Nov 24, 2024 - Things to Do
Your holiday things to do guide
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Over 200 tuba players take part in Tuba Christmas in Denver. Photo: Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images
The time has arrived for bright lights, colorful decorations and a certain Mariah Carey song's triumphant return.
The big picture: No matter what holiday you celebrate next month —Christmas, Festivus, Hannukah or Kwanza — the city turns festive for us all.
Zoom in: We uncovered some of the best ways to enjoy the season.
⛸️ Holiday activities
- The Grand Illumination will light up Denver's iconic Union Station next to a 40-foot Christmas tree with over 7,000 lights. Nov. 29. Cost: Free
- Check out Halcyon on Ice in Cherry Creek, which will transform its hotel rooftop into a wintry escape. Nov. 15-Dec. 31. Cost: Skate rentals are $5.
- Watch city hall's luminous display come to life with Light the Lights 2024 at Civic Center Park. Nov. 27. Cost: Free
- Visit the Mile High Tree, a 110-foot LED tree at Civic Center Park showing a nightly synchronized light and music display. Nov. 22-Dec. 31. Cost: Free
🍻 Holiday bars and markets
- Adrift Tiki Bar presents Snowdrift, a "tiki-meets-tinsel" holiday pop-up bar at the South Broadway mainstay. Nov. 29-Dec. 31.
- Denver Christkindlmarket at Civic Center Park can be your one-stop-shop for finding trinkets and stocking-stuffers. Nov. 22-Dec. 23. Cost: Free
- Miracle at Union Station calls itself a "whimsical" pop-up bar filled with ostentatious holiday decorations inside Union Station. Nov. 15-Dec. 24. Cost: $2 booking fee
- The Omni Interlocken Hotel in Broomfield will debut its new holiday bar, dubbed Jolly, a family-friendly spot with a hot cocoa bar and a giant fireplace. Nov. 30-Dec. 31.
🎭 Shows and entertainment
- You will have multiple chances to see the new Mile High Drone Show, which uses 400 drones to create animations over Denver. Nov. 22-Dec. 31. Cost: Free
- The 50th annual Parade of Lights will feature more than 40 parade entries, including floats and marching bands trotting through downtown Denver. Dec. 7. Cost: Free
- Bring the whole family to see "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical" at the Buell Theatre. Nov. 29-Dec. 1. Cost: Starting at $28.75
- Tuba and euphonium players gather for the horn-heavy holiday celebration known as Tuba Christmas at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Dec. 15. Cost: Free
- Zoo Lights lets you take a colorful stroll through the Denver Zoo, with select adult-only nights. Nov. 23-Jan. 5. Cost: Starting at $25 for adults