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 Bazaar at Larimer Square (Denver)
Holiday BAZAAR at Larimer Square is a DAILY Shop & Sip market hosted by Denver BAZAAR, popping up in historic Larimer Square, featuring 50+ local makers and craft vendors! Free Entry, Family-Friendly & All Ages, 35+ Craft Vendors, Indoor & Outdoor Shopping Marketplace, Santa will be there every Saturday, Live Entertainment and more!
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.
Friday, December 13:
Thornton WinterFest (Thornton)
Get in the holiday spirit and join us for our annual Thornton WinterFest event! This three-day festival will be filled with food, fun and entertainment for the whole family including a Holiday drone show on Friday night (weather permitting) and a fireworks show on Saturday evening!
Emo Nite at Summit (Denver)
DOORS: 9PM SHOW: 9PM THIS SHOW IS: 21+ All support acts are subject to change without notice. $1 per ticket transaction sponsors Emo Nite Gives A -. Donations are allocated for worthwhile organizations focusing on: – Mental Health – Harm Reduction – Children & Families – Poverty & Homelessness – Disenfranchised Communities – Terminal Illness
Denver Nuggets vs. LA Clippers (Ball Arena Denver)
Watch as our Denver Nuggets take on the LA Clippers this Friday at Ball Arena. Game starts at 7p and tickets are available. LET’S GO NUGGETS!!!
FREE Santa Photos (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.
Saturday, December 14:
Colorado Avalanche vs. Nashville Predators (Denver)
Watch as our Colorado Avalanche take on the Nashville Predators this Saturday at Ball Arena. Game starts at 7p and tickets are available. GO AVS GO!!
Holiday Winter Market (Arvada)
Explore the Olde Town Arvada and Arvada Farmers Winter Market from 11:00am to 3:00 pm on December 7, 14, and 21. This bustling market will showcase 60+ vendors offering handmade gifts, toys, and delectable local food. Discover locally crafted candles, clothes, jewelry, soaps, and more! The Holiday Winter Market is a collaboration with the Arvada Farmers Market for a unique shopping experience filled with holiday spirit!
Polaroids with Krampus (Wheat Ridge)
RitualCravt will host the fourth annual Polaroids with Krampus event taking place at our Yule Night Market! Krampus is a central-European folkloric horned creature that punishes children who have misbehaved during the holiday season. In Alpine Austria and some parts of Germany, this day was known as Krampusnacht, or “Krampus night,” when adults might dress up as Krampus to frighten children at their homes. Photos are walk-in only ! Polaroids are $10 each, $5 per additional photo for the same group. You may bring up to 4 people for each photo!
Free Family Christmas Festival (Lakewood)
FAMILY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
PRESENTED BY: BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL. Embrace the joy and wonder of Christmas at our Family Christmas Festival, a free, family-friendly event designed to create cherished memories and bring our community together.
Denver Santapalooza Bar Crawl (Denver)
Get merry and join hundreds of festive attendees, at LoDo’s best bars, for “Denver Santapalooza” a massive 21+ party and Holiday Bar Crawl!
Winterfest 2024 (Evergreen)
Join us Saturday, December 14 from 10 – 4 at Center for the Arts Evergreen for this festive decades-long mountain area tradition while you reap all those warm fuzzies from supporting artists & small businesses this holiday season.
Breakfast with Santa (Denver)
Santa is stopping by the Denver Aquarium this holiday season! Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, Christmas crafts, and photos with the man in the red suit and our mascot, Sharkey! Keep a close eye on the aquarium tank, you may see Santa swimming with our fish!
Cocoa with Mrs. Claus and friends (Littleton)
Join us for a festive holiday experience at Tattered Cover Book Store on Saturdays, December 7th, 14th, and 21st, at 11 AM for Cocoa with Mrs. Claus and Friends!
Sunday, December 15:
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.
Santa at Pindustry (Greenwood Village)
Bring the whole family to our Pindustry On Ice sky deck on December 8th, 15th, and 22nd from 12pm-3pm for a magical Santa meet and greet! Kids can enjoy skating on the rooftop ice rink for free and meet Santa Claus in person. Capture memories, enjoy festive treats, and soak in the holiday spirit with the best views in town. Don’t miss this special chance to skate, snap photos, and share the magic of the season together!