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Denver is a great place to be during the holidays. It’s a great place for seasonal holiday celebrations, family fun and there will be a lot going on in November and December. And, fortunately for so many of us, a lot of these activities will be free!
If you’re a visitor, holiday favorites can give you an opportunity to do as the locals do during the holidays. The following are some of Denver’s most beloved winter rituals and events.
Cherry Creek North Pole Winter Wanderland
Winter Wanderland offers a collection of free holiday festivities throughout the Cherry Creek North neighborhood. It will begin on November 20 and continue through December 24, 2025. You can see a display of almost one million twinkling lights on more than 800 trees spread throughout the neighborhood.
You can look forward to
- Small Business Weekend – November 29 to December 1
- Saturday Night Lights with complimentary treats and live entertainment on December 6, 13 & 20
- Chanukah Celebration – December 24
- Cherry Creek Holiday Market with more than 40 artisans and vendors
- Mistletoe Lounge is a new pop-up Christmas bar offering festive drinks from November 20 to December 24
Mile High Drone Shows
600 drones will create beautiful holiday themed animation in the night sky for 41 nights at 7 pm. The first show will be on November 21 and the last on December 31. And you can enjoy it for free. Each night will bring a new visual experience to life.
The Mile High Tree
The Mile High Tree will be presented by Xcel & Affinity Energy on November 21, 2025. It will be on the Tivoli Quad on Auraria Campus. It is a 110 foot tall tree, beautifully lit art installation. Each night it will put on a dazzling music and light show. Admission is free. This will go on through 12/31.
Light The Lights
Enjoy an 8 minute choreographed light and music holiday show at the City & County Denver Building in Civic Center Park. This will be happening at 5:45 pm and 6:45 pm from November 21 through January 26, 2026. In between the shows and until 10;45 pm, it will go to a static light display. There is no charge for this.
Parade of Lights
9News Parade of Lights is coming to downtown Denver on December 6 at 6 pm. You’ll see colorful floats, giant helium balloon characters, marching bands, equestrian units. There will be a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa Claus.
Sources
- Per visitdenver
- Per CBSNewsholidayseventguide
Visiting Denver
If you’d like to visit Denver for the holiday festivities, you should consider these hotels. They are all offering discounted rates which can save you money on your stay.
While you’re in Denver, here are a couple of activities you might enjoy.
If you’re going to be flying to Denver, find out how to get a cheap holiday flight here.