Psst… Don’t forget to also check out our complete Holiday Event Guide and Places to Find Santa Guide!
32 THINGS TO DO IN DENVER THIS DECEMBER 2018
#1 UNION STATION HOLIDAY MARKET BY DENVER FLEA
Photo: ©Denver Flea
When: December 1 – 16, 2018
Where: Union Station
Time: Varies
Cost: $5
View Schedule & Purchase Tickets Online
Denver Flea returns for the holiday season with their biggest market yet! Gather your family and friends for the Union Station Holiday Market by Denver Flea, four weekends of shopping, festivities and winter fun, all at the historic Denver Union Station! 100s of Colorado’s best makers and artisan brands will pack the Plaza of Union Station each weekend for a holiday shopping wonderland in the heart of Mile High, paired with music, eats, drinks and more.
#2 DENVER CHRISTKINDL MARKET
Photo: ©Denver Christkindl Market
When: December 1 – 23, 2018
Where: Skyline Park, 16th St Mall, Denver CO 80202
Time: Sunday – Thursday 11am – 7pm; Friday & Saturday 11am – 9pm
Cost: Free
Denver Christkindl Market transforms Skyline Park into a magical “old world” European Christmas village, with wooden vendor huts, twinkling lights, festival music, and an authentic German Bier Hall.
Patrons will be transported to an authentic holiday market like the ones found in German public squares, to shop from thirty featured gift and craft artisans, bakers and chefs, many of whom have come to Denver from around the world.
#3 COLORADO BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER
Photo: ©Mike Watson
When: December 1 – 24, 2018
Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204
Time: Varies
Cost: $30 – $120
View Schedule & Purchase Tickets Online
Colorado Ballet‘s 58th annual production of The Nutcracker returns to Denver this holiday season.
The Nutcracker will feature more than 300 costumes, 30 Company dancers, 20 Studio Company dancers, 65 Academy dancers, scenery by José Varona and timeless choreography paired with Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary arrangement performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.
#4 A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Photo Credit: ©Adams Visual Communications.
When: December 1 – 24, 2018
here: Stage Theatre, 1101 Speer Blvd, Denver, CO 80204
Cost: Starting at $35
View Schedule & Purchase Tickets Online
A Christmas Carol, presented by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel.
The story traces money-hoarding skinflint Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption. A Christmas Carol illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.
#5 SANTA’S VILLAGE AT DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS AT CHATFIELD FARMS
Santa’s Village at Chatfield Farms – Photo (C) Denver Botanic Gardens. Photo by Scott Dressel-Martin
When: December 1 – 24, 2018
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms, 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton, CO 80128
Time: 4:30pm – 8:30pm
Cost: $15 – $20; Free for Children 2 & Under
Purchase Tickets Online
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms is hosting Santa’s Village this holiday season. Meet Mrs. Claus, Santa and his reindeer while walking through colorful holiday lights that illuminate the night. Chatfield Farms will be transformed into a magical village. Hop on the hayride to catch a short movie at Santa’s cinema and find unique holiday gifts in his workshop.
#6 DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS’ BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT
Photo: ©Denver Botanic Gardens
When: December 1 – January 1, 2019
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206
Time: 5pm – 9pm
Cost: $11 – $16; Free for Children 2 & Under
Purchase Tickets Online
Denver Botanic Gardens presents the 30th Anniversary of their Blossoms of Light, an annual family-friendly event that has become a tradition!
This annual holiday lights extravaganza transforms the York Street location’s Gardens into a twinkling winter wonderland, and includes an interactive light display, featuring a large field of sound-reactive, animated LED lights, Holiday treats, warm drinks, and a souvenir mug.
#7 A HUDSON CHRISTMAS
Photo: ©The Hudson Gardens & Event Center
hen: December 1 – 31, 2018
Where: Hudson Gardens Event Center, 6115 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120
Time: 5pm – 9pm
Cost: $8 – $10.50
Purchase Tickets Online
A Hudson Christmas is a premier holiday light show with thousands of twinkling lights in majestic trees, visits with Santa and memories for the whole family. Stroll along a festively decorated outdoor walking path as you sip hot chocolate and experience dazzling displays of color and sound. In addition, Nixon’s Coffee House will be open and selling a variety of hot beverages and snacks to enjoy.
#8 DENVER ZOO LIGHTS
Photo: ©Lyft Blog
When: December 1 – January 6, 2019
Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205
Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Cost: $7 – $18
Purchase Tickets Online
Zoo Lights will span through 60 acres of Denver Zoo‘s campus, with nightly entertainment, animal encounters, Santa meet-and-greets and, of course, illuminated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns hide in bushes and appear in places where they’re least expected.
#9 CAMPBELL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
When: December 1, 2018
Where: Campbell Elementary School, 6500 Oak St, Arvada, CO 80004
Time: 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free
Visit Campbell Elementary School’s Holiday Fair and enjoy over 45 vendors selling a variety of handmade gifts, ornaments, jewelry, baked goods, decor and more!
Psst… Free Door Prizes featuring items donated from each vendor!
#10 TEDXMILEHIGH: RESET
Photo: ©TEDxMileHigh
When: December 1, 2018
Where: Bellco Theatre, 700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 10am – 7pm
Cost: Starting from $48
Purchase Tickets Online
TEDxMileHigh: Reset will feature two live sessions of speakers, an interactive exhibits lounge, and a surrounding week of experiences that will create space for reflection and open doors for new opportunities and discovery!
#11 1940S WHITE CHRISTMAS BALL
Photo: ©1940’s Ball
When: December 1, 2018
Where: Hyatt Regency Downtown Denver Convention Center, 650 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 5pm – 1am
Cost: General Admission $67
Purchase Tickets Online
The 1940’s White Christmas Ball will transport back in time this holiday season for an unforgettably magical 40’s and 50’s holiday party. Mix, mingle and dance among vintage vehicles, movie set lights and props, re-enactors, sleighs, Christmas trees, and a canopy of glistening lights. Enjoy live music, costumes, reenactments of classic holiday films, sleigh rides, food, drinks, and dancing!
Psst… This event raises money for The Colorado 10th Mountain Division and The Commemorative Airforce!
#12 9NEWS PARADE OF LIGHTS
Pnoto: ©9News Parade of Lights
When: December 1, 2018
Where: Starting at W Colfax Ave & Bannock St, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 6pm
Cost: Free; $16 – $19 Grandstand Tickets
Purchase Grandstand Tickets Online
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights continues to be the signature event in Downtown Denver during the holidays. You won’t want to miss the sparkling lights, marching bands, giant balloons, dazzling floats and delightful characters as they take the streets of Downtown.
Psst… Spectator viewing for the Parade is free all along the two-mile route and grandstand tickets are available in front of the City & County Building.
#13 SING IT TO ME SANTA FEAT. THE FRAY & TRACKSUIT WEDDING
Photo: ©The Fray
When: December 1, 2018
Where: Ogden Theatre, 935 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80218
Time: 8pm
Cost: $40 – $45
Purchase Tickets Online
97.3 KBCO Presents Sing It To Me Santa Featuring The Fray & Tracksuit Wedding at the Ogden Theatre.
#14 THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE™
Photo: ©The Price is Right Live
When: December 2, 2018
Where: Bellco Theatre, 700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: Starting from $49
Purchase Tickets Online
The Price Is Right Live™ is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to hear their names called and “Come On Down” to win. Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car! Play classic games just like on television’s longest running and most popular game show. From Plinko™ to Cliffhangers™ to The Big Wheel™ and even the fabulous Showcase.
#15 ALICE IN WINTERLAND FEAT. ONEREPUBLIC
Photo: ©OneRepublic
When: December 4, 2018
Where: Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 N Clarkson St, Denver, CO 80218
Time: 6pm
Cost: $53 – $84
Purchase Tickets Online
Alice 105.9 and Live Nation present Alice in Winterland featuring OneRepublic at the Fillmore Auditorium.
#16 DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS: DARE TO DREAM
Photo: ©Disney on Ice
When: December 6 – 9, 2018
Where: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204
Time: Varies
Cost: $20 – $80; Free for Children under 2 on lap
Purchase Tickets Online
Celebrate what’s possible as five Disney heroines spark the courage inside us all at Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream! In her Disney On Ice debut, see how far Moana goes on a quest with demigod Maui to save her island and find her own identity. Anna’s devotion to her sister Elsa sets her on a journey to stop an eternal winter. Rapunzel goes to great lengths to realize her dream. Fearless Belle befriends the enchanted castle staff and uncovers the Beast’s gentleness. With help from her friends, Cinderella is determined to make her wish come true.
#17 FRIDAY NIGHT BAZAAR: HOLIDAY EDITION
Photo: ©DenverBazaar
When: December 7 – 9, 2018
Where: RiNo Arts District
Time: Dec. 7-9 View Schedule
Cost: Free – $5
Friday Night Bazaar, Produced by TheBigWonderful, is hosting two special holidays bazaars! The Stapleton Bazaar & RiNo Bazaar!
#18 MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER
Photo: ©Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian
When: December 7 – 8, 2018
Where: Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Pl, Denver, CO 80202
Time: Dec. 7 – 7pm, Dec. 8. 12pm, 4pm & 8pm
Cost: $28 – $89
Purchase Tickets Online
Christmas is coming and so is the one and only Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. Presenting world class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens, and jubilant Nesting Dolls – Great Russian Nutcracker brings the Christmas spirit to life for all ages.
#19 YES PLEASE MAKERS MARKET
Photo: ©Yes Please
When: December 8 – 9, 2018
Where: 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free
Register Online
Moore Collection x Craft Boner = Yes Please, a chic retail shop in North Denver, is hosting it’s second annual special Yes Please Makers Market. The Makers Market will feature over unique items and gifts from over 100 vendors.
Psst… First 50 to register will receive awesome totes!
#20 DENVER JACKALOPE: AN INDIE ARTISAN FAIR
Photo: ©Jackalope Arts
When: December 8 – 9, 2018
Where: McNichols Civic Center Building, 144 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free
The Denver Jackalope: An Indie Artisan Fair is a weekend shopping destination featuring over 150 local, curated and hand-selected artisans, crafters, and DIY enthusiasts.
Shoppers can expect to find trendsetting indie goods including original fashion and jewelry design, ceramics and paper goods, innovative home decor and housewares, art and photography, plus much more.
#21 IL DIVO
Photo: ©Il Divo
When: December 11, 2018
Where: Bellco Theatre, 700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 7pm
Cost: $30 – $250
Purchase Tickets Online
Il Divo will be performing live at the Bellco Theatre.
#22 TRAVIS SCOTT
Photo: ©Travis Scott
When: December 12, 2018
Where: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: $29 – $105
Purchase Tickets Online
Travis Scott will be performing live at the Pepsi Center.
#23 CONAN & FRIENDS: AN EVENING OF STAND-UP & INVESTMENT TIPS
Photo: ©New York Comedy Festival
When: December 12, 2018
Where: Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Pl, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: $61 – $75
Purchase Tickets Online
Team Coco Presents Conan & Friends: An Evening of Stand-up and Investment Tips with Ron Funches, Laurie Kilmartin, Moses Storm, and Flula Borg at the Paramount Theatre.
#24 NELLY AT TEMPLE
Photo: ©Nelly
When: December 12, 2018
Where: Temple Nightclub Denver, 1136 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Time: 10pm – 2am
Cost: $20
Purchase Tickets Online
Nelly will be performing live at Temple Nightclub!
#25 BECOMING: AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH MICHELLE OBAMA
Photo: ©Altitude Tickets
When: December 13, 2018
Where: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204
Time: 8pm
Cost: $260 – $1,250
Purchase Tickets Online
Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama will feature intimate and honest conversations between Mrs. Obama and moderated by Reese Witherspoon, reflective of the extraordinary stories shared in the wide-ranging chapters of her upcoming memoir. Attendees will hear firsthand about Mrs. Obama’s inspirational triumphs and personal setbacks, from childhood to the White House.
#26 DENVER BEER FESTIVUS
Photo: ©Sabrina Hayes
When: December 15, 2018
Where: Denver Sports Castle, 1000 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Time: 3pm – 6pm
Cost: Starting from $40
Purchase Tickets Online
The Denver [only] Beer Festivus brings the city’s breweries together for one fantastic evening to allow locals and visitors the opportunity to taste all of these top-notch beers under one roof.
#27 PARADE OF LASERS
Photo: ©Parade of Lasers
When: December 15, 2018
Where: Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 N Clarkson St, Denver, CO 80218
Time: 7pm
Cost: $34 – $55
Purchase Tickets Online
Crowdsurf presents the 6th Annual Parade Of Lasers, a breathtaking visual experience, featuring Getter, PARTY FAVOR, Blunts & Blondes and Ubur.
#28 JOHN LEGEND: A LEGENDARY CHRISTMAS
Photo: ©John Legend
When: December 15, 2018
Where: Bellco Theatre, 700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 8pm
Cost: $39.50 – $149.50
Purchase Tickets Online
John Legend will be performing live at the Bellco Theatre with his first Christmas tour!
#29 HALCYON’S MISTLETOE MARKETPLACE
Photo: ©Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek
When: December 17, 2018
Where: HALCYON, a hotel in Cherry Creek, 245 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Cost: Free
This holiday season, Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek is curating exclusive access to some of Cherry Creek North’s most unique boutiques with the 1st annual Mistletoe Marketplace. Providing a backdrop for 20 Cherry Creek North retailers in the Halcyon Ballroom, this will be the perfect one-stop-shop to pick up stocking stuffers and treats for everyone on your list.
For added yuletide vibe, Alice 105.9 will be rocking around the tree with Stocking giveaways. Snack on seasonal treats and enjoy one free drink ticket to the cash bar.
#30 PAW PATROL LIVE: THE GREAT PIRATE ADVENTURE
Photo: ©PAW Patrol Live!
When: December 28 – 29, 2018
Where: Bellco Theatre, 700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 10am & 2pm
Cost: $22 – $62
Purchase Tickets Online
X barks the spot in the new tour PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure”! It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay, and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration! But first, Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. When they do, they also discover a secret pirate treasure map! The PAW Patrol set out over land and sea to find the treasure for Mayor Goodway’s celebration before Mayor Humdinger finds it first!
#31 AN EVENING WITH THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT
Photo: ©Dylan Langille.
When: December 28 – 29 & 31, 2018
Where: 1STBANK Center, 11450 Broomfield Ln, Broomfield, CO 80021
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: Starting from $55
Purchase Tickets Online
The String Cheese Incident will be performing live three nights at 1stBank Center!
#32 THE BEACH BOYS
Photo: ©The Beach Boys
When: December 30, 2018
Where: Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Pl, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 7pm
Cost: $50 – $90
Purchase Tickets Online
The Beach Boys will be performing live at the Paramount Theatre!