No matter what or how you celebrate, we hope that December (the last month of 2022 already!) will be one to remember. There’s plenty to do this December as the holiday cheer spreads across the entirety of the city. From ballets & musical performances, to new restaurants opening in the Mile High City, to cozy patios decked with garland and lights, and dazzling light installations that will take your breath away. We’ve got it all covered here in our list of 61 dazzling things to do this December in Denver. Enjoy and stay safe!
1. Buy tickets to an enchanting classical concert at a venue bathed in Candlelight
This December, you can enjoy a cozy, warm candlelit concert inside one of Denver’s coolest venues, from the International Church of Cannabis to Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. Enjoy a gorgeous ballet special or a musical performance of the Nutcracker.
2. Attend this enchanted Regency-era ballroom at the Bridgerton Experience
The Queen’s Ball is one of the most divine experiences happening now in Denver and the ballroom doors to this extravagant party has already opened its doors until December 18th. This epic dance party replicating Netflix’s hit show Bridgerton will have interactive sets, themed libations, and a chance to be crowned the Diamond of the Evening. Plus, they’ve even got a family sessions package that will let you bring your little duke or duchess. Make haste and get your tickets today, esteemed Denverites, since the holiday party of the season is only available for a limited time.
3. Have a campier, quirkier holiday experience at the return of Camp Christmas
Camp Christmas is one of Denver’s best traditions. A six-acre holiday extravaganza will be taking over Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park in Denver, and will be here until December 24th. Enjoy carousel rides, hot cocoa, visits with Santa, and holiday drinks to snack and sip on all night. You can get your tickets on their website and learn more about the event here.
4-10. Hit one of these festive ice skating rinks around the city
A family friendly, seasonal activity that always shines around wintertime is ice skating. From the unique skating rink you might not have known is inside the Denver International Airpot to the Downtown skating rink that’s the city’s most popular.
- Downtown Denver Rink
- Parker Ice Trail
- Denver International Airport
- Edge Ice Arena
11. Visit this magical Sistine Chapel exhibit for a limited time
The Cherry Creek Mall is going to be hosting an amazing, stunning exhibit that details one of the world’s greatest masterpieces. If you’ve never seen Michelangelo’s The Sistine Chapel, we’d highly recommend checking out this immersive experience that gives an up-close look at the 34 stunning frescoes. You can learn more about the experience and get your tickets here.
12-20. Be dazzled by these spectacular light shows all month long
For us, December and the holiday season means the return of festive, holiday light shows, and plenty of them, at some of Denver’s most enchanting spaces. From the Botanic Gardens to the Union Station and some other spots you may not have even realized.
- Cherry Creek North
- Denver Union Station
- Denver Zoo
- Denver Botanic Garden
- Chatfield Farms
21-25. Make a reservation at one of these 4 holiday-themed pop up bars
The popular Miracle Bars are back at four of Denver’s hottest venues, and we got the full scoop. Enjoy tiki-themed Christmas cocktails at Sippin’ Santa or enjoy a more classic, cozy Christmas spot decked out in dazzling lights.
- The Rogue Wine Bar and Patio
- Arvada Tavern
- Denver Union Station
- The Eddy Taproom and Hotel
26. You can listen to live piano music at this Moroccan-lounge
We’re so excited to see a new Mediterranean cocktail bar that doubles as a vibe-y new piano lounge in Halycon Hotel in Cherry Creek North. Welcome Chez Roc, a Midcentury Modern Moroccan-inspired Lounge and Cocktail Bar that’ll be your new favorite cocktail bar in Denver. Find out all about it here.
27-32. Do some local shopping at these 5 festive holiday markets
Do your holiday shopping locally this year at one of these festive holiday markets. From Cherry Creek to Larimer Square, indulge in shopping by local artisans and brands, boutiques, and more, all while enjoying seasonal treats and drinks and stopping into a restaurant nearby for a dinner to curb your hunger after an entire day of shopping. Read this guide to our 5 favorite you can attend this December in Denver.
33. Visit the Mile High Tree as the perfect free event this holiday season
This holiday season, head over to Denver’s Civic Center Park for a dazzling light display that was brought back to life on November 18th. In an exciting tree lighting event, The Mile High Tree, lit up Denver and the tree will be on full display until December 31st. What’s better, attending is completely free.
34-40. Take a trip to one of these relaxing natural hot springs and resorts
If you’re interested in taking a trip outside of Denver, there’s a few amazing natural hot springs and hot springs resorts you can settle in on a cold winter day. They’re the perfect aprés ski or hiking activity to soothe your sore muscles, and Colorado has plenty of them. From luxurious resorts to natural hot springs in the middle of trees, boulders, and mountains, get ready for hot spring season, here’s our guide.
41-61. Head to one of these heated patios for a warm way to enjoy a cozy drink during the weekend
Dine al-fresco at one of these cozy, often heated patios in Denver complete with string lights, mountain views, and some of Denver’s most amazing beer. Don’t even worry about being cold, as most of these spots come complete with fire pits or heat lamps. Click here to read the full guide!
- Happy Camper
- Ace Eat Serve
- Recess Beer Garden
- Prost Brewing Co.
- The Woods
- Joy Hill