Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get set for a holiday adventure in Arvada with our guide. Discover all the exciting festive happenings. For those deeply rooted in Arvada and those just planting seeds, our guide is your holiday compass.
Popular events this season include the enchanting Zoo Lights, where vibrant displays illuminate the Denver Zoo, creating a magical experience for visitors of all ages. Another highlight features the Luminova Holidays, a spectacular display of lights and festive activities that bring joy to the community. And the classic performance of A Christmas Carol is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Arvada Holiday Light Displays
Zoo Lights
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- Denver Zoo Lights is an annual event featuring over 3 million LED lights illuminating the zoo's 80 acres, with special attractions like ice sculpting and a train ride through the zoo.
- Where
- Denver | More Info : Zoo Lights
Luminova Holidays
- What to Expect
- Immersive light displays with interactive activities.
- Description
- Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens features over 4 million dazzling lights, a 65-ft. Christmas tree, and 25-ft. snowmen. Enjoy rides, interactive activities, and photo ops amidst larger-than-life light displays.
- Where
- Denver | More Info : Luminova Holidays
Winter Wanderland
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday celebration with 1 million lights and live performances.
- Description
- Cherry Creek North transforms into a dazzling holiday destination with over 1 million twinkling lights, featuring a collection of free outdoor events, including live music, stilt walkers, and acrobats.
- Where
- Denver | More Info : Winter Wanderland
Christmas in Color
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and music drive-thru experience.
- Description
- Christmas in Color is a drive-thru light show featuring over 1 million synchronized lights and music, creating a festive atmosphere with its longest light tunnel.
- Where
- Aurora | More Info : Christmas in Color
Blossoms of Light
- What to Expect
- Immersive, luminous displays highlighting plant collections.
- Description
- Blossoms of Light is a spectacular holiday light show at the Denver Botanic Gardens, featuring a mile-long path through immersive, luminous displays that highlight the gardens' plant collections. The event is a cherished tradition, consistently lauded as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation, and it showcases LED lights in line with the gardens' sustainability core value. Holiday treats and warm drinks are available for purchase at Offshoots Café and the Hive Garden Bistro.
- Where
- Denver | More Info : Blossoms of Light
Trail of Lights
- What to Expect
- LED-lit trail with synchronized music and light tunnels.
- Description
- Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms features a winding path illuminated by LED lights, showcasing cottonwoods, boxelders, and pine trees. The event includes lit props, synchronized music, dancing Christmas trees, and multiple light tunnels. Hot beverages and snacks are available for purchase, and a Holiday Market offers holiday gifts.
- Where
- Littleton | More Info : Trail of Lights
Arvada Holiday Markets and Shopping
Cherry Creek North Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local artisans and a festive atmosphere.
- Description
- The Cherry Creek North Holiday Market is a premier holiday shopping event featuring dozens of hand-picked vendors selling unique gifts and seasonal items. Located on Fillmore Plaza, the market offers a variety of local artisans and creators, along with the Mistletoe Lounge for refreshments.
- Where
- Denver | More Info : Cherry Creek North Holiday Market
Visit the Village
- What to Expect
- Local artisan and craft vendor market with a vendor booth decor contest.
- Description
- Visit the Village is a holiday-themed event featuring local vendors, crafters, and food trucks. Attendees can explore the village market, enjoy various children's activities, and experience a festive atmosphere with holiday displays and decor.
- Where
- Aurora | More Info : Visit the Village
Arvada Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella
- What to Expect
- Multicultural cast and contemporary set design.
- Description
- Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is a contemporary take on the classic fairy tale, featuring fantastical costumes, hilarious dialogue, and unforgettable music. The production promises a whimsical and playful world where magic is real and dreams come true. It includes a multicultural cast and highlights the story's multicultural history, making it a spectacular experience perfect for the holidays.
- Where
- Arvada | More Info : Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella
Camp Christmas
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday experience with interactive installations and festive activities.
- Description
- Camp Christmas is a 15,000 square-foot, 360-degree kaleidoscope of yuletide cheer at Stanley Marketplace. It features handcrafted installations by Denver-based magic makers, allowing visitors to discover their holiday superpower, visit Santa, and savor craft cocktails. The event includes surreal mashups of nostalgic scenes, playful pun trees, and festive elements, making it a unique and quirky holiday celebration.
- Where
- Aurora | More Info : Camp Christmas
A Christmas Carol
- What to Expect
- 30th anniversary production with accessible performances.
- Description
- A Christmas Carol is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel, tracing Ebenezer Scrooge's triumphant overnight journey to redemption. Based on the timeless story, this production is a splendidly festive tradition that illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.
- Where
- Denver | More Info : A Christmas Carol
Home for the Holidays
- What to Expect
- Old-school variety show with over 40 performers.
- Description
- Home for the Holidays is a holiday spectacular featuring dancers, singers, holiday songs, and celebrity appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. With an updated storyline for 2023 and a few spectacular surprises, this event is sure to delight and put you in the holiday spirit.
- Where
- Lone Tree | More Info : Home for the Holidays
Holidays at the Colorado Symphony
- What to Expect
- Live orchestral performances of beloved holiday films.
- Description
- The Colorado Symphony presents a variety of holiday concerts featuring iconic scores and guest artists, including Danny Elfman's darkly charming score for Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.
- Where
- Denver | More Info : Holidays at the Colorado Symphony
The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- Elaborate sets and costumes in a classic ballet performance.
- Description
- Colorado Ballet's The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet performance featuring mischievous dancing mice, sweet Sugar Plums, and a symphony of swirling snowflakes, set to Tchaikovsky's enchanting score.
- Where
- Denver | More Info : The Nutcracker
Holiday Brass
- What to Expect
- Brass instrument concert celebrating the holiday season.
- Description
- The Colorado Symphony presents Holiday Brass, a festive concert featuring brass instruments in a joyful celebration of the holiday season. This event is led by a guest conductor and promises to delight audiences with its rich, vibrant music.
- Where
- Denver | More Info : Holiday Brass
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show
- What to Expect
- Cabaret icons Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme bring holiday cheer with comedy and music.
- Description
- Join RuPaul's Drag Race winners Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme for a hilarious and heartwarming holiday spectacle featuring whip-smart comedy, brand new songs, and annual favorites.
- Where
- Lone Tree | More Info : The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show
Arvada Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Lights Mini Golf
- What to Expect
- Comprehensive fitness and recreational activities for all ages.
- Description
- The Lone Tree Recreation Center offers a variety of activities including swimming, weightlifting, racquetball, and drop-in fitness classes. Specialty programs such as martial arts, personal training, and dance classes are available for an additional fee. The center also features outdoor pickleball courts and hosts various events like birthday parties and sports leagues.
- Where
- Lone Tree | More Info : Holiday Lights Mini Golf
Downtown Denver Rink
- What to Expect
- Free ice skating with optional affordable rentals.
- Description
- The Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park offers free ice skating from November to February, with special events and rentals available for adults and children. It is conveniently located along the 16th Street Mall, making it easily accessible by public transportation or on foot.
- Where
- Denver | More Info : Downtown Denver Rink