historic aircraft like the Cessna U-3A, Alexander Eaglerock, and Rotorway Scorpion II. Other activities include a magic show from Chad Wonder Magic, a photo booth from Mihi Entertainment, and balloon twisting from Clownin’ Around For Fun.

Details:

Camp Christmas

Camp Christmas is an immersive holiday event featuring over a dozen intricately designed environments representing Christmas celebrations throughout the ages. Each environment offers its own period toast, group activity, and selfie-photo opportunity. Visitors can collect 'Merry Badges' that tell the stories of how the traditions and celebrations came to be. The event includes a Santa Bar, a Beach Bar, and various interactive displays such as a Fairy Forest with a 20-foot chandelier made of 5,000 light nodes. There are also craft cocktail bars, a Merry Badge scavenger hunt, and activities for all ages.

Details:

South Pearl Street Winterfest

South Pearl Street Winterfest is a festive holiday event featuring holiday hay wagon rides, an open-air Saturday holiday market with gift and food vendors, live music, and a local merchant open house. The event includes a tree lighting ceremony, parade, and visits from Olde World Santa. It offers a variety of activities and attractions to celebrate the holiday season.

Details:

Downtown Denver Rink

The Downtown Denver Rink is a popular winter activity located in Skyline Park, offering free ice skating with skate rentals available for a fee. The rink is open daily from November to February, weather pending, and hosts various special events throughout the season, including junior lessons, yoga, and music parties.

Details:

Latkes and Lights

Latkes and Lights is a festive Hanukkah celebration at the JCC Denver featuring themed games, Hanukkah gift shopping, live music, and a variety of latkes from local restaurants and community members. The event includes voting on favorite staff-made menorahs and other activities for all ages.

Details:

Annual Memorial Vigil

The Annual Memorial Vigil in Denver is a poignant event honoring those who have lost their lives while experiencing homelessness. The vigil features a candlelight ceremony, name-reading, and musical performances. It serves as a tribute to the lives of individuals who have passed away, highlighting the need for continued support and advocacy for the homeless community. The event includes a collection drive for winterwear donations and is organized by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, with participation from various local service providers and community organizations.

Details:

  • 📅 Dates: December 21, 2024
  • ⏰ Time: (See website for times)
  • 🏛️ Venue: Denver City and County Building
  • 📍 Address: 1437 Bannock Street