It’s the holiday season in the Mile High City, which means there are many fun events and activities happening around town all month long—and into the new year. Keep this list of cherished local traditions and festivities on hand as you plan a few outings with family and friends in the weeks to come!
- Light the Lights – At 5:45pm and 6:45pm almost every night until January 26, 2025, catch an 8-minute light and music holiday show on the City and County Building downtown. Static festive lights brighten this beautiful historic building before, between, and after the nightly shows all season long.
- Georgetown Loop Railroad Holiday Events – Now until Christmas Eve, you can take a snowy mountain train ride, taking in the gorgeous peaks and vistas and meeting Santa Claus himself. At night, the train winds through Santa’s Lighted Forest.
- Mile High Drone Show – The first Mile High Holidays Drone Show kicked off on November 22nd, and will feature 40 amazing nights of 400 drones lighting up the sky as holiday-themed animations. Pick your favorite park or rooftop in the area with a view and just look up at 7:00pm! There are special sports-themed shows before the December 25th Nuggets game and the December 31st Avalanche game.
- Castle Rock Carriage Rides – Take a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown Castle Rock, which is beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Rides are available to reserve most evenings of the week.
- Santa’s Little Man Factory – Little Man Ice Cream has transformed into a charming holiday wonderland. Take the family to enjoy events like Bingo with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa, a gingerbread house party, caroling, live holiday music, and more. The Elfy-Selfie Wall is a can’t-miss photo opp!
- Mistletoe Lounge – For the grown-ups, this two-story pop-up Christmas bar is an adorable stop after strolling and shopping at the Cherry Creek Holiday Market. Check out the market’s goods from local makers and artisans, then stop in the lounge for a warm, holiday-themed beverage. Grab a cozy seat to enjoy live entertainment and good cheer!
- Hudson Holidays – Hudson Gardens is unforgettable any time of year, but from now until January 12, 2025, it will be truly magical. Enjoy twinkling lights all along its holiday maze, stopping for a cup of hot cocoa as you make your way down Sparkly Way to Candy Cane Lane past Santa’s Workshop. Santa will be at Hudson Holidays certain nights too.
- Christmas in Color – Drive through millions of lights synchronized to holiday music. Dazzling archways and trees. Big candy canes and snowmen. Loads of fun! This drive-through light display is available at Water World, Red Rocks Amphitheater, and Arapahoe County Fairgrounds.
- Blossoms of Light – An illuminated Denver Botanic Gardens is a wonderous experience. This Denver tradition is nearly four decades running, but never ceases to inspire and awe. The equally amazing Trail of Lights at the Chatfield Farms Denver Botanic Gardens is also worth a visit. It features lights synchronized to holiday music, lighted tunnels, dancing Christmas trees, and more.
- The Polar Express™ Train Ride – Get cozy in pajamas and head to the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden for a little holiday magic. This theatrical experience includes a ride aboard an authentic coal-fired locomotive to the North Pole, where you can visit with Santa and his elves and get a silver bell—the first gift of Christmas!
Our warmest wishes and happy holidays, everyone!
