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 cold season ahead.
Though it is a slower month for tourism around the state and country due to folks hunkering down and saving for the holiday season, November is still full of fun things to do. Colorado boasts a plethora of expanding ski slopes to ride, which are less crowded (albeit with less terrain open) than the upcoming peak season.
You still have all the normal year-round indoor activities, like museums and brewery tours. And don’t put away the bathing suit yet, as it’s prime time for a hot springs getaway. 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 2026:
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, this is always weather-dependent. Here are the current November opening dates for Colorado ski resorts:
Here are the 2026/27 estimated opening/closing dates for Colorado ski resorts, in alphabetical order:
(All resort season opening and closing dates are subject to change.)
| Resort | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|
| Arapahoe Basin | late October, 2026 | May 16, 2027 |
| Aspen Highlands | December 12, 2026 | April 11, 2027 |
| Aspen Mountain | November 26, 2026 | April 18, 2027 |
| Beaver Creek | November 27, 2026 | April 11, 2027 |
| Breckenridge | November 6, 2026 | April 24, 2027 |
| Buttermilk | December 12, 2026 | March 28, 2027 |
| Ski Cooper | mid-December 2026 | late March 2027 |
| Copper Mountain | November 6, 2026 | May 2, 2027 |
| Crested Butte | November 27, 2026 | April 4, 2027 |
| Echo Mountain | mid-December 2026 | early April 2027 |
| Eldora | November 27, 2026 | April 4, 2027 |
| Granby Ranch | November 27, 2026 | March 28, 2027 |
| Hesperus | late December 2026 | mid-March 2027 |
| Howelsen Hill | December 5, 2026 | March 21, 2027 |
| Kendall Mountain | mid-December 2026 | late-March 2027 |
| Keystone | October 31, 2026 | April 4, 2027 |
| Loveland | late October 2026 | early May 2027 |
| Monarch | December 4, 2026 | March 28, 2027 |
| Powderhorn | December 4, 2026 | March 21, 2027 |
| Purgatory | November 27, 2026 | March 28, 2027 |
| Silverton | December 31, 2026 | April 11, 2027 |
| Snowmass | November 26, 2026 | April 18, 2027 |
| Steamboat | November 20, 2026 | April 4, 2027 |
| Sunlight | December 11, 2026 | March 21, 2027 |
| Telluride | November 27, 2026 | April 4, 2027 |
| Vail | November 13, 2026 | April 11, 2027 |
| Winter Park | late October 2026 | early May 2027 |
| Wolf Creek | November 21, 2026 | April 4, 2027 |
Denver Arts Week
The Mile-High City celebrates the arts with its annual Arts Week, set to take place in early November. Denver Arts Week encompasses neighborhood art districts along with various galleries and museums. The schedule includes the highly anticipated Night at the Museum, where many of the city’s top museums offer free or penny entries.
When: Friday–Sunday, November 6th-15th, 2026 | visitdenver.com/denver-arts-week
Denver Christmas Show
Held at the Colorado Convention Center, the Denver Christmas 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 so much more holiday charm.
Where: Colorado Convention Center, Denver
When: Friday-Sunday, November 6th-8th, 2026 | denverchristmasshow.com
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.
After Christmas, the show changes themes into a Victorian Holiday Celebration for a short time. With enclosed heated coaches, you will enjoy the beauty of winter in the Colorado Rockies from the comfort of Santa’s train.
Where: Georgetown, CO
When: mid November-December 24th, 2026 (Closed Thanksgiving) | georgetownlooprr.com/winter-holiday-trains
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 11, 2026 (Veterans Day)
Check out other free admission days around the state, including the:
- Denver Zoo on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (tickets released on October 28), Saturday, November 14 (tickets released on October 31), Sunday, November 22 (tickets released on November 8)
- Denver Art Museum on Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science on Saturday evening, November 7 (Night at the Museums for Denver Arts Week, 5-10 pm), Monday, November 16, 2026
- Clyfford Still Museum on Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Plains Conservation Center on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 10 am – 3 pm
- Denver Botanic Gardens on Friday, November 27, 2026, at both Chatfield Farms and York Street locations
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 about 40 regular-season home matches scheduled for the 2026-2027 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 a good idea to plan ahead around the holidays.
2026-27 Colorado Ski Resorts Season Opening and Closing Dates