23 of The Best Denver Christmas Events for Families

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The Holidays are here and I have your guide to the Best Denver Christmas Events for Families. Are you wondering what there is to do in Denver at Christmas Time? Christmas in Denver is a magical time and there are so many fun things to do both indoors and outdoors.

There are a lot of things to do in Denver for Christmas for families from Breakfast with Santa, The Nutcracker, Holiday Lights galore, and so so much more!

The Best Denver Christmas Activities for Families

Breakfast with Santa – The Downtown Aquarium hosts Breakfast with Santa every year, reservations are required and can be made via the Downtown Aquarium Website. Breakfast with Santa dates are December 9, 10, 16, 17, and 22-24 2022. Price for Breakfast with Santa at the Downtown Aquarium are ADULTS $18.99 and KIDS (ages 3-10) $12.99 Plus tax.

Elitch Gardens Luminova Holidays – Starting November 24th through December 31st Elitch Gardens is holding Luminova Holidays. Over 3 million dazzling lights will light up the park, limited rides will be available to ride, 25ft snowman, candy cane tunnel, Santa, and so much more. Reservations are required and time slots are available every hour from 5-7 pm but the event goes from 5-10 pm daily. Tickets are $34.99 per person, but early bird pricing is available for $19.99 until Nov 10th. Kids 2 and under are FREE. Get all the details via Elitch Gardens Luminova Holidays.

Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo – Zoo Lights runs from December 2nd to January 7th and costs $13-$28 per person. Tickets are required and limited, this event sells out quickly every year. The zoo lights up, animal feedings, ice sculptures, and more. This year you can even feed the giraffes. Grab your tickets via The Denver Zoo.

Blossom of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens – Blossom of Lights runs from Nov. 17 – Jan. 7 (closed Nov. 23 and Dec. 25), 4:30-9 p.m. Prior ticket purchase is required and tickets run from $18 – $25 per person. This event also sells out quickly each year. The Botanic Gardens transform into a beautifully lit up twinkly winter wonderland. Drinks and Treats are available to purchase. Grab your tickets via the Denver Botanic Gardens website.

The North Pole, Santa’s Workshop – Located near Colorado Springs Santa’s Village is south of Denver, but a fun day trip to take. Reservations are required for Santa’s Village in November and December. You can visit Santa, ride the rides, shop, eat, and more. Tickets are $32 per person and can be purchased via The North Pole Website.

Take Photos with Santa – There are so many places to take photos with Santa around Denver. Bass Pro shop does Santa photos for free, but some of our favorite spots are Cherry Creek Mall, Flatiron Crossing Mall, and Park Meadows Mall. Visit the mall website for pricing, reservations, and information.

Christmas at Gaylord Rockies – Starting on November 17th – January 1st. Whether you go for the day or stay for the night there is so much fun to be had at Gaylord Rockies for Christmas. Each year brings a new Christmas theme and activities. There is sledding, bumper cars, shows, immersive experiences, shopping, gingerbread house building, and more. At night they have a walk of lights you can take on the property. Tickets and reservations are required. Get more info via the Gaylord Rockies website.

Parade of Lights – Denver holds the Parade of Lights each year and you can either watch it while warm and cozy from your home or venture out into the cold and see it live. Parade of Lights is a FREE Event located in Downtown Denver on December 2nd. Get all the details via the Parade of Lights website.

Denver Union Station – Nov. 24-Dec. 27 Denver Union Station lights up with a light show nightly from 5-10 pm. The show is free and runs through December. Get more information via the Denver Union Station website.

Hammonds Candy Factory Tour – Visit Hammonds Candy Factory and take a tour to see how Holiday candy is made. This tour is available all year long, but it’s extra fun to experience during the holidays. Reservations are required, but the tour is FREE. Get more info via the Hammonds Candy Factory website.

DIA Ice Skating Rink – The Ice Skating Rink at DIA Airport is free. You can grab the details about the Ice Skating Rink via the DIA website. (I am not sure if the rink is taking place in 2021)

Christmas in Color – Christmas in Color is a drive-through Christmas lights show. The radio tunes to the light show while you drive through it and it’s so much fun. Reservations and tickets are required. There are 3 Colorado locations at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado, Water World in Federal Heights Colorado, and Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colorado. Purchase tickets via the Christmas in Color website.

Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge – Located in Colorado Springs Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor waterpark. Snowland turns the resort into a winter wonderland with holiday-themed activities, visits with Santa, a mailbox to deliver letters to Santa, Christmas decorated rooms, caroling, and so much more. You can even dine inside a real-life gingerbread house (for a fee). Snowland activities are included with your stay at Great Wolf Lodge. Book your room via the Great Wolf Lodge website. (water park passes are included with your room).

Downtown Denver Carousel – The Denver Carousel at Denver Pavilions is no longer going to be a yearly attraction as of 2023, but Denver Pavillions said they will have lights and other fun holiday things to check out.

The Nutcracker – The Colorado Ballet puts on a yearly Nutcracker show. The Nutcracker runs from Nov 25th to Dec 24th and tickets can be purchased via the Colorado Ballet website. Tickets start at $40 per person.

Go Sledding – There are so many great hills for sledding around Denver, but Ruby Hill is one of the most popular. Ruby Hill Park is located at 1200 W. Florida Ave., Denver.

Ride the Polar Express – The Colorado Railroad Museum puts on a Polar Express ride each year and it sells out fast. Get all the details via the Colorado Railroad Museum website. You can also ride the Polar Express in Durango (about 6 hours south of Denver) or The Santa Express at Royal Gorge (about 2 hours south of Denver).

Snow Days at the Denver Children’s Museum – Starting on Dec 2nd the Denver Children’s Museum will have a sledding hill, outdoor sock skating rink, cozy fire pits, and cocoa bar, life-size snow globe, giant snowballs for rolling in, and much more. Visit the Denver Children’s Museum website for more information and pricing.

Winter Festivals, Markets, and More – Check with your local cities, malls, ect because there are so many fall markets and festivals that go on.

Go Ice Skating – There are a lot of skating rinks around Denver during the holidays like Skyline Park.

Story Book Holiday in Evergreen Colorado – Ice Sculptures are hidden around the town of Evergreen (about 40 mins from Denver) where you can do a fun scavenger hunt. More details via the Evergreen City website.

Camp Christmas – Located at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park there are visits with Santa , drinks and foods like craft hot cocoa and cocktails, interactive holiday art, Camp History Museum, light displays, decorated buildings, and more. Get all the details via the Denver Center website.

Trail of Lights – Located at Chatfield Farms the Trail of Lights runs from Nov 24th to Jan 1st. There are lights galore, singing Christmas trees, a children’s play area with synchronized music, light tunnels, I spy a gecko scavenger hunt, and hot drinks and snacks for purchase. Get all the information and tickets via the Denver Botanic Gardens website.