Denver Christmas Guide | Best Holiday Markets, Lights, and Winter Events in Denver Colorado
If you are planning a winter trip to Denver, Colorado, the holiday season is one of the best times to visit.
This week, we traded mountain vanlife for a slower pace in the city, staying with family and exploring some of the best Christmas markets and holiday events Denver has to offer. From light displays to European style markets and a historic train ride through the mountains, this stretch of the trip highlighted a different side of travel.
Whether you are visiting Denver for a weekend or building it into a longer Colorado road trip, these holiday experiences are worth adding to your itinerary.
Why Visit Denver Colorado During the Holidays
Denver transforms during the winter season.
The city fills with lights, markets, and events that make it feel festive without being overwhelming. It is also one of the easiest cities to pair with a mountain trip, thanks to its proximity to places like Summit County, Winter Park, and Georgetown.
For travelers, it offers a great balance.
Holiday activities and events
Access to shopping and dining
Easy connection to nearby mountain towns
It is a perfect stop whether you are living on the road or planning a traditional trip.
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
One of the most iconic holiday events in Denver is Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
This is a must see if you are visiting during the winter season.
The gardens are transformed with millions of lights, creating immersive displays that wind through pathways, trees, and water features. Walking through at night, surrounded by glowing installations, instantly puts you in the holiday spirit.
It is one of the most popular things to do in Denver in December, so planning ahead is recommended.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market in Denver
Next, we headed to Cherry Creek North to explore the Cherry Creek Holiday Market.
This market focuses on local makers and small businesses, offering a great mix of:
Handmade gifts
Art and home goods
Food and drinks
The setup is clean and easy to walk, making it a great spot to spend a few hours browsing and picking up unique items.
Cherry Creek itself is one of the best areas in Denver for shopping, and the holiday market adds even more to the experience.
Denver Christkindl Market Downtown
The Denver Christkindl Market is one of the most well known holiday markets in the city.
Located at the University of Colorado Denver Auraria Campus, this European style market brings a traditional Christmas atmosphere to downtown Denver.
You will find:
Wooden vendor stalls
Handcrafted goods
German inspired food and drinks
Festive decorations and lights
It is one of the most popular holiday events in Denver and a great place to experience a classic Christmas market without leaving the city.
Denver Holiday Bazaar
Another great stop during the week was the Denver Holiday Bazaar.
This event brings together a wide range of local vendors, food, and live music in a more indoor style setup.
It is a great option if you are looking for:
Local shopping opportunities
A lively atmosphere
Food and drink options all in one place
It is especially nice during colder weather when you want to stay warm but still enjoy the holiday energy.
Fiction Beer Company
We also made time for a stop at Fiction Beer Company, which was a great way to ease into the evening before heading out to holiday events.
Denver has a strong brewery scene, and stops like this are an easy way to break up a busy itinerary.
Georgetown Loop Railroad Santa Train
To wrap up the week, we headed into the mountains for one of the most memorable experiences.
The Georgetown Loop Railroad Santa Train.
Located about an hour from Denver in Georgetown, Colorado, this historic train ride takes you through snowy mountain scenery while leaning fully into the holiday theme.
This experience includes:
A scenic ride through the mountains
Holiday decorations and festive atmosphere
A unique way to experience Colorado in winter
It is easily one of the best holiday activities near Denver and something we would highly recommend if you are in the area.
Vanlife and Travel Breaks in Denver
This week also highlighted an important part of long term travel.
Taking breaks.
Even when you are living on the road full time, spending time with family, slowing down, and resetting in a city like Denver is incredibly valuable.
It gives you a chance to:
Recharge physically and mentally
Catch up with people
Plan your next route
And still experience new things along the way.
How to Plan a Denver Holiday Trip
If you are planning a winter trip to Denver, here are a few tips.
Book tickets early for popular events like Blossoms of Light
Visit holiday markets during weekdays to avoid crowds
Pair your Denver stay with a trip to nearby mountain towns
Dress for cold evenings, especially for outdoor events
Denver works well as both a destination and a stop along a larger Colorado itinerary.
Final Thoughts
This week was a reminder that travel is not always about constant movement.
Sometimes the best experiences come from slowing down, staying in one place, and exploring what is right in front of you.
From holiday markets and light displays to a scenic train ride in the mountains, Denver offered a completely different kind of adventure.
If you are planning a trip through Colorado during the winter, make sure to carve out time for Denver. The holiday season here is worth it.
Watch the Full Episode
Check out the full Detour Diaries episode to follow along with everything from this week, from Denver holiday markets to the Georgetown Loop Railroad.
