Best Christmas Events in Colorado 2024

It’s that time of year where we are starting to seek out some holiday cheer and you can find it at these awesome Christmas events in Colorado. Our family loves to get out and about during the Christmas season to connect and enjoy time together. We’ve been to many events, like a Christmas train, market, and light displays, and love how these things really add to the holiday spirit.

If you are looking to add some cheer to your season, check out one or many of the Colorado holiday events listed below. Make sure to plan ahead as many of them require tickets and do sell out quickly.

Note: This list is updated every year! I try to do it well in advance, but sometimes dates aren’t out early enough. It will be updated throughout the season as new dates are announced.

Denver, Colorado Christmas Events for families

There are plenty of Christmas Events in Denver in 2024.

Dickens Christmas Experience- Arvada

6570 Carr St., Arvada

Come to the Dickens Christmas Experience at the United Methodist Church in Arvada. This family-friendly event kicks of the Advent with Victorian charm, food, and activities.

Enjoy crafts, musical performances, theatrical hosts, a market to find unique gifts, pictures with Santa, and more.

The event is Saturday December 7 from 10:30am to 4:30pm.

Admission is free and family-friendly!

December Delights

Paused for 2024, will be back 2025!

Four Mile Historic Park- 715 South Forest St, Denver

Head out one of 3 nights to the December Delights at Four Mile Historic Park. You’ll feel as if you’ve walked into the Victorian era as you enjoy a night of fun and celebration.

Grab the kids and head on a scavenger hunt through Four Miles Historic Park where you’ll be greeted with carolers, Santa, and a tractor ride around the park, decorated with scenes and lights of Christmas.

Ice skate a while, and then warm up by the fire. You can even make s’mores this year!

Grab your tickets now to attend December 8, 9, or 15.

Denver Christkindl Market – Denver Christmas Event

101 West 14th Avenue, Denver

This is one of our kids’ favorite Christmas events in Colorado. They love looking around the fun little toys and decorations and eating some unique, but yummy food.

The Christkindl Market takes place in Civic Center Park. It begins on November 22nd and opens at 11am daily. It’s open till 7pm Sunday thru Wednesday, and 9pm Thursday thru Saturday. Thanksgiving day closes at 4pm.

Explore plenty of vendors from around the world, and just as many food options! We were completely happy with our dinners of pierogies, kielbasa, latkes, dumplings, plus we got some hot chocolate, macarones, and spiced nuts. There’s plenty to choose from. The kids loved looking around and getting snacks to try.

Downtown Denver Rink – Denver Christmas Activity

1601 Araphaoe St., Denver

The ice rink at Skyline Park opens November 21 at 5pm on weekends and 11am on weekdays. Entry is free and you can bring your own skates. Skate rental is $9-$11. Plus, you can use free lockers to lock up your belongings with a valid ID (first come, first serve).

Find more info here

Winter Wanderland at Cherry Creek North

2401 E 2nd Ave, Denver

Starting November 21 , you can walk through the Cherry Creek North and enjoy hundreds of market vendors and plenty of lights.

Each Saturday, a million lights, covering 600 trees at Cherry Creek North, all choreographed to music. You’ll also find jugglers and other performers to keep the family entertained.

Parents will love strolling through the holiday market at Fillmore Plaza and relaxing at the new Mistletoe Lounge.

December 29 will feature a Chanukah celebration.

See more events at Cherry Creek North.

Denver Parade of Lights – Denver Christmas Event

Watch as 40 exciting Christmas themes pass by during this FREE Christmas Event in Denver. This is a Denver classic, filled with characters, floats, giant theme balloons, and more. You can attend live on December 7th at 6:00pm. The parade makes a route, with much of it going down 14th street and 17th street.

Mile High Tree – Denver Christmas attraction

Civic Center Park- 101 W 14th Ave

This is a classic Christmas activity in Denver that everyone should try at least once.

This 110-foot tree is another Denver tradition. The Mile Hi Tree is open every night from 5pm to 9pm and is FREE to visit. The tree puts on a music and light show every 15 minutes. Go in, lay down (if it’s not crowded), and enjoy the show!

Light the Lights – Denver Christmas Event

City and County of Denver Buildings- near Civic Center Park at Colfax and Bannock

Take the kids for the ultimate Christmas light experience in Denver. On November 27, the mayor will switch on the lights around 5:15, though the whole event starts at 4:30. The switch will be flipped on the 27th, and then each day after at 5:45 and 6:45 will be a light and music show (except Mondays). Otherwise, lights will be static to enjoy.

Other Light Displays in Denver, Colorado

Have a different kind of experience at the Denver Zoo with Zoo Lights. Bring the kids to see over a million lights over 80 acres. Get tickets here, (discounts for zoo members) and do it early!

Hudson Gardens (Littleton, CO) also hosts a cool display of lights to walk through a winter wonderland. Beginning November 29th, you can take the family through tunnels, witness trees dancing in light, and more as you walk through thousands of lights.

The Trail of Light at Chatfield location of the Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens, as well as their Chatfield campus, also puts on a great Christmas Light display. Walk through gardens of lights at their Blossoms of Light (Denver) and Trail of Lights (Chatfield location).

Christmas In Color- WaterWorld, Red Rocks, or Arapahoe County Fairgrounds (Aurora)

Stay safe and warm in your own car as you drive through over a million Christmas lights. The lights are synched to music you listen to through the radio.

The Christmas in Color event has two THREE locations in Colorado (both near Denver).

One is in Morrison at the Bandimere Speedway off C-470. The other is in Federal Heights at Water World. And the newest location is in Aurora at the Arapaho County Fairgrounds.

Get your tickets here!

Where to Stay in Denver

For a cool experience, reserve a night at the Crawford Hotel. It’s located right at Union Station, giving you easy access to the light rail to any part of downtown.

Or try the Grand Hyatt, a nice hotel located downtown and even has a pool!

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Golden, Colorado Christmas Events

Holiday Parade

Washington Ave, Golden

Golden turns into a magical place as the holidays near. Take the family to the Holiday Parade on December 14th, beginning at 10:30am. The streets are filled with joy, people, floats, fire trucks, and more during this festive day.

You’ll also get to see Santa, the Grinch, carolers, and Buffalo Bill!

Polar Express

Colorado Railroad Museum- 17155 West 44th Avenue, Golden

What’s more magical than taking the kids on the Polar Express? Starting November 10th on select dates, you can take the kids aboard to go visit Santa in the North Pole. Enjoy this vintage, coal-fired steam locomotive as you sing carols and take a ride.

(Website has been down a few months now, but you can call 303-279-4591)

Olde Golden Candlelight Walk

809 15th Street, Golden

Bring the kids for a magical, candle-lit walk down Washington Avenue. Sing carols while you walk to bring in the Christmas cheer. Arrive by 5:00 to enjoy a pre-show on the stage at Parfet Park. Then the walk begins at 6:30.

Enjoy the walk on December 6th and bring a small cash donation for the candles.

👉🏼 Find other Great Winter Activities in Colorado for the Family

Breckenridge, Colorado Holiday Events

Race of the Santas

Main Street, Breckenridge

This may be one of the most fun Christmas activities in Colorado. And most unique!

This classic is more of an enjoyable tradition than a race. Participants all wear a full Santa attire as they walk, run, and jingle down 7 blocks. Spectators get quite a view of the large group of Santas taking over Main Street. Join them December 7th on Main Street.

Lighting of Breckenridge – family Christmas event

Shortly after the Santa Race, stay to watch the Lighting of Breckenridge, where a quarter-million lights get turned on and light the streets. This is a magical moment, especially in the snow.

Festival of Trees in Breckenridge

Make sure to take the family to the Blue River Recreational Path where you can explore many Christmas trees that have each been decorated by a different business. See which one the kids like best! They are available to see the whole month of December.

Where to Stay in Breckenridge

Need the perfect, family-friendly place to stay? Check out the best hotels in Breckenridge. For a perfect mountain experience, check out top family cabins you can rent in Breckenridge.

See Also: Top Ten Fun Breckenridge Summer Activities

Georgetown, Colorado Festivities

European Christmas Market

Strousse Park, 600 Rose Street, Georgetown

On the first two weekends of December, search for roasted Chestnuts or stroll along the street witnessing people dressed from the Victorian era.

This annual European Christmas market also features carolers and the opportunity to take a horse-drawn wagon ride. And of course, you can shop from both local and far-away vendors. Hours are 10am to 4pm, admission is Free.

Georgetown Loop Railroad– Christmas Activity for families in Georgetown, CO

All Aboard! Kids will love this fun Christmas event in Georgetown, CO. The Georgetown Loop Railroad transforms into a Holiday Train that will transport you through Santa’s lighted forest. From late November thru December, you can watch beautiful light and music displays and even meet the big man himself! Get your tickets in advance.

Boulder, Colorado Christmas Events for families

Switch on the Holidays

Pearl Street, Boulder

On November 24th, everything comes to light in Boulder for the holidays. Featuring the Boulder Ballet and free visits to Santa, this is a perfect way to feel the holidays commence in Boulder.

St. Nick on the Bricks

Pearl Street/1300th block

If you miss Santa at Switch on the Holidays, you can always come back later. He appears the Friday November 29th from 11am-2pm on Pearl Street and 1300. Plus, kids can ride the free snowflake express after they pay their visit!

Lights of December Parade

On December 7th, head to the downtown area as plenty of floats parade around. Each float was made by different members of the community, be it businesses, clubs, churches, or nonprofits. Wait till the very end when Santa will make his way through on parade.

Start time: 6pm. Parade starts at 15th and Walnut

Freezie Fest

Pearl Street Mall

The whole family will love being in Boulder on December 14th as you participate in plenty of snowman activities.

Head downtown for all things snowmen. Enjoy free train rides and visits to Santa and his reindeer from 11-3.

Colorado Springs Christmas Events

Royal Gorge Santa Express Train– Family Christmas Activity

Santa trains are a little heavier on the wallet, but if you can manage it even once, then this will be one of the most memorable Christmas activities your kids do.

A little drive outside of Colorado Springs is great train ride to Santa’s village. Climb aboard and you’ll get a cookie and milk.

If you choose the higher cabin fare, you’ll get to sit at a table and order dinner ($). This cabin class also has elves to entertain the kids, sing songs, and activities. Eventually you’ll pull into the North Pole where Santa will make his appearance. Wave as you drive by and take in the lit up village.

Get your tickets in advance!

Ice Skate at Acacia Park

Acacia Park- 115 E Platt Ave, Colorado Springs

At over 4,600 square feet, there’s plenty of space to skate at Acacia Park. Starting November 15th, this is a great family activity before Christmas, and prices are $13/per person (including skates!)

The Heart of Christmas

Charis Bible College- 800 Gospel Truth Way, Woodland Park

Bring the family to this heartwarming Christmas musical a short drive outside of Colorado Springs. Watch as a girl escapes from WWII Europe and hears what Christmas is about for the first time. See how a simple gift changes lives forever. Reserve your ticket in advance here. (Lap children 4 and under are free).

Festival of Lights

Downtown CO Springs- St. Vrain to Tejon to Vermijo

This tradition in Colorado Springs is an annual parade that goes through downtown Colorado Springs. It will be held on December 7th at 5:50pm.

Ice Castles in Clear Creek

Towards Colorado Springs and then beyond a little bit is an attraction with big fame!

The Ice Castles are a BIG deal. They use to come to Dillon each year, but now Clear Creek will be hosting the ice castles.

Walk through caverns of ice, slide down icy slides, and crawl through tunnels. You can also enjoy ice characters and sculptures in this magnificent winter display.

Grab tickets soon as they are known to sell out!

See Also: What to do in Colorado Springs in Winter

Aurora, Colorado

The Pond Ice Rink at Southlands

All winter long starting in mid-November, you can head to Southlands Shopping area and get your winter fill at The Pond. All ages are welcome, and skates are included in admission. The Pond opens at 4pm on weekdays and 11am on Saturday/Sunday. Check here for more details and to buy tickets in advance.

Holiday Hometown Parade

Also at Southlands, don’t miss the annual parade featuring Santa. It’s held at Town Square on November 23 at 6pm. It also includes a tree lighting.

Gaylord Christmas

Every year, the Gaylord hotel brings out new Christmas cheer. Past years have walked you thru many Christmas movies, another year was all about saving Christmas, and this year they are bringing in ICE featuring the Polar Express!

Walk through 2 million pounds of ice that you can enjoy sliding down or walking through as you witness the famous train.

Get tickets and info here

Castle Rock, CO

Castle Rock Starlight Market

300 2nd Street- Festival Park

Located right along I-25, Castle rock is booming with Christmas cheer. Head to Festival Park on December 6th and 7th where you can snap pictures in front of the giant, decorated Christmas tree. Then continue on to find vendors full of Christmas gifts for purchase. There’s music and food for purchase, and hot cocoa as well!

Star Lighting

This is one of the unique and fun Christmas events in Colorado that you don’t see anywhere else.

This traditional event runs every year where the whole town gathers for the countdown to the lighting of the Castle Rock Star. November 23, beginning at 2pm, head to downtown Castle Rock near Festival Park and Wilcox Square. There, you’ll enjoy many festivities as well as plenty of non-profit booths to get you in the true spirit of giving.

The ceremony for the star lighting begins at 5pm, the star lights around 5:30 and fireworks follow.

Carriage Rides

Beginning November 24, you can take a 15 minute carriage ride through downtown Castle Rock. Watch the official page for finding when tickets will become available. They sell FAST.

Reindeer Games

1375 W Plum Creek Parkway, Castle Rock

On December 7th from 1:00-4:00, grab the kids and head to Phillip S. Miller Park (by the MAC) for fun, outdoor fun! You’ll get to see Santa, see some real reindeer, play some games, and even ride on a cute kids train! This event is FREE.

Nearby: Lone Tree (South of Denver, North of Castle Rock)

Schweiger Ranch- Christkindl and Light display

Just south of Castle Rock is the city of Lone Tree. Right off I-25 you’ll find Schweiger Ranch, a ranch settled hundred of years ago and often open to the public for events.

During the holidays, you can see the ranch lit up from I-25 as you drive by. The light display is easy for the public to see, and you can view from your car as you drive down Havana. The lights stay on until the Stock Show (in January).

On December 7th, the ranch hosts a Austrian Christmas and Christkindl Market. There are many of these Christmas events throughout Colorado, but this one is unique. Here you’ll find vendors of both crafts, gifts, and food.

You’ll also get free arts and crafts for the kids, sleigh rides, love music of Austria, a visit with a legit Santa, a visit with some real reindeer, face painting, and the option to sign up ($) for a wreath-making class.

The event is free to attend!

Nearby: Highlands Ranch (South of Denver, North of Castle Rock)

Christmas Events at Cherry Hills Community Church

3900 Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch

Cherry Hills changes it up each year. Some years have been massive light displays, some a big indoor Christmas party or concert.

2024 brings an Erwin Christmas concert by the famous Erwin siblings. This FREE concert is on December 17th and begins at 6:30pm.

Check out details here

Christmas Events in Colorado

There is no shortage of Christmas events in Colorado for families. Whether you are north of Denver, South, or over in the mountains, there are plenty of things to do for Christmas and celebrate. I hope this has been helpful in getting your family into the Christmas spirit this year!

So pick one of these fun Christmas activities in Colorado whether you are in Denver, Colorado Springs, or over toward the mountains and make it a year full of memories.

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