Free Colorado Travel Guide | Vacations, Travel and Tourism

Christmas Holiday Events Around Denver

image of denver civic center at christmas
Denver Civic Center at Christmas. Photo by: Jonathan Thorne

‘Tis the season for holiday events in Colorado. Christmas and the month leading up to it make for a magical place time in the Rockies. And from Denver to Boulder, and all along the Front Range, Christmas cheer is spreading. Join in on the fun with this holiday event guide to the Mile High City.

In addition to the holiday events around Denver, it’s also the perfect time of year for road trips. You can visit one of these top Christmas towns, which celebrate the festivities so well. Or for a truly Old West Xmas, hop aboard one of these holiday train rides, for an unforgettable narrow gauge journey to the North Pole.

Camp Christmas — Aurora

image of camp christmas
Camp Christmas. Photo: Camp Christmas at the Hangar Stanley Facebook

For the first time ever, join in with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts at the Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park for Camp Christmas. This elaborate immersive installation turns the holiday spirit up a notch by combining old traditions with new ones explore what Christmas means to all in a 10,000-square-foot wonderland.

Lights of December Parade — Boulder

image of downtown boulder during Christmas
Christmas lights light up downtown Boulder. Photo by Raymond Johnson

Join in on Boulder’s annual hometown parade. Winding through the historic downtown, onlookers will enjoy the sounds of a marching band and watch as floats go by in Boulder-style fashion. And of course, what Christmas parade would be complete without a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus?

Festival of Lights — Brighton

image of a christmas parade
Festival of Lights Parade. Photo by City of Brighton Facebook

Enjoy the bright lights of the holiday at the Festival of Lights in Brighton. The annual Festival of Lights Parade and Winter Festival is a hometown holiday tradition the entire community participates in. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. with winter festival activities beginning at 2 p.m. at Historic City Hall.

The parade begins at 5 p.m. and features more than 75 fully-lit floats that exemplify the hometown holiday spirit. The event is free and open to the public.

Reindeer Games — Castle Rock

image of children on a train
Mini train at the Reindeer Games in Castle Rock. Photo by Town of Castle Rock Facebook

Designed with the kids in mind, Reindeer Games brings a whole host of holiday fun all set in a winter-themed wonderland. See live reindeer, visit with Santa, eat chocolate chip cookies, sip on hot cocoa, and ride the winter Express Train. The event is free and open to the public.

  • When: Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 1 to 4 pm
  • Where: The Millhouse and Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, Castle Rock
  • Website: crgov.com/2756/Reindeer-Games

Denver Christkindl Market

image of Christmas in Denver
Denver Civic Center lit up for Christmas. Photo by emarschn

Do as they do in Germany, well almost like it, by shopping Denver’s Christkindl Market. Stroll the artisan marketplace, taste authentic German cuisine, sip on hot chocolate, listen to live music, and sample a Gluhwein with your souvenir mug. Admission is free.

Blossoms of Light — Denver

Be mesmerized by thousands of twinkling lights decorating Denver’s Botanic Gardens. As the garden’s premier event, Blossoms of Light showcases a colorful winter wonderland with a 360-degree immersive light experience. Holiday treats, a cup of hot cocoa, and a holiday dinner are available for purchase.

The Nutcracker — Denver

The beloved classic, The Nutcracker, makes its annual appearance at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House throughout the holiday season. The Colorado Ballet’s rendition is one not to be missed with a visit to the Sugar Plum Kingdom where beautiful dances come to life.

  • Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver
  • When: November 30 – December 29, 2024
  • Website: coloradoballet.org

Denver Parade of Lights

image of denver parade of lights
Denver Parade of Lights. Photo by Denver Parade of Lights Facebook

A Denver tradition, the Parade of Lights will fill the streets once again for their downtown display. Ringing in the holiday cheer, the parade features marching bands, festive floats, all complete with a visit from Santa and the parade’s mascot, Major Waddles the Penguin. The event is free to the public with available tickets for purchase in the grandstand in front of the City & County Building.

Christmas Sweater 5K — Denver

What are the holidays without an ugly Christmas sweater get-together? Join in on the fun with thousands of your best friends as you all run through the streets of Washington Park wearing your ugly Christmas sweater at the Christmas Sweater 5K.

Denver Zoo Lights

Step inside Colorado’s wildest winter wonderland at the Denver Zoo Lights. This year’s event is Illuminated with Life with more than two million lights twinkling throughout the Denver Zoo. Other activities include hula hoop dance party, ice carving artisans, a holiday shopping bazaar, and more. Tickets are available for purchase online and the event sells out every year, so get yours today!

A Colorado Christmas with the Colorado Symphony — Denver

Listen to Christmas classics such as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and Silent Night at the Colorado Christmas performed by the Colorado Symphony. Don’t be shy, be sure to sing along to your favorite Christmas carol as you ring in the holidays with this Colorado classic. This family-friendly event is hosted by Devin DeSantis, a Denver vocalist. An appearance by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus keeps the holiday cheer high.

Holiday Walk — Evergreen

image of santa and mrs. claus
Visit with Santa at the Holiday Walk. Photo by Tamara Dawn via Heart of Evergreen Facebook

Main Street in downtown Evergreen shuts down for the festive 32nd Annual Holiday Walk. Join in on the fun with caroling with Santa, tree lighting, and pictures with Santa. The main stage will be located at the National Bank parking lot in downtown Evergreen.

Olde Golden Holidays — Golden

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Carriage rides through downtown Golden. Photo by Visit Golden Facebook

During the holiday season, Golden comes to life with an extensive line-up of small-town holiday celebrations. The city-wide celebration includes a candlelight walk, several holiday parades, a holiday art market, a colorful light display along Clear Creek, a live theater, and its very own Santa tracker, so visitors can track where Santa will be in town throughout the holiday celebrations.

  • When: December 6, 2024 (Olde Golden Candlelight), December 14, 2024 (Old Golden Holiday Parade), December 21, 2024 (Jingle On The Avenue)
  • Where: Downtown Golden
  • Website: visitgolden.com/olde-golden-holidays

Hometown Holiday & Winter Market — Highlands Ranch

image of santa and mrs. claus
Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Hometown Holiday and Winter Market. Photo by Highlands Ranch Community Association Facebook

Join in on some hometown holiday fun at the Highlands Ranch Holiday & Winter Market. Festivities include caroling, entertainment, a visit with Santa, and a tree-lighting ceremony that begins at 5 p.m. The market also provides a chance to shop for those on your list with food and gift items from local businesses.

Trail of Lights — Littleton

image of Chatfield farms
Christmas at Chatfield Farms. Photo by Denver Botanic Gardens Facebook

Chatfield Farms lights up every holiday season with its festive lights and winter wonderland displays. Come meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and his reindeer at Santa’s Village. Kids will enjoy hayrides, a giant snow globe, and will be able to drop their wish list at Elf Boulevard just in time for Christmas Eve.

Parker Hometown Christmas Parade

image of christmas carriage parade
Christmas Carriage Parade. Photo by Town of Parker Facebook

Hosted every year on the second Saturday in December, the Christmas Carriage Parade is a favorite tradition in Parker. Come see the all-equestrian parade with horse-drawn carriages, wagons, and stagecoaches, all decked out for the event. In tow, there is a holiday farmer’s market for those last-minute shoppers. The parade is free and open to the public.

Holiday Lighting Ceremony — Westminster

image of Christmas in Westminster
Christmas in Westminster. Photo by City of Westminster Colorado Facebook

Experience the magic of the holidays at the Holiday Lighting Ceremony at the Westminster City Hall. Enjoy holiday music, delicious food trucks, games, and a visit with Santa. Parents, be sure to bring your camera and snap a photo with your kids upon the full-size sleigh and kid-size train. Admission is free.

Thanks for checking out some of the best Christmas holiday events around the Mile High City. Remember to be nice.