No need to spend hours researching the best area events this weekend in the Mile High City! We’ve curated a helpful list of awesome, holiday-inspired events and fun for the whole family. Check out holiday markets, art walks, ice skating, and more around the city!
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
Denver is bustling with all things Christmas this December. Check out Winterfest, limited whiskey releases, Elf Yoga and so much more around town this weekend.
First Friday Art Walk in 40 West Arts
Where? 1560 Teller Street
When? December 6th
Join in on the good vibes this Friday at the 40 West Art Walk. Check out shows in the Art Hubs from 10+ gallery locations. The event kicks off at 6:00 PM and runs until 9:00 PM. If you’re looking for a laid-back evening out on the town, the art walk is the place to be! 40 West Arts is a creative district offering residents and visitors a unique blend of art and culture. You’ll find art galleries, dealers, work studios, art supply dealers, and plenty of unique food and entertainment options in the area.
PRO Tip: If this is your first experience in 40 West Arts, grab a map and go! You’ll find artwork on display at Lakewood’s best art galleries, as well as studios, beer, wine, and light bites for sale.
First Fridays at Stanley Marketplace
Where? 2501 Dallas Street
When? December 6th
First Fridays at Stanley are fun for everyone! Invite a group of friends and enjoy as local artists showcase their best works throughout the halls of the venue. Music will be pumping to liven up the place and shops will be open extra late. First Fridays run from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, so swing by to check out the vibes. There’s always something good at Stanley Marketplace, with curated events for area residents and visitors looking for a good time.
PRO Tip: This Friday, there will also be a Minecraft Movie Night & 3D Pen Craft from 6:00 PM to 8:15 PM in Stanley Marketplace. Enjoy a movie, a pizza slice, a juice box, and cookies for only $25! Parents can drop the kiddos off while they enjoy First Fridays.
South Pearl Street Winterfest
Where? 1500 South Pearl Street
When? December 6th & 7th
Winterfest will be held on the 1500 Block of South Pearl Street this weekend. Join in on the holiday market magic, complete with gift and food vendors and a merchant open house from the 1200 to 1900 blocks. Take holiday photos with the Olde World Santa or take a festive spin on the holiday hayride. Adults 21 and up can enjoy adult hot beverages, as well as hot chocolate and cider for underage visitors or simply those who would prefer a nonalcoholic option. Pick up a wreath or a Christmas tree from the outdoor tree lot to take back home! On Friday, there will be a tree lighting ceremony at Platt Park at 5:15 PM, with a parade to follow at 5:45 PM.
PRO Tip: Keep tabs on Saturday’s music schedule, which begins with the Denver Dolls from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM and the Denver Gents from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Lee & Company will close out the event from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Snowflake 2024
Where? 200 South Kalamath Street
When? December 6th & 7th
Snowflake is back and better than ever with the most legendary release in whiskey. Snowflake Batch #27 will officially go on sale exclusively at Stranahan’s Distillery on Saturday. The Snowflake Village will kick off on Friday. The lore of Snowflake has grown over the last decade as eager fans wait up to 24 hours to get their hands on this ultra-limited American Single Malt. Bottles historically have sold out within hours, so don’t miss out on your opportunity! No two Snowflakes are alike, with each year featuring an entirely new iteration. Guests can camp at the distillery days before the official release, with each guest receiving a numbered wristband to secure their spot in line on Saturday.
PRO Tip: Head over to the Snowflake Village for live DJs and bands, games, cocktail bars, and more. Camping spots will become available on Thursday at 9:00 AM.
Merry & Bright
Where? 1400 Curtis Street
When? December 6th & 8th
The Colorado Children’s Chorale is excited to present Merry & Bright this weekend in the Boettcher Concert Hall. This is a two-day-only event, so grab your tickets to either Friday’s 7:00 PM performance or Sunday’s 1:00 PM concert. Bring the entire family along to soak in the magic of the season. You may even catch a glimpse of special visitors from the North Pole if you’re lucky! The Chorale has been engaging and entertaining the community since 1974, so enjoy the energy and enthusiasm that’s become synonymous with these festive performances.
PRO Tip: Tickets are priced beginning at $50 plus fees. Grab yours with a group or make it a relaxed evening out on the town with that special someone. Either way, you’re helping to support a great mission!
1940s White Christmas Ball
Where? 7711 East Academy Boulevard, Hangar 1
When? December 7th
The White Christmas Ball is a must-do activity for the holiday season. 2024’s theme is The Golden Age of Holiday, so check out the new activities and entertainment in store for this season’s event! The ball is back at the Wings Museum, allowing visitors to visit displays, planes, the WWII lookout tower, the theater, and all the attractions in this unique 1940s-era space. Dinner will be seated in the main ballroom, featuring a view of the main stage. Don’t miss out on the screening of the holiday classic, “White Christmas” in the Harrison Ford Theatre at the museum.
PRO Tip: The capacity at the museum is less than that of the Hyatt from previous years, so tickets are expected to sell out quicker than usual. Grab yours while they’re still available!
Elf Yoga @ Denver Makers Market
Where? 3950 River Point Parkway
When? December 7th
You won’t want to miss out on this exciting rendition of goat yoga! Check out Elf Yoga at the makers market in nearby Sheridan from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Tickets are priced starting at $15 and are hosted by Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga. Participants should bring a closed water bottle, hair ties, and closed-back shirts to avoid hoof scratches. Dress cozy in the winter and bring your own yoga mat if you have one available. $5 rental mats will be available. Guests can pet the goats, hold the goats, and spend time loving on their newfound friends.
PRO Tip: Make sure to have your camera ready to capture the precious interactions you’ll experience during this memorable yoga class. This weekend’s event will be hosted inside the former Conns store at the RiverFront shopping center.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Where? 105 Fillmore Street
When? Through December 24th
Discover the holiday magic at Denver’s premier seasonal market located on Fillmore Plaza between 1st and 2nd Avenues on Fillmore Street in Cherry Creek North. The market is open daily through Christmas Eve for the 2024 season, giving you plenty of time to swing by and explore the offering. This year marks the 5th annual Cherry Creek Holiday Market, with this year’s event featuring dozens of hand-picked vendors, refreshments, and more. Swing by the Mistletoe Lounge with your family and friends to enjoy an adult beverage or two before you continue your holiday-centric shopping spree.
PRO Tip: 2024 vendors include B Fresh, Casa Blanca, PaperPie, The Wandering Wagon, Wax Crescent, Zoe Rae Art, Leashes by Liz, Mom’s Pralines, and many, many more!
Downtown Denver Rink
Where? 16th & Arapahoe Street
When? Recurring through February 2nd
The Downtown Denver Rink is presented by Southwest and features a range of exciting opportunities to get out on the ice and practice your skating skills. Through December 24th, the rink will be open daily with special hours on Christmas Eve. Events at the ice rink throughout the month of Denver include Colorado Gives Day on the 10th (free skate rentals all day), Taylor Swift’s Birthday on the 13th (T. Swift music all night long), DPS School Night Skate on the 15th (all DPS students and teachers receive $2 off skate rentals), National Ugly Sweater Day on the 20th ($2 off skate rentals when you rock an ugly sweater), and more!
PRO Tip: Ice rink admission is free. Bring your own skates or snag a rental onsite, which are priced at $12 for adults, $9 for kids ages 12 and under, and $8 for military and first responders.
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Bundle the kids up this weekend and watch the annual Parade of Lights or cheer on your favorite characters at Disney on Ice!
Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? December 6th-8th
Disney on Ice is excited to present Magic in the Stars this holiday season. The riveting performance is coming to the Ball Arena in Denver this Sunday at 10:30 AM. The audience will be amazed by the breathtaking skating performances from beloved characters while they tell iconic stories. Watch as your kiddo’s favorite Disney heroes and heroines glide around the ice reenacting enchanting scenes from their favorite films — such as Frozen, The Little Mermaid, and Toy Story. From the dazzling costumes, combined with spectacular sets and unforgettable music — Disney on Ice has something for the whole family and will delight adults and children alike.
PRO Tip: All guests ages 2 and older are required to have a ticket. No costumes are permitted for guests 14 and older. Character experiences are available with dedicated tickets.
9NEWS Parade of Lights
Where? Downtown Denver
When? December 7th
Celebrate 50 years of holiday magic at this year’s Parade of Lights! On Saturday, the parade will be presented to thousands of people in Downtown Denver. The parade is set to include 40+ floats, giant balloons, marching bands, equestrian units, cultural displays, and even special guest appearances from Major Waddles the penguin and the big man in red himself — Santa! Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and make sure to wear something warm so you stay comfortable!
PRO Tip: If you can’t make it out in person, you can watch the parade from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on KUSA Live on Saturday or catch one of the reruns throughout the month of December.
SCFD Free Day: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
When? December 8th
This Sunday, take advantage of the final free day of 2024 at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science! From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, explore the museum and the array of fascinating exhibits on display. There’s no need to reserve your free day or free night ticket ahead of time online. You can walk up anytime on Sunday and gain access to the Wildlife Halls or to the permanent exhibits. A separate ticket will be required if you wish to visit the planetarium or the brand-new Infinity Theatre.
PRO Tip: Swing by the Animals of the Rainforest exhibit to meet fascinating live animals and The Power of Poison exhibit to explore nature’s toxic arsenal.
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
We hope you have a blast around town this weekend. With December finally here, the Christmas magic is in full swing around the Mile High City. The holiday season welcomes everyone to view Christmas lights, watch holiday performances, and shop at local makers’ markets just in time for the gift-giving season.