Countless communities throughout Colorado are gearing up to celebrate the holiday season with a wide array of festive events that span from late November all the way to the new year. We’ve thoughtfully curated an extensive list of holiday activities where Coloradans can immerse themselves in the enchanting sights and sounds that define this magical time of year.
This is an ever-expanding list. If you know of an event that isn’t included here, please reach out via email at [email protected].
Denver area
Blossoms of Light (Nov. 20 – Jan. 12, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver)
Guests at Denver Botanic Gardens’ York Street location will be captivated as they stroll along a beautifully illuminated one-mile pathway, where dazzling lights breathe life into the gardens’ diverse plants and majestic trees. To enhance the experience, attendees can savor festive holiday treats and festive beverages available for purchase throughout their visit.
Trail of Lights (Nov. 29 – Jan. 5, Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms, Littleton)
The Trai of Lights at Chatfield Farms invites families to embark on a whimsical walking adventure, where glowing lights, lively cottonwood and pine trees, and charming antique and model tractors create a winter wonderland. This magical experience is enhanced by captivating synchronized light shows accompanied by uplifting holiday music, dancing Christmas trees, and an inviting holiday market that adds to the festive atmosphere.
Mile High Tree (Nov. 22 – Dec. 31, Denver)
At Civic Center Park, guests can marvel at the Mile High Tree, an impressive 110-foot structure adorned with thousands of LED lights. This monumental tree comes to life each night with free public light shows choreographed to multicultural holiday music, transforming the park into a vibrant celebration of the season.
Zoo Lights (Nov. 23 – Jan. 5, Denver Zoo, Denver)
Denver Zoo’s beloved annual Zoo Lights event enchants visitors with three million twinkling lights scattered across 80 sprawling acres, creating a captivating nocturnal landscape filled with holiday cheer.
Switch on the Holidays (Nov. 24, Boulder)
Boulder officially kicks off the holiday season at 5 p.m. on November 24th with a joyous event that illuminates the Pearl Street Mall, Civic Area, and Boulder County Courthouse, setting the festive tone for the weeks ahead.
Denver Union Station Grand Illumination (Nov. 29th, Denver)
Join the festivities at Denver Union Station to celebrate the start of the holiday season, featuring delightful activities such as performances by the beloved Denver Dolls, a heartwarming visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, a festive photo booth, and the momentous lighting of the station’s enormous 40-foot outdoor Christmas tree, which boasts an impressive array of over 7,000 shimmering holiday lights.
Luminova Holidays (Nov. 29 – Dec. 31, Elitch Gardens, Denver)
Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens presents an extraordinary holiday experience featuring over four million radiant lights, an astonishing 65-foot tall Christmas tree, an adorable 25-foot snowman, and a whimsical 300-foot candy cane tunnel. Guests can also indulge in thrilling rides on select attractions at Elitch Gardens and take part in a memorable visit with Santa.
Hudson Holidays (Nov. 29 – Jan. 12, Hudson Gardens & Event Center, Littleton)
Visitors flock to Hudson Gardens to experience a spectacular display of lights, navigate through a lighted maze, explore themed exhibits, and enjoy the magic of visiting with Santa.
Holiday Tree Lighting (Dec. 3, Aurora Municipal Center, Aurora)
The city of Aurora eagerly hosts a free tree lighting ceremony from 5 – 7 p.m. filled with holiday-themed fun, including delicious treats, luminous displays, performances by local talent, and the joyful presence of Santa who spreads holiday cheer among attendees.
Lakewood Lights (Dec. 5, Lakewood)
At Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, the Lakewood Mayor and City Council host an enchanting lighting ceremony where guests can wander among the lights, enjoy live music, sip hot cocoa, meet Santa and even partake in ornament-making activities to commemorate the season.
Parade of Lights (Dec. 7, Downtown Denver, Denver)
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights dazzles with more than 40 vibrant floats, colossal balloons, marching bands, and engaging performers who bring the holiday spirit to life.
City of Brighton Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dec. 7, Founders Plaza, Brighton)
The City of Brighton’s tree lighting celebration includes a delightful Winter Market featuring local artists, crafters, and artisan food vendors. Guests can enjoy complimentary face painting, explore the Teddy Bear & Friends Tree, and capture precious moments with Santa. Festivities will commence from 1 – 6 p.m.
Northern Colorado
Winter Wonderlights (Nov. 23 – Jan. 1, Loveland)
At Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, visitors can marvel at Winter Wonderlights, a breathtaking exhibit showcasing 200,000 twinkling lights that illuminate stunning African stone sculptures. Each evening, a 30-minute mesmerizing music and light show featuring holiday classics enchants the audience. Special Winter Wonderlights LIVE nights offer unique holiday-themed activities, live entertainment, and local vendor showcases, enhancing the festive experience.
Catch the Glow Parade (Nov. 29, Estes Park)
Gathering on Elkhorn Avenue, locals and visitors alike will “Catch the Glow” of this vibrant holiday parade featuring over 40 hand-crafted floats, upbeat marching bands, fire trucks, and other festive specialty vehicles. Following the parade, families can visit Santa and explore the charming shops downtown Estes Park.
Downtown Greeley WinterFest (Nov. 30 – Dec. 14, Greeley)
Downtown Greeley’s Winterfest will unfold over three exhilarating weekends, offering a plethora of activities including a Holiday Open House, engaging shopping bingo, a delightful tree lighting celebration in Lincoln Park, and Holiday Lane Downtown, filled with festive displays, local performers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and engaging Makers’ Workshops featuring card and ornament-making activities.
Lyons Holiday Parade of Lights (Dec. 7, Lyons)
This delightful parade winding down Main Street features a joyous visit from Santa, followed by the festivities moving to the elementary school for the beloved Lyons Holiday Artisan Market.
Southern Colorado
ElectriCritters (Nov. 29 – Dec. 29, Pueblo Zoo, Pueblo)
At ElectriCritters in Pueblo Zoo, guests can experience over four million dazzling lights, festive holiday-themed activities, and exciting rides on select zoo attractions amidst a holiday wonderland.
Pueblo Parade of Lights (Nov. 30, Pueblo)
Celebrating over 30 years of tradition, this magnificent parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. and features a colorful lineup of festive floats, spirited school marching bands, drill teams, dazzling decorated saddle club horses, and antique car club vehicles. The parade will take you along the scenic route starting at Abriendo and Union Ave, winding through to City Center Drive and then to Main Street, concluding at 6th Street.
Alamosa Christmas Light Parade (Dec. 6, Alamosa)
The Alamosa Christmas Light Parade kicks off with a festive lighting ceremony at City Hall starting at 5:30 p.m. Participants will find smiling faces brimming with Christmas cheer, live music, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment along Main St. as the parade makes its way through town.
40th Annual Festival of Lights Parade (Dec. 7, Downtown Colorado Springs)
This highly-anticipated parade showcases nearly 100 illuminated and decorated floats navigating down Tejon Street, with step-off set for 5:50 p.m., bringing joy and holiday spirit to Downtown Colorado Springs!
Mountains and Western Slope
Leadville Railroad Holiday Express (Nov. 21 – Jan. 5, Leadville Railroad, Leadville)
Passengers aboard the Leadville Railroad can enjoy a picturesque train ride through the stunning snowy landscapes of Colorado’s mountains, aboard a train that sparkles with enchanting holiday lights, offering a truly unique winter experience.
Winter on the Mountain (Nov. 23 – Dec. 31, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs)
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park invites guests to kick off the holiday season with a launch party on November 23, followed by special evenings of live holiday music throughout the season, including Thanksgiving weekend and from December 26 – 31. During the holiday season, visitors can explore half a million dazzling lights, an enchanting musical Christmas tree, Santa’s workshop, exhilarating alpine coaster rides, and enjoy festive food and drinks. Attendees can also take pictures with Santa on Saturdays in December.
Grand Lake’s Tree Lighting Ceremony (Nov. 29, Town Square Park, Grand Lake)
Leadville Main Street’s Parade of Lights (Dec. 6, Harrison Ave., Leadville)
Immerse yourself in Leadville’s vibrant parade festivities along Harrison Ave. starting at 6 p.m., as floats and lights line the streets, celebrating the holiday spirit.
“Night of Lights” (Dec. 6, Downtown Gunnison)
The Winter Wonderland event features an enchanting snow globe, heartwarming music, and a delightful stroll among booths at IOOF Park. Santa Claus will make a special appearance before transitioning to the Elk’s Lodge following the tree lighting. The Winter Wonderland event will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m., culminating with Santa powering up the tree’s lights at 6:30 p.m.
December First Friday Holiday Lighting & Art Market (Dec. 6, Silverthorne Pavilion, Silverthorne)
The Silverthorne Pavilion will host its eagerly anticipated annual holiday tree lighting and art market, running from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature warm hot chocolate, local artists showcasing their crafts, vibrant live music, lively carolers, and festive holiday crafts along with a special visit from Santa.
Grand Junction Parade of Lights (Dec. 7, Downtown Grand Junction)
Main Street will shine bright with the annual Parade of Lights. This year’s theme is “Holiday in the Tropics,” inviting participants to embrace the festivities through fantastical floats and beautifully decorated shop windows in downtown.
Lighting of Breckenridge (Dec. 7, Downtown Breckenridge)
Coming to life on the first weekend of December, Breckenridge’s holiday celebrations commence with the Lighting of Breckenridge alongside the Race of the Santas. Visitors can enjoy an adorable holiday dog parade, an exciting moose march, and the traditional lighting of the town tree, with the sparkling Christmas lights in downtown Breckenridge gracing the winter nights for all to admire.
MTCB Light Up the Night (Dec. 14, Lodge at Mountaineer Square Plaza, Crested Butte)
Mt. Crested Butte celebrates its annual Light Up the Night event with live music, the lighting of Christmas trees and menorahs, engaging cookie decorating activities, photo opportunities with Santa, and the enchanting Snow Queen, face painting, arts and crafts, firetruck rides, and an irresistible hot cocoa bar. This festive gathering runs from 4 to 7 p.m.
Garden of Lights (Dec. 14 – 15 and 21 – 22, Montrose Botanic Gardens, Montrose)
Explore illuminated garden paths and captivating displays, along with magical horse-drawn wagon rides, steaming hot cocoa, photo opportunities at the horse shed, and a visit from Santa. Last entries will be accepted until 8:00 p.m. each evening.
Torchlight Parade (Dec. 24, Winter Park)
Join Winter Park Resort for a heartwarming holiday celebration on Christmas Eve, featuring a mesmerizing torchlight parade at 5:30 p.m. Guests can take pictures with Santa and enjoy festive treats and hot cocoa prior to the parade, followed by a non-denominational church service at West Portal to conclude the evening.
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade (Dec. 24, Telluride Ski Resort, Telluride)
At 6:30 p.m., ski instructors at Telluride Ski Resort will wind gracefully down the mountain while lighting up the night with their torches, captivating all in attendance with this festive Christmas Eve tradition.
Eastern Plains
Holyoke Parade of Lights (Dec. 2, Holyoke)
This year’s theme, “A Candyland,” infuses a whimsical touch to the holiday spectacle. The parade winds through downtown Holyoke, starting on South Interocean Drive by the Golden Plains Motel, with an exciting parade step-off scheduled for 6:15 p.m. Those tuning in from their cars can enjoy the parade live on 92.3 FM High Plains Radio.
Sedgwick County Parade of Lights (Dec. 5, Julesburg)
The Sedgwick County Parade will have its lineup from 5:30 to 6 p.m. on Pine St., adjacent to the Assisted Living/Nursing Home before proceeding to W 10th St. and down Cedar St., creating a festive and communal atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Is the Winter Park Torchlight Parade and Fireworks event suitable for families with young children?
Parade-and-fireworks/”>Winter Park Torchlight Parade and Fireworks (Dec. 21, Winter Park Resort, Winter Park)
This spectacular event features a dazzling parade of skiers and snowboarders lighting up the slopes with torches, followed by a stunning fireworks display to cap off the night. Families are encouraged to gather at the base area for this festive celebration of winter excitement and holiday cheer.
Vail Winterfest (Various Dates, Vail)
Vail will be lit up with a series of holiday events, including ice skating, live entertainment, and winter-themed activities throughout the holiday season. Don’t miss the festive decorations adorning the village and the opportunity to take part in various family-friendly activities.
Idaho Springs Christmas Parade (Dec. 7, Idaho Springs)
This charming small-town parade highlights the holiday spirit with decorated floats, carolers, and festive cheer. The parade starts in the heart of Idaho Springs, making its way through the historic downtown area, followed by a celebration featuring local vendors and entertainment.
Notes: Be sure to check local websites for any updates or changes to event schedules and for additional details on participating attractions and activities. Enjoy the holiday festivities!