denver 2024 holiday events for kids and families
I started building this fun list of Holiday events and happenings about ten years ago after my first holiday spent in Denver.
This list gets a little longer every year as there are so many fun things to do in Denver around this time of year.
As a family, we like to mix it up a bit from year to year and try something new in addition to keeping some of our old traditions.
As always - make sure to add a Holiday-styled studio mini at Lily Red Studio to your list! These quick and effortless sessions will allow you to enjoy the season knowing that you’ve captured some beautiful family portraits (without the stress).
Make sure to bookmark this page, share it with friends, and add your own local traditions to the comments section.
Happy Holidays
from Suzy at Lily Red Studio!
Denver Holiday Events and Happenings List
Christmas in Color drive thru light show - Water world or Morrison
Denver Botanic Gardens - Blossoms of Light
Chatfield Farms - Trail of Lights
Gingerbread house exhibit at History Colorado Museum (has happened in years past, not offered every year but many of the sister museums offer holiday-themed events and teas)
Winterfest at Chataqua (Boulder)
Holiday Tea at Chataqua Dining Hall (Boulder)
Holiday Tea at The Brown Palace (reserve in June but you can always check to see if there’s a last-minute cancellation)
Holiday Tea at Miramont Castle (Manitou Springs)
Afternoon Tea at Babe’s Tea Room (Dine-in or Takeaway - this place saved our holiday tradition during COVID with their to-go tea party!)
Denver Parade of Lights (early December - typically the first weekend in December. My suggestion is to book a hotel room at Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Downtown location and request a room facing the parade route - walk a few blocks to Civic Center Park to watch the beginning of the parade and walk back to the hotel and cozy up to watch the end of the parade from your room.)
A Hudson Gardens Christmas (Littleton; be sure to click on that date you want - there are plenty of tickets left even though it says, “$0+”)
The Polar Express Train Ride - Colorado Railroad Museum (reserve in August; sold out for 2022)
Visit with Santa at Cherry Creek Mall (also offers Sensory Santa experiences)
Cherry Creek Mall Tree Lighting (November 16, 2024)
North Pole - Home of Santa's Village (10 miles North of Colorado Springs)
Union Station (Santa visits, Holiday Lights Show, Holiday Brunch, Holiday Pop-up Bar and Shopping)
Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo (also offers Sensory-friendly experiences)
Denver Christkindl Market (my family likes to book a table for an hour in the big tent and listen to the music and stay warm)
Visit Evergreen to check out Little Bear Saloon for live music and lunch/dinner, and ice skate on Evergreen Lake
Get your Christmas tree in Evergreen (JP Total Lawn - trees, garland and wreaths)
Christmas at Gaylord of the Rockies (there is so much to do here and the offerings change every year; book in October for special rates on rooms)
The Nutcracker at the Paramount Theater (November & December - four dates ONLY!)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at the Buell Theatre
Local Small Business Shopping
Rosy Rings (candles and beautiful gift shop, also offers fun candle-making and wreath-making classes)
Maggie & Molly’s Bakery (offers cute holiday cookie decorating boxes)
Timbuk Toys (they also offer a toy drive where kids can pick a card and toy for a name on the wishing tree)
Littlebird (clothes and toys)
Tallulah Jones (gorgeously curated toy and gift boutique - one of my favorite places to shop for unique toys!)es and toys)
Broomtail (clothes and toys; two locations)
UPDATED 11/15/2024