Denver is a dream location to spend the winter months, but it’s not all about breathtaking snow-covered mountains and outdoor recreational activities. There are countless events for the whole family to enjoy during the season of Christmas and holidays that make you want to spend time with your loved ones and appreciate family and life. Every event on this list is suitable for the little ones, and some of them are specially created for them!
When it comes to winter, Denver succeeds in setting an example for fun! Take a look at our top picks for winter holiday events in Denver, including activities with Santa, train rides to the North Pole, millions of Christmas lights, and so much more:
During this unique event, Santa visits you on the train while riding through the forest and over the 95-foot-tall High Bridge.
You will enjoy the scenic vistas on this magical excursion making your own special holiday memory.
Location:
Georgetown Loop Railroad
DATES:
November 11- December 24
The Colorado Railroad Museum’s Polar Express gives families the chance to enjoy a unique, three-part theatrical extravaganza of Holiday Magic!
There will be Holiday Caroling and the “Hot Chocolate” song and dancing followed by a ride to the North Pole aboard vintage coaches, pulled by an authentic, coal-fired steam locomotive. And finally, visiting with Santa tops off the experience!
Location:
Colorado Railroad Museum
DATES:
Performances are scheduled three times each evening. The season launches with performances four evenings each week, increasing to daily after Thanksgiving. Opening Night is November 11, and the final performances take place on December 23.
Make sure you and the kids don’t miss these Night-time departures that feature Santa’s Lighted Forest through December 24!
The forest and station are decorated with more than 300,000 lights, with even MORE lights added this season!
Location:
Georgetown Loop Railroad
DATES:
November 11- December 24
Get ready to step into a must-see wonderland carved by expert artisans out of two million pounds of colorful ice.
The story of A Charlie Brown Christmas will be represented in larger-than-life sculptures and even plunge-down slides made entirely of ice!
Location:
Gaylord of the Rockies
DATES:
November 18 – January 1, 2023
Blossoms of Light is a dazzling and ever-changing display of light and color for the whole family to enjoy!
Blossoms of Light has been the Gardens’ signature event for more than three decades!
This annual holiday lights extravaganza transforms the Denver Botanic Garden’s York Street location into a twinkling winter wonderland.
Location:
Denver Botanic Gardens York Location
DATES:
November 18 – January 7 (closed Nov. 24 & Dec. 25), 4:30-9 PM
This is the right place to create a seasonal wreath using wintry colors, pinecones, evergreen boughs, and more!
After you complete your wreath, bundle up and stroll around the Gardens with a scavenger hunt that explores the common varieties of evergreens onsite.
Location:
Denver Botanic Gardens York Location
DATES:
December 17,18. 10 AM and 1 PM
From the producers of Immersive Van Gogh, experience the most beloved family holiday tale reimagined!
For nearly 130 years, The Nutcracker has enchanted children around the world. Now your family can experience the timeless holiday tale like never before – brought to life on a majestic scale!
Location:
Lighthouse Art Space Denver
DATES:
Opens on November 9.
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms takes families and visitors of all ages along a winding path glistening with lights that illuminate the Colorado countryside!
Fun features this year include synchronized music in the children’s play area, singing Christmas trees, two three-sided light tunnels, illuminated antique and model tractors on display, hot beverages, nuts, kettle corn as well as fudge, and caramels!
Location:
Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms
DATES:
November 25 – January 1, Various evenings, 5-8:30 PM (closed Dec. 25)
When it comes to holiday magic, Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo is a family favorite.
This year, you will find new installations illuminating nature’s brilliant animation, with enchanting additions like Aurora Borealis, Savannah Sunset, and Electric Jungle. As you wander through our winter wonderland, keep an eye out for nightly ice-carving demonstrations, cozy fire barrels, and all kinds of festive holiday food and drink!
Location:
Denver Zoo
DATES:
December 3- January 15, 2023, | Sunday-Thursday: 5:30 PM–8 PM | Friday & Saturday: 5:30 PM -9 PM
If you’re a family with kids in Denver, visit Denver Union Station and enjoy FREE visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus!
All visits take place indoors, within The Great Hall of Union Station. Food and drink are available for purchase throughout the building.
Location:
Denver Union Station
DATES:
11 AM- 4 PM- Starts on November 27
During this family-friendly event, you will feel the warmth and watch as pinecones are tossed into the courtyard fire, sending good thoughts and prayers into the night sky.
Sing along to Christmas carols from the 1830s and 1840s with music students from the Colorado School of Mines and other strolling musicians. Enjoy Mexican hot chocolate, hot cider, and traditional biscochitos.
Location:
Mines Museum of Earth Science
DATES:
October 15, 5 PM- 8 PM
The holiday spirit leaps to life in this treasured family tradition.
Featuring breathtaking new sets and costumes for the second year, Colorado Ballet invites the whole family to follow Clara and her Nutcracker prince on the sweet, snow-dusted adventure only Tchaikovsky could score.
Location:
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
DATES:
Selected days in December.
What happens in Mordecai Children’s Garden during the cold fall and winter months? Kids will find out and investigate how plants and animals prepare for the cold.
Seedlings classes offer a fun, hands-on way for young children to explore the plant world while developing an understanding and appreciation for plants and their importance.
Location:
Denver Botanic Gardens York Location
DATES:
Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, November 30, 9:15 AM, 10:30 AM | Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, December 1, 9:15 AM, 10:30 AM | Ages 18-24 months: Friday, December 2, 9:15 AM, 10:30 AM.
Disney on Ice is always a great option for fun family time!
See Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and stars from Aladdin, Moana, Frozen, The Lion King, Toy Story 4, Mary Poppins Returns, Incredibles 2, and the Disney Princesses.
Location:
Ball Arena
DATES:
December 2-4
The Nutcracker Tea Party is a special time for your little dancer to enjoy the Nutcracker.
Dancers ages 3-7 years will meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, learn dances, make crafts and enjoy snacks and storytime in a socially-distanced environment.
Location:
Dance Athletics Denver
DATES:
December 3, 2 PM- 4:30 PM
During this Seedlings Session, kids will explore the world of special trees that stay green all year long. They will use evergreen boughs to create a masterpiece to take home with them!
Location:
Denver Botanic Gardens York Location
DATES:
Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, December 7, 9:15 AM, 10:30 AM | Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, December 8, 9:15 AM, 10:30 AM. | Ages 18-24 months: Friday, December 9, 9:15 AM, 10:30 AM.
Christmas Lights for Conservation’s proceeds will benefit the Katie Adamson Conservation Fund, with a special focus on wildlife conservation and rehabilitation in Costa Rica!
Two of the staff members at the Loop will be traveling to Costa Rica, assisting with rehabilitating macaws, planting trees that grow fruit for tapirs, relocating snakes to protect sea turtle eggs, and tracking jaguars. The goal of their mission is to not only help secure a future for these animals but to involve the local communities and teach them about the importance of conserving wildlife within their communities.
Location:
Georgetown Loop Railroad
DATES:
December 7, 6:30 PM
This family-friendly evening features Devin DeSantis and Christine Mild, with traditional Christmas carols, your favorite new winter tunes, and even some newly arranged surprises – all with 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!
Location:
Colorado Symphony
DATES:
December 9, 7:30 PM —December 11, 1 PM
During this Seedlings Session, kids will taste, smell, and explore the many plants that bring us tasty treats of the season.
Will it be mint, ginger, chocolate, or all three?
Location:
Denver Botanic Gardens York Location
DATES:
Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, December 14, 9:15 AM, 10:30 AM | Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, December 15, 9:15 AM, 10:30 AM | Ages 18-24 months: Friday, December 16, 9:15 AM, 10:30 AM
This holiday season, families will experience the magic of Disney’s Frozen™ in high definition!
The Colorado Symphony performs the unforgettable score alongside the modern classic Disney film live at Boettcher Concert Hall. Watch Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf embark on their heroic journey to help Elsa learn the strength of her powers and save the Kingdom of Arendelle from eternal winter.
Location:
Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
DATES:
December 21, 7 PM
After Christmas, the fun continues at Georgetown Loop Railroad with Victorian Holiday Celebration!
Families will get to see Ebeneezer Scrooge and learn of his visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future! Both daytime and nighttime departures will be available, with nighttime departures featuring our lighted forest.
Location:
Georgetown Loop Railroad
DATES:
December 26- January 1
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves.
Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father.
This holiday season relives this heart-warming holiday classic on four giant screens as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in Elf™ in Concert!
Location:
Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
DATES:
December 22, 7 PM —December 23, 7 PM
After Christmas, the fun continues at Georgetown Loop Railroad with Victorian Holiday Celebration!
Families will get to see Ebeneezer Scrooge and learn of his visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future! Both daytime and nighttime departures will be available, with nighttime departures featuring our lighted forest.
Location:
Georgetown Loop Railroad
DATES:
December 26 – January 1
