Thanksgiving Weekend in Denver
Thanksgiving in Denver returns with fun (and free) events, blockbuster museum exhibitions, lights displays and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Your browser is not supported for this experience.
We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
1 / 1
Thanksgiving in Denver returns with fun (and free) events, blockbuster museum exhibitions, lights displays and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Don't miss out on great hotel deals. For a delicious deep dive into Denver's culinary scene, check out these Thanksgiving meals for takeout.
We strive to post the most current and accurate event information, but changes and cancellations do occur, so please check the official event website to confirm all details before attending.
WHEN: TBA 2026
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 (TBA 2026), Saturday Night Lights with complimentary holiday treats and festive entertainment (TBA 2026), a Chanukah celebration (TBA 2026) and the Cherry Creek Holiday Market (TBA 2026), 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 (TBA 2026), 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?
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Tivoli Quad on Auraria Campus
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 Presented by Xcel Energy & Xfinity and Denver Union Station, each night will bring a new visual experience to life.
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Tivoli Quad on Auraria Campus
Join in the free festivities at the Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy & Xfinity. 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 holiday market.
WHEN: TBA 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: TBA 2026
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: TBA 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: TBA 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: TBA 2026
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: Thru Jan. 3, 2027
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The exhibition invites visitors to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites facing challenges in a changing climate. Through large-scale projections and interactive experiences, guests will be transported to the city of Venice in Italy, the island of Rapa Nui off the coast of Chile and the cliff dwellings of Colorado’s very own Mesa Verde.
WHEN: Thru Jan. 3, 2027
WHERE: 417 S. Broadway
This magical exhibition celebrates all things "Harry Potter™" with many of your favorite moments, characters, settings and creatures from the film series, as well as the extended wizarding world. Get up close to authentic props and costumes, practice your Quidditch™ skills, pot a Mandrake and more in this unforgettable experience.
WHEN: Thru Jan. 6, 2027
WHERE: History Colorado Center
Sail the high seas in this showcase that explores the life and enduring legacy of the USS Colorado (BB-45) battleship. Ships named after Colorado connect our highest mountains to the depths of the ocean. The US Navy launched the USS Colorado battleship (BB-45) in 1921, kicking off 24 years of service that took the ship across the world. From searching for missing aviator Amelia Earhart to shelling Pacific Islands during World War II, the ship’s 2,000-member crew worked together and served bravely. Discover the stories of sailors who served aboard and the uniforms, documents and photographs that were part of the action.
WHEN: Thru Jan. 10, 2027
WHERE: History Colorado Center
Ascend through sun-dappled valleys, explore rugged slopes and take in our state’s colorful scenery on this photographic journey through the mountains. Celebrated nature photographer John Fielder never forgot his first glimpse of the Rocky Mountains as a young student, a glimpse that sparked his passion for Colorado’s great outdoors. During his decades-long photography career, Fielder hiked across the Centennial State, enduring difficult weather and waiting for hours to capture awe-inspiring images of the mountain peaks and summits that make Colorado so special. History Colorado’s members selected their favorite John Fielder mountain photographs for this exhibition as part of Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood in 2026.
WHEN: Thru June 15, 2027
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
From soaring mountains and scorching deserts to sprawling forests and splendid beaches, Latin America is a vast place. As a concept, it tries to contain cultures and landscapes with millennia of differing histories under one name. Works that artists from Latin America created during the 20th and current 21st century showcase a range of practices as complex as the places they call home. While previous exhibitions have centered around a single art movement, such as Surrealism or Abstraction, A Century of Art in Latin America offers a broader and more inclusive exploration of the rich and varied artistic trends across the region, encompassing an array of styles, time periods, nationalities and mediums, and presenting a comprehensive survey of Latin American art throughout the past 100 years.
WHEN: TBA 2026
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 going on every weekend.
WHEN: Nov. 27, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027
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: TBA 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.
The holiday shopping season kicks off after Thanksgiving! There will be free parking on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday in the Denver Pavilions underground garage while Cherry Creek North celebrates Small Business Weekend.
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Cherry Creek North
The Cherry Creek North Holiday Market at Fillmore Plaza features more than 50 local artisan vendors, live music, and festive drinks and decor. The market is free, open to the public and family- and dog-friendly.
WHEN: Nov. 20–Dec. 23, 2026
WHERE: Tivoli Quad on Auraria Campus
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, Goulasch, Nürnberger Sausages, pastries, caramels and European chocolates.
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: The Shops at Northfield
This Black Friday, head to The Shops at Northfield for a handmade-only holiday artisan market, featuring one-of-a-kind creations from Colorado’s finest artisans. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts for yourself or someone special while enjoying cozy bites, festive drinks and live holiday music throughout the plaza and along 47th Avenue. Celebrate local makers, sip on Christmas cocktails and soak up the holiday cheer. Then pop into major retailers for unbeatable Black Friday deals.
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Tennyson Street
Pick up your Small Business Passport at any participating shop and enjoy exclusive promotions, collecting stamps with every purchase. Each stamp earns you one entry to win a gift basket from all participating businesses! So shop small and win BIG this holiday season. Don’t miss out on the fun—grab your friends and family and make it a day to remember while supporting local small businesses!
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Cherry Creek North
Highlighting more than 150 locally-owned shops and restaurants, Small Business Weekend invites the community to join the nationwide Shop Small movement while keeping the love in the community.
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: The Learned Lemur
The Lemur and Friends Bazaar is a monthly artist market hosted right on The Learned Lemur's back patio. The bazaar hosts all kinds of artists from across Colorado, from bakers to jewelers. Pick up that perfect unique gift or something special for yourself!
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden
The story of The Polar ExpressTM is theatrically re-created and combined with a magical train ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Children get to meet Santa and experience all the sights and sounds of this classic tale as if happening all around them. This year, a whole host of carefully crafted updates have been made to ensure the health and safety of guests, cast and crew, so put on your pajamas and your most fashionable mask and bring the family to enjoy sharing hot cocoa and cookies together as the "Hot, Hot, Hot—Chocolate" song and dance unfolds before your eyes.
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Make your reservation to meet Santa for a picture-perfect moment. After, take off on an interactive adventure at Santa's Flight Academy, complete with his 22-foot-tall sleigh!
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre | Water World | Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
At three locations, drive through millions of lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music that you’ll hear right through your radio. You'll see giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways and more.
WHEN: TBA 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: TBA 2026
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: TBA 2026
WHERE: Little Man Ice Cream's factory location on Colfax
The ice cream factory morphs into Santa's Factory, all decked out for the holidays in a winter wonderland theme. Recurring holiday events include photos with Santa, bingo with Mrs. Claus, private ice cream-making parties, gingerbread house building, letters to Santa craft stations, live holiday music, community caroling, Santa Baby Swing and a Hanukkah celebration.
WHEN: TBA 2026
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: TBA 2026
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.
WHEN: TBA 2026
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.
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Center for Colorado Women's History
Celebrate the holiday season with your loved ones and a cozy cup of tea at the Center for Colorado Women's History's beloved Holiday Tea. Holiday Tea will begin with an hour-long guided tour followed by an hour-long tea seating. Enjoy the museum’s historic house, adorned for the season in holiday charm, and take time to celebrate this holiday season. Refreshments include light savory and sweet fare from local, woman-led business Miss Peabody’s Southern Tea Cakes, alongside the museum’s signature Lady Lavender Black Tea with citrus, vanilla and bergamot.
WHEN:TBA 2026
WHERE: Peaks Lounge at Hyatt Regency Colorado Convention Center
Enjoy a cozy alpine-inspired retreat at the Winter Lodge at Peaks Lounge, located on the 27th floor of the hotel. Peaks Lounge, known for its panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and skyline, will transform once more into a winter escape, bringing the warmth and charm of a mountain lodge to the heart of the Mile High City. Relax in armchairs adorned with faux fur throws, set amidst rustic wooden tables, glowing lanterns and candlelight. Capture the perfect photo moment with antler chandeliers and Rocky Mountain views as your backdrop. Also look for holiday-themed cocktails, mocktails and food items.
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: FIRE at the ART Hotel
Gather with family and friends at FIRE for a festive holiday buffet filled with seasonal flavors and all the classics you love. Indulge in chef-curated offerings from a fresh seafood display to bourbon-glazed ham, roasted and smoked turkey from the carving station, and a made-to-order omelet station. Seasonal sides include cheddar and chive mashed potatoes, focaccia stuffing, acorn squash with goat cheese, green bean casserole and all the traditional fixings: gravy, cranberry sauce and warm rolls with whipped butter. Start your feast with crisp salads, fresh fruit, artisan cheeses and savory small bites like deviled eggs, pimento cheese and hummus. And be sure to save room for dessert—this holiday spread features apple, pecan and pumpkin pies, gluten-free brownies, assorted cookies and a build-your-own ice cream bar with toppings galore. Each 90-minute seating time (adults $68, kids $20) includes coffee, juices and soft drinks. Add bottomless mimosas & sparkling rosé for $20 per person.
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Former Saint Craft Kitchen and Taps
Enjoy a no-fuss Thanksgiving feast at Former Saint Craft Kitchen and Taps in Downtown Denver. Beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, they'll roll out the buffet, featuring a chef hand-carving station, complete with prime rib and turkey, along with all of your favorite holiday sides. Book your reservation online through OpenTable or by calling the restaurant at (303)-486-4434.
WHEN: Nov. 25–Dec. 27, 2026
WHERE: Wolf Theatre
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.
WHEN: Nov. 27–29, 2026
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams' charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the Colorado Symphony. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who's accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family!
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Paramount Theatre
Share the joy of "Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet" with family and friends. Give the gift of a spectacular holiday experience featuring an international cast, whimsical puppetry and opulent costumes and sets, hand-crafted by the finest artisans of Europe. Go back to a simpler time and make memories your family will cherish forever.
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House
The beloved holiday favorite returns in a dazzling production like no one's ever seen, featuring all-new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet. A sellout every year, this magical tale of Clara, the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is going to be dreamier than ever.
WHEN: Nov. 1, 2025
WHERE: Washington Park
The annual Turkey Trails 5k/10k is a fun, Thanksgiving-themed event that's perfect for the whole family. Take home great swag, get free photos and enjoy delicious treats waiting at the finish line. The timed 5k/10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt and an awesome finisher medal. The 1-mile race is untimed and also a bib, shirt and finisher medal. The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, a youth-sized shirt and a medal.
WHEN: Nov. 27, 2025
WHERE: Washington Park
Lace up your sneakers and make the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot a part of your Thanksgiving celebration and help support families in our community! Join Mile High United Way on Thanksgiving morning for this annual 4-mile walk/run and community celebration. The event is one of the biggest Turkey Trots in the country and is for adults, families and furry friends alike, featuring a 1-mile Lil Gobbler Fun Run, Kids Zone, Great Divide Beer Garden and more! Your registration also includes a collectible 2025 Turkey Trot T-shirt, race bib and free digital photos.
WHEN: Nov. 29, 2025
WHERE: Ball Arena
Root for the Avalanche as they take on the Montreal Canadiens!
WHEN: Thru Dec. 7, 2025
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
This exhibit is a unique selection of photographs from the museum's collection that have never been shown to the public. Featuring acquisitions from the past 17 years since the Photography department was established in 2008, the exhibition represents the variety of ways landscape photographs help us see and appreciate other times and places and consider where the world has been and what it is becoming. All are bound together by the idea that landscape can serve as an autobiography of the people, societies, and natural forces that shape the world over time.
WHEN: Thru Dec. 31, 2025
WHERE: Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Deep in the heart of the Children’s Museum, there is a world where nothing is quite as it seems. If you dare to grab a lantern and step through the threshold, you will find yourself in a realm full of curious creatures and unexpected environments…You’ve entered Catawampus!
WHEN: Thru Jan. 1, 2026
WHERE: History Colorado Center
This exhibit is a new exhibition that features a selection of iconic large-format prints by Colorado’s most celebrated nature photographer. These prints evoke the photographer's emotional connection to these sublime and diverse landscapes of Colorado and invite viewers to lose themselves in the expanse of the Great Plains.
WHEN: Thru Jan. 2, 2026
WHERE: Colorado Mills, Lakewood
Shiki Dreams by Prismajic is an award-winning immersive art installation. After showing up for your time slot and watching a short introductory video, you are given a magic flashlight to explore the real and dream worlds of Shiki, the magical yeti. Sites, smells, sounds and more surround the explorer while navigating the first installment of this zen experience. Family friendly, the environment encourages the explorer to search for red butterflies, frogs and snails. While doing so, you will find treasures of all kinds.
WHEN: Thru Feb. 8, 2026
WHERE: History Colorado Center
Created in collaboration with the Denver Police Museum, The Bombing of United 629 explores the enduring legacy of this tragic event while serving as a tribute to all who were lost. Having occurred 70 years ago, the bombing of United 629 was the first confirmed case of sabotage against a commercial airliner in the U.S. The subsequent investigation set new standards for forensic science in crash investigations, revealing that John Gilbert Graham planted dynamite in his mother’s suitcase. This tragedy not only led to a landmark ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court, which allowed the trial to be televised and paved the way for greater media access to courtrooms nationally, but also prompted stricter passenger safety policies for air travel.
WHEN: Thru March 15, 2026
WHERE: History Colorado Center
CU Boulder Russian history professor Thomas Riha vanished on March 15, 1969. He’s never been found. Was it the FBI? The CIA? Russian intelligence? Or a mysterious woman who left a trail of lies in her wake? This exhibit invites you to investigate this unique Colorado cold case. Riha vanished during the Cold War, raising questions about possible links to international espionage. For the first time, see original documents, photos, and artifacts from key suspects and intelligence agencies relating to Riha’s disappearance. From Boulder and Washington, DC, to Moscow and Prague, History Colorado Center asks you to dig into the files and examine the evidence. What do you think happened to Thomas Riha?
WHEN: Thru March 29, 2026
WHERE: Center for Colorado Women's History
Throughout history, Colorado women have forged opportunity out of scarcity as they created lives they desired. Ms. Destiny highlights the stories of seven unique and resilient Colorado women who took fate into their hands, overcame barriers and defined their realities. Through the lenses of relationship, financial access and occupation, and presentation, Ms. Destiny explores the self-determination and tenacity of women in the Centennial State.
WHEN: Thru April 12, 2026
WHERE: History Colorado Center
In 1776, two Franciscan priests named Domínguez and Escalante set out from Santa Fe into territory unknown, lands claimed by Spain but controlled by the Tribes who called it home. With Indigenous guides and the help of Native tribes, the Padres and their party of 12 navigated harsh terrain, mapped vital trade routes, and documented Native cultures that had thrived in the region for centuries before Europeans arrived. Carefully selected artifacts, accounts from Escalante’s journal, and stunning landscape photographs will invite visitors to retrace the journey.
WHEN: Thru Feb. 26, 2027
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
A masterpiece by Rembrandt van Rijn titled A Woman Holding a Pink and an additional portrait of Rembrandt, likely painted by his studio, are on view in the European Art Before 1800 galleries (on the 6th level of the museum’s Martin Building) as part of the National Gallery’s “Across the Nation” program. The collaboration, which brings some of the most important and beloved works of art to communities across the country, is part of the NGA’s program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America in 2026.