Things to do in November in Colorado

November in Colorado is a time to fully embrace the upcoming winter. Activities switch from pavement to snow, and events are all about warming up and welcoming in the winter season ahead.

Though November is a slower month for tourism around the state and country, due to folks hunkering down and saving for their Thanksgiving and Xmas holidays, it’s still full of fun things to do. Colorado boasts a plethora of expanding ski slopes to ride, which are less crowded (and less terrain open) than the upcoming peak season.

You still have all your normal year-round indoor activities, like museums and beer tours. And don’t put away the bathing suit yet, as it’s a prime month for a hot springs getaway. Here are some of the highlights and things to try out this November. Find a few more events in November to see if any other festivals interest you.

Here are some things to do in CO during November 2021:

Ski season kicks off

Colorado is home to over two dozen ski resorts, with each in a battle to be the first to open for the season. While Arapahoe Basin usually is the winner in this category, others don’t fall too far behind with openings happening in mid to late November, of course, always depending on the weather. Here are the current November opening dates for Colorado ski resorts:

(All resort season dates are subject to change.)

Denver Arts Week(end)

The Mile-High City celebrates the arts with their annual Arts Week, set to take place November 5th through the 13th. Denver Arts Week encompasses neighborhood art districts, various art galleries, and museums including the highly anticipated Night at the Museums (November 2nd) where a few of the city’s museums offer free or penny entries.

When: November 5th – 13th, 2021

Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show

Now with two dates and two locations, at its new location at the Colorado Convention Center and in Colorado Springs at the Colorado Springs Event Center, the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show is a great way to shop and support local artists and vendors. The show features over 450 unique displays, where shoppers will discover gifts for everyone on their list. Shop original arts and crafts, foods, home décor, furniture, clothing, and more.

When: November 5th – 7th, 2021 (Colorado Convention Center) and November 19th – 21st (COS Event Center)

Santa’s Lighted Forest | Georgetown Loop Railroad

Kick off the holiday season by visiting Santa aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Every evening, late November through late December, take the Santa’s Lighted Forest train ride through a beautiful light show, synchronized with holiday music. With enclosed heated coaches, you will enjoy the beauty of winter in the Colorado Rockies from the comfort of Santa’s train.

When: November 6th-November 28th, 2021 and December 3rd – January 2nd, 2022
(Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Days)

Free days at National Parks

Colorado is home to four national parks and on Veterans Day, this November, visitors are given free access for the day. Choose from these Colorado National Parks:

• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Great Sand Dunes National park

When: Wednesday, November 11th, 2021 (Veterans Day)

Check out other free admission days, including the Denver Art Museum on Tuesday, November 9th, Denver Botanic Gardens on Tuesday, November 2nd at Chatfield Farms, and Friday, November 26th at York Street.,

Free admission at State Parks

Colorado is home to 41 state parks located throughout the state. The natural beauty is preserved and free for all to see on Black Friday this year. Take advantage of Fresh Air Friday with a morning or afternoon or exploring around a local state park. If the conditions call for it, strap on snowshoes. Many state parks have auto roads around parts of the parks, allowing you to soak up much of the park’s beauty from parking areas and short walks.

When: Friday, November 26th, 2021

Go to an Avalanche game

The Colorado Avalanche is the state’s National Hockey League team. Watch the Avalanche duke it out on the ice at Denver’s Ball Arena this season. With more than 40 regular-season home games scheduled for the 2020-2021 season, there are plenty of games to choose from!

Thanks for checking out some of Colorado’s top activities in November. And while you’re at it take a peek at some of the state’s best things to do in December. It’s always good to plan ahead around the holidays.