Experience a magical holiday season in Aurora, CO, where festive events light up the city. Wander through illuminated pathways at Zoo Lights, marveling at life-sized animal sculptures made from colorful LEDs. Enjoy an interactive winter wonderland at the Denver Botanic Gardens' Blossoms of Light, where thousands of color-changing LED lights adorn trees and plants.
Discover old-world charm at the Denver Christkindl Market in Larimer Square, where handcrafted ornaments and traditional German fare create a European-inspired holiday atmosphere. Whether you're a local or visitor, Aurora’s Christmas events promise unforgettable memories filled with lights, music, and festive cheer.
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The Top Christmas Events in Aurora
See these and even more events listed below!Aurora Other Holiday Activities
Ice Skating at The Pond
What to Expect:
Outdoor skating rink in a picturesque urban setting
Description:
The Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park offers a quintessential winter experience. Skaters glide across the ice, surrounded by the twinkling lights of the city skyline. The rink often hosts themed skating nights, including ugly sweater parties and disco skates. You can warm up with locally-roasted coffee between laps. This seasonal rink continues a tradition that began in the early 1900s when Denverites would skate on frozen lakes in City Park. Today, it brings that same spirit of community and winter fun to the heart of downtown.
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Nearby Events
Zoo Lights (Denver)
What to Expect:
Illuminated animal sculptures
Description:
Twinkling lights transform the Denver Zoo into a nocturnal safari. Visitors stroll through illuminated pathways, encountering life-sized animal sculptures crafted entirely from colorful LEDs. You can warm up with hot cocoa while watching animated light shows synchronized to holiday tunes. The event pays homage to the zoo's conservation efforts, featuring endangered species in many displays. Originating in 1990, Zoo Lights has evolved into a beloved Denver tradition that merges wildlife education with holiday cheer.
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Blossoms of Light (Denver)
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays in a botanical setting
Description:
Denver Botanic Gardens bursts with chromatic brilliance during Blossoms of Light. Thousands of color-changing LED lights adorn trees, plants, and structures, creating a living canvas of illumination. Visitors can interact with certain displays, altering light patterns with a touch. The sweet scent of evergreens mingles with the crisp winter air as you explore. This event showcases the gardens' diverse plant collections in a new light, literally. Blossoms of Light began in 1988, growing from a small display to a grand spectacle that celebrates nature's beauty in winter.
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Denver Christkindl Market (Denver)
What to Expect:
Authentic German holiday market experience
Description:
Larimer Square transforms into a slice of old-world Europe during the Denver Christkindl Market. Wooden stalls brim with handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, and traditional German fare. Visitors can savor authentic Glühwein while browsing unique gifts. Live performances of German folk music and dance enliven the atmosphere. This market honors Denver's German heritage, which dates back to the city's founding in the 1850s. The Christkindl tradition, brought by German immigrants, continues to thrive in the heart of the Mile High City.
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Parade of Lights (Denver)
What to Expect:
Spectacular nighttime parade with illuminated floats
Description:
Downtown Denver sparkles with the annual Parade of Lights. Elaborately decorated floats, all aglow with thousands of lights, wind through the city streets. Marching bands, dancers, and giant helium balloons add to the spectacle. Spectators can catch a glimpse of Santa as he makes his grand appearance. This parade has been a Denver tradition since 1975, growing from a small event to a major production that kicks off the holiday season. The route showcases Denver's historic buildings, beautifully illuminated for the occasion.
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Mile High Tree (Denver)
What to Expect:
Tallest digital tree in North America
Description:
The Mile High Tree stands as a beacon of holiday cheer in downtown Denver. Towering at 110 feet, this conical structure is adorned with nearly a million LED lights, creating a dazzling light show. Visitors can step inside the tree for an immersive audio-visual experience. The tree's shows feature a diverse playlist, including Colorado-themed music. Introduced in 2019, this high-tech holiday icon represents Denver's innovative spirit and commitment to creating new traditions. The tree's location rotates annually, offering fresh perspectives of the city skyline.
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Denver Holiday Flea (Denver)
What to Expect:
Curated marketplace of local artisans and vintage goods
Description:
The Denver Holiday Flea buzzes with creative energy as local makers and vintage collectors showcase their wares. This isn't your typical craft fair – it's a celebration of Colorado's vibrant maker culture. Visitors can sip craft cocktails while perusing one-of-a-kind gifts. Live music from local bands provides a festive soundtrack. The Flea highlights Denver's entrepreneurial spirit, which has been a hallmark of the city since its gold rush days. Each vendor is carefully selected to ensure a diverse and high-quality shopping experience.
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Denver Center for the Performing Arts Holiday Shows (Denver)
What to Expect:
World-class holiday performances in multiple venues
Description:
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts comes alive with a diverse array of holiday productions. From classic ballets to contemporary plays, the center offers something for every taste. Theatergoers can immerse themselves in lavish set designs and stunning costumes. The center's holiday programming often includes works by Colorado playwrights, showcasing local talent. Established in 1972, the DCPA has become a cultural cornerstone of Denver, bringing world-class performances to the Rocky Mountain region. Each year, the holiday lineup features both beloved traditions and fresh interpretations of seasonal stories.
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Denver Center for the Performing Arts Holiday Shows
WinterFest (Greenwood Village)
What to Expect:
Multi-day festival celebrating winter sports and culture
Description:
Winter Fest transforms downtown Denver into a snowy playground. This multi-day event celebrates Colorado's winter sports culture with rail jams, ice climbing demonstrations, and gear expos. Visitors can try their hand at curling or watch professional ice sculptors at work. The festival also features a chili cook-off, showcasing local culinary talent. Winter Fest pays homage to Colorado's rich skiing history, which dates back to the 1800s when miners used "snow shoes" to traverse mountain passes. The event brings the excitement of mountain resorts to the heart of the city.
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Holiday Lights Mini Golf (Littleton)
What to Expect:
Illuminated mini-golf course with holiday themes
Description:
Adventure Golf & Raceway presents a unique twist on holiday lights with their illuminated mini-golf course. Each hole features a different holiday scene, brought to life with vibrant lights and animated figures. Golfers can putt their way through a glowing winter wonderland. The course incorporates local landmarks and Colorado themes into its holiday designs. This attraction combines the nostalgia of mini-golf, a popular pastime in Denver since the 1950s, with modern light technology. The result is a playful, interactive light display that appeals to all ages.
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Santa's Village (Littleton)
What to Expect:
North Pole-themed amusement park
Description:
Santa's Village at Chatfield Farms recreates the North Pole in the heart of Colorado. This charming attraction features vintage amusement rides, all decked out in holiday finery. Visitors can meet Santa's reindeer and help the elves in their workshop. The village's model train display showcases miniature Colorado landscapes. Santa's Village pays tribute to Denver's historic Elitch Gardens, which began as a zoological garden in 1890 before becoming an amusement park. The attraction blends old-fashioned charm with modern holiday cheer, creating a nostalgic experience for all ages.
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A Hudson Christmas (Littleton)
What to Expect:
Historic mansion and gardens transformed into a holiday spectacle
Description:
The historic Highlands Ranch Mansion and its surrounding gardens sparkle during A Hudson Christmas. Thousands of lights illuminate the property's century-old trees and elegant architecture. Visitors can explore themed gardens, each telling a different holiday story. The event features live ice sculpting demonstrations, showcasing this intricate art form. A Hudson Christmas honors the mansion's rich history, which dates back to 1891 when it was part of a large cattle operation. Today, it offers a glimpse into Colorado's ranching past while creating new holiday memories.
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Polar Express Train Ride (Golden)
What to Expect:
Immersive train ride experience based on the beloved children's book
Description:
The Colorado Railroad Museum brings the Polar Express to life with an enchanting train ride. Passengers board beautifully restored vintage railcars, embarking on a journey to the "North Pole." Conductors punch golden tickets while hot chocolate is served. You can join in singing carols as the train chugs along. This experience celebrates Colorado's rich railroad history, which played a crucial role in the state's development. The museum's collection includes locomotives and cars dating back to the 1880s, providing an authentic backdrop for this holiday adventure.