WHEN: Nov. 20–Dec. 24, 2025
WHERE: 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 and Giving Machines—vending machines that don't dispense snacks or drinks, but instead offer the chance to make a positive impact! Throughout the holiday season, enjoy Small Business Weekend (Nov. 29–Dec. 1), 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), where you can browse gifts from more than 40 local makers, designers and creators. After a long day of shopping, warm up inside the all-new Mistletoe Lounge (Nov. 20–Dec. 24), a new pop-up Christmas bar offering a festive drink menu and comfy seating in a setting that’s best described as the inside of a "real-life snow globe." In a giving mood? There will be a Giving Machine located at the southwest corner of Second Avenue and Fillmore. The digital vending machine allows you to donate to one of five Denver-area or two global charities. Participating non-profits/charities receive 100% of your donation.
WHEN: Nov. 20–Jan. 4, 2026
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & 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.
WHEN: Nov. 21, 2025–Jan. 12, 2026 (closed Nov. 27 & Dec. 25)
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens
Consistently lauded as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation, Blossoms of Light is a spectacular celebration that illuminates Denver Botanic Gardens' York Street location. Wander a mile-long path through immersive, luminous displays that accentuate and highlight our plant collections. A cherished holiday tradition for nearly four decades, Blossoms of Light is constantly evolving to inspire wonder and delight in even the most seasoned visitors.
WHEN: Nov. 21, 2025–Jan. 26, 2026
WHERE: City & County of Denver Building in Civic Center Park
Each night at 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., an eight-minute choreographed light and music holiday show will light up the night. It then goes to a festive, static holiday display until 10:45 p.m. Note: There will be no shows on Dec. 6, Dec. 21 and on Mondays due to city council meetings.
WHEN: Nov. 21–Dec. 28, 2025
WHERE: Stanley Marketplace
See Stanley Marketplace turn into a dazzling, joy-filled holiday destination as Camp Christmas makes its triumphant return to its original location. Look for three themed pop-up bars, dazzling decor, a scavenger hunt, free visits with Santa and more. New this year is a Camp Christmas Express experience (Nov. 21–Dec. 24, 2025), designed to lift your holiday spirits in 15 minutes or less as you walk through a series of interactive stations.
WHEN: Nov. 23, 2025–Jan. 5, 2026
WHERE: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Zoo Lights has been making magic, memories and even marriages 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—plus a host of special measures to keep your family safe and healthy.
WHEN: Nov. 28, 2025
WHERE: Denver Union Station
Don't miss the annual lighting ceremony of Union Station’s 40-foot-tall outdoor Christmas tree, which features more than 7,000 holiday lights! The tree lighting ceremony will begin promptly at 6:10 p.m.
WHEN: Nov. 28–Dec. 31, 2025
WHERE: 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.
WHEN: Nov. 28, 2025
WHERE: Main Street, Littleton
Experience the magic of Downtown Littleton at the Candlelight Walk. Enjoy music, treats, holiday cocktails (21+), a festive parade, a dazzling drone show and photos with special guest star, Santa!
WHEN: Nov. 28, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026
WHERE: Hudson Gardens & Events Center
You'll be enchanted by even more towering trees draped in thousands of colorful lights. A grove of dancing Christmas trees, a multi-colored forest inhabited by giant snowmen, the holiday light tunnel and glowing reindeer will light up Hudson Gardens into an extravaganza of holiday cheer. Purchase a delicious cup of hot cocoa or adult beverage before stopping by for a perfect free family photo opportunity with Santa.
WHEN: Nov. 28, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026
WHERE: 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.
WHEN: Nov. 29, 2025–Jan. 5, 2026
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, Littleton
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms takes you along a winding path glistening with lights that illuminate the Colorado countryside. Tucked into the foothills under the dark sky, the glow of lights can be seen for miles. Just under a mile of walking trail, the illumination of cottonwoods, boxelders 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 also the option of a shorter path for those who want to take a shorter stroll. In line with the core value of sustainability, all lights used in the event are LED.
WHEN: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 & Dec. 21, 2025
WHERE: 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.
Downtown Denver’s 31-Day Merrython
WHEN: Dec. 1-31, 2025
WHERE: 16th Street
Every day of December, there will be holiday activities, pop-ups and events planned all along the 16th Street pedestrian promenade. The Downtown Denver Partnership is spearheading the following:
- Skyline Park Block 1 will have a 45-foot-tall holiday tree with a special mailbox that sends mail to the North Pole. You can write letters to Santa and receive a response. Santa himself will visit the spot on Nov. 29, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20, 2025. In addition, there will be a holiday photo opp so you can create your own postcards.
- Every tree on 16th Street will be lit up with holiday lights starting at the end of November.
- There will be two interactive light installations: “Impulse” will be located at Wynkoop Plaza and “Light Lanes” will be located at 16th and Tremont.
- And look for a storefront that will be all done up with holiday lights and decor.
WHEN: Dec. 6, 2025
WHERE: Downtown Denver
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!
WHEN: Dec. 6–7, 2025
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, Sally, and Schroeder are coming to Boettcher Concert Hall to bring this holiday classic to life! With live actors, an animated backdrop and Vince Guaraldi’s timeless music performed live by the Colorado Symphony, this is a beloved holiday performance you won’t want to miss, celebrating the 60th Anniversary of "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
WHEN: Dec. 6–21, 2025
WHERE: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Now in its 34th year, celebrate the magic of the season through dance, music and spoken word as Cleo Parker Robinson Dance explores holiday traditions from around the world! Guided by the Three Angels of the Rainbow, Granny visits Africa, the Americas, Mexico, Asia, and the Caribbean to celebrate the joy of holiday times!
WHEN: Dec. 12–14, 2025
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
The warm sounds of the holidays fill the hall with festive seasonal favorites featuring the Colorado Symphony Chorus and Colorado Children’s Chorale, all hosted by beloved Denver vocalist Devin DeSantis. This family-friendly event includes traditional carols, your new favorite winter tunes and a chance to sing along to your heart’s content! And you better not pout because Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to see who’s naughty and who’s nice in preparation for the big night!
WHEN: Dec. 16, 2025
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Holiday Brass, one of Colorado’s favorite festive traditions, features the brilliance and power of the Colorado Symphony Brass section in a resounding program of seasonal ballads, carols and more! Whether from the vitality of the Renaissance, the glory of the Baroque, or the nostalgic jubilation in the music of Hollywood’s most popular Christmas movies, Holiday Brass brings boundless joy as it heralds the start of your holiday season.
WHEN: Dec. 19–21, 2025
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
A storied holiday classic returns with a freshly enriched design to experience the beloved masterpiece, "Messiah." This innovative presentation is newly organized to present the narrative clearly while still maintaining the great musical traditions of this noble work.
WHEN: Dec. 22 & 23, 2025
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
This holiday season, relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in "Elf" in Concert!
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2025
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
A Colorado cultural tradition returns, featuring your Colorado Symphony waltzing along with you into 2026! Start your celebration in style with this rousing presentation of polkas, waltzes and marches.
Outdoor Holiday Fun
WHEN: Opens Nov. 28, 2025
WHERE: McGregor Square Plaza
The magic of winter has made its way to LoDo with McGregor Skate, an ice skating rink for all ages. Skates are available on-site for rental, or bring your own. Skating starts at just $6 (bring your own skates) or $15 for skate rental plus admission for adults or $9 for children. An outside bar will be available serving hot chocolate and more.
