Looking for weekend plans? Nina Blanco ran around town and found at least 10 things for you to do this weekend with family and friends! From kid-friendly activities to fun brunch plans with your friends, it’s all listed below! Each event has a link for more details.
All Weekend:
Santas Little Man Factory (Denver)
Experience a holiday wonderland at the Little Man Ice Cream Factory from November 29-December 31! Santa’s Factory is an exuberant explosion of twinkly lights, ornaments run-amok, tin soldiers, Elfy-Selfie Walls and a winter wonderland Santa Throne for photos with the Big Guy! Join us for weekly and standalone events such as Bingo with Mrs. Claus, Live Holiday Music, Ice Cream Making Date Nights, Santa Baby Swing Nights, a Gingerbread House Party, Community Caroling and more.
Denver Christkindlmarket (Downtown Denver)
The Denver Christkindlmarket is an authentic, German-style holiday market, which is host to local and European craft and food vendors, and tons of magical entertainment for everyone to enjoy. The Denver Christkindlmarket is a must-see (and must-taste) holiday experience. Free and open to the public. Open daily until December 23 in Denver’s Civic Center Park.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market (Denver)
Join us for the 5th Annual Cherry Creek Holiday Market! 45+ rotating local makers, designers, and creators present a one-stop-shopping experience for all of your gifting needs this holiday season. This year we’re also introducing Mistletoe Lounge, your destination for festive drinks, live entertainment and cozy atmosphere!
The Elf Bar: Christmas pop-up (Denver)
The Elf Bar in Denver is the perfect place to spread some holiday cheer this season! Whether it’s a family outing, a date night, or a holiday get-together with friends, this whimsical wonderland promises an unforgettable Christmas experience for all ages. Dazzling decorations, elf-inspired food, interactive games, and more surprises await. Book now and let the festivities begin—get your tickets for The Elf Bar in Denver!
Free Ice Skating (Downtown Denver)
Bundle up for some free ice skating (with your own skates) in the heart of downtown Denver. Skate rentals for adults are $11 and $9 for kids 12 and under. If you need a skate-walker for assistance, you can also rent one $5.
Holiday Lights Mini Golf (Westminster)
Drive into the holiday spirit! Our Holiday Lights Mini-Golf is now OPEN daily! Experience over 100,000 dazzling lights across three festive courses. Bring your family and friends for a magical night of fun!
Friday, November 29:
Union Station Grand Illumination (Denver)
The annual Grand Illumination event will feature an expanded lineup of family-friendly entertainment of classic holiday hits by the Denver Dolls, a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, and the grand highlight of the evening—the lighting of the station’s outdoor 40-foot-tall Christmas tree that features more than 7,000-holiday lights.
FREE Photos with Santa (Centennial)
Ho ho ho! Bring your wish list and visit Mr. Claus at SouthGlenn’s Guest Services throughout the holiday season! Capture the magic moment on your own camera for sharing galore! No reservations required. First come, first served. Please check individual dates for times as they vary.
Holiday Horse & Carriage Rides (Lakewood)
Join us every Friday night through December 20th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for complimentary holiday horse and carriage rides. Enjoy a cozy ride around Belmar as you take in the thousands of holiday lights. Pick-up and drop-off are located on the west side of the Plaza, near the RINK at Belmar.
Free Days at Denver Botanical Gardens (Denver)
Denver Botanic Gardens strives to entertain and delight while spreading the collective wisdom of the Gardens through outreach, collaboration and education. Our conservation programs play a major role in saving species and protecting natural habitats for future generations. Free Days occur throughout the year, thanks to funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).
Saturday, November 30:
Colorado Avalanche vs. Edmonton Oilers (Denver)
Watch as our Colorado Avalanche take on the Edmonton Oilers this Saturday at Ball Arena. Game starts at 8p and tickets are available. GO AVS GO!!
Annual Old Towne Arvada Tree Lighting (Arvada)
Join us for the Annual Olde Town Tree Lighting event on Saturday, November 30! Festivities kick off at 2:00 pm with a lively pop-up makers’ market with 40+ Local Artisan Vendors, bars, and Skating in the Square. Also meet Santa for FREE at the Arvada Library from 3:30pm – 4:30pm! The evening’s music will start with a festive march led by the brass band, Guerrilla Fanfare, marching through the streets of Olde Town. The march will be starting at 5:00 pm in front of Carly’s Boutique (7401 Grandview Ave). Guerrilla Fanfare will guide us back to the square, before the grand tree lighting at 6:00p!
Mistletoe Market at Dairy Block (Denver)
Join us for a FREE month-long local makers market this holiday season: Mistletoe Market at Dairy Block, curated by Fireside at Five, happening in the [heated] Alley. Mistletoe Market will feature over a dozen unique, local businesses and artisans each weekend, live carolers & holiday music, festive cocktails, hot beverages, photo ops, gift wrapping station and more. The four-weekend event is free to attend and held from 12 – 5 PM on Saturdays & Sundays.
Denver Holiday Lights Crawl (Denver)
Experience ‘The Christmas City’ in all of its illuminated splendor on a 2-hour small-group walking tour. Follow your guide to some of Denver’s most scenic holiday decorations and light displays in the downtown area including the Denver Art Museum and the 16th Street Mall. Then, at the end of your tour, hop on the free shuttle to the Christkindl German Market where you can explore the cheery stalls at your own pace.
Small Business Saturday at Stanley (Aurora)
It’s Small Business Saturday at Stanley Marketplace on November 30th! Come support local shops, kick off your holiday season, and enjoy a festive day packed with fun. Bring the whole family for pictures with Santa, groove to a silent disco, and explore our Tour of Trees for that perfect holiday inspo! Plus, enjoy a performance by the Bflatirons A Capella Group and snag a FREE holiday tote (while supplies last!). And don’t forget to head upstairs to get some new pics with loved ones – we’re offering $1 photo booth strips today only!
Sunday, December 1:
Sunday Family Fun Day (Denver)
Every Sunday at the Denver Christkindlmarket is Family Fun Day! Fun for all ages is on the schedule with family-friendly entertainment, including Denver7 Story Time, where your favorite anchors and reporters lead the reading of a holiday classic. Also, Kinder Wunderland features s’mores stations and fun outdoor games.
Sundays on Santa Fe (Denver)
Join us in the heart of Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe for a free gallery crawl happening on the last Sunday of each month, now taking place year-round! You can gallery hop, boutique shop and explore Santa Fe with the entire family! Sundays on Santa Fe are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
