It’s that time of the year again! The 2024 Holiday season is here, and what better way to get in the holiday spirit than by enjoying the many kid-friendly Christmas events in Denver?
From wonderful Nutcracker performances to holiday craft-making, mesmerizing light shows, and even meeting Santa in person, there are so many Christmas events in Denver to enjoy, you may not know where to start. Don’t worry! We’ll make the search a little easier for you. All you have to do is immerse yourself in the beautiful lights decorating the whole city, listen to the classic holiday tunes we all know and love, and get the little ones in their cozy Christmas sweaters for the upcoming festive season.
Here are some of our favorite options for Christmas events in Denver:
2024 Kids Christmas Events in Denver
1
Zoo Lights
The Denver Zoo’s amazing sparkling features light up the whole place, making your visit an even more wonderful experience. Kids will get to enjoy the zoo under three million lights!2
Zoo Lights Sensory-Friendly Night
This inclusive event is meant for young guests with sensory processing disabilities to have a fun holiday experience at the zoo, with reduced crowds and low-volume music.3
Family Day Out: Candy Making Gifts
Create some delicious treats with your little ones at this Christmas event for kids in Denver, which you can gift to family and friends. Holiday gifts have never been sweeter!4
Cobweb Christmas Craft Time
The Butterfly Pavilion welcomes families to enjoy the Cobweb Christmas storytime and create their own ornaments, at this fun winter program for children of all ages.5
Santa at The Station
What child wouldn’t want to meet Santa? Well, at Denver Union Station anything is possible! Joined by Mrs. Claus, Santa will meet each kid and they can take pictures with him, and of course, ask him what they want for this Christmas!6
Caribbean Christmas at Trails Recreation Center
At Trails Recreation Center’s activity pool, there will be a Christmas-themed holiday swim for families to welcome the holiday season. During this fun kids Christmas event, kids will get to enjoy sweet treats and take pictures with Santa!7
Light the Lights
Light the Lights is one of those Christmas events for Kids you won’t want to miss out on. Celebrating Colorado Children Chorale’s 50th anniversary, families will enjoy classic holiday music surrounded by beautiful sparkling lights.8
Trail of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens
Dancing Christmas trees, light tunnels, music-synchronized lights… what’s not to like? This holiday celebration is one of the most amazing experiences for families in Denver. There will also be hot beverages and snacks for purchase.9
Blossoms of Light
Illuminating every corner of Denver Botanic Garden’s York Street location, this amazing holiday light show offers not only LED lights but holiday treats, warm drinks, and lots of family fun!10
A Sweet Time with Santa
Santa is in town to make an appearance at one of the most fun Christmas events for kids: he’ll take pictures and play with the children at Play Street Museum Highlands Ranch! And that’s not it, there’s a goodie for each child before he says goodbye.11
Nutcracker Storytime at Second Star to the Right Books
Real Nutcracker dancers from the Colorado Conservatory of Dance visit the Second Star to the Right Books to tell kids all about the story of the Nutcracker and answer any questions about dance. Kids are welcome to attend in ballet costumes or Christmas sweaters!12
Storybook Wonderland: A Holiday Shopping Event
One of the favorites when it comes to Christmas events for kids in Denver, is the always exciting Storybook Wonderland. Kids will enjoy crafts, storytimes, and engaging activities, as well as getting their books signed by invited local authors!13
Holiday Afternoon Tea at Forney Museum
The Forney Museum is hosting a British Afternoon Tea for families to enjoy the beautiful holiday decorations and its vintage transportation exhibits. Seats are limited for this event.14
Holiday Horse & Carriage Rides
A cozy ride awaits families to celebrate the holiday season every Friday night through December 20th, as one of the Christmas events in Denver you can’t miss!15
Santa’s Rocky Mountain Adventure
You can create the warmest memories even while enjoying snowy views at one of the most beautiful holiday sceneries: a train ride through the forest and over the 95-foot-tall High Bridge. Get the little ones ready to meet Santa!16
Meet Santa Claus! at Tree Town Wonderland
If you’re looking for free Christmas events in Denver, this fun option may be the right event for you! Your little ones will get to meet Santa and tell him what they would like for Christmas at Tree Town Wonderland.17
Reindeer Meet & Greet at Tree Town Wonderland
Why would Santa travel without his beloved friend the Reindeer? Kids will get to meet Santa’s Reindeer at this free Christmas event for kids, as well as feed and pet him!18
Holiday Lighted Forest
Train rides have never been as fun as in Georgetown Loop Railroad! Meet Ebenezer Scrooge after Christmas and listen to all of his unique stories, as you enjoy the most amazing views of the beautifully lighted forest.19
Santa Photos at Southwest Plaza
Make your reservations for your little ones to meet Santa and take family pictures with him! There are many photo packages for you to choose from and keep the most beautiful holiday memories.20
Santa's Circus at Parker Art
Parker Art always hosts some of the best Christmas events for kids in Denver, this year families will get to enjoy the most amazing circus acts and mind-blowing stunts, in a festive experience filled with acrobatics, music, magic, comedy, and more!21
Scrooge’s Dream: A Retelling of A Christmas Carol
A beautiful retelling of A Christmas Carol is presented by Dancers from On Pointe School of Dance, bringing to life the classic story. Kids of all ages will enjoy this experience, it’s one of the best Christmas events in Denver.22
Clara’s Dream: A Retelling of the Nutcracker Ballet
This retelling of the Nutcracker Ballet is performed by dancers (ages 3 to adults) from the On Pointe School of Dance. This only-student performance is a nice way for families to celebrate the holiday season.23
The Magic School Show at Parker Arts
This magic interactive show teaches kids ages 3 to 10 how to use magic spells, do good deeds, and even travel through time! Each spectator will receive an interactive LED wand as a gift.24
A Classic Parker Holiday at Parker Arts
Among the many Christmas events in Denver where you can enjoy music with the little ones, this performance by the Parker Chorale and Parker Symphony Orchestra is truly magical. Enjoy popular carols and classic holiday songs!25
The Nutcracker at Parker Arts
This ballet performance and its brilliant choreography will amaze the whole family! Kids Christmas events in Denver are everywhere, but this one, presented by the Denver Ballet Theatre and Parker Arts you should not miss out on!26
Goods in the Woods & Elf on the Shelf Craftacular
Elf on the Shelf Craftacular is a free Christmas event for kids in Denver, where they’ll get to enjoy lovely storytime, crafts, music, and more! You can also buy beautiful art as holiday gifts.There are many cool things to do in Denver with kids, even in the cold winter! From bowling to indoor playgrounds and laser tags, this city has plenty of entertainment for children of all ages and interests.
If you’re looking for new ideas to enjoy some family fun this winter, you should definitely check out our ultimate guide to Winter vacations in Colorado.