The Denver area is bursting with free and family-friendly activities this holiday season! Whether you’re drawn to festive holiday markets, magical parades, family-friendly gatherings, or beautiful light displays, there’s something for everyone. Below, we’ve organized these exciting events to help you plan a joyful and budget-friendly holiday season!
Holiday Markets:
Denver ChristkindlMarket
Experience the magic of a traditional German Christmas market! Enjoy authentic German food, live music, handcrafted gifts, and the beloved holiday drink, Glühwein, at Denver’s Christkindlmarket in Civic Center Park. This market offers a unique blend of European holiday spirit in the heart of downtown Denver.
Dates: November 22 – December 23, 2024
Regular Hours: Sunday – Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Gates close at 9:00 PM)
*Check the event website for any special hours.
Location: Civic Center Park, 101 W 14th Ave, Denver, CO
Best Time to Go: Mid-week afternoons are ideal for a less crowded experience. For a festive atmosphere, visit on weekends and evenings.
Entry: Free entry. Reservations are not required, but check for any special events that may have a ticket price.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Shop local for the holidays! The Cherry Creek Holiday Market features unique gifts from local artisans, festive lights, and delicious food options, creating a warm, seasonal vibe. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to find thoughtful holiday gifts and enjoy live entertainment.
Dates: November 21 – December 24, 2024
Regular Hours: Sunday-Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Thursday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
*Check the event website for any special hours.
Location: Fillmore Plaza, Cherry Creek Shopping District, Denver, CO
Best Time to Go: Evenings are popular as the market lights up, though weekdays are quieter if you prefer less crowds.
Entry: Free. No reservations required.
Festival Park Starlight Market
Festive shopping in Castle Rock! With live music, handcrafted gifts, and holiday decorations, the Starlight Market in Castle Rock’s Festival Park is an evening full of small-town holiday charm.
Dates: December 6 – 7, 2024
Regular Hours: Friday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Festival Park, Castle Rock, CO
Best Time to Go: The market sparkles in the evening, creating a festive setting with lights and holiday décor.
Entry: Free. No reservations required.
Holiday Parades:
9NEWS Parade of Lights
Make Denver’s most iconic holiday parade your new holiday tradition! Join thousands in downtown Denver to watch illuminated floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself at the 9NEWS Parade of Lights—a must-see, family-friendly event for the holidays.
Date: December 7
Hours: 6:00 PM
Location: Downtown Denver
Best Time to Go: Arrive early for the best viewing spots, especially on the weekends.
Entry: Free. No reservations required, but consider using public transportation due to large crowds.
*If interested check for any VIP Grandstand tickets
Holiday Parade in Golden, CO
Small-town holiday cheer! This parade along Golden’s charming downtown streets features festive floats, carolers, and holiday spirit that bring the community together.
Date: December 14, 2024
Hours: 10:30 AM
Location: Downtown Golden
Best Time to Go: Arrive an hour early to get a good viewing spot along Washington Avenue.
Entry: Free. No reservations required.
Family-Friendly Events:
Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park
Skate under the stars in downtown Denver! The Downtown Denver Rink offers free ice skating at Skyline Park, a magical winter experience perfect for families and couples alike. Rentals are available if you don’t have your own skates!
Dates: November 21, 2024 – February 2, 2025
Hours: *Check the event website for any special hours.
Location: Skyline Park, 1601 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO
Best Time to Go: Weekdays are less crowded, and early mornings are ideal for families with young children.
Entry: Free to skate. Skate rentals are available for a small fee; no reservations required.
Golden’s Candlelight Walk
Celebrate the season with candlelight and carols! This peaceful evening event invites families to walk through Golden with candles, surrounded by holiday lights, music, and the warmth of community.
Date: December 6, 2024
Hours: 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Golden
Best Time to Go: Arrive before sunset for a cozy evening walk illuminated by candlelight.
Entry: Free. Candles are provided, and no reservations are required.
Highlands Ranch Hometown Holiday
Small-town holiday magic! Highlands Ranch hosts a community event featuring live music, holiday crafts, and a tree lighting ceremony, creating an enchanting evening for kids and adults alike.
Date: December 6, 2024
Hours: 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Town Center South, Highlands Ranch, CO
Best Time to Go: Late afternoon, as festivities ramp up and lead into the tree lighting ceremony.
Entry: Free. No reservations required.
Centennial Jingle Jam
Celebrate with holiday cheer and family fun + watching local youth choirs sing their way into your hearts. This free event in Centennial features games, crafts, and holiday-themed entertainment, perfect for families looking to kick off the season together.
Date: December 7, 2024
Hours: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Centennial Center Park, Centennial, CO
Best Time to Go: Early evening for entertainment and holiday activities.
Entry: Free. No reservations required.
Cozy Christmas Movie Night
Kick off the Christmas season with a cozy, family-friendly double-feature! Enjoy A Charlie Brown Christmas and Arthur Christmas while sipping hot cocoa and munching on popcorn. Wear your favorite pajamas and experience the magic of the holidays. Perfect for all ages!
Date: December 13, 2024
Hours: 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Mission Hills Church Littleton, 620 Southpark Dr, Littleton, CO 80120
Best Time to Go: Early evening.
Entry: Free. No reservations required.
Light Shows:
Saturday Night Lights
Enjoy a dazzling evening in Cherry Creek North! Each Saturday, Cherry Creek North hosts special light shows that make the holidays feel even more magical.
Dates: December 7, 14, and 21, 2024
Hours: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Cherry Creek North, Denver, CO
Best Time to Go: Saturday evenings, when the light show is in full effect.
Entry: Free. No reservations required.
Mile High Drone Show
A modern twist on holiday lights! Catch the Mile High Drone Show at west of downtown, a synchronized drone display that lights up the Denver sky in holiday-themed patterns.
Dates: November 22 – December 31, 2024
*Check the event website for special show dates.
Hours: 7:00 PM
Location: The drones will launch just west of downtown.
*Check the event website for some top spots to watch the 15-minute spectacles.
Best Time to Go: Evening showtimes.
Entry: Free. No reservations required.
The Mile High Tree presented by Xcel Energy + Xfinity
Stand in awe of Denver’s tallest holiday tree! This stunning 110-foot-tall LED tree at Civic Center Park lights up the night in sync with holiday music—a memorable experience for all ages.
Dates: November 22 – December 31, 2024
*Check the event website for more details.
Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Civic Center Park, Denver, CO
Best Time to Go: Nighttime, to experience the tree fully illuminated.
Entry: Free. No reservations required.
Holiday Kickoff | The Rink at Belmar + Tree Lighting Event
Ice skating and holiday lights in Lakewood! Kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting and ice skating at The Rink at Belmar—an evening filled with community and holiday cheer.
Date: November 23, 2024
Hours: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Belmar, Lakewood, CO
Best Time to Go: Early evening for the skating, leading into the tree lighting event.
Entry: Free for the tree lighting. Skating rentals available.
Castle Rock Starlighting
Join a beloved Castle Rock tradition! Celebrate the lighting of the iconic star in Castle Rock’s historic downtown, surrounded by live entertainment, food vendors, and holiday cheer.
Date: November 23, 2024
Hours: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Historic Downtown Castle Rock
Best Time to Go: Early evening to see the star lighting.
Entry: Free. No reservations required.
Union Station Grand Illumination
Watch Denver’s Union Station transform for the season! Union Station lights up with festive décor, a beautiful tree, and holiday music, making it a wonderful stop for holiday photos and community cheer.
Date: November 29, 2024
Hours: 4:00 PM
Location: Denver Union Station, Denver, CO
Best Time to Go: The lighting ceremony typically begins in the early evening.
Entry: Free. No reservations required.
✏️ AUTHOR CREDITS
This blog was written by the Mission Hills Church Communications Team.
