Denver Christkindlmarket
Visitors can wander through wooden huts filled with local and European artisan crafts, holiday gifts, and specialty food vendors. Guests can sip hot Glühwein, enjoy warm Bavarian pretzels and bratwursts, and gather inside the Festival Hall. The event also features a live music dance floor in front of the stage, sweet treats, and appearances by the Christkind and St. Nikolaus.
What to Expect
Authentic German holiday market featuring European crafts, foods, and festive entertainment.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Auraria Campus
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
German American Chamber of Commerce - Colorado Chapter
Food & Drink
Vendors offer hot Glühwein, warm Bavarian pretzels, bratwursts, roasted nuts, sweets, hot chocolate, and pastries.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-market shoppers
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free and open to the public.
- Hours: Monday–Thursday 1:00 pm–9:00 pm; Friday–Sunday and the last week (Dec. 17–23) 11:00 am–9:00 pm; Thanksgiving Day 11 am–4 pm. Festival Hall is open until 10:00 pm, with vendors closing at 9 pm.
- Parking: Parking is available near and on Auraria Campus; there are no designated lots specifically for the Christkindlmarket. The page recommends several lots and garages, and says campus parking is paid through the ParkMobile app.
- Accessibility: The market is wheelchair accessible with ramps and ADA-accessible portable restrooms.
- Pets: Dogs are welcome but must be leashed, and owners must clean up after them. Dogs are not recommended during the Parade of Lights or on weekends.
Tips & Advice
- Park in the Holly Lot, 7th Street Garage, Elm Lot, Cherry Lot or 5th Street Garage, which are less used during Ball Arena events. Pay through ParkMobile.
- Take bus line 43 or 6, which stop right in front of the market, or walk about ten minutes from the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens light rail station.
- If you're bringing a dog or using a wheelchair, plan a weekday afternoon visit, because weekends and evenings get extremely crowded.
- Shop the huts first, then head into the Festival Hall, which stays open an hour after the vendors close.
- If you lose something, ask the Bar Manager on duty at the Festival Hall bar, which handles the market's lost and found.
Special Events & Promotions
- Family Sundays bring extra entertainment for children.
- Meet the Christkind and St. Nikolaus on specific dates.
- Glass ornament workshops are part of the market.
- During the last week, December 17–23, the market keeps its longer weekend hours every day.
- Festival Hall table reservations return in November 2026.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the market good for kids?
Yes. There's plenty of children's entertainment, especially on Family Sundays. There's also a live music dance floor in front of the stage, plus sweets, hot chocolate and pastry vendors. The Christkind and St. Nikolaus visit on specific dates.
What is there to eat and drink?
Glühwein, warm Bavarian pretzels, bratwursts off the grill, roasted nuts, and hot chocolate, sweets and pastries from local and European vendors. The Festival Hall has a bar and stays open after the vendors close.
Where should I park, or can I take transit?
There's no dedicated market lot. Campus parking includes the Holly Lot, 7th Street Garage, Elm Lot, Cherry Lot and 5th Street Garage, all paid through ParkMobile. Bus lines 43 and 6 stop right in front, and the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens light rail station is about a 10-minute walk.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash, and you need to clean up after them. Dogs aren't recommended during the Parade of Lights or on weekends because of the crowds.
Is the market wheelchair accessible?
Yes. There are ramps and ADA-accessible restrooms. Weekends and evenings get extremely busy and can be hard to get around in a wheelchair, and wheelchairs aren't rented or sold at the market.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.