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 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 2022:

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:

(All resort season dates are subject to change.)

Denver Arts Week(end)

The Mile-High City celebrates the arts with its annual Arts Week, set to take place November 4th through the 12th. Denver Arts Week encompasses neighborhood art districts along with various galleries and museums. The schedule includes the highly anticipated Night at the Museums on November 5th, where many of the city’s top museums offer free or penny entries.

When: November 4th – 12th, 2022

Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show

Now with two dates and two locations, one at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver and one 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 so much more.

Where: Colorado Springs Event Center and Colorado Convention Center 

When: November 4th – 6th, 2022 (COS) and November 11th – 13th (DEN)

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: November 12th-January 2nd, 2023 (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: Friday, November 11th, 2022 (Veterans Day)

Check out other free admission days around the state, including the Denver Art Museum on Saturday, November 5 and Tuesday, November 8. Denver Botanic Gardens on Friday, November 25th at both Chatfield Farms and York Street locations. Plains Conservation Center on Saturday, November 19 from 10 am – 3 pm.

Free admission at State Parks

Colorado is home to 42 state parks located all throughout the state. The natural beauty is preserved and free for all to see on Black Friday each year. Take advantage of Fresh Air Friday with a morning or afternoon of exploring a local state park. Many state parks have auto roads around certain sections, allowing you to soak up much of the park’s beauty from parking areas and short walks that are suitable for the whole family.

When: Friday, November 25th, 2022

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 2022-2023 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.