Brisk weather has finally arrived, just in time for the holidays here in the Denver Metro Area. If the cool air has you feeling festive, you'll want to book some fun events from our list of Denver's best holiday activities for 2021, including a few brand new events! These exclusively Denver winter festivities will create new memories for the whole family. Many of the attractions are even open into the new year in case you get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. So, bundle up and plan for some fun!
Luminova at Elitch Gardens - NEW for 2021
Elitch Gardens | Denver
Nov 26 - Jan 2 | Admission $35
Debuting this year at Denver's favorite theme park is the all new light extravaganza, Luminova. With over 3 million bright lights, a larger than life twinkling tree, the wall of lights, Old Saint Nick himself, and even rides on llimited Elitch attractions, it's sure to put an Instagram worthy smile on everyone's face.
Breakfast with Santa at the Downtown Aquarium
Denver Aquarium | Denver
Reservations Required Dec 11-12, 18-19, 22-24|Adults $20, Children $14
Reserve your spot fora jolly breakfast buffet, snap pictures with Santa, take home a Christmas craft, and enjoy 50% off aquarium admission plusvalidated parking. The Aquarium Restaurant also serves dinner on Christmas Eve & Day and they host a fun New Year's Eve celebration that the littles will love.
Snow Days at the Children's Museum- NEW for 2021!
Denver Children's Museum | Denver
Dec 8 - Feb 27 | Admission $13-15
Denver Children's Museum is hosting all new interactive fun and games this winter with a life-sized snow globe, special "sock skating" rink, sledding hill, hot cocoa by the fire, and even curling!
Living Lights at the Butterfly Pavillion - NEW for 2021
Butterfly Pavillion | Westminster
Dec 17- Jan 2 | Admission $10-15
The Butterfly Pavillion has a uniqe and all new event for the holiday season this year! Instead of LED lights, the light show is powered by nature, with bioflourescent animals and illuminated landscapes. Tour the Firefly Forest, join in on the glow-in-the-dark dance party, and take advantage of photo-opps to preserve the memories.
Downtown Denver Ice Rink
Skyline Park | Downtown Denver
Nov 24 - Feb 20 | Skating is FREE | Rentals: $7-9 (FREE on Sundays)
Back for 2021! After a hiatus in 2020, this popular attraction has returned for the 2021 holiday season. It's always free to skate and kids' skate rentals are free on Christmas Eve. Burn off some of that holiday sugar with an invigorating glide or twirl on the ice.
Santa's Village at Chatfield Farms
Chatfield Farms | Littleton
Fri-Sun through Dec 23rd | Admission: $20
Colorado's charming Chatfield Botanic Gardens hosts one of the most stunning and immersive holiday experiences for families. You'll see countless lights, meet live reindeer, take photos with Santa, do crafts with Mrs. Claus, and more!
A Hudson Christmas
Hudson Gardens & Event Center | Littleton
Nov 26 - Dec 31 | Admission $12-15
Visit the beautiful Hudson Gardens in Littleton, Colorado for a lights display to be remembered! Warm up with hot chocolate and stroll through twinkling pathways.
Denver Christkindl Market
Civic Center Park | Denver
Nov 19 - Dec 23, 11am - 9pm | FREE
Soak in traditional German and holiday music, while sipping a beer and indulging in danish pastries and German faire. This holiday fest is sure to have you shouting, prost!" as you stroll through the vendors booths with unique and handmade goods, perfect for gifting.
Santa's Flight Academy
Cherry Creek Mall | Cherry Creek North |
Nov 12 - Dec 24 | FREE Admission |
Visit the Cherry Creek Shopping Center for some last-minute shopping and an exciting excursion for your little one! Kids get to help Santa drive his 22 foot sleigh and earn a cadet badge at Santa's Flight Academy. Expect some long lines at this one.
Winter Wanderland
Cherry Creek North | Denver
Nov 18 - Dec 31 | FREE
Winter Wanderland has returned to Cherry Creek Northfor its second year, with a brand new interactive art installation called Domino Effect that the kids will love. Back by popular demand is the holiday market for gifts from local makers, sixteen blocks of holiday lights to musical choreography, and entertainment on Saturday nights throughout December.
Denver holiday events 2021 continue to enchant The Mile High City until the very last minute jingle all the way to the New Year with the city's mostfestive events.
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