Fresh snow, glowing lights, and festive music turn Denver into a winter wonderland during December. The city offers far more than holiday shopping and dining. Families, couples, and groups can discover Christmas things to do in Denver that blend tradition with adventure.
From iconic parades to cozy skating rinks, there are countless ways to create lasting memories. December is an ideal time to gather friends, attend unique events, and enjoy Denver’s winter energy at a relaxed, joyful pace.
Start With an Escape Room Holiday Challenge
Kick off your holiday celebrations with an experience that brings everyone together. EscapeWorks Denver offers immersive games that combine clever puzzles, cinematic storylines, and teamwork.
Rooms like Blackbeard’s Brig, Egyptian Tomb, The Exorcism, and Casino Heist each draw you into a different mystery, creating adventures that feel like stepping inside a live-action movie. Playing an escape room during the holidays adds energy, laughter, and excitement to any gathering.
These Denver escape rooms are perfect for families who want something beyond gift exchanges, coworkers looking for an interactive outing, or friends seeking an evening adventure. You will leave with shared memories and a sense of accomplishment.
Skate Under the City Lights
Few experiences capture the spirit of winter like skating beneath a canopy of twinkling lights. The Downtown Denver Rink is open from mid-November through February and is free to use. For this reason, it’s a budget-friendly option for seasonal fun.
Skates can be rented on-site for those who do not have their own. Its location near the 16th Street Mall allows visitors to combine skating with dinner or a warm drink nearby. Families, couples, and groups of friends often return several times because the experience feels festive yet simple.
Experience the Parade of Lights
Denver’s Parade of Lights is a long-standing tradition that fills downtown streets with excitement. Spectators line the two-mile route to watch floats, giant balloons, marching bands, and cultural performers.
The parade is more than just a show, it is a community celebration that officially signals the start of the city’s holiday season. For the best view, many people arrive early and pick a spot near Civic Center Park. The event is free to watch and gives everyone a reason to bundle up and enjoy the city’s bright winter atmosphere.
Visit the Denver Christkindlmarket
Denver Civic Center Park hosts a traditional German Christmas market that feels like a trip to Europe. The Christkindlmarket features wooden vendor stalls bringing handmade ornaments, warm pretzels, holiday sweets, and steaming mugs of mulled wine.
Guests can shop for unique gifts, listen to carolers, and watch live performances. The market is open for several weeks leading up to Christmas, which makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule. It is a great choice for families who want to experience something cultural and for friends who enjoy browsing together.
Explore Holiday Lights at the Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens turns into a glowing winter wonderland during its annual light show. Pathways wind through trees and plants wrapped in thousands of colorful bulbs.
Guests can walk at their own pace, taking in displays that range from subtle to spectacular. Many visitors use this as a chance to take family photos or enjoy a quiet evening stroll. Seasonal music and occasional art installations add to the magic. As tickets often sell out, planning ahead can make the evening smooth and stress-free.
Warm Up at Union Station’s Cooper Lounge
Union Station is one of Denver’s most photographed holiday spots, thanks to its massive Christmas tree and sparkling decor.
After admiring the main hall, head upstairs to the Cooper Lounge for a drink or a small plate. The lounge overlooks the entire station and brings a view of travelers, twinkling lights, and festive energy below.
It is a good stop for those who want a break from the cold or a calm moment between shopping and events. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Shop and Stroll at Larimer Square
Larimer Square is one of Denver’s most charming destinations during December. The historic block is strung with lights that create a picture-perfect backdrop for shopping and dining. Visitors can browse boutiques for handmade goods, fashion, and home items, then stop for a warm drink or a sweet treat.
Seasonal pop-up events and live performances sometimes appear, adding to the square’s lively feel. It is an easy way to spend an afternoon while staying in the heart of downtown.
Bring Your Group Together This Holiday
Christmas often brings family reunions and office gatherings, which makes group activities an easy way to bond. Here at EscapeWorks Denver, our team-building challenges are built for collaboration and communication.
Our games push players to share clues, solve puzzles, and work toward a shared goal under a ticking clock. Large families, corporate teams, and clubs can all enjoy the sense of teamwork that grows as the room’s mystery unfolds.
Participating in escape rooms ranks among the most memorable Christmas things to do in Denver. It adds an interactive twist to any holiday weekend.
This Christmas, gather your group and see if you can solve every clue before the clock hits zero. Book your escape today and create a holiday memory your friends and family will never forget.