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 on the winter 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.
What to do in CO during November 2019
You still have all your normal year round indoor activities, like museums and factory tours. Don’t put away the bathing suit yet, as it’s a prime month for a hot springs getaway. Here are some of highlights and things to try out this November. You can view more events in November to see if any other festivals interests you.
Ski season kicks off
Skier on Volunteer at Breckenridge Ski Resort, photo: John Johnston
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:
Opening dates for November are as follows:
| Resort | Opening |
|---|---|
| Arapahoe Basin | Already Open |
| Aspen Mountain | November 28 |
| Beaver Creek | November 27 |
| Breckenridge | November 8 |
| Copper Mountain | November 8 |
| Crested Butte | November 27 |
| Echo Mountain | November 29 |
| Eldora | November 1 |
| Howelsen Hill | November 30 |
| Keystone | Already open |
| Loveland | Already open |
| Monarch | November 1 |
| Purgatory | November 23 |
| Snowmass | November 28 |
| Steamboat | November 23 |
| Telluride | November 28 |
| Vail | November 15 |
| Winter Park | November 13 |
| Wolf Creek | November 1 |
Denver Arts Week
Denver Art Museum, photo: Maciek Lulko
The Mile-High City celebrates the arts with their annual Arts Week, set to take place November 1st through the 9th. 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 1st – 9th, 2019
Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show
Country Christmas Gift Show, photo by Coloradochristmasgiftshow.com
Now with two dates and two locations, at the Denver Mart 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 1st – 3rd, 2019 (Denver Mart) and November 8th – 10th (Colorado Springs Event Center)
Santa’s Lighted Forest | Georgetown Loop Railroad
Santa’s Lighted Forest, photo by Georgetownlooprr.com
Kick off the holiday season 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 26th – December 24th, 2019
Free days at National Parks
Morraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, photo by Peter Ciro
Colorado is home to four national parks and on Veteran’s 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: November 11th, 2019
Free admission at State Parks
Trinidad Lake State Park. Photo: Ricky Romero
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: November 29, 2019
Go to an Avalanche game
Avalanche hockey game, photo by Heath Alseike
Colorado Avalanche is the state’s National Hockey League team. Watch the Avalanche duke it out on the ice at Denver’s Pepsi Center this season. With 41 regular-season home games scheduled for the 2019-2020 season, there are plenty of games to choose from!
Trans-Siberian Orchestra comes to the Broadmoor World Arena
Trans Siberian Orchestra performance, photo by Trans Siberian Orchestra Facebook
The popular progressive rock group, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, will be taking over the stage at The Broadmoor World Arena for their 2019 Winter tour. Featuring some of the classics including, “O’ Come All Ye Faithful,” “Good King Joy,” and “This Christmas Day,” it is a performance sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Ticket prices start at $59.90.
When: November 17th, 2019 @ 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM
B.L.A.M!
B.L.A.M. in Keystone, photo by Keystone Festivals Facebook
The beer, local art, and music festival in Keystone is a celebration of local artists and musicians. It’s the perfect combination of a day on the slopes and soaking up a bit of local flavor by shopping vendors’ artwork, photography, woodwork, jewelry, and even custom snowboards and skis.
When: November 23rd, 2019
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