holidays in the mile high city
This holiday season might look a little different, but there are still plenty of ways to eat, drink, and be merry in the Mile High City this year! Check out our suggestions for our favorite ways to get in the holiday spirit!
LIGHT IT UP
Holiday lights are a must to get in the holiday spirit! If you don’t feel like spending the better part of December adorning your place, just to find out there’s a burned out bulb somewhere in there (the little lights aren’t twinkling, Clark!), check out some of the most beautiful light displays that Denver has to offer!
This is one of Denver’s classic holiday traditions! They don’t call it “Colorado’s Wildest Winterland” for nothin’! Zoo Lights is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with over a million lights spanning over 80 acres. You’ll need to grab tickets to this one!
Pro tip: Spring for the VIP tix and get access to indoor/outdoor warm up areas, plus complimentary cocoa or cider, and a DIY s’mores or cookie kit!
The Denver Botanic Gardens is a must do in the summer months, but their Blossoms of Light is just as fun in the wintry months! Stroll along with your hot cocoa and check out the beautiful gardens decked out in festive lights.
Pro tip: Warm up with a hot cocoa, and make it “loaded” with marshmallows, peppermint, whipped cream, and a chocolate drizzle for an extra special holiday treat!
This longstanding Denver tradition is adapting to the current circumstances by placing their floats on display all throughout Denver in lieu of the parade. Make your own parade and check them out throughout the city, from Denver Pavilions to Union Station.
Pro tip: After you check out the floats, dine out in one of the cool new outdoor dining pods on Larimer Square and throughout downtown.
SHOP LOCAL
Small businesses need our support more than ever this year, and there are some fun, socially-distant ways to get outside and shop local artisans and vendors. There are lots of outdoor markets going on throughout the holiday season. Here are some of our top picks
Aprés Ski Holiday Market, Dairy Block
This market will give you the aprés ski vibes without having to trudge up and down the mountain! Check out this European-style market at the Dairy Block, but don’t forget to pre-register. There are space limitations due to Covid, so be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time.
Pro tip: After you’re all shopped out, grab a glass of vino at locally-owned Blanchard Family Wines at the Dairy Block. It’s the perfect spot to warm up with a glass of wine on their cozy heated patio.
Cherry Creek is a must visit spot for holiday lights, make a day of it and check out the market before the sun goes down, then stay and check out the holiday lights. Cherry Creek is known for bringing in some of the best local vendors, so you’ll want to leave some items on your shopping list for this market!
Pro tip: Work up an appetite, then grab a burger and a beer at the classic Denver burger spot, the Cherry Cricket.
Holiday BAZAAR at Belleview Station
Head down to DTC to the cool new Belleview Station development for this epic holiday market. It features goods from over 40 local vendors and you get a bonus koozie with your $5 admission. Be sure to make your reservation online so you don’t have to wait!
Pro tip: Get extra merry and bright with holiday themed beer, wine, and cocktails at the adjacent cash bar!
GO VIRTUAL
Zoom isn’t just for boring work meetings! There are tons of virtual activities that you can do to get in the holiday spirit, right from your couch! And really, who wants to get out of those comfy pants anyway?
Nutcracker presented by Ballet Ariel
Great news! You don’t have to miss the Dance of the Sugarplum fairy this year! Denver-based ballet company, Ballet Ariel, has gone virtual this year! Just purchase a ticket to one of their professionally-streamed performances. You could even dance along and no one will be the wiser!
Pro tip. You can add a souvenir Nutcracker and other goodies to your ticket package for the full experience!
Virtual Holiday Wine Tastings and Mixology Parties
Gather (virtually!) with your friends and family and get in the holiday spirit with a holiday-themed mixology party or wine tasting! It’s a great way to stay connected and celebrate the season, and friends and family that live outside of the Denver area can still join in on the fun!
Pro Tip: Add on a charcuterie board or a holiday meal pack from The Counter Kitchen!
WORK IT OUT
There are so many advantages to living in this beautiful state! With all of the sunshine and mild weather, we can get outside and enjoy the outdoors year-round!
Lights and Sights Walking Tour
Take in the holiday lights while you get in your steps and learn about some of Denver’s history along the way! This 1.5 hour walking tour will take you to the Daniels and Fisher Clock Tower, Brown Palace, Larimer Square, and lots of places in between!
Pro tip: Mix up a batch of hot cocoa to stay warm and toasty on your route!
Take a stroll in a Denver Park
Denver has some truly beautiful parks, and they are open year-round! Build a snowman in City Park, or stroll around Wash Park, or any of Denver’s other beautiful city parks.
Pro tip: Walk around beautiful Wash Park, then head over to nearby Historic South Gaylord Street for a sip and a bite at one of the locally-owned restaurants on this charming little block. Our faves? Max Gill N Grill and Wash Park Grille.
We all love hitting up Red Rocks for a summer concert or sunrise yoga in the warmer months, but it’s actually open year-round! Hike the Trading Post Loop and take in the. beautiful winter landscape on this 1.4 mile trail.
Pro tip: Reward yourself with a festive drink and a snack in nearby Morrison or Historic Downtown Golden!