Photo attribution: https://shebuystravel.com/11-free-things-to-do-in-denver-in-the-winter/
As I write this the trees on Auraria campus are in brilliant fall colors from bright red to orange to yellow and still some green waiting to change. Fall usually has great weather in Denver and even though our bodies are not yet accustomed to the cooler temperatures we will adjust. Visiting Denver highlights helps you discover things in your city that you might not already notice. Take some down time to experience some of the many holiday (and non-holiday) activities Denver has to offer.
There are many activities that Denver offers this time of the year, some free and some with an entry fee. Below are just a few of the highlights. Where appropriate a website has been listed in case you want more information.
- Denver Arts week is from November 4-12th. The kick-off is November 4th with expanded First Friday Art Walks throughout the city’s creative neighborhoods. The First Friday even on Santa Fe is a fun time on the first Friday of every month (except some holidays). The galleries open their doors and some offer snacks and drinks while you tour the facility. org
- If crowds are not your thing, just walk around Denver with an eye on the many wall paintings, interesting displays in alleys, sculptures – Denver has a lot of publicly available art. Cherry Creek and Rhino have loads of these displays.
- Beginning November 21 and continuing through February 20, the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park will open with opportunities to show off your skills at ice skating. com/rink
- On December 3 the Parade of Lights will again take place through downtown. If you have not seen this parade it is a hit – especially if you can gain access to windows or balconies on 15th or 17th Of course street level viewing is also fun. winterindenver.com/parade
- And if you want to participate in the celebration before the Parade of Lights on December 3, try out the Inaugural Jingle Jog that allows you to run the Parade route. The entry fee covers tee shirts, a coupon for discounted grandstand seats for the parade, and a before and after party (kids welcome, not dogs) Hurry this is limited to 1000 participants. Winterindenver.com/jingle-jog
- Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo is fun for the entire family. This annual event takes place from December 3 – January 15. Enjoy the illuminated animals with over a million lights throughout the zoo.
- From October – November 6 the Denver Metropolitan Museum of Contemporary Art is offering free admission if you bring a non-perishable food item. Two for one – enjoy the museum and help the homeless! Or visit on any Saturday for $.01 admission. org
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- On November 25, the Denver Botanic Gardens (York Street) will host a free admission day. Enjoy the plants and the holiday decorations. Botanicgardens.org
- Don’t miss the Christkindlmarket at Civic Center Park from November 18-December 23. Find unique gifts for everyone at the market as well as good things to eat and drink. Christkindlmarket.com
- December 18-31st the Mile High Tree will be on display, free to all. The location has yet to be determined but the website should have that information shortly. org/milehighholidays/tree
- End the year watching the fireworks display on the 16th Street Mall OR by attending the Decadence Event at the Convention Center (info not yet available). org/milehighholidays
Of course this list is just a few of the many events Denver has planned for the fall and the holiday season. Get out and enjoy!
