Last updated: . Updated 2026–27 holiday-event dates and location details, winter weather and transport planning, seasonal attraction and train guidance, ticket and reservation qualifications, hotel-location corrections, and context for earlier family visits. Date information added October 30, 2026.
A past Christmas visit to Gaylord Rockies
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Originally published in December 2023. Event schedules and offerings change by season; check current details with each operator when planning a visit.
As the holiday season approaches and the winter chill settles in, Denver transforms into a magical wonderland perfect for family adventures. I am originally from Colorado, so a Denver Christmas always holds a special place in my heart. While we love to travel to new places, we often prioritize Denver for the holidays with the kids because of all it offers for families.
The Mile High City offers many activities that can make December a memorable month for your children. From outdoor activities to festive lights to cozy indoor traditions, there’s something for every family member to enjoy.
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For anyone who hasn’t been to Denver before, you may picture a snowy mountain town. Denver winters can bring mild sunny spells as well as cold and snowy weather; typical December daytime highs are in the 40s, and conditions can change quickly. There is a saying among Colorado natives: if you don’t like the weather, wait an hour or two!
Growing up, a snowy Christmas Day was a rare treat. I remember many more Christmas holidays playing outside with new toys. However, Denver can also be hit with freak snowstorms every few years and be blanketed with feet of snow.
Pack layers and check the forecast before heading out: Denver can have mild sunny spells as well as cold and snowy conditions, so bring weather-appropriate outerwear and footwear.
Unless you are already in the Denver area, your winter travel plans to Mile High City must be considered carefully. It’s fairly easy to drive into Denver, and you have a few major interstates. If going through the mountains on I-70, plan carefully for the weather. If snow is predicted, I’d advise you to pick another day or stay somewhere overnight on the route. Snow in this area is not to be taken lightly. Check current road conditions and any active traction or chain requirements with CDOT before setting out.
We totaled a car in a snowstorm driving out of Denver. We counted dozens of rolled vehicles before our own rolled.
If flying into Denver, winter weather can cause flight delays or cancellations. Check your airline and Denver International Airport for current flight status before traveling.
Colorado and its capital offer major benefits to families.
Lace up your skates and glide onto one of Colorado’s many ice rinks. Our family has enjoyed outdoor rinks like Denver’s Civic Center Park and Evergreen Lake. Downtown rink locations and schedules can change; check current municipal and operator schedules, weather, and ice conditions before planning to skate. Some rinks even host special holiday events and feature festive lights, making the experience even more enchanting.
For 2026–27, Zoo Lights is scheduled on select nights from November 23 through January 3, with closures on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check the calendar for dates and tickets. Kick off the holidays by visiting the Denver Zoo Lights, a beloved Denver Christmas tradition for families. This annual event transforms the Denver Zoo into a winter wonderland, with light displays, animated animal sculptures, and festive music. On past visits, we have loved treating our kids to hot cocoa and Santa’s workshop; check the current schedule for seasonal offerings.
For 2026–27, Blossoms of Light is scheduled November 20 through January 10, with closures November 26 and December 25; the Gardens advises visitors to buy timed tickets in advance. The Denver Botanic Gardens is transformed into a holiday wonderland during the Blossoms of Light event. Stroll through the illuminated gardens and their dynamic light displays. This is a fantastic opportunity for kids to explore the outdoors during the winter season. No wonder this is one of our favorite Christmas things to do with kids in Colorado.
For 2026–27, the Trail of Lights is scheduled November 21 through January 3 on select dates at Chatfield Farms; check the operator calendar and buy tickets in advance. The Trail of Lights provides a perfect opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit as they wander along the glowing paths, taking in the festive atmosphere and sipping hot cocoa. You’ll be outdoors, so don’t forget winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves! With its enchanting ambiance, seasonal music, and various interactive features, the Chatfield Farms Trail of Lights is a magical holiday tradition that offers a truly memorable and heartwarming experience.
If you’re into over-the-top holiday home displays, there are a few homes that are worth a drive to see. Load the kids in a car (or book a limo!), and drive around the city and suburban neighborhoods to take in the beauty of the homes lit up in the dark. The Gingerbread House in Highlands Ranch is one of our favorites, and it remains one of our family’s favorite holiday light displays.
The 52nd Parade of Lights is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026, and admission is free. This annual event is one of the most classic and beloved Christmas things to do with kids in Colorado. Bundle up and take to the streets of downtown Denver to see floats, marching bands, special guest appearances, and more. Or enjoy it the way we do, from the comfort of your home or hotel room, by watching it on TV! Booking a downtown hotel can be a great idea for this event!
Here are hotel options to check for your dates. The links may retain old 2023 search dates; reset dates and occupancy, and confirm current room details, amenities, activity access, and travel times before booking.
Looking for a European holiday experience in the heart of Denver? Don’t miss Denver’s Christkindlmarket, an authentic German-style holiday market, scheduled in 2026 from November 20 through December 23 at Tivoli Quad, 1000 Larimer Street. Admission is free. Local and European food and craft vendors display and sell their wares from traditional wooden stalls. Vendor offerings vary each year; check the event’s current vendor and food details before visiting.
Stay until dark to enjoy the lights of the Mile High Tree, a 110-foot-tall immersive and choreographed music and light experience. For 2026, the free Mile High Tree is scheduled at Tivoli Quad from November 20 through December 31. The market and tree have different end dates, so check each official calendar before visiting.
Colorado boasts a vibrant arts scene, and many theaters put on special holiday shows and performances in December. Check the schedule at the Denver Performing Arts Complex to see what seasonal performances they are offering. Whether it’s a classic holiday play like “A Christmas Carol”, a ballet like “The Nutcracker,” or a festive concert, attending a holiday show can be a wonderful way to introduce your kids to the world of the performing arts.
Dress up for Afternoon Tea at this classic Denver hotel. The historic Brown Palace’s holiday decor can make the visit feel special; check current reservations and menu, and the hotel’s schedule for any Santa appearance.
For 2026–27, Elitch Holidays is scheduled on select dates from November 27 through January 3; admission requires a 2026 Season Pass or holiday ticket, and not every ride is guaranteed to operate. Elitch Gardens presents Elitch Holidays, with holiday lights, theme park rides, festive displays, and visits with Santa. Check the official event page for current dates, admission and available attractions before planning your visit.
Past editions at the Gaylord Rockies Resort have featured holiday-themed ice sculptures, hands-on activities, and live holiday shows. For 2026–27, ICE is themed to Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas; indoor tubing, the Christmas Carousel, and Ice Puck Challenge are listed November 26 through December 28. Check current dates, ticket terms, and the show schedule before planning.
Past editions of Camp Christmas have brought creatively designed holiday displays, interactive installations, and festive decor to the Denver area. Check Denver Center’s current announcements for any upcoming season, venue, tickets, and age guidance.
If a holiday horse-drawn carriage ride is operating in downtown Denver during your dates, it can be a festive way to see the city’s decorations and storefronts. Check current operator availability, route, and terms before planning.
Carriage capacity varies by operator and vehicle. Ask about space for your whole party before booking; our family of seven would need to check whether one carriage can accommodate everyone.
A visit to see Santa can be part of a Denver Christmas with kids. Past listings have included Union Station, Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and Park Meadows Mall; appearances, locations, and prices vary, so check each venue’s current calendar.
Looking for a fun way to give back during the holiday season? Visit the Giving Machines from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The #LightTheWorld campaign has included seasonal Giving Machines. Check the Denver page for 2026 dates and current locations, charity options, payment methods, and receipt details before planning.
Past Giving Machine menus have included donations such as chickens and hygiene kits. If machines return, check the current menu and payment options; receipt methods and privacy details may vary. Learn more here.
Colorado is renowned for its world-class ski resorts, and December can be a fun time to introduce your kids to skiing or snowboarding when conditions and resort operations allow.
Resorts like Aspen, Breckenridge, and Keystone offer excellent family-friendly slopes, lessons, and childcare services for young skiers. We love Vail for a true Colorado ski resort getaway and Loveland Ski Area for a smaller, less expensive, and more local feel. Whether your children are beginners or seasoned pros, there’s fun to be had for all on the mountainsides.
The North Pole, located in the Colorado Springs area, is a whimsical Christmas-themed amusement park nestled in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The park operates seasonally; check its current calendar, weather updates, and any peak-day reservation requirements before visiting.
The park’s seasonal experience includes Santa’s workshop and holiday-themed rides. Check its current calendar and the operator’s age, height, and ride guidance before visiting.
Cripple Creek hosted Ice Castles in Colorado in 2023. The current Ice Castles site does not list a Colorado location; check its current winter destinations before planning a visit.
Several Colorado operators offer seasonal holiday trains. Ticket release dates and availability vary by operator and season, so check each official calendar and book early when tickets are available.
Colorado Railroad Museum – If you’d like to stay close to Denver, experience The Polar Express Train Ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Located in Golden, the museum’s 2026 Polar Express dates run November 6 through December 23. Tickets are date-specific; check the operator’s calendar for the experience and available dates.
Georgetown Loop Railroad – If you don’t mind traveling a bit further west into the mountains, the Georgetown Loop Railroad offers daytime and evening holiday train experiences; Santa’s Lighted Forest is about a 60-minute round trip, while other train options differ. Check the current calendar.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad – About two hours south of Denver, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad schedules its 2026 Santa Express from November 19 through December 30. The ride is about one to one-and-a-half hours with assigned seating; check current seating and meal details.
Durango & Silverton Railroad – For 2026–27, the Polar Express is scheduled November 20 through January 2. The train ride is about 65 minutes; the operator recommends allowing two hours for the full experience. Check the current calendar and ticket details.
Colorado in December offers diverse activities for families with kids, ensuring you’ll have a memorable and joyous holiday season. Whether enjoying the great outdoors, admiring holiday lights, or immersing yourselves in indoor cultural experiences, the Mile High City and the greater Centennial State have something for everyone. So, grab your warmest winter gear and get ready to create cherished memories with your children in this magical winter wonderland.
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