Family-Friendly New Year's Events
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.
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.
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.
Noon Year's Eve
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
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 a.m. to 3 p.m., festive music, special New Year’s-themed programming and more. The ball drops will take place out on the plaza in their seasonal outdoor experience, SNOW DAYS!
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.
New Year's Eve With Mike Finoia (Family-Friendly Version)
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2026 (5:30 p.m.)
WHERE: Comedy Works Downtown
COST: Ticketed
This New York City-based comedian is putting on a special PG-13 show earlier in the day. He is a writer/producer for TruTV’s "Impractical Jokers," and he also tours with the guys on their national arena tour.
New Year's Eve With Matthew Broussard (Family-Friendly Version)
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2026 (5 p.m.)
WHERE: Comedy Works South
COST: Ticketed
A self-described disgraced financial analyst forced into stand-up comedy. He says he's the byproduct of a Cajun chemist and Jewish microbiologist, and holds a degree in computational mathematics — something he always manages to bring up. This special PG-13 show takes place before his adult shows later in the evening.
Magical Winter Nights
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.
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.
Santa's Little Man Ice Cream Factory
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.
Zoo Lights
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.
Noon Years Celebration
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: The Shops at Northfield
Ring in the New Year early at the Noon Year’s Celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring the whole family for a festive countdown to noon featuring a dazzling balloon drop, fun activities, live entertainment, face painting and more. It’s the perfect way to welcome the New Year together—family fun without staying up late!
More Holiday Events & Activities
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.
Music, Comedy & Performing Arts
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2026
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
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.
New Year's Eve Bash at Grizzly Rose
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2026
WHERE: Grizzly Rose
This legendary country venue is hosting a special bash to ring in the new year.
New Year's Eve With Mike Finoia
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2026 (7:45 p.m. and 10 p.m.)
WHERE: Comedy Works Downtown
COST: Ticketed
This New York City-based comedian is a writer/producer for TruTV’s "Impractical Jokers," and he also tours with the guys on their national arena tour. The 10 p.m. show includes party favors, a midnight champagne toast and a countdown with the comics.
New Year's Eve With Matthew Broussard
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2026 (7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.)
WHERE: Comedy Works South
COST: Ticketed
A self-described disgraced financial analyst forced into stand-up comedy. He says he's the byproduct of a Cajun chemist and Jewish microbiologist, and holds a degree in computational mathematics — something he always manages to bring up. The 10 p.m. show includes party favors, a midnight champagne toast and a countdown with the comics.
The Polish Ambassador
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2026
WHERE: Fillmore Auditorium
Ring in the new year with some EDM. The electronic music artist is bringing along Mark Farina and Flamingosis.
Museum & Gallery Exhibitions
WHEN: Thru Feb. 14, 2027
WHERE: Clyfford Still Museum
Still in Sound explores the diverse ways to understand abstract visual language through sound, engaging five contemporary artists working with sound in their practice. After brief residencies on-site at the museum, each artist selected an abstract artwork by Clyfford Still and composed an original sound-based piece in response. Their selections and resulting compositions set the tone for each of Still’s largest galleries. Guest artists include Maria Chávez, Maya Dunietz, Kalyn Heffernan, Matana Roberts and Michael Schumacher.
WHEN: Thru Feb. 21, 2027
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
Space is a place where designers and artists find endless inspiration. The Space Age ignited a collective fascination with the stars, inspiring bold visions of the future. The exhibition Space Is the Place navigates an era when artists and designers turned their gaze skyward, channeling the optimism, anxiety and curiosity that defined the mid-20th century.
Catalysts
WHEN: Thru March 1, 2027
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
The Denver Theatre District (DTD) presents Catalysts, a community artwork by renowned British-American artist Jann Haworth. Catalysts features a collage of 34 stenciled portraits of behind-the-scenes individuals who are integral to the success and vibrancy of Denver arts and culture, as selected by participating arts organizations. Each participating arts organization selected an honoree to be recognized and submitted an essay highlighting their remarkable contributions. See it on the side of the Buell Theatre on Champa Street between 13th Street and 14th Street.
WHEN: Thru March 7, 2027
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
Take a look at an imaginary day in the life of Colorado through the eyes of printmakers, one hour at a time. The media and techniques are as varied and diverse as the people and places they represent.
WHEN: Thru March 31, 2027
WHERE: Center for Colorado Women’s History
An inspiring exhibition highlights the struggles and triumphs of Colorado’s women activists and leaders who organized at the ballot box and beyond to implement their vision for a better future.
WHEN: Thru April 11, 2027
WHERE: History Colorado Center
The buildings and landscapes that frame our daily lives do more than stand in the background. They witness our experiences, anchor our communities and shape the stories we pass down. The Colorado Register of Historic Properties recognizes the importance of these places to our shared history. In honor of Colorado’s 150th anniversary, History Colorado set out to address long-standing exclusions that left fewer than 4% of listed sites representing women, Black, Latino, Asian American, Indigenous or LGBTQ Coloradans. We have selected 14 places that Colorado Heritage for All has already recognized. Through photographs of these sites and of the people who remain connected to them, we explore what makes this initiative so vital.
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.
Sporting Events
Denver Nuggets vs. New York Knicks
WHEN: Jan. 2, 2027
WHERE: Ball Arena
COST: Ticketed
Root for the Nuggets as they take on the Knicks.
Denver Nuggets vs. Detroit Pistons
WHEN: Jan. 3, 2027
WHERE: Ball Arena
COST: Ticketed
Root for the Nuggets as they take on the Pistons.
