Denver is an active city full of exciting cultural events year-round, and it becomes particularly magical during the winter holiday season. The picturesque twinkling lights amidst snow-capped trees are sure to get you in the festive spirit.
In addition to some exciting holiday activities, Denver’s top craft breweries serve up some of their best winter brews, and restaurants fuel the cozy feelings with hot toddies. If Denver’s winter charm has you feeling the holiday cheer, you’ll want to check out some of Denver’s most anticipated holiday happenings.
Zoo Lights
The famous Denver Zoo transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland every evening in December and attracts families from far and wide. The zoo itself is open until 5pm each day, when it briefly closes and reopens at 5:30pm for the Zoo Lights attraction. Come down and check out the animated light-up animal sculptures, as well as ice sculptors in action creating beautiful frozen masterpieces. You’ll encounter some animals along the way, and you may even get a visit from Santa himself!
“The Nutcracker”
You can catch a performance of the famed holiday ballet at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Performed each year by the Colorado Ballet, Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic charms children and adults of all ages. With live music played by the incredibly talented Colorado Ballet Orchestra, you’re sure to leave full of holiday cheer. Whether you’ve seen it countless times, or this year is your first, seeing The Nutcracker is always a favorite holiday activity.
Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens
Looking for more magically-lit spaces after you’ve visited Zoo Lights? Explore the Denver Botanic Gardens, open evenings from 5-9pm, and see why visitors find the array of light displays so stunning. In a season when the plant life isn’t as extensive, the Botanic Gardens still amazes tourists and Denverites alike. Don’t miss their field of animated LED lights that respond to sound, making for a fun, interactive exhibit that adults and children can both enjoy. A great time to visit is for a live performance in the gardens. December 10th is their UltraSoniX show, and you can find more events on their website as well.
Ice Skating at Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park
Looking for a festive event in Denver that will keep you moving? Head down to the Skyline Rink in downtown and practice your figure eights. Located at 16th & Arapahoe, skating here is free for everyone in the family if you have your own skates. If you need to rent, skate rentals run from only $6-8. It’s the perfect activity for a date, outing with a friend, or the whole family.
TubaChristmas Concert
If you’re in the mood for some Christmas carols with a twist, head down to Arapahoe Street between 17th and 18th and check out the annual TubaChristmas Concert. This popular event has been a Denver staple since its beginning in 1976. The concert is produced by the University of Colorado Denver’s College of Arts & Media and includes musicians of all ages. This free event takes place from 1-2pm on December 17th and is one of the most-celebrated holiday events in the city.
There is so much more to the holiday season than holiday shopping. Denver makes it easy to find holiday festivities all over the city with its variety of great events throughout December. Whether you’re visiting or a local, you won’t want to miss these holiday happenings.