It’s Christmastime in the city. Don’t miss these holiday celebrations including Zoo Lights, A Christmas Carol, Polar Express and more.
Winter Break at the Denver Art Museum
Dec 20 2016 – Jan 8 2017
This Winter, warm up at the Denver Art Museum and spend time with the whole family. The Costume Studio, Create-n-Take stations and the Family Activity Cart will be open daily from December 20 to January 8 throughout the museum complex. Enjoy family friendly theater on select dates at 11 a.m. during special performances of Art Emergency 2: Code Redder.
Denver Pavilions’ Holiday Carousel
Dec 9 – 23
Create Memories for years to come at the Denver Pavilions’ beautiful downtown holiday carousel. Cost is $3 per ride or FREE with voucher. Portion of proceeds benefit Food Bank of the Rockies.
Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo
Dec 2, 2016 – Jan 1, 2017
Zoo Lights is the Rocky Mountain Region’s largest lighting event, spanning more than 70 acres of the Zoo’s campus. A great way to spend the holidays and kick off the New Year with friends, family and colleagues. This is the Zoo’s most anticipated annual event. Included are more than 150 animated animal sculptures, Santa Claus meet-and-greets, choirs, ice carvers, live animal demonstrations and more.
A Christmas Carol at Stage Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Nov 25 – Dec 24
Essential to the holiday season in Denver, A Christmas Carol promises to “warm your heart and renew your holiday spirit” according to the Examiner. Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, this joyous and opulent musical adaptation traces money-hoarding skinflint Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum
Nov 10 – Dec 23
The story of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ is being theatrically re-created at the Colorado Railroad Museum so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. Prepare to be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the holiday season!
Winter on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Nov 11 – Dec 31
Take a scenic tram ride to the top of Iron Mountain in Glenwood Springs to experience Winter on the Mountain. One of Western Colorado’s largest displays of holiday lights, along with holiday displays, music, fire pits for roasting s’mores, and visits with Santa. Families will enjoy one of the state’s longest Alpine Coasters, a Zip Ride overlooking the Colorado River Valley, laser tag and the states only 4D Motion Theater.
Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume at the Denver Art Museum
Nov 13 2016 – Apr 2 2017
The characters of the Star Wars™ universe are brought to life through the dramatic presentation of more than 70 original costumes in Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume at the Denver Art Museum. The extensive exhibition closely examines the captivating process of costume design for iconic outfits featured in all seven films—from Queen Amidala’s lavish gowns to Darth Vader’s imposing armor.
Denver Christkindl Market at Skyline Park on the 16th Street Mall
Nov 18 – Dec 23
The Denver Christkindl Market transforms Skyline Park into a magical “old world” European Christmas village, with wooden vendor huts, twinkling lights, festival music, and an authentic German Bier Hall. Patrons will be transported to an authentic holiday market like the ones found in German public squares, to shop from thirty featured gift and craft artisans, bakers and chefs, many of whom have come to Denver from around the world.
Santa Express Train at the Royal Gorge Railroad
Nov 18 – Dec 24
We’ve all seen the movie Polar Express. Now you can experience the train that takes you to meet Santa Claus himself. The Santa Express Train is a winter wonderland, where children of all ages are encouraged to wear cozy pajamas and relax with family and friends on a journey you’ll treasure year after year.
Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens
Nov 25. 2016 – Jan 1, 2017
Denver Botanic Gardens is proud to host this annual family-friendly event that has become a tradition! This holiday lights extravaganza features some new elements and includes the grand illuminated O’Fallon Perennial Walk and the Romantic Gardens. Gaze at twinkling lights through their popular HoloSpex glasses and enjoy warm drinks and tasty treats as you stroll this winter wonderland.
Trail of Lights at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
Nov 25, 2016 – Jan 1, 2017
Come to Chatfield Farms to see colorful holiday lights illuminate a winding path through the Colorado countryside, set against a stunning foothills backdrop.Trail of Lights offers visitors a path that leads to the warming hut, the children’s area and on to Hildebrand Ranch.
Downtown Denver Grand Illumination
Nov 25 – Dec 31
Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination event lights up Downtown, from Denver Union Station to the City and County Building. The whole family will marvel at the brightly colored floodlights illuminating the historic structure in the heart of Lower Downtown and its lighted tree in front. Light Exhibition runs through the end of December.
Shrek: The Musical at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
Dec 1, 2016 – Jan 8, 2017
Shrek: The Musical follows this beloved unlikely hero and his wisecracking, best friend Donkey on a journey of a lifetime to rescue a feisty, headstrong princess. Throw in a short tempered bad guy, a cookie with attitude and more than a dozen other fairytale misfits, and Shrek must learn to see the true hero within to succeed.
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
