Here are some amazing local Winter and holiday events around Fort Collins, Denver and the local area this holiday season, from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s. Enjoy!
NOTE: The links have been removed from these older events, because the destination websites were removed after the events.
The Denver Botanic Gardens will host Blossoms of Light, with “incredible light displays — a large field of sound-reactive, animated LED lights — plus sip warm drinks and nibble on tasty treats as you stroll.” Runs Nov. 29th-Jan. 3rd. Read more about the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light here.
The free Denver Christkindl Market will showcase German and handcrafted crafts, snacks, schnapps, beer, hot cocoa, and European confections in November and December on Denver’s outdoor 16th Street Mall, across from the clock tower. We are invited to dress up on specific dates for special fun:
“Trachten Nachten: November 23rd & December 7th, and
Ugly Sweater Christmas Contest: December 14th” Read more about the Denver Christkindl Market info and dates here.
The Polar Express train runs on weekends November through December 23rd at the Colorado Railroad Museum, nearly in Golden, west of Denver. This train is based on the children’s book and movie of the same name. Children and adults are encouraged to come in their pajamas, which ties into the book story. Tickets are $60-120. Read more about the Colorado Railroad Museum Polar Express tickets and schedule here.
From The Polar Express website: “This year the focus during the train ride is on the performances taking place in the cars themselves! The characters will come alive right down the center of your train car as you travel to the North Pole. Once the car has stopped at the North Pole children will have the opportunity to stand and watch out the window towards the inside of the track for the best view.”
Winter Ice Skating in Denver! You can ice skate in downtown Denver at Skyline Park! The price is free, but skate rentals cost $7-9, unless you have your own skates. Look for family events, DJ days, and more. Read more about Ice Skating in Denver’s Skyline Park here.
The Hudson Gardens will have Santa visits, cocoa and snacks, and over a million twinkling lights showing on select dates in November and December. This is a charming, smaller garden – just the right size for a quick trip. The Hudson Gardens is on the west side of Denver in Littleton. Read more about The Hudson Garden’s “A Hudson Christmas” here.
More skiing time, less driving hassle! There’s a daily Winter Park Ski Train leaving from Denver Union Station on weekends daily at 7am. Return trips depart at 4pm. The train runs from Jan. 10–March 29, 2020, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. Tickets run $29-59 for the two hour trip, reduces fuel use and smog, and avoids the renowned delays leading up to the “tunnel” on I-70. Read more about the Winter Park Ski Train from Denver here.
The Denver Mile High Tree is “a dazzling lights and music show every 30 minutes throughout the evening.” Designed by light artists from Madrid, Spain, you will be able to walk inside the 110’ tree, stand inside the 39’ base, and enjoy the light and music show. The tree will be showing from November 30th- January 31, 2020. Admission is FREE. The lighting ceremony will be Saturday, Nov. 30 @ 4:30 p.m. The hours are 5-10:30 daily until Jan. 1st, with holiday music from all traditions. Then on January 2nd, the music will feature Western-themed local musicians to honor the Denver Stock Show, an annual event where livestock is sold. Read more about the Denver Mile High Tree event information here.
Kids of all ages can visit Santa’s Village at Chatfield Farms Botanic Gardens in Denver. From their website: “Explore Chatfield Farms as it is transformed into a magical village. Santa’s Village is a family-friendly holiday event including hayrides, holiday gifts, Santa’s Workshop and so much more.” Tickets are a whopping $20 per person, $15 per person for members, or a 4-pack for $60. This garden is part of the Denver Botanic Gardens. Read more about Santa’s Village at Chatfield Farms Botanic Gardens here.
Visit more holiday fun at Olde Golden Christmas which includes “a community candlelight walk & caroling by you (Dec. 6th), Victorian carolers, free Newfoundland dog-pulled cart rides, holiday art market, parades, shopping, music and theater productions, Santa Claus, holiday lights, art and more!
Each parade will be different. The parades are on December 7, 14, and 21 (all Saturdays) starting at 11a.m. The route is down Washington Avenue from 11th to 13th Streets through historic downtown.
“After the Candlelight Walk (12/6): Stroll through the History Museum on Candlelight Walk night and take a selfie in their “Epic Events” exhibit or listen to cheery holiday music. Visit the History Park and try a roasted chestnut. Explore the inside of the Pearce/Helps Cabin, warm up at the wood stove, watch live blacksmithing, and enjoy music and singing.” Read more about Olde Golden Christmas, and the full schedule in Golden, Colorado, here.
Here are Free attendance days at Denver museums, botanic gardens, and the Denver zoo: See this Denver visitors’ website link under the heading Free Museum Days. (OK, one of them costs one cent – )
This article is Part 2 of 2. Read the First article about fun Winter holiday events here.