Christmas in Denver with kids.
Christmas in Denver is bright and cold, with a chance of snow. The Christkindlmarket and the Mile High Tree sit side by side downtown, and both are free. Zoo Lights and Blossoms of Light at the Botanic Gardens are the big light walks.
The Parade of Lights is one night only this year, on Saturday, December 5. Dress warm for anything after dark.
Before you go
- The Christkindlmarket is now on the Auraria Campus, next to the Mile High Tree. Pair them in one visit.
- Weeknights early in the season are the calmest for Blossoms of Light and Zoo Lights.
- For the Parade of Lights, families set up chairs about two hours early.
- Bring your own stroller to the Trail of Lights. There are none to borrow.
- Nights get very cold. Pack hats, mittens, and warm boots.
Family Christmas events in Denver
27 events
Some ticket links are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects which events we list. Learn more.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Denver Christkindlmarket
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 23 · Mon-Thu 1-9pm. Fri-Sun and Dec 17-23, 11am-9pm. Thanksgiving 11am-4pm.
- Where
- Tivoli Quad, Auraria Campus, 1000 Larimer St, Auraria, west edge of downtown
- Price
- Free entry
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A German-style holiday market with wooden huts, food and a carousel. It is now on the Auraria Campus, next to the Mile High Tree.
Parent tip: Sundays have extra kid entertainment. Weekends get crowded, so weekday afternoons are easier with a stroller.
- Christmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
The Mile High Tree
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 31 · Nightly 5-10pm. A light and music show every 15 minutes.
- Where
- Tivoli Quad, Auraria Campus, Auraria, west edge of downtown
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A 110-foot tree covered in LED lights, with a short light and music show every 15 minutes.
Parent tip: Pair it with the Christkindlmarket next door. A drone show is planned most nights at 7pm, so check the schedule.
- Zoo lightsChristmas lights Good for toddlers
Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo
- Dates
- Nov 23 - Jan 3 · Select nights. Sun-Thu 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat 4:30-10pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Where
- Denver Zoo, City Park
- Price
- Adults $25.95-$29.95, youth $18.95-$22.95. Kids 2 and under free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets online. Sales open Nov 5. Book ahead.
The zoo paths glow with light displays on winter nights. A bundle ticket adds hot cocoa and two carousel or train rides.
Parent tip: Value nights cost less. Weekends and the last two weeks of December tend to sell out.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 10 · Nightly 4:30-9pm. Closed Nov 26 and Dec 25. Sensory-friendly night Dec 1.
- Where
- Denver Botanic Gardens, York Street, Congress Park
- Price
- 2026 prices not announced yet. Kids 2 and under do not need a ticket.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed entry. Buy ahead and arrive within 30 minutes of your time.
The winter gardens are filled with light displays and lit-up installations. Most families see it all in 60-75 minutes.
Parent tip: Weeknights just after Thanksgiving and in early December tend to be calmer. You can borrow a stroller on site, first come, first served.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
9NEWS Parade of Lights
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Saturday evening, Dec 5. Check the start time closer to the date.
- Where
- Downtown Denver, starting at 14th and Bannock Streets
- Price
- Free to watch. Grandstand seats are sold.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up. Grandstand seats are booked ahead.
Denver's big free night parade, with lit-up floats and Santa. The route loops about two miles through downtown.
Parent tip: Families claim curb spots early with chairs. Dress for a cold night and bring a blanket.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Colorado Ballet: The Nutcracker
- Dates
- Nov 28 - Dec 27 · Afternoon and evening shows. 1 hour 50 minutes, with one break.
- Where
- Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Downtown Denver
- Price
- From $40
- Ages and booking
- Ages 5+ · Reserved seats. Buy online or call the box office.
Denver's holiday ballet at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Each act is about 40 minutes, with a 20-minute break.
Parent tip: The Nov 29 show at 1pm is sensory-friendly, with a more relaxed setting.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Jan 3 · 5-8:30pm last entry. Closed Nov 26, Nov 30, Dec 1, Dec 7, Dec 8 and Dec 25.
- Where
- Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, Littleton, southwest metro
- Price
- 2026 prices not announced yet.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed entry. Buy ahead.
A lights walk around the farm and gardens at Chatfield, southwest of the city. Last entry is 8:30pm.
Parent tip: Bring your own stroller or carrier. The site does not lend strollers.
- Holiday trainsSanta visitsShows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
The Polar Express Train Ride (Golden)
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Dec 23 · Evenings, several nights a week, then daily after Thanksgiving. Shows at 5pm, 6:30pm and 8pm.
- Where
- Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden, west metro
- Price
- $100 ages 16+, $80 ages 2-15. Under 2 free on a lap. 10% off before Thanksgiving.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy online ahead.
The licensed Polar Express, staged as a three-part show with a train ride at the railroad museum in Golden.
Parent tip: Book a date before Thanksgiving to save 10%. Arrive on time, because the main show starts right on schedule.
- Shows and Nutcracker
A Christmas Carol at the Denver Center
- Dates
- Nov 25 - Dec 27 · About 2 hours, with a 15-minute break. Check the calendar for times.
- Where
- Wolf Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Downtown Denver
- Price
- $41-$195
- Ages and booking
- Ages 6+ (kids 4+ allowed) · Reserved seats. Everyone needs a ticket.
Denver's yearly stage version of the Dickens story. It has ghost scenes and some strobe lighting.
Parent tip: The ghost scenes can scare younger kids, so it suits ages 6 and up best.
- Ice skating
McGregor Skate
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Jan 25 · Until Jan 4: Mon-Thu noon-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun noon-6pm. Closed Dec 24-25.
- Where
- McGregor Square Plaza, LoDo, by Coors Field
- Price
- With rental: adults $15, kids $9. Own skates: $6. Under 2 free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Reserve online or walk up.
An outdoor rink in a LoDo plaza, open most of the winter. Skate rental is on site.
Parent tip: There are no skate trainers to borrow, so plan to hold little ones' hands.
- Christmas lightsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Hudson Holidays at Hudson Gardens
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Jan 3 · Nightly 5-9pm. Dec 24 closes at 7pm.
- Where
- Hudson Gardens & Events Center, Littleton, south metro
- Price
- Adults $20, seniors $18, ages 3-12 $15, ages 0-2 free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Dated tickets. Buy ahead online.
A walk through lit-up gardens, with a light maze and large themed displays. A free family photo with Santa is offered.
Parent tip: Go early in the evening with toddlers, before it gets colder. Kids 2 and under are free.
- Christmas lightsHoliday festivals Good for toddlers
Magical Winter Nights at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Dates
- Nov 25 - Jan 2 · Evenings from 4:30pm. Last entry 8 or 9pm. Some nights are 21+ only (Dec 3, 10, 17, 21 and Jan 1).
- Where
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science, City Park
- Price
- Not posted yet. Members save $5.
- Ages and booking
- All ages (except 21+ nights) · Buy tickets ahead online.
A self-guided evening walk past winter displays inside the museum. The ticket also covers the Mythic Creatures exhibit.
Parent tip: It is indoors, so it works on very cold nights. Plan on 45 to 75 minutes.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Christmas at Gaylord Rockies and ICE!
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Daily, Nov 20 to Jan 3. Indoor tubing and the Christmas carousel run Nov 26 to Dec 28 only.
- Where
- Gaylord Rockies Resort, Aurora, near Denver International Airport
- Price
- Ticketed. Prices change by date. See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy timed ICE! tickets ahead, especially for weekends.
A giant resort holiday event. The star is ICE!, a walk-through room of ice carvings, themed to The Nightmare Before Christmas in 2026. There's also indoor tubing and a Christmas carousel.
Parent tip: ICE! is kept very cold. Parkas are handed out, but bring hats and gloves for the kids.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas lightsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Candlelight Walk in Downtown Littleton
- Dates
- Nov 27 · Fri Nov 27, 5-8pm.
- Where
- Main Street, Downtown Littleton, Littleton, south metro
- Price
- No entry fee posted. Food and drinks cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Littleton's holiday kickoff, with a parade, music and performers on Main Street. Santa helps light the trees, and a drone show follows.
Parent tip: Hot cocoa and cider are sold. It is an evening event outdoors, so bring hats and mittens.
- Christmas lightsSanta visitsHoliday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Switch on the Holidays in Downtown Boulder
- Dates
- Nov 22 · Sun Nov 22, 11am-7pm. Lights switch on at 5pm.
- Where
- 1300 block of Pearl Street, Downtown Boulder
- Price
- Santa visits are free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Downtown Boulder turns on its holiday lights along the Pearl Street Mall. The day also has a cookie crawl, a tuba concert and free visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Parent tip: Santa is at the Downtown Boulder visitor center until 7pm. Visit before the 5pm light switch-on to beat the crowd.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
- Dates
- Nov 19 - Dec 24 · Mon-Wed noon-7pm. Thu-Sat 11am-9pm. Sun 11am-7pm. Dec 18-23 11am-9pm. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve noon-3pm.
- Where
- Fillmore Plaza, between 1st and 2nd Avenues, Cherry Creek North
- Price
- No entry fee posted.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An outdoor holiday market on a closed-off block of Fillmore Street in Cherry Creek North.
Parent tip: The block is closed to cars, so it is easy to walk with a stroller.
- Santa visitsHoliday festivals Good for toddlers
Brunch with Father Christmas at Four Mile Historic Park
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat Dec 12, 9am-1pm.
- Where
- Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St, East Denver, near Glendale
- Price
- Not posted yet. Check the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Tickets through the park's website once sales open.
A brunch buffet and a visit with Father Christmas at a historic farm. There are tractor rides, crafts, a yule log hunt and story time.
Parent tip: The tractor ride is outside under blankets, so bring warm layers.
- Shows and NutcrackerSanta visits
A Colorado Christmas with the Colorado Symphony
- Dates
- Dec 11-13 · Fri Dec 11 at 7:30pm. Sat Dec 12 at 2:30pm and 6pm. Sun Dec 13 at 1pm.
- Where
- Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Downtown Denver
- Price
- $20-$124, plus fees.
- Ages and booking
- All ages (family concert) · Reserved seats. Buy online.
A family holiday concert with the orchestra and the Colorado Children's Chorale. Santa and Mrs. Claus drop by, and you can sing along.
Parent tip: Come early for the family activity in the lobby before the concert.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Home Alone in Concert with the Colorado Symphony
- Dates
- Nov 27-29 · Fri Nov 27 and Sat Nov 28 at 7:30pm. Sun Nov 29 at 2:30pm.
- Where
- Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Downtown Denver
- Price
- $20-$124, plus fees. Prices may go up closer to the date.
- Ages and booking
- Film rated PG · Reserved seats. Buy online.
The movie Home Alone plays on a big screen while the orchestra performs the music live.
Parent tip: The Sunday 2:30pm show is the easiest fit for younger kids.
- Shows and Nutcracker
The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert
- Dates
- Dec 22-23 · Tue Dec 22 and Wed Dec 23 at 7pm.
- Where
- Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Downtown Denver
- Price
- $20-$124, plus fees.
- Ages and booking
- Film rated PG · Reserved seats. Buy online.
The Muppet Christmas Carol plays on a big screen, with the Colorado Symphony playing the music live.
Parent tip: Both shows start at 7pm, so plan an early dinner.
- Shows and Nutcracker
ELF The Musical at the Buell Theatre
- Dates
- Dec 22-27 · Dec 22-27. About 2 hours 40 minutes, with a 15-minute break.
- Where
- Buell Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Downtown Denver
- Price
- $53-$165. Fees apply.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Reserved seats. Buy online or at the box office.
A stage musical based on the holiday movie Elf. It runs for six days around Christmas.
Parent tip: At nearly three hours, it suits kids who can sit through a long show.
- Shows and Nutcracker
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
- Dates
- Nov 28 · Sat Nov 28, 3pm and 7pm.
- Where
- Paramount Theatre, Downtown Denver
- Price
- See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- Check the theatre's age rules before you buy · Reserved seats. Buy online.
A large touring Nutcracker that stops in Denver for one day only.
Parent tip: Pick the 3pm show with younger kids.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Ballet Ariel: The Nutcracker (Lakewood)
- Dates
- Dec 11-13 · Fri Dec 11 at 6:30pm. Sat Dec 12 at 2pm and 6:30pm. Sun Dec 13 at 2pm.
- Where
- Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison St, Lakewood, west metro
- Price
- See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Reserved seats. Buy online.
Ballet Ariel, a local professional company, brings a new production of The Nutcracker to Lakewood.
Parent tip: The 2pm weekend shows are the easiest pick with kids. The company also plays Northglenn in early January.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Sensory Inclusive: The Holidays are for Phamaly
- Dates
- Dec 8 · Tue Dec 8 at 7pm.
- Where
- Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St, Lone Tree, south metro
- Price
- See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- Not listed. Check the official site. · Reserved seats. Buy online.
A relaxed holiday cabaret with Colorado Symphony string players and Phamaly actors. Expect sing-along songs and stories.
Parent tip: House lights stay partly on, the crowd is smaller and there is a quiet room. Fidget tools are free.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Lights of December Parade (Boulder)
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat Dec 12, 6pm.
- Where
- Starts at 15th and Walnut, loops via Broadway and Spruce, Downtown Boulder
- Price
- No fee posted.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A night parade of lit-up floats built by local businesses, schools and groups. Santa comes at the very end.
Parent tip: The reviewing stand is at Broadway and Pearl. Pick a spot along the route early and dress for cold.
- Christmas lightsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Golden's Candlelight Walk
- Dates
- Dec 4 · Fri Dec 4. Walk starts 6:30pm. Lights switch on around 7:20pm.
- Where
- Washington Avenue, starting at 15th Street, Golden, west metro
- Price
- No entry fee posted. Candles sell for about $1-$3, mostly cash.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Families walk down Washington Avenue with candles, singing carols. Santa then helps switch on Golden's 45,000 holiday lights.
Parent tip: Bring a few dollars in cash for a candle. A free shuttle runs from the Splash lot, 5-9pm.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Golden Holiday Parade
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat Dec 12, 10:30am.
- Where
- Washington Avenue, 10th to 13th Streets, Golden, west metro
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A morning parade in historic downtown Golden, with bands, floats, carolers and Santa. Kids can drop off letters to Santa at the Golden Welcome Center.
Parent tip: Free carriage rides run noon-2pm after the parade. Leave chairs and pets at home, since it gets crowded.
Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
On a budget? See every free Christmas event in Denver, including parades and tree lightings.
Shopping for gifts? Compare the Christmas markets in Denver, with hours, costs and tips for going with kids.
Planning a Santa visit? See where to find Santa in Denver, plus free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa and tips for skipping the line.
Going to the ballet? Compare every Nutcracker in Denver, with run times, age tips and sensory-friendly shows.
Planning the whole trip? See our full guide to Denver with kids.
Questions parents ask
What is there to do in Denver for Christmas with kids?
Visit the Christkindlmarket and the Mile High Tree, walk Zoo Lights or Blossoms of Light, and watch the 9NEWS Parade of Lights. Ride the Polar Express in Golden.
Families can also see ICE! at Gaylord Rockies in Aurora, near the airport.
When is the Denver Parade of Lights in 2026?
It's one night only, on Saturday, December 5, 2026. The start time hasn't been posted yet. It's free to watch, and grandstand seats are sold separately.
What are the free Christmas events in Denver?
The Christkindlmarket, the Mile High Tree light show, and the Parade of Lights are free.
Tap "Free" above to see them together.
What are the best Christmas events in Denver for toddlers?
The Mile High Tree's short light shows, early Zoo Lights entries, and the Christkindlmarket on a weekday.
Look for the "Good for toddlers" label in the list.
Christmas in other cities
- Christmas in New York
- Christmas in Chicago
- Christmas in Boston
- Christmas in Washington, DC
- Christmas in Nashville
- Christmas in Seattle
- Christmas in San Diego
- Christmas in San Francisco
- Christmas in Los Angeles
- Christmas in Atlanta
- Christmas in Houston
- Christmas in San Antonio
- Christmas in Gatlinburg
- Christmas in Philadelphia
- Christmas in Pittsburgh
- Christmas in Las Vegas
- Christmas in Orlando
- Christmas in Miami
- Christmas in New Orleans
- Christmas in Charlotte
- Christmas in Kansas City
- Christmas in Dallas
- Christmas in Austin
- Christmas in Phoenix
- Christmas in St. Louis
- Christmas in Tampa
- Christmas in Cincinnati