Who is excited to start planning winter holiday activities in Denver?
The snow hasn’t started falling in Denver yet, but it’s coming, so now is the time to schedule your winter holiday activities. Time to fill up your calendar with activities this upcoming holiday season.
The Polar Express™ Train Ride (Colorado Railroad Museum) November 11 – December 23 (select days)
Your group will be seated together in THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Pavilion for the cabaret-style show, and then you’ll board one of three coaches for your ride to the North Pole! Hot cocoa, cookie, and—of course—a Silver Bell is included with each ticket. Lap Riders do not have access to individual seating. NOTE: Groups wishing to be seated together must purchase all tickets in a single transaction. Lap Riders under age 2 ride free!
Purchase Tickets HERE. $80 – $100 each.
Denver Christkindlmarket (Civic Center Park) November 19 – December 23
Experience the warmth and charm of an authentic German Holiday Market right in the heart of Denver. Stroll through alleys lined with cozy wooden huts and shop for unique, finely crafted artisan gifts and tasty treats brought to you by local and international small businesses. As cheerful sounds of live holiday music fill the air, savor the season with traditional glühwein, German biers, and traditional holiday fare from across Europe.
Free!
Blossoms of Light (Denver Botanic Gardens) November 19, 2021 – January 8, 2022
The Gardens’ signature event for over three decades, this annual holiday lights extravaganza transforms our York Street location into a twinkling winter wonderland. Join us for this family-friendly event that has become a holiday tradition for thousands of Front Range families.
Holiday treats and warm drinks will be available for purchase at the Hive Garden Bistro.
Member Presale: Thursday, Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. Public: Monday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m.
Purchase Tickets HERE
$16-19 Members
$18-21 Non-members
Free for children 2 and under (no ticket required)
Zoo Lights (Denver Zoo) November 22 – January 2, 2022
The holidays have always been a time for reflection… connection…and of course, for tradition. And this year, Zoo Lights is the final toast in a year-long celebration!
As the brilliant capstone to 125 Years of Love, our 2021 event promises to be brighter than ever—with a colorful crop of NEW installations and offerings, PLUS our most festive favorites, including nightly ice-carving demonstrations.
Members: $20 adults / $10 kids (discount valid Nov 22–Dec 5 only)
Non-Members: $25 adults / $15 kids (ALL guests pay regular price Dec 6–Jan 2)
Nov 1: Member tickets on sale
Nov 15: General public tickets on sale
Nov 22–Dec 5: Members-only dates
Dec 6–Jan 2: Everyone Welcome
Dec 31: Low-Sensory Night
Purchase Tickets HERE
9NEWS Parade of Lights (Downtown Denver) December 4th at 6:00pm
Are you ready to experience Colorado’s brightest holiday tradition? This FREE holiday spectacular features more than 40 units including extravagantly illuminated floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, magnificent marching bands, traditional equestrian units, and vibrant cultural displays. And of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa! Join us for the live parade on December 4th at 6:00pm and check out the floats displayed throughout the month of December.
Can’t make it to the parade? Don’t worry, our partners at 9NEWS will be rebroadcasting the parade throughout the month of December.
KUSA: 12/11: 6pm – 7pm; 12/24: 10:35pm – 11:35pm
My20 (KTVD): 12/18: 7pm-8pm
More Adventurous and Looking for a Sleigh Ride?
There are a few options for a day trip from Denver.
- Saddleback Ranch (Steamboat Springs)
- Beaver Meadows Ranch (Fort Collins)
- Sombrero Ranch (Winter Park)
- 2 Below Zero (Frisco)
- 4 Eagle Ranch (Wolcott)
- Astraddle A Saddle (Pagosa Springs)
- Northern Colorado Carriage (Fort Collins)
- M Lazy C Ranch (Lake George)
- Elk River Ranch (Clark – near Steamboat)
- Pine Creek Cookhouse (Aspen)
