By Mandy Lacey, Denver metro real estate agent
“We should do something festive” is easy to say in the group chat. Picking a night everyone can actually make is the hard part. So here’s your excuse to send a date along with the idea this year.
Whether you’re planning a girls’ night, looking for something to do with the kids, or just want an excuse to get out of the house on a Tuesday, here are nine holiday outings around the Denver metro area. A few are free, and several run into January if December is already looking a little full.
1. Shop the Denver Christkindlmarket and see the Mile High Tree
Denver · Market Nov. 20–Dec. 23 · Free admission
Start with a Bavarian pretzel or a cup of hot mulled wine, then browse the wooden market stalls for ornaments, handmade gifts, and treats. The market is at Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus this year, right by the Mile High Tree. Go around dusk so you can shop first and catch the light-and-music show afterward. This would be my pick for a casual girls’ night where everyone can show up when they’re done with work.
Denver Christkindlmarket · Mile High Tree schedule
2. Walk through Blossoms of Light
Denver · Nov. 20–Jan. 10 · Ticketed
Denver Botanic Gardens turns its York Street location into an after-dark walk through glowing gardens. This is the one I’d pair with dinner for a date night, or book on a weeknight with a friend when we both need a break from our December to-do lists. Reserve a timed ticket, and plan on being outside for the walk.
Blossoms of Light tickets · Dates and holiday closures
3. Head to Chatfield Farms for Trail of Lights
Littleton · Nov. 21–Jan. 3 on select dates · Ticketed
At Chatfield Farms, the lights wind through cottonwoods and past a historic ranch homestead. The foothills setting gives this one a completely different feel from a downtown outing. There’s a shorter route, too, which makes it easier to plan around little legs or a cold night.
Trail of Lights tickets · Dates and closures
4. See Zoo Lights after dark
Denver · Select nights Nov. 23–Jan. 3 · Ticketed
Zoo Lights is celebrating its 35th year, and the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is bringing back some of its older light displays for the occasion. It’s an easy pick for a family night out, and the zoo also lists adults-only nights if you’re making plans with friends. Pick your date before you promise it to the group.
Zoo Lights calendar and tickets
5. Get dressed up for Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Denver · Select dates Nov. 28–Dec. 27 · Ticketed
If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to dress up and go downtown, here it is. Colorado Ballet performs at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with a live orchestra. I’d make an evening of it with dinner before the show. There are matinees, too, if you’re taking kids or prefer a daytime plan.
Colorado Ballet performance dates and tickets
6. Join Golden’s Candlelight Walk
Golden · Friday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. · Free to join
The walk starts at Washington Avenue and 15th Street, then heads downtown for a holiday performance and the lighting of the trees and displays along Clear Creek. If you want the small-town holiday movie feeling, this is the one I’d put on your calendar. Grab dinner in Golden beforehand and bring a couple of dollars in cash if you want to buy a candle there.
Golden Candlelight Walk route and details
7. Catch the 9NEWS Parade of Lights
Downtown Denver · Saturday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. · Free street viewing
Think illuminated floats, marching bands, and giant balloons rolling through downtown. If you’re bringing kids, pack a thermos and give yourself extra time to find a spot along the route. This is a good one to invite friends to even if everyone is trying to keep December spending in check.
9NEWS Parade of Lights route and details
8. Put Brighton’s two holiday Saturdays on your calendar
Brighton · Saturday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 12
On Dec. 5, Brighton hosts its tree lighting and Winter Market at Founders Plaza from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Go for locally made gifts and treats. Then, on Dec. 12 at 5 p.m., the Festival of Lights Parade takes over downtown Brighton. I’d pick the market for an afternoon with a friend and the parade for an evening with the family.
City of Brighton holiday event details
9. Take the kids skating at Thornton WinterFest
Thornton · Dec. 11–13 · Some activities cost extra
Carpenter Park Fields hosts a lighted maze, visits with Santa, ice-carving demonstrations, and skating on the Village Pond. Saturday has the fullest schedule, with mini-train rides, a holiday market, and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. The city lists skating at $2 for kids 12 and under and adults 60 and up, and $3 for ages 13 to 59.
Thornton WinterFest schedule and activity details
If I were picking three, I’d do the Christkindlmarket with friends, Golden’s Candlelight Walk for that small-town feel, and Brighton’s parade for a night close to home. What’s the one holiday tradition you make time for every year? I’d love to hear about it, especially if it’s one your neighborhood puts on.
All dates are for the 2026–27 holiday season. Check the organizer’s page before heading out for ticket availability, weather updates, and any schedule changes.
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