Denver Fall & Winter Festivals

Mile High Holidays

WHEN: Thru Jan. 1, 2026
WHERE: All over town
During the holiday season, Denver will twinkle with millions of lights all across the city. Feel the warmth of family-friendly performing arts classics, find the perfect gifts and marvel at elaborate lights displays. No other city creates holiday miracles quite like Denver. Mile High Holidays has something for everyone.

Elitch Holidays 

WHEN: Thru 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. 

Hudson Holidays

WHEN: Thru 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.

McGregor Skate 

WHEN: Thru Jan. 25, 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.

Snow Days

WHEN: Thru Feb. 26, 2026
WHERE: Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Spend your day gliding around a special outdoor sock skating rink, sledding on REAL snow, building snowmen, "fishing" in the ice house, warming up by a toasty fire and much, much more.

National Western Stock Show - Kick-Off Parade

WHEN: Jan. 8, 2026
WHERE: Starts at Denver Union Station
The National Western Stock Show Kick-off Parade is set for Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 12 noon to 2 PM. The parade starts at Union Station, travels along 17th Street to Glenarm. Featuring Longhorn cattle, cowboy hats, boots, and chaps, this beloved event brings the spirit of the Stock Show to Downtown Denver!

National Western Stock Show & Rodeo

WHEN: Jan. 10–25, 2026
WHERE: National Western Complex
Held every January at the National Western Complex, it's the nation's premier livestock, rodeo and horse show, serving agricultural producers and consumers throughout the world. Enjoy rodeos featuring top-notch bull riders, horse shows, livestock competitions and auctions. And don’t miss acres of shopping at Colorado’s largest Western trade show. 

No Man’s Land Film Festival

WHEN: March 7, 2026
WHERE: 2644 West 32nd Ave.
No Man’s Land Film Festival has celebrated the full scope of athletes and adventurers by undefining femininity in adventure, sport, conservation and film since 2015. Based out of Denver, NMLFF meets a need and desire to highlight and connect women + gender-nonconforming communities in pursuit of the radical.