There's something extra magical about the holidays here in Denver. The city lights up with twinkling lights, there are immersive displays and exhibitions, fun events for all ages, holiday markets, and so much more.
Today I'm sharing more than 20 of my favorite family friendly holiday activities in and around Denver. In this post you'll find details for:
🎄 Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
✨ Trail of Lights at Chatfield Gardens
❄️ Christmas at Gaylord Rockies
🎄 Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens
✨ Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo
❄️ Denver's Mile High Tree
🎄 Christmas in Color
✨ Sugar Science: Naughty & Nice
❄️ Denver Christkindl Market
🎄 Hudson Holidays
✨ Krampus: Fright Before Christmas
❄️ Holiday Afternoon Tea at Babe's Tea Room
🎄Santa's Little Man Ice Cream Factory
✨ Cirque Dreams Holidaze
❄️ Denver's Union Station
🎄 Parade of Lights
✨ Downtown Denver Rink
❄️ Light the Lights at Denver City Council Building
🎄 Lights throughout Denver
✨ Holiday Happenings at Stanley Marketplace
❄️ Winter Wanderland at Cherry Creek
🎄 Elfie Selfie Land
✨ Light up the Holidays in Boulder
❄️ Louisville Parade of Lights
🎄 Holidays at The Broadmoor
✨ Olde Golden Christmas
❄️The Polar Express at Colorado Railroad Museum
🎄 Winter Wonderlights in Loveland
✨Georgetown Loop Railroad
❄️ Ice Castles
🎄 The North Pole Santa's Workshop
Let's take a look...
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year, but during the holiday season it really comes to life thanks to the evening event Blossoms of Light. The actual blossoms may be gone for the Winter and the trees may be bare, but there is plenty of color to be seen thanks to thousands of twinkling lights that set the gardens aglow. Rug up in your Winter woolies, sip a hot chocolate and take a walk through the gardens where you'll be mesmerized by the sparking light displays, the glowing orbs that seem to float on the frozen ponds, the fascinating light sculptures and the fields of light that twinkle in time to music. You can see our visit here.
Denver Botanic Gardens is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year, but during the holiday season it really comes to life thanks to the evening event Blossoms of Light. The actual blossoms may be gone for the Winter and the trees may be bare, but there is plenty of color to be seen thanks to thousands of twinkling lights that set the gardens aglow. Rug up in your Winter woolies, sip a hot chocolate and take a walk through the gardens where you'll be mesmerized by the sparking light displays, the glowing orbs that seem to float on the frozen ponds, the fascinating light sculptures and the fields of light that twinkle in time to music. You can see our visit here.
Blossoms of Light runs nightly from November 20th to January 12th (closed November 28th and December 25th) from 4:30pm to 9pm.
Tickets start at $27 for adults, $22 for children (ages 3 - 15), and children ages 2 and under are admitted free of charge.
Timed entry tickets must be purchased online in advance at https://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/blossoms-light.
Member tickets are on sale now and public tickets go on sale November 11th. This event tends to sell out every year so make sure to book in advance.
Denver Botanic Gardens is located at 1007 York Street, Denver.
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms
Denver Botanic Gardens offers two events over the festive season. Along with Blossoms of Light mentioned above, there's also Trail of Lights at the gardens' Littleton location, Chatfield Farms. This family friendly exhibition features a mile of dazzling light displays, a children's play area with synchronized music, antique tractors and farm machinery, an 1880s ranch homestead, and hot drinks and snacks to purchase.
Denver Botanic Gardens offers two events over the festive season. Along with Blossoms of Light mentioned above, there's also Trail of Lights at the gardens' Littleton location, Chatfield Farms. This family friendly exhibition features a mile of dazzling light displays, a children's play area with synchronized music, antique tractors and farm machinery, an 1880s ranch homestead, and hot drinks and snacks to purchase.
Trail of Lights runs on various evenings from November 29th through January 5st (closed on December 25th) from 5pm to 8:30pm.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for children (ages 3 - 15), and children ages 2 and under are admitted free of charge.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance at https://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/trail-lights. Member tickets are on sale now and public tickets go on sale November 11th.
Chatfield Farms is located at 8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton.
Christmas at Gaylord Rockies
The Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora sure knows how to make the holiday season as festive as possible. Visitors will find stunning light displays throughout the resort and grounds, holiday shops with tasty treats and gifts galore, scavenger hunts, an escape room and all sorts of fun entertainment. The highlight of celebrating the holidays at Gaylord Rockies is the ever popular ICE! immersive exhibit. Visitors don giant blue parkas and enter a frozen wonderland of colorful ice sculptures, ice slides and so much more. This year's ICE! exhibit features scenes from the beloved holiday movie The Polar Express. There's also Cirque: Frost, a circus performance with acrobats, contortionists, magicians, jugglers and so much more that is guaranteed to wow the whole family. You can see our previous visits here and here.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora sure knows how to make the holiday season as festive as possible. Visitors will find stunning light displays throughout the resort and grounds, holiday shops with tasty treats and gifts galore, scavenger hunts, an escape room and all sorts of fun entertainment. The highlight of celebrating the holidays at Gaylord Rockies is the ever popular ICE! immersive exhibit. Visitors don giant blue parkas and enter a frozen wonderland of colorful ice sculptures, ice slides and so much more. This year's ICE! exhibit features scenes from the beloved holiday movie The Polar Express. There's also Cirque: Frost, a circus performance with acrobats, contortionists, magicians, jugglers and so much more that is guaranteed to wow the whole family. You can see our previous visits here and here.
Christmas activities at Gaylord Rockies run from November 22nd through January 1st. Times vary depending on the activity.
Tickets prices vary depending on the activity and date.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://christmasatgaylordrockies.marriott.com/.
Gaylord Rockies is located at 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard, Aurora.
Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens
This holiday season Denver's favorite theme park, Elitch Gardens, comes to life with the Colorado debut of Luminova Holidays. Luminova Holidays features millions of dazzling lights, a 65ft Christmas tree, a giant lighted snowman, a 200ft candy cane tunnel, interactive activities, Santa and his elves, strolling holiday entertainers, and rides on limited Elitch Gardens attractions including the carousel, Big Wheel, Meow Wolf's Kaleidoscope, Tea Cups and more. You can see our visits to Luminova here, here and here.
This holiday season Denver's favorite theme park, Elitch Gardens, comes to life with the Colorado debut of Luminova Holidays. Luminova Holidays features millions of dazzling lights, a 65ft Christmas tree, a giant lighted snowman, a 200ft candy cane tunnel, interactive activities, Santa and his elves, strolling holiday entertainers, and rides on limited Elitch Gardens attractions including the carousel, Big Wheel, Meow Wolf's Kaleidoscope, Tea Cups and more. You can see our visits to Luminova here, here and here.
Luminova Holidays runs from November 24th through December 31st from 5pm to 10pm.
Tickets are $19.99 per person. Children ages 2 and under are admitted free of charge.
New this year, Luminova Holidays is included with 2024 and 2025 Elitch Gardens membership.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online at https://www.elitchgardens.com/luminova-holidays/.
Elitch Gardens is located at 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver.
Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo is a favorite with Colorado families at anytime of year, but during the holiday season is when it really shines. Literally! With over 2 million lights spread over 80 acres, Zoo Lights is a spectacle that the whole family will love. As well as beloved light displays, visitors will find s'mores stations, festive cocktails, hot drinks and animal viewing in the Tropical Discovery Building and El Pomar Village Hall (plus any other cold weather nocturnal animals that happen to be out and about).
Denver Zoo is a favorite with Colorado families at anytime of year, but during the holiday season is when it really shines. Literally! With over 2 million lights spread over 80 acres, Zoo Lights is a spectacle that the whole family will love. As well as beloved light displays, visitors will find s'mores stations, festive cocktails, hot drinks and animal viewing in the Tropical Discovery Building and El Pomar Village Hall (plus any other cold weather nocturnal animals that happen to be out and about).
You can see our previous visit to Zoo Lights here.
Zoo Lights runs nightly from November 23rd through January 5th (closed November 28th and December 25th)with hours varying depending on the day.
Ticket prices vary depending on the day. Tickets start at $25 for adults, $18 for children (3 - 15), and children ages 2 and under are admitted free of charge.
Timed entry tickets must be purchased in advance online at https://denverzoo.org/events/zoolights/.
Denver Zoo is located at 2300 Steele Street, Denver.
Denver's Mile High Tree
The Mile High Tree is back again this year and once again it is free of charge. Just like last year, the Mile High Tree will be on display in Civic Center Park along with the Christkindl Market. Visitors can enjoy the ever changing lights on the 110ft "tree" as they twinkle in time to holiday classics. The light displays can be enjoyed from outside the tree as well as inside. Laying down inside the tree and looking up at the lights above as they swirl around and twinkle is my favorite. It's really is an experience not to miss.
The Mile High Tree is back again this year and once again it is free of charge. Just like last year, the Mile High Tree will be on display in Civic Center Park along with the Christkindl Market. Visitors can enjoy the ever changing lights on the 110ft "tree" as they twinkle in time to holiday classics. The light displays can be enjoyed from outside the tree as well as inside. Laying down inside the tree and looking up at the lights above as they swirl around and twinkle is my favorite. It's really is an experience not to miss.
Denver's Mile High Tree is on display from November 22nd through December 31st from 5pm to 10pm.
For more information and hours visit https://www.denver.org/milehighholidays/tree/
Denver's Mile High Tree is located at Civic Center Park, 101 14th Avenue, Denver.
Christmas in Color
Looking for a socially distant holiday activity? Too chilly to be outside? Or maybe you just want to check out holiday lights in a fun and different way? Christmas in Color is the festive activity for you! Load up the car with your loved ones and experience this drive through animated light display with over a million twinkling lights choreographed to holiday music. We've been a couple of times both here in Colorado and in Utah and it's always such a fun event for the whole family. No need to worry about the weather or dressing up. It's the perfect way to check out holiday lights in your pajamas! You can see our visits here and here.
Looking for a socially distant holiday activity? Too chilly to be outside? Or maybe you just want to check out holiday lights in a fun and different way? Christmas in Color is the festive activity for you! Load up the car with your loved ones and experience this drive through animated light display with over a million twinkling lights choreographed to holiday music. We've been a couple of times both here in Colorado and in Utah and it's always such a fun event for the whole family. No need to worry about the weather or dressing up. It's the perfect way to check out holiday lights in your pajamas! You can see our visits here and here.
Christmas in Color has three Colorado locations, Water World in Federal Heights, Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, as well as other locations around the country.
Christmas in Color runs nightly from November 15th through December 29th from 5:30pm to 10pm.
Tickets are $44.94 per vehicle.
Timed entry tickets must be purchased in advance at https://christmasincolor.net/.
Sugar Science: Naughty & Nice
Got a sweet tooth and looking for something a little different to do this holiday season? The Inventing Room has you covered. This fun Denver based sweet shop combines science and sugar to create experiments that turn out absolutely delicious. Visitors will experience a chef led culinary demonstration with traditional holiday treats served with a twist of science. Each visit lasts for 45 minutes and includes 6 festive treats, a liquid nitrogen sundae, and some time in the glow in the dark room.
You can see our visit to The Inventing Room here.
Sugar Science: Naughty & Nice runs Thursdays through Sundays through November and December.
Tickets are $16 each for all ages and must be purchased in advance on line. They tend to sell out quickly so don't delay if you see availability. November tickets are currently available to purchase. December tickets will be released toward the end of December.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.tirdenver.com/sugar-science.
The Inventing Room is located at 4433 West 29th Avenue, Denver.
Christkindl Market
For those wanting to experience a little old world charm, Denver's Christkindl Market is just the place. This European style Christmas market features an artisan marketplace with ornaments, keepsakes, local specialties and more, as well as a tasty treats and delicious holiday drinks including mulled wine and hot cocoa. Entertainment is on offer daily and there are beloved theme days including Krampus Nacht (December 5th), St Nikolaus Day with Denver Christkind on site (December 6th), Canine Christmas (November 29th), and many more.
Christkindl Market is open daily from November 22nd through December 23rd from 11am to 7pm (11am to 9pm Thurs/Fri/Sat and the final week).
Admission to Denver Christkindl Market is free.
For more information visit https://www.christkindlmarketdenver.com/.
Christkindl Market is located at Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave, Denver.
Hudson Holidays
The Hudson Gardens and Events Center in Littleton is home to Hudson Holidays. This sprawling outdoor event features over a million twinkling lights in trees and through out garden beds, inflatable snowmen, a holiday light tunnel and glowing reindeer. Visitors can warm up with hot drinks and snacks available on site. You can see our visit to Hudson Holidays here and here.
The Hudson Gardens and Events Center in Littleton is home to Hudson Holidays. This sprawling outdoor event features over a million twinkling lights in trees and through out garden beds, inflatable snowmen, a holiday light tunnel and glowing reindeer. Visitors can warm up with hot drinks and snacks available on site. You can see our visit to Hudson Holidays here and here.
Hudson Holidays runs on select days from November 29th through to January 12th from 5pm to 9:30pm.
The festivities continue through January with Light Up The New Year from January 2nd through January 28th.
Tickets for Hudson Holidays start at $20 for adults, $15 for children (3 - 12), and children ages 2 and under are admitted free of charge.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance at https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/christmas-lights/.
Hudson Gardens is located at 6115 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton.
Krampus: Fright Before Christmas
If you’re into all things spooky and looking for something a little different this holiday season this festive haunted house is a must see! It’s everything you’d expect from a haunted house with lots of holiday decor and creepy Christmas characters thrown into the mix. Think Krampus, creepy elves, zombie angels, and so much more.
You’ll find these festive fiends outside the haunted house too as they stroll around the grounds spooking visitors.
Fright Before Christmas runs through Friday December 13th through Sunday December 15th.
You can see our visit to Krampus: Fright Before Christmas here.
For more information and to buy tickets visit https://13thfloorhauntedhouse.com/krampus/
Fright Before Christmas is located at 3400 E52nd Street, Denver.
Holiday Afternoon Tea at Babe's Tea Room
Want to mix up the holiday festivities a little with a special experience? The holiday afternoon tea at Babe's Tea Room is the perfect choice! Guests can experience a classic English high tea with a festive twist. Think tiered platters of scones, macarons, tea sandwiches and festive treats served with your choice of freshly brewed tea.
Babes' Tea Room offers their holiday afternoon tea throughout the month of December at both their Denver and Golden locations.
Holiday afternoon tea is $48 per adult and $35 per child.
Bookings are essential and can be made at https://babestearoom.com/.
Babe's Tea Room is located at 2401 15th Street, Denver and 1027 Washington Avenue, Golden.
Santa's Little Man Ice Cream Factory
Denver's iconic Little Man Ice Cream Factory becomes a festive wonderland during the holiday season. From November 29th through December 31st the store will be decked out in twinkly lights and holiday decor. Visitors will find a ton of holiday activities including Santa visits, bingo with Mrs Claus, gingerbread house decorating, letters to Santa, crafting stations, community caroling, live holiday music, and more.
The store's beloved slide will be activated by a Grinch Whole Stole Christmas theme.
As well as all of the festivities, the ice cream line up will feature three special holiday flavors including eggnog, gingersnap and white chocolate candy cane.
Little Man Ice Cream Factory is located at 4411 W Colfax Avenue, Denver.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Cirque Dreams returns to Denver with their Christmas themed Holidaze spectacular. This Broadway style production will delight audiences with contemporary circus arts featuring aerial acts, jugglers, acrobatics, slight of hand, and more.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze runs through December 20th to 24th with multiple shows per day.
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.axs.com/series/23242/cirque-dreams-holidaze-denver-2024-tickets. Save 20% on tickets with the code DAZE.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze will be held at Bellco Theatre, 1100 Stout Street, Denver.
Denver's Union Station
Denver's Union Station is always a fun place to visit during the holidays. On select evenings you'll find the façade of the station lit up while Christmas trees and twinkling lights sparkle all around. Inside the station you'll find more light displays, stunning Christmas trees and a pop up festive cocktail bar. There will also be visits from Santa and Mrs Claus on December 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd from 11am to 4pm. Santa visits are free of charge and are on a first come, first served basis, but for those wishing to reserve a time with Santa a St Nick Express family pass is available for a fee.
Denver's Union Station is always a fun place to visit during the holidays. On select evenings you'll find the façade of the station lit up while Christmas trees and twinkling lights sparkle all around. Inside the station you'll find more light displays, stunning Christmas trees and a pop up festive cocktail bar. There will also be visits from Santa and Mrs Claus on December 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd from 11am to 4pm. Santa visits are free of charge and are on a first come, first served basis, but for those wishing to reserve a time with Santa a St Nick Express family pass is available for a fee.
Union Station kicks of the holiday season with the Grand Illumination on November 29th. This event starts at 5pm and features the lighting of the 40ft Christmas tree outside the station, festive performances, and a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus.
You can see one of our previous visits to check out the lights at Union Station here.
For more information about the festivities at Union Station visit
Parade of Lights
Denver's annual holiday parade is always a crowd pleaser. The holiday parade takes place on Saturday December 7th at 6pm with a 2 mile route that includes Tremont, Arapahoe, 15th and 17th Streets. You can find the map here. The parade will feature all the favorites including marching bands, dance troupes, parade floats, equestrian groups, Major Waddles the Penguin and, of course, Santa. Parade floats will be displayed throughout Downtown Denver for the month of December.
For more information visit https://www.winterindenver.com/parade.
Downtown Denver Rink
Downtown Denver's outdoor ice skating rink is back again this year with ice skating fun for the whole family. This little rink is located just off 16th Street Mall behind the bell tower and is available on a first come, first served basis for free. If you don't have your own skates to wear, rentals are available on site for a small fee. Skate among the towering skyscrapers and the twinkling lights that come to life as the sun sets. In the evenings you'll be able to watch the illuminations on the nearby clock tower as you skate.
Downtown Denver Rink is open from November 21st to February 2nd with hours varying between 10am and 10pm depending on the day.
For more information visit https://www.winterindenver.com/rink.
Downtown Denver Rink is located at 16th & Arapahoe Streets, Denver.
Light the Lights at Denver City Council Building
Denver's City Council Building is gorgeous any time of year, but during the holidays it comes to life with a colorful light display in the evenings. Beginning on November 27th and running through January 26th, the façade of the building will be lit up until 10:45pm most evenings. At 5:45pm and 6:45pm Tuesdays through Sundays there will be an 8 minute long light and music show for a little extra sparkle and magic. There will be no show on December 7th and 21st.
For more information click here.
Lights throughout Denver
You don't have to attend a Christmas event to take in the festive cheer! With holiday light displays all around the city, an evening stroll or drive in Denver is all it takes to see some stunning lights. 16th Street Mall, Larimer Square and Civic Park are some of my favorite places to check out holiday lights. An easy walk that takes in lots of holiday cheer is to start at Civic Park where you can visit the Christkindl Market and Mile High Tree, and watch the colorful illuminations on Denver City Council building, and then head towards 16th Street Mall where the lights twinkle overhead and on each tree and light pole. You'll find lighting displays and parade floats near Denver Pavilions and a little further down you'll find the Mile High Tree. Head a little further east and you'll see the Daniels & Fischer clocktower illuminated as well as light displays in Skyline Park. Take a detour down Larimer Street for more twinkling lights and outdoor dining before continuing down 16th Street Mall to Wynkoop Street. Turn right on Wynkoop Street and you'll find yourself at Union Street Station with the illuminations on the façade, Christmas trees, light displays and maybe even Santa if you time it right.
You can see our holiday walk through Downtown Denver here.
Holiday Happenings at Stanley Marketplace
Stanley Marketplace in Aurora is one of our favorite places to go shop, eat and play. During the holiday season the fun continues with a host of festive events and installations. Throughout the marketplace you'll find the Tour of Trees, a fun display of Christmas trees decorated by each of the stores. You'll also find live entertainment, a mail box for letters to Santa, and a giving tree.
On Saturdays throughout December Santa will be on site in the common area from 11am - 1pm with the following schedule:12/2 Spanish speaking Santa, 12/9 traditional Santa, 12/16 Black Santa, and 12/23 traditional Santa.
For more information visit https://stanleymarketplace.com/events/holiday-happenings-at-stanley-marketplace/.
Winter Wanderland at Cherry Creek
Each holiday season Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood lights up with Winter Wanderland which includes 16 blocks of festive light displays, a holiday market and weekend entertainment.
Winter Wanderland's light displays run from November 21st through December 24th.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market runs Thursdays through Sundays from November 21st through December 24th. Hours vary depending on the day.
Cherry Creek hosts a Chanukah celebration with a menorah lighting, fire jugglers, hot drinks, latkes and sufganiyots takes place on December 29th. The time has yet to be announced.
For more information about Winter Wanderland visit https://cherrycreeknorth.com/things-to-do/ccn-signature-events/holidays-in-cherry-creek-north.
Elfie Selfie Land
Grab your Christmas sweaters and Santa hats - there's a new festive selfie experience popping up in Castle Rock this holiday season. Located at the Outlets at Castle Rock, Elfie Selfie Land is the perfect place to take fun holiday themed photos with cheery backdrops and props galore. You can see my visit to Elfie Selfie Land here.
Elfie Selfie Land opens on December 1st and runs through December 24th with hours varying depending on the day.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students, and $3 for children ages 1 - 3.
For more information and to book tickets visit https://elfieselfieland.com/.
Light Up the Holidays in Boulder
Denver isn't the only Colorado city getting in on the holiday fun. Boulder comes alive with twinkling lights throughout the holidays as part of the Light Up the Holidays event. The festivities kick off with Switch on the Holidays on November 24th. This event starts at 5pm and includes the holiday lights being turned on at Boulder County Courthouse and along Pearl Street.
From November 24th to January 31st Downtown Boulder and the Civic area light up with thousands of dazzling lights hung from trees and structures as well as the Snow Much Fun Virtual (AR) Experience. Using a cell phone, visitors will be able to take a self guided tour through Downtown Boulder and spot holiday characters through augmented reality.
On December 7th the Lights of December parade takes place at 6pm and makes its way through Downtown Boulder.
Freezie Fest & Inaugural Cookie Crawl takes place on December 14th from 11am to 3pm on Pearl Street and celebrates all things snowman and Winter. Visitors will be able to meet snowmen and Santa, and take free train rides. Plus, new this year, local participating businesses will be giving out cookies.
While in Boulder don't forget to look up toward the mountains where the Flagstaff Star shines over the city as it has done every holiday season since 1947.
For more information about holiday events in Boulder visit https://boulderdowntown.com/light-up-the-holidays/events/lights-of-december-parade
Louisville Parade of Lights
This one is our local holiday parade. It's much smaller than the parades in Denver and Boulder but it's a sweet family event none the less. This year's parade takes place on Friday December 6th on Main Street in Louisville. The parade itself starts at 7pm but the festivities begin at 5:30pm with holiday shopping, musical entertainment and Santa himself.
For more information visit https://louisvillechamber.com/parade-of-lights/
Holidays at The Broadmoor
The historic Broadmoor hotel in Colorado Springs is a festive delight during the holidays. With millions twinkling lights throughout their grounds it really does become a Winter wonderland. But the lobby is where the magic is most wonderful. Gingerbread and confectionary displays, including a life sized cottage, are the main attraction.
Visiting the displays at The Broadmoor can be a little tricky if you're not staying at the hotel as a guest, but they do open their doors to visitors on select weekdays in December. You can visit without a room reservation December 2 - 5, 9 - 12, and 16 - 19. Outside of these dates you will require a room reservation to visit.
For more information visit https://www.broadmoor.com/holiday-faq.
Olde Golden Christmas
The town of Golden really knows how to celebrate the holiday season with a wealth of activities on offer for locals and visitors alike. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate parks and historic buildings each night through February.
Historic Washington Avenue lights up with the annual Candlelight Walk on December 6th at 6:30pm. Children and adults alike will find joy in the annual Olde Golden Holiday Parade which takes place on December 14th at10:30am. All sorts of fun festivities follow the parade include horse and carriage rides, visits with Santa and holiday markets.
Santa also returns with other beloved holiday characters on December 16th for Jingle on the Avenue. Live music, photo opportunities and Newfoundland dog cart rides will be on offer.
There's so much more on offer throughout the holidays in Golden so make sure to visit
https://www.visitgolden.com/olde-golden-christmas/ to check out all the events.
The Polar Express at Colorado Railroad Museum
For a magical family outing, plan a visit to Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden to take a trip on The Polar Express. This popular event lasts 90 minutes and includes cabaret style entertainment, cookies and hot chocolate for all guests, a ride on a vintage steam train, and a chance to meet Santa. Each guest takes home a souvenir bell from Santa. Guests are welcome to wear their favorite holiday pajamas just like the kids in the book and movie. The cabaret show and train are both heated, but don't forget a jacket for while waiting to board the train.
The Polar Express runs on select nights from November 8th to December 23rd with events at 5pm, 6:30pm and 8pm.
You can see our ride on the Polar Express here.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://coloradorailroadmuseum.org/polar-express/. This event sells out every year so make sure to book ASAP.
Colorado Railroad Museum is located at 17155 West 44th Avenue, Golden.
Winter Wonderlights in Loveland
Loveland's Chapungu Sculpture Park comes to life each night through the holiday season with a spectacular light show. Over 200,000 lights sparkle throughout the park in a 30 minute looped light show.
On November 23rd, December 13th and December 14th Winter Wonderlights Live ramps up the festivities with live entertainment, a holiday market, food trucks, ice sculpting and even live reindeer on site.
Winter Wonderlights nightly runs from 5pm to 9pm November 23rd through January 1st.
Chapungu Sculpture Park, 5995 Sky Pond Drive, Loveland.
For more information visit https://visitloveland.com/winterwonderlights/.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Want to take a train ride through a Winter wonderland? The Georgetown Loop Railroad has got you! This popular train ride is a festive favorite in Colorado with two options for the holidays.
During the day, Santa's Rocky Mountain Adventure takes visitors on a scenic 1 hour and 15 minute ride through the forest and across the iconic 95 foot tall rail bridge. In the evening the festivities are ramped with Santa's Lighted Forest which features more than 300,000 twinkling lights along the 60 minute route. Santa visits passengers on the train during both options.
Tickets are $38 for adults (16+) and $28 for children (1 - 15). Infants under 1 year old are admitted free of charge but still require a ticket.
This popular event is sure to sell out so reserve your tickets now at https://www.georgetownlooprr.com/winter-holiday-trains/.
Georgetown Loop Railroad is located at 646 Loop Drive, Georgetown.
Ice Castles
Ice Castles return to Colorado this year with TWO locations! Like last year, Ice Castles will have a location in the tiny town of Cripple Creek. A new location in the town of Eagle, near Glenwood Springs joins the Ice Castles family.
Visitors will be amazed by the hand grown ice structures that glisten in the sun and glow at night thanks to colorful LED lights built into the ice.
Dates for Ice Castles are yet to be released as the formation of the ice crystals that make up the structures are weather dependent, but generally the event covers Winter break through February.
Tickets go on sale late November (date TBD) and can be purchased online.
Pricing has yet to be released.
For more information and to book tickets visit https://icecastles.com/colorado/.
Ice Castles will be located at 305 South 4th Street, Cripple Creek and 794 Fairgrounds Road, Eagle.
The North Pole Santa's Workshop
Did you know that Santa's workshop is right here in Colorado? Ok, so it's not THAT Santa's workshop and it's not actually the North Pole, but it IS a fun amusement park with holiday themed rides and attractions that the whole family is sure to love.
The North Pole Santa's Workshop is open now Thursdays through Mondays through December 24th.
On peak days (weekends in November and December, Thanksgiving week and Christmas week) online tickets will be required for entry. On non-peak days entry is free and ride wrist bands will be available to purchase on site for $32.
The North Pole Santa's Workshop is located at 5050 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade.
For more information visit https://northpolecolorado.com/
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What's your favorite thing to do in Colorado during the holiday season? Leave me a comment to let me know!
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