Denver Holiday Season Shines With Free Events, Dazzling Lights, Family Fun and New Year’s Eve Spectacles

Published on December 3, 2025

The holiday season in Denver is blooming with festive energy, offering a full lineup of free and affordable celebrations for residents and visitors eager to welcome 2026 in style. The Mile High City has rolled out an exciting collection of family-friendly experiences, immersive displays, and New Year’s Eve spectacles designed to light up the winter. Below is a complete guide to the season’s standout events, perfect for planning your holiday adventure.

Free Family-Friendly Experiences
Mile High Drone Shows

Nov 21–Dec 31, 2025, Downtown Denver

The dazzling Mile High Drone Shows return for 41 consecutive nights of illuminated artistry, beginning November 21 and running through New Year’s Eve. This year’s presentation grows significantly, with 600 drones—an increase of 200—soaring up to 500 feet and stretching 500 feet wide. Created by Denver’s Brightflight Drone Shows, the display features festive animations, nods to local icons, winter scenes and mountain moments. Thanks to support from MSU Denver and access to campus spaces, the spectacle can be seen throughout downtown, with especially stunning views from rooftop venues, Sculpture Park, and nearby public areas.

Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy and Xfinity

Nov 21–Dec 31, 2025, The Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus

The Mile High Tree returns as a towering, 110-foot immersive light installation that rises a full ten feet taller than the tallest Rockefeller Center Christmas tree ever displayed. The conical structure spans 39 feet in diameter and contains 60,000 LED lights that shimmer in nightly shows from 5–10 p.m., synchronized with multicultural holiday music. Up to 140 guests can step inside the tree at once for a transformative visual experience. On New Year’s Eve, the Mile High Tree will host a special 9 p.m. countdown complete with its signature light performance. Entry is free.

Denver Christkindlmarket

Nov 21–Dec 23, 2025, The Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus

The beloved Denver Christkindlmarket celebrates its 25th year with new festive charm at its vibrant new home on the Tivoli Quad. This anniversary edition features fresh attractions, including hands-on glass ornament workshops and special celebratory touches throughout the market. Visitors can enjoy traditional food, handcrafted gifts, glowing holiday décor and lively entertainment. Paired with the neighboring Mile High Tree, the market creates a bustling holiday village at the heart of the season.

Camp Christmas

Nov 21–Dec 24, 2025, Stanley Marketplace

Camp Christmas returns with its signature blend of creativity, whimsy and immersive storytelling. Designed by a local artist in collaboration with DCPA Off-Center, this unique walk-through experience guides guests through six sparkling phases, from “Pre-Soak” to “Fluff & Buff.” Interactive displays, clever prompts and playful installations invite visitors to shed holiday stress and embrace the season’s sparkle.

Larimer Lights

Nov 28–Dec 31, 2025, Larimer Square

Larimer Lights illuminates the iconic block with projection art, cheerful décor, Santa visits, carolers and seasonal offerings from local shops and restaurants. Each weekend brings something new, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for evening strolls.

Santa at the Station

Dec 7, 14 and 21, 2025, Denver Union Station

Denver Union Station welcomes families for free visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Great Hall. Photos can be taken on personal devices, and all visits operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests who prefer a reserved time slot can purchase a St. Nick Express Pass, guaranteeing access within a 15-minute window.

9NEWS Parade of Lights

Dec 6, 2025, Downtown Denver

This treasured Denver tradition features more than 40 illuminated floats, giant character balloons, marching bands, equestrian performers and cultural showcases. Fans can expect appearances by beloved holiday icons, including Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa.

Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland

Nov 20–Dec 24, 2025, Cherry Creek North

Winter Wanderland transforms the neighborhood into a glowing winter escape with nearly one million lights across more than 600 trees. Visitors can enjoy Saturday Night Lights on select evenings, a festive Chanukah celebration, and the popular Cherry Creek Holiday Market. The season also introduces the Mistletoe Lounge, a cozy holiday pop-up bar offering warmth and merriment.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Over Downtown

Dec 31, 2025, 16th Street, 9 p.m. and midnight

Downtown Denver rings in the new year with two large-scale fireworks displays launched from rooftop locations at 9 p.m. and midnight. The best place to enjoy the vibrant bursts is along 16th Street, where crowds gather to welcome 2026 under a bright sky.

Additional Holiday Fun
McGregor Skate

Starting Nov 28, 2025, McGregor Square Plaza

Winter charm takes over LoDo as McGregor Skate opens its seasonal ice rink for skaters of all ages. The rink welcomes visitors daily through January 4 and on weekends through January 25. Affordable rentals are available on-site, with free admission for children under two and adults over 65. Seasonal beverages from the outdoor bar add to the festive atmosphere.

Blossoms of Light

Nov 21, 2025–Jan 12, 2026 (closed Nov 27 and Dec 25), Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens celebrates four decades of Blossoms of Light, the cherished annual tradition that transforms the gardens into a vibrant winter spectacle. Visitors can explore a mile-long illuminated path featuring glowing installations, radiant botanical displays and immersive artistic elements. Each season brings new features, continuing the event’s legacy of enchanting guests of all ages.

Zoo Lights

Nov 23, 2025–Jan 5, 2026, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

For more than 30 years, Zoo Lights has been lighting up winter nights with extraordinary displays. Presented by Your Hometown Toyota Stores, this year’s celebration fills over 80 acres with more than a million lights, turning the zoo into a glowing holiday adventure filled with creativity, color and seasonal magic.

Elitch Holidays

Nov 28, 2025–Jan 4, 2026, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

Elitch Holidays returns with a larger-than-life celebration featuring millions of shimmering lights and immersive attractions. Visitors can wander through a 65-foot Christmas tree, sparkling snowmen, a 300-foot candy cane tunnel, oversized ornaments and festive displays. The event also includes rides, interactive elements such as a light-up hopscotch, roving performers, visits from Old Saint Nick and his elves and more.

Magical Winter Nights

Nov 20, 2025–Jan 6, 2026, Denver Museum of Nature and Science

The museum transforms into an imaginative winter dreamscape for Magical Winter Nights. Guests journey through an illuminated world of light, sound and wonder, discovering immersive scenes along the way. Highlights include The Frosted Path, an indoor ice-less skating experience; the Celestial Canopy with indoor northern lights; and The Lodge, offering cozy ambiance with cocoa and cocktails available for purchase. Designed to delight visitors of every age, the event blends enchantment with discovery.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Over Downtown

Dec 31, 2025, 16th Street, 9 p.m. and midnight

Downtown Denver continues its long-running New Year’s tradition with two spectacular fireworks displays at 9 p.m. and midnight. Fired from rooftop locations, the shows are best viewed from 16th Street, where crowds gather to welcome the arrival of 2026.

New Year’s Eve at The Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy and Xfinity

Dec 31, 2025, Tivoli Quad on Auraria Campus, 9 p.m. and midnight

The Mile High Tree invites guests to a festive New Year’s Eve countdown at 9 p.m., complete with its signature immersive light show. Admission is free for all who wish to gather beneath its towering glow.

Noon Year’s Eve

Dec 3, 2025, Children’s Museum Denver Marsico Campus, 9:30 a.m.

This early-day celebration brings Times Square sparkle to families before bedtime. The event features hourly ball drops from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., lively music and special programming tailored to young guests. The festivities take place outdoors in the museum’s seasonal SNOW DAYS experience, with all activities included in general admission. Museum members attend free.

Decadence NYE

Dec 30 and 31, 2025, Colorado Convention Center

America’s largest electronic New Year’s celebration returns with a two-night festival of live performances, immersive art and cutting-edge production. The 2025 edition promises an unforgettable soundtrack to the year’s final moments.

Gatsby’s White Rose Gala

Dec 31, 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Denver

Ring in 2026 with a glamorous Roaring Twenties celebration featuring art deco style, elegant attire and an evening filled with music, dancing and theatrical performances. The gala sets the stage for an unforgettable start to the new year.

10th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration at Nocturne

Dec 31, 2025, Nocturne

Nocturne toasts the new year with Champagne, sophisticated cocktails and a curated dinner menu crafted by its acclaimed culinary team. Guests can choose between early or late dinner seatings, or opt for bar tickets to enjoy drinks and à la carte offerings while listening to live music.

New Year’s Eve Masquerade

Dec 31, 2025, Cooper Lounge

A night of elegance unfolds at the New Year’s Eve Masquerade, where guests step into a world of mystery and refinement. Under the glow of Denver Union Station, the celebration includes unlimited cocktails, elevated mixed drinks and a midnight toast featuring Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne. Admission is $175 per guest before tax and gratuity.

The Clocktower Cabaret’s Annual New Year’s Eve Burlesque Bash

Dec 31, 2025, The Clocktower Cabaret, D&F Tower

This year’s burlesque bash pays homage to the dramatic stories of Henry VIII’s six wives. Guests can enjoy the show and raise a glass as fireworks illuminate nearby 16th Street.

The Regional Transportation District will once again provide free bus and rail service—including bus, MetroRide, light rail and commuter rail—beginning at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and continuing until 7 a.m. on New Year’s Day. The MallRide remains free as always.