As new COVID-19 restrictions go into effect around the metro area, plenty of festive and socially distanced outdoor activities are still planned to help you get into the holiday spirit.
Holiday lights are the prevailing theme in Denver this weekend, as a variety of displays and holiday markets are scheduled to go live this weekend. Many of the light displays and holiday activities are scheduled to last throughout the holiday season.
*Please note that in-person events may have certain COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions. Visit each event's website for more information prior to attending.*
Denver Events on Friday, November 20
Blossoms of Light
When: November 20–January 16
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
Cost: Varies
This annual holiday lights extravaganza transforms the Denver Botanic Gardens' York Street location into a twinkling winter wonderland.
Grand Illumination
When: November 20
Where: Denver Union Station, Downtown Denver
Cost: Free
Downtown Denver’s major landmarks will light up for the holidays during the Grand Illumination. Hundreds of thousands of lights will illuminate Denver Union Station, the City and County Building, the 16th Street Mall, Skyline Park, the D&F Clock Tower, 14th Street, Larimer Square, the Mile High Tree, and more.
Mile High Tree
When: November 20–January 2
Where: 16th & Welton, Denver
Cost: Free
Kick off the holiday season with a visit to the Mile High Tree in Downtown Denver. Step inside the 110-foot tall immersive art installation that features brilliant lights and festive music. Read more about the Mile High Tree.
Denver Christkindl Market
When: November 20 -December 23
Where: Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave., Denver
Cost: Free admission
This annual event brings authentic German and European holiday traditions to Denver! The event offers an authentic German holiday experience, including opportunities to meet St. Nikolaus, Krampus, and more. Read more about the Christkindl Market.
Denver Events on Saturday, November 21
Castle Rock Starlighting
When: November 21
Where: Downtown Castle Rock
Cost: Free
The lighting of the Castle Rock star is an annual tradition, although this year's event will be different. The city plans a fireworks display on top of the Rock and encourages small group gatherings in lieu of its traditional downtown Castle Rock festival.
Melissa Villaseñor at Comedy Works
When: November 20-21
Where: Comedy Works South at the Landmark, 5345 Landmark Pl, Greenwood Village
Cost: $26
Melissa Villaseñor broke barriers by becoming the first-ever Latina cast member of Saturday Night Live. A comedic impressions expert, she got her start as a semifinalist on America’s Got Talent.
Miracle Bar: Christmas Pop-Up Bars
When: Through December 31
Where: Three locations in Denver
Cost: Varies
Visit Miracle on Larmier Square, Miracle at Avanti Wolf Bar, and Sippin’ Santa at Arvada Tavern for a variety of fun and festive drinks, or take advantage of Miracle at Home and order a Christmapolitan, Jolly Koala, Snowball Old Fashioned, or Jingle Ball Nog.
The Polar Express Train Rides
When: November 20–December 23
Where: Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden
Cost: Standard seating – $95 per person
Climb aboard, and journey to the North Pole while more scenes from the movie unfold aboard the train. Read more about winter trains.
Denver Events on Sunday, November 22
Boulder Symphony: The Show Must Go On
When: November 22
Where: Boulder Theater, 2032 14th Street, Boulder
Cost: $40–$65
From serenity to virtuosity, to the spirit of today, the combination of Dvorak’s great string symphony, Sarasate’s Gypsy airs featuring violinist, Yumi Hwang-Williams, and Caroline Shaw’s brave and prescient voice will be an amazing way to re-enter the concert hall.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
When: November 19–December 23
Where: Cherry Creek North, Fillmore Plaza, 105 Fillmore Street, Denver
Cost: Free
Thirty local makers, designers, and creators present a one-stop-shopping experience for all of your gifting needs this holiday season.
Prismatica
When: November 19–January 3
Where: Cherry Creek North, Gart Plaza, 3rd & Milwaukee
Cost: Free
A brilliant light art installation of 25 pivoting prisms bursting with light and dancing with color.
What are you doing this weekend in Denver? Any fun things to do that we missed on our list? Comment below.
