Festive Fun in Downtown Denver: Holiday Events and Activities
Celebrate the Season with Elixir Mind Body Massage’s Downtown Denver Holiday Favorites
The holiday season in Denver is a magical time, and there’s no better way to soak in the festive spirit than exploring everything downtown has to offer. From dazzling light displays to beloved performances and unique seasonal experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. At Elixir Mind Body Massage, we believe the holidays should be about more joy and less stress—so we’ve handpicked the best events to make your season merry and bright. Discover our top recommendations and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Denver!
Mile High Drone Show
- Date: Nov 22–Dec 31, 2024
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Location: Downtown Denver (visible from various locations)
- Description: Watch 400 drones light up the night sky with holiday-themed animations, including Santa, reindeer, and iconic Denver landmarks. This free, state-of-the-art show spans 400 feet high and 500 feet wide. Special performances honor Denver’s sports teams, with notable shows before key games.
Special Drone Performances:
- Dates & Times:
- Dec 2: 5:20 p.m. (before Denver Broncos’ Monday Night Football)
- Dec 3: 5:30 p.m.
- Dec 25: 7 p.m. (before Denver Nuggets’ Christmas game)
- Dec 31: 5:30 p.m. (before the Colorado Avalanche game)
- Location: Downtown Denver
- Description: Unique holiday-themed drone shows coincide with key sporting events, adding extra magic to game days. Locations include popular viewing spots like Sculpture Park, Ball Arena, and 54thirty Rooftop.
Who-ligan Holiday Entertainment
WHEN: Saturdays, Nov. 30 – Dec. 21, 2024
- Story Time: 10:30 AM
- Photos: 11 AM – 2 PM
WHERE: Dairy Block Alley, 1800 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202
Bring the family for a festive day of “Who-ligan” fun! Enjoy story time with Cindy Lou, GREEN hot cocoa, and photo ops with “The Mean One” himself inside the immersive Crumpit Cave.
Holiday Carols by the Jingle Belles
WHEN: Sundays, Dec. 1 – Dec. 22, 2024, 1 PM – 3 PM
WHERE: Dairy Block Alley, 1800 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202
Enjoy classic holiday carols performed by the Jingle Belles in the heated Alley. Grab a drink, relax, and let their spirited songs put you in the festive mood!
Mistletoe Market at Dairy Block
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, 11 AM
WHERE: 1800 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202
Enjoy a charming holiday market featuring local artisans and vendors at the Dairy Block. Find unique gifts, savor festive treats, and experience the warm holiday spirit in the heart of Denver.
Grand Illumination at Union Station
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 4 PM
WHERE: Denver Union Station
Kick off the holiday season with a dazzling light display as Union Station transforms into a winter wonderland. Enjoy live entertainment, hot cocoa, and the lighting of the grand tree in this iconic setting.
Dashing Thru LoDo
WHEN: Nov. 30–Dec. 21, 2024
WHERE: McGregor Square, 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
Celebrate the holidays with live entertainment in LoDo, featuring performances by Confluence Music, Dickens Carolers, and even Buddy the Elf! Each weekend offers a festive lineup perfect for the whole family.
- Nov. 30: Confluence Music
- Dec. 6/7: Dickens Carolers
- Dec. 13/14: Buddy the Elf
- Dec. 20/21: Confluence Music
Holiday Grand Opening Celebration at McGregor Square
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 7:30 PM
WHERE: McGregor Square
Ring in the holiday season with a grand celebration featuring live music, performances, and festive fun for all ages at McGregor Square.
Ice Skating at McGregor Square
WHEN: Open daily Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2025
WHERE: McGregor Square
Slide into the holiday spirit with daily ice skating in the heart of downtown Denver. Perfect for families, date nights, or a festive outing with friends!
Santa Claus at Milepost Zero
WHEN: Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 29 – Dec. 21, 2024
- Saturdays: 5 PM – 7 PM
- Sundays: 11 AM – 1 PM
WHERE: Milepost Zero, McGregor Square
Meet Santa Claus and share your holiday wishes! Capture the magic with photos and create unforgettable memories for the whole family.
Parade of Lights
- Date: Dec 7, 2024
- Time: 6 p.m.
- Location: Parade Route (Tremont St, 17th St, Arapahoe St, and 15th St)
- Description: The iconic 9NEWS Parade of Lights features more than 40 illuminated floats, giant helium balloons, and marching bands. This two-mile parade through downtown is a free event beloved by locals and visitors alike. Expect a magical appearance from Santa and Major Waddles the Penguin!
Blossoms of Light
- Date: Nov 20, 2024–Jan 12, 2025
- Location: Denver Botanic Gardens
- Description: Stroll through a mile-long path illuminated with immersive light displays highlighting the gardens’ beautiful plant collections. This annual event, celebrating nearly four decades, is a beloved tradition for families. Warm drinks and festive treats are available to enhance the experience.
The Mile High Tree
- Date: Nov 22–Dec 31, 2024
- Location: Civic Center Park
- Description: This 110-foot digital tree offers a stunning lights-and-music show, creating a holiday wonderland. Visitors can also explore the nearby Denver Christkindlmarket for authentic German food, gifts, and entertainment. It’s the perfect spot for festive family photos and holiday cheer.
Zoo Lights
- Date: Nov 23, 2024–Jan 5, 2025 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
- Location: Denver Zoo
- Description: Denver Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with over a million twinkling lights. This annual event features animal-themed light displays and festive activities for all ages. It’s a magical experience, celebrating 30 years of holiday tradition.
Light the Lights
- Date: Nov 27, 2024–Jan 26, 2025
- Show Times: 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.
- Location: City & County Building, Civic Center Park
- Description: Enjoy a choreographed light and music show on the historic City & County Building. The eight-minute show transforms the building into a vibrant display of holiday cheer. Static light displays continue until 10:45 p.m., with no shows on select nights due to other events.
‘A Christmas Carol’
- Date: Nov 22–Dec 29, 2024
- Location: Wolf Theatre
- Description: Celebrate 30 years of this Denver holiday tradition with a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformative journey in this joyous and festive production. Perfect for families, it captures the true spirit of the season.
Colorado Ballet: ‘The Nutcracker’
- Date: Nov 30–Dec 29, 2024
- Location: Ellie Caulkins Opera House
- Description: Witness the magic of Clara, the Nutcracker, and the Mouse King in a stunning production by the Colorado Ballet. With new sets and costumes, this beloved holiday favorite enchants audiences of all ages. A sell-out each year, it’s a must-see event.
Celtic Woman: White Christmas Symphony Tour
- Date: Dec 5, 2024
- Location: Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex
- Description: Experience the celestial voices of Celtic Woman accompanied by the Colorado Symphony. This holiday concert blends traditional Irish music with classic holiday favorites. The enchanting performance creates a heartwarming seasonal experience.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
- Date: Dec 6–8, 2024
- Location: Buell Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex
- Description: Celebrate over 35 years of America’s favorite holiday tradition with Mannheim Steamroller. The show features timeless Christmas classics with multimedia effects and over 20 instruments. It’s an immersive performance capturing the spirit of the season.
A Holiday Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr.
- Date: Dec 7, 2024
- Location: Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex
- Description: Enjoy a festive evening with Tony® and GRAMMY® Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. Known for his role in Hamilton, Odom performs holiday favorites and selections from The Christmas Album. His soulful voice and captivating stage presence make this a holiday highlight.