The Holidays are approaching and Denver “decks the halls” unlike any other city in the country! There is so much to see, do and explore, so we thought it would be fun to put together a list of some of our absolute favorite events and activities that you cannot miss! Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of the Holiday season in the Mile High City!
Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland Light Walk
WHEN: Nov. 17–Dec. 24, 2022
WHERE: Cherry Creek North
Located in Denver’s premiere shopping district, Winter Wanderland will transport you into the joy of the holiday season with over one million twinkle lights covering over 600 trees and illuminating the entire neighborhood. Be sure to come finish your Holiday shopping during the Cherry Creek Holiday Market on Fillmore Plaza, showcasing some of the best local vendors and small businesses. It is a unique shopping experience unlike any other!
Blossoms of Light
WHEN: Nov. 18, 2022–Jan. 7, 2023
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street
For over three decades, the Denver Botanical Gardens has transformed into a winter wonderland of lights called Blossoms of Light. Dedicated to sustainability, each of the lights is LED to reduce environmental impact. Bring the whole family and enjoy a stroll through a magical ever-changing display of light and color!
Downtown Denver Rink
WHEN: Nov. 21, 2022–Feb. 14, 2023
WHERE: Skyline Park
Presented by Southwest Airlines, the annual skating rink at Skyline Park in Downtown Denver attracts over 40,000 skaters over the course of the holiday season. Have your own skates? You can enjoy the rink for free! Otherwise skates are available for rental on-site! It’s a perfect evening plan close to restaurants and shopping located along 16th Street Mall.
Zoo Lights
WHEN: Dec. 3, 2022–Jan. 15, 2023; 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Denver Zoo
When it comes to holiday magic in Denver, you can always count on the Zoo Lights installation at the Denver Zoo, where the natural wonders of the animal kingdom take on a whole new light. This year, Zoo Lights is excited to share their newest installations, which illuminate nature’s brilliant animation, with enchanting additions like Aurora Borealis, Savannah Sunset and Electric Jungle. As you wander through the winter wonderland, keep an eye out for nightly ice-carving demonstrations, cozy fire barrels and all kinds of festive holiday food and drink!
Camp Christmas
WHEN: November 17th- December 24, 2022
WHERE: Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park
It’s back campers!! Denver’s campiest and quirkiest Holiday installation returns at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park. Wander the six-acre installation, handcrafted by Camp Director Lonnie Hanzon and his band of local magic makers. Camp Christmas is a dazzling dreamscape made just for you. With a classic carousel, hot cocoa, visits with Santa, and sweet treats on hand every night, everyone in your family (or chosen family) is guaranteed to have a jolly old time. Campers will find themselves wandering through the elaborate campgrounds and retro buildings filled with the Spirit of Christmas Past. Complete your visit with craft cocktails at one (or all) of our three themed bars, shimmering light displays, and immersive exhibits. This year, level up your experience by selecting the VIP Experience and have your tour through the grounds led by either Camp Director (and creator!) Lonnie Hanzon, or some of the biggest Drag Queens from Denver’s colorful nightlife scene.
Luminova Holidays
WHEN: Nov. 25, 2022–Jan. 1, 2023
WHERE: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Denver’s iconic amusement park, Elitch Gardens, transforms once again into a holiday dreamland called Luminova Holidays! Stroll through the Park with over 200,000 square feet of larger-than-life light displays, a 65-ft. tree, twinkling snowmen who never melt, 300-ft. candy cane tunnel, photo ops galore, and more! See the lights from high above on the Ferris Wheel while sipping hot cocoa, listen to the holiday cheer of strolling carolers, and enjoy some of your favorite Elitch Gardens rides. Create memories that last well beyond the holidays at Luminova!
Christmas in Color
WHEN: November 18th- January 1st
WHERE: Water World Theme Park + Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
One of the most iconic Christmas light drive-through experiences in Denver, Christmas in Color will remind you of the magic of the Holidays. Tune into the show’s music on your radio and watch as millions of lights dance in synchronization to some of your favorite holiday music! Open that skyroof or your car windows and let everyone in your family experience the wonder!
Trail of Lights
WHEN: November 25th- January 1st
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms
Follow the wandering trail, glistening with Christmas lights and lighting up the Colorado countryside. Tucked into the foothills under the dark sky, the glow of lights from Trail of Lights can be seen for miles. Just under a mile of walking trail, the illumination of cottonwoods, box elders and pine trees line the pathway through the Green Farm, Crossroads, Deer Creek Discovery Children’s Play Area and 1880s Hildebrand Ranch homestead. There is the option of a shorter path for those who want to take a shorter stroll.
The Nutcracker
WHEN: November 26th- December 24th
WHERE: The Ellie Caulkins Opera House
If staying indoors and celebrating the Holidays is more your speed, then we have the perfect selections for you! The holiday spirit leaps to life in the treasured family tradition of The Nutcracker. Featuring breathtaking new sets and costumes for the second year, Colorado Ballet invites you to follow Clara and her Nutcracker prince on the sweet, snow-dusted adventure only Tchaikovsky could score. See where the story you know by heart takes yours this year.
A Christmas Carol
WHEN: November 18th- December 24th
WHERE: Wolf Theater
An essential for the Holidays, A Christmas Carol at the Wolf Theater is a magnificent musical adaptation of the iconic story which traces the money-hoarding curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption. The DCPA Theatre Company’s “blessedly exhilarating!” (Westword) production illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.