Holiday Favorites
WHEN: Nov. 20–Dec. 31, 2026
WHERE: Tivoli Quad on Auraria Campus
COST: Free
For 41 magical nights, 600 drones will soar into the sky, creating breathtaking holiday-themed animations. See these dazzling displays from across the city every night at 7 p.m. for free. From Santa and his reindeer to iconic Denver landmarks like the Mile High Tree and Denver Union Station, each night will bring a new visual experience to life.
WHEN: Nov. 20–Dec. 31, 2026
WHERE: Tivoli Quad on Auraria Campus
COST: Free
Join in the free festivities at the Mile High Tree. It’s a brilliantly lit, 110-foot-tall immersive art installation that provides a dazzling lights-and-music show. You can experience two of Denver's most popular holiday attractions in one place: America’s tallest digital tree and the Denver Christkindlmarket, the city’s only authentic German market.
WHEN: Nov. 20–Dec. 23, 2026
WHERE: Tivoli Quad on Auraria Campus
COST: Free
This outdoor event brings the most beloved elements of an authentic German holiday experience to the Mile High City. Stroll through a European village decorated for the holiday season as you shop for finely crafted artisan gifts and treats at charming wooden huts. Fuel your shopping with authentic Glühwein (mulled spiced wine), German Biers and hot chocolate, and nosh on Bavarian-style pretzels, fresh smoked salmon, knödel, goulash, Nürnberger sausages, pastries, caramels and European chocolates.
Blossoms of Light
WHEN: Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 10, 2027 (closed Nov. 26 and Dec. 25)
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens
COST: Ticketed
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.
Trail of Lights
WHEN: Nov. 21, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027 (closed Nov. 26, Nov. 30, Dec. 1, Dec. 7, Dec. 8 and Dec. 25)
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, Littleton
COST: Ticketed
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. 25–Dec. 27, 2026
WHERE: Wolf Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
COST: Ticketed
Essential to the holiday season in Denver, "A Christmas Carol" is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation for the whole family that traces money-hoarding curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption. Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, the DCPA Theatre Company’s production is “a splendidly festive tradition” (BroadwayWorld) that illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.
Larimer Lights
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Larimer Square
COST: Free
Larimer Lights returns for the 2026 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. 25, 2026–Jan. 2, 2027
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Step into a whimsical winter wonderland where a dazzling holiday adventure comes alive. This is the museum as you’ve never seen it before, as a familiar place turns into the fantastical through an immersive journey of light, sound and surprise.
WHEN: Nov. 27, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027
WHERE: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
COST: Ticketed
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.
Hudson Holidays
WHEN: Nov. 27, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027
WHERE: Hudson Gardens & Events Center
COST: Ticketed
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.
Zoo Lights
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
COST: Ticketed
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–Dec. 27, 2026
WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House
COST: Ticketed
The annual event returns to delight audiences of all ages with this timeless tradition that captures the festive spirit of the season, replete with mischievous dancing mice, sweet Sugar Plums and a symphony of swirling snowflakes.
WHEN: Dec. 5, 2026
WHERE: Downtown
COST: Free
The annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights is free and will make a circuit through the heart of downtown, featuring 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, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa!
WHEN: Dec. 5–20, 2026
WHERE: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
COST: Ticketed
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. From the African Harvest to Kwanzaa, from the Chinese New Year to Junkanoo....it's a celebration of both diversity and oneness. A Denver family tradition for 35 years, this incredible blend of dance, music and spoken word lifts the spirit and fills the heart with joy, love and peace!
WHEN: Dec. 6, 2026
WHERE: JCC Early Learning School
COST: Ticketed
Join the JCC Denver for the fifth annual Latkes and Lights (and Sufganiyot!) where they are taking the event you already know and love and making it bigger, sweeter and filled to the brim with oil. Enjoy your favorite traditions such as their signature latke competition with top-tier Denver restaurants, a bounce house and a children’s light room. But this year, they’re adding a delicious new twist: Sample a variety of sufganiyot donut holes and cast your vote for your favorite bite. In addition to the delicious, deep-fried tastings, enjoy hands-on experiences and family activities. Tickets are required.
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2026
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
COST: Ticketed
A Colorado cultural tradition returns, featuring your symphony waltzing along with you into 2027! Start your celebration in style with the Colorado Symphony’s presentation of "A Night in Vienna," a rousing selection of polkas, waltzes and marches. The festive evening is the perfect send-off to 2026 and a can’t-miss holiday mainstay.
Outdoor Holiday Fun
McGregor Skate
WHEN: Nov. 27, 2026–Jan. 25, 2027
WHERE: McGregor Square Plaza
COST: Varies
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.
