Denver, Colorado, is a magical place in the winter. Imagine snow-covered mountains and parks. In the winter season, Denver truly becomes a winter wonderland.
Despite the chilly air, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Denver that will fill you with warm joy. These range from outdoor activities to cozy things you can do indoors. Here are some of our favorites.
1. Join the Winter Events and Festivals
Denver is home to several iconic winter events and celebrations lasting from December through January.
Light the Lights
This annual ceremony marks the official start of the holiday season in Denver. The main attraction is the lighting of over 10,000 LED lights adorning the City and County Building. The event also features performances by local choirs and musical groups. Often, Santa Claus also makes a special appearance.
The event is usually held on the Friday after Thanksgiving each year.
Parade of Lights
This festive parade features brightly lit floats, marching bands, and giant balloons as they wind through the streets of downtown Denver. The parade is usually held in the first week of December.
National Western Stock Show
This western event brings together cowboys, ranchers, and livestock for rodeos and other western-themed activities. The kick-off parade is remarkable, with ranchers on horseback marching through the downtown area. The event is held in January.
Winter X Games in Denver
Hosted in nearby Aspen, January’s Winter X Games showcases extreme winter sports competitions at Buttermilk Mountain. Some of the competitions include skiing and snowboarding in various disciplines, including superpipe, slopestyle, and Big Air.
2. Explore Denver’s German Christkindlmarkt
Christmas in Denver is a unique affair. The city prides itself on its Christkindlmarkt, an authentic German-style holiday market that brings the magic of European Christmas traditions to Denver.
The holiday market features cozy wooden huts where guests can experience local and European dishes. Stalls sell Bavarian-style beers, mulled wine, and European coffee. If you’re visiting Christkindlmarkt with kids, there is a special area where kids can participate in games and activities, including s’more-making.
No holiday at Christkindlmarkt is complete without an appearance from the Christkindl. The fairy-like figure represents the holiday spirit and may be seen wandering the market on the weekends.
3. Go Ice Skating at Skyline Park
If snow angels aren’t your thing, you might want to try making figure eights instead. Skyline Park in downtown Denver has an outdoor ice-skating rink open to the public for free in winter. The rink is perfect if you’re just learning how to skate. It’s also a great place to ice skate if you’re practicing your skills.
Apart from ice skating, the rink also hosts various events throughout the winter season. This includes junior ice skating lessons, yoga sessions, and music parties.
4. Take Nature Trips in Denver, CO
Are you tired of the hustle and bustle in the city? Consider taking nature trips around Denver. The winter landscape is especially gorgeous, with the dramatic colors of the red rocks and the white snow in perfect contrast at the Garden of the Gods. We also recommend going to Evergreen Lake or Chatfield Reservoir for more ice skating fun.
Perhaps one of the best places to go to in Denver in the winter is Echo Lake Park. This nature destination features hiking and snowshoeing trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. When conditions permit, the lake freezes over and can be used for ice fishing. The park is also home to spruce-fir forests where winter wildlife can be seen roaming.
Explore Denver’s Winter Wonderland With Us!
Here at Aspire Tours, we make it easy for you to have a truly memorable winter experience in Denver by providing specially curated tours. Our experienced guides know the ins and outs of the city, from the best tourist spots to hidden gems.
Ready to see Denver like never before? Book your winter tour in Denver today with Aspire Tours.
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