Denver, Dec. 2, 2025 - The holiday season in the Mile High City is off to a festive start, but things are just getting started with a vibrant mix of free and affordable celebrations for locals and visitors alike. Below is a roundup of family-friendly events and New Year’s Eve celebrations to welcome 2026. For more information and to plan the perfect holiday season, check out MileHighHolidays.com.
Free! Family-Friendly Events
Back by Popular Demand! Mile High Drone Shows
Nov. 21-Dec. 31, 2025, Downtown Denver
Visit Denver is bringing back the Mile High Drone Shows for the 2025 holiday season – 41 nights of spectacular lights beginning November 21 and running through New Year’s Eve with optimal viewing from Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus, as well as many other locations around downtown. The show includes 200 more drones, for a total of 600, and is expanded in size and height, reaching 500 feet in the air and spreading 500 feet wide. Denver-based Brightflight Drone Shows has built a variety of scenes featuring holiday-themed animations and Denver icons, as well as scenes depicting Denver’s favorite winter moments and mountain activities. Thanks to a partnership with MSU Denver and the use of their spaces, the show is visible throughout downtown Denver and especially great from rooftop bars and restaurants as well as from nearby public areas, including Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy and Xfinity
Nov. 21-Dec. 31, 2025, The Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus
The aptly named Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy and Xfinity is a seven-story, 110-foot-tall piece of immersive art. The 39-foot diameter conical structure is 10 feet higher than the tallest Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in history and contains 60,000 LED lights to create its signature programming. The tree features nightly free public light shows from 5-10 p.m. choreographed to multicultural holiday music and can accommodate up to 140 guests at a time for an immersive viewing experience within the tree. Join the celebration as the Mile High Tree will host a special ball drop-style countdown at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Admission is free!
Nov. 21 – Dec. 23, 2025, The Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus
The Denver Christkindlmarket is celebrating its 25th anniversary with more holiday magic than ever before! This year, they’re decking the halls at their new home on the Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus, bringing fresh sparkle to the season with fun anniversary activations and the enchanting addition of glass ornament workshops. With twinkling lights, festive cheer and delightful surprises around every corner, this year’s Market is set to be the most joyful celebration yet! The Christkindlmarket will again be paired with the Mile High Tree, making this holiday village the place to be all season long.
Nov. 21-Dec. 24, 2025, Stanley Marketplace
One of Denver’s most cherished – and quirkiest – experiences returns this year. Created by local artist Lonnie Hanzon in partnership with DCPA Off-Center, this reimagined, walk-through experience is designed to take folks from “meh” to “merry” in six dazzling cycles, from “Pre-Soak” to “Fluff & Buff,” with interactive installations and playful prompts. Visitors will check their emotional baggage (literally) before emerging renewed, glittering, and ready to take on the season.
Nov. 28–Dec. 31, 2025, Larimer Square
Larimer Lights returns for the 2025 holiday season! Stroll the block and enjoy immersive projection mapping, festive décor, visits from Santa, live holiday carolers, seasonal treats from restaurants and shops, and more to make your season bright. There's something new going on every weekend.
Dec. 7, Dec. 14 & Dec. 21, 2025, Denver Union Station
Denver Union Station is thrilled to host FREE visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All visits take place indoors, within The Great Hall of Union Station, and photos will be taken by Santa’s helpers on your personal phone or camera. All free visits are honored on a first-come, first-served basis. Not keen on waiting in line? No problem! Guests have the option of reserving a specific time slot by purchasing a “St. Nick Express Pass,” which will be honored within a 15-minute window of your selected time slot.
Dec. 6, 2025, Downtown Denver
One of Denver’s most cherished traditions, this free holiday spectacular features more than 40 units, including extravagantly illuminated floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, magnificent marching bands, traditional equestrian units and vibrant cultural displays. And, of course, special appearances by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa!
Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland
Nov. 20-Dec. 24, 2025, Cherry Creek North
Winter Wanderland displays a collection of free holiday offerings and festivities throughout the neighborhood! Festivities include a dazzling display of nearly one million twinkling lights on more than 600 trees spread throughout the walkable neighborhood. Throughout the holiday season, enjoy Saturday Night Lights with complimentary holiday treats and festive entertainment (Dec. 6, 13 & 20), a Chanukah celebration (Dec. 14) and the Cherry Creek Holiday Market (Nov. 20–Dec. 24). Warm up inside the all-new Mistletoe Lounge (Nov. 20–Dec. 24), a new pop-up Christmas bar.
New Year's Eve Fireworks Over Downtown
Dec. 31, 2025, 16th Street 9 p.m. and midnight
For more than two decades, the city has been celebrating the new year with fireworks over downtown. There will be two free shows, 9 p.m. and midnight, from two rooftop locations. The best spot to see the shows is from 16th Street.
Additional Holiday Fun
Starting Nov. 28, 2025, McGregor Square Plaza
The magic of winter has made its way to LoDo with McGregor Skate, an ice-skating rink for all ages. McGregor Skate is open daily through January 4 and on weekends through January 25, offering affordable winter fun with rentals available on-site, free admission for children under two and seniors over 65 and seasonal drinks at the outdoor bar.
Nov. 21, 2025-Jan. 12, 2026 (closed Nov. 27 & Dec. 25), Denver Botanic Gardens
Celebrate 40 years of Blossoms of Light®, Denver's most beloved holiday tradition. This dazzling event transforms our winter gardens into an illuminated wonderland filled with vibrant displays, immersive installations and the warm glow of cherished memories—old and new. Wander along the mile-long path that showcases our plant collections during the winter months. Continuously evolving over the decades, Blossoms of Light inspires awe and delight in visitors of all ages.
Nov. 23, 2025-Jan. 5, 2026, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Zoo Lights has been making magic and memories for more than 30 years! Presented by Your Hometown Toyota Stores, this illuminating annual event transforms Denver Zoo into Colorado's wildest winter wonderland. Don't miss this year's historic celebration, with more than a million lights sparkling over 80 acres.
Nov. 28, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
This family-friendly event brings larger-than-life holiday displays and immersive experiences for all to enjoy. It features millions of dazzling lights, a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree, twinkling snowmen who never melt, a 300-foot-long candy cane tunnel, giant presents and ornaments, a wall of lights, rides on Elitch Gardens attractions, interactive activities like a light-up hopscotch, strolling holiday entertainers, Old Saint Nick and his elves and more.
Nov. 20, 2025-Jan. 6, 2026, Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Step into a whimsical winter wonderland where a dazzling holiday adventure comes alive. This is the Museum like you’ve never seen it before as a piece of the familiar turns into the fantastical through an immersive journey of light, sound and surprise. Under sparkling stars and through a series of immersive scenes, there's something for everyone in this adventure designed to delight all ages including The Frosted Path, an indoor ice-less skating; Celestial Canopy, indoor northern lights; The Lodge with fireside vibes, cocoa and cocktails for purchase, and more.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
New Year's Eve Fireworks Over Downtown
Dec. 31, 2025, 16th Street 9 p.m. and midnight
For more than two decades, the city has been celebrating the new year with fireworks over downtown. There will be two free shows, 9 p.m. and midnight, from two rooftop locations. The best spot to see the shows is from 16th Street.
New Year's Eve at The Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy & Xfinity
Dec. 31, 2025, Tivoli Quad on Auraria Campus 9 p.m. and midnight
Join in the celebration as the Mile High Tree will host a special ball drop-style countdown at 9 p.m. Admission is free!
Dec. 3, 2025, Children’s Museum Denver Marsico Campus, 9:30 a.m.
We're bringing the glitz and glam of NYE in Times Square, all before bedtime!
This one-of-a-kind family-friendly celebration to ring in the New Year features ball drops at the top of every hour from 10 am – 3 pm, festive music, special New Year’s-themed programming and more. The ball drops will take place on the plaza in our seasonal outdoor experience, SNOW DAYS! Activities are included with Museum admission, members are free!
Dec. 30 & 31, 2025, Colorado Convention Center
America's biggest electronic New Year's celebration is the two-night event of the (end of the) year you won't want to miss! The 2025 edition promises two nights of world-class performances, immersive art and state-of-the-art production.
Dec. 31, 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Denver
Kick off the New Year on a triumphant note by creating exceptional moments at the gala, and carry that excellence into conquering 2026! Immerse yourself in the Roaring 20's theme, complete with art deco decor and a crowd dressed in the period's finest attire. Be enthralled by the live band, dynamic DJs and dramatic performances, all radiating the allure of the Gatsby era.
10th Annual New Year's Eve Celebration at Nocturne
Dec. 31, 2025, Nocturne
Nocturne is pulling out all the stops with Champagne, sublime cocktails and delectable plates created by their award-winning culinary team while you take in the tunes. Two dinner seatings are available, early and late, as well as bar tickets for those who want to order a la carte.
Dec. 31, 2025, Cooper Lounge
Slip behind the mask and into a night of timeless glamour. Beneath the glow of Denver Union Station, celebrate the arrival of 2026 with unlimited cocktails, elevated mixed drinks and a midnight toast of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne. An evening of mystery, refinement, and celebration awaits. The cost is $175 per guest (before tax & gratuity).
The Clocktower Cabaret's Annual New Year's Eve Burlesque Bash
Dec. 31, 2025, The Clocktower Cabaret, D&F Tower
This year, the cabaret will pay tribute to the six infamous wives of Henry VIII, who mostly suffered dire fates. Raise a toast to the fireworks on 16th Street just outside.
The Regional Transportation Network (RTD) will offer free bus and rail service (bus, MetroRide, light rail and commuter rail), starting New Year’s Eve at 7 p.m. and running through 7 a.m. on New Year’s Day. The MallRide, of course, is already free.