Last updated: November 11, 2024
The festive season is upon us, Lakewood! Explore our guide for all the must-see holiday attractions. For Lakewood residents and wandering souls alike, our guide is your compass to holiday magic.
Popular events this season include the enchanting Winter Wanderland, where visitors can stroll through twinkling lights and winter wonders. Enjoy the whimsical charm of Camp Christmas, featuring immersive holiday displays and festive activities for all ages. And the Luminova Holidays is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a dazzling light show that captivates the spirit of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Illuminated trees with live performances.
Cherry Creek North's Winter Wanderland features over 1 million twinkling lights wrapping more than 600 trees, creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere with live music, stilt walkers, and acrobats.
Where: Denver | More Info: Winter Wanderland
Immersive light displays and interactive activities.
Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens features over 4 million dazzling lights, larger-than-life displays, and interactive activities for all ages. Enjoy rides, festive lights, and holiday cheer in a winter wonderland setting.
Where: Denver | More Info: Luminova Holidays
Holiday celebration with animal-themed light displays.
Denver Zoo Lights features over 3 million LED lights transforming the zoo into a vibrant holiday display with animal-shaped light displays, interactive experiences, and festive attractions.
Where: Denver | More Info: Denver Zoo Lights
Immersive, luminous displays highlighting plant collections.
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens is a spectacular holiday light show featuring a mile-long path through immersive, luminous displays that accentuate and highlight the gardens' plant collections. The event is a cherished holiday tradition, constantly evolving to inspire wonder and delight in visitors. All lights used are LED, and holiday treats and warm drinks are available for purchase.
Where: Denver | More Info: Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
LED-lit walking trail through historic and natural settings.
Trail of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens - Chatfield Farms features a winding path illuminated by LED lights, showcasing cottonwoods, boxelders, and pine trees. The event includes lit props in the amphitheater, synchronized lights, dancing Christmas trees, and illuminated antique and model tractors. Hot beverages, nuts, and kettle corn are available for purchase, along with fudge and caramels in the warming hut. The Holiday Market is also open for holiday gift shopping.
Where: Littleton | More Info: Trail of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens - Chatfield Farms
Spectacular display of floats, balloons, and holiday characters.
The 9News Parade of Lights features the Varsity Big Red Team and Westernaires Batons team as they march through Downtown Denver, showcasing colorful floats, giant balloons, and festive holiday characters.
Where: Denver | More Info: 9 News Parade of Lights
A giant illuminated tree that serves as a community gathering point.
The Mile High Tree stands as a towering highlight of the season, adorned with thousands of shimmering lights. Visitors can stroll around the base, taking in the breathtaking views while enjoying the festive atmosphere. The tree is a focal point for gatherings, hosting various activities that capture the spirit of the holidays. A perfect backdrop for photos, it brings together community members to celebrate in a bright, inviting space.
Where: Denver | More Info: Mile High Tree
Unique blend of local vendors and festive holiday atmosphere.
Downtown Lakewood Holiday Bazaar is an indoor marketplace featuring over 80 carefully curated vendors, fashion and food trucks, pop-up bars, live music, and a variety of holiday shopping options.
Where: Lakewood | More Info: Downtown Lakewood Holiday Bazaar
Immersive holiday celebration with interactive installations and themed activities.
Camp Christmas is a 15,000 square-foot, 360-degree immersive holiday experience at Stanley Marketplace, featuring handcrafted installations, craft cocktails, and visits with Santa. It offers a surreal mashup of nostalgic scenes, playful decorations, and eclectic rituals that celebrate the holiday spirit.
Where: Aurora | More Info: Camp Christmas
Opulent musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel.
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
Immersive holiday experience with craft cocktails and playful activities.
At Camp Christmas, you can leave your worries behind, discover your holiday superpower, visit Santa, and sample craft cocktails from the Base Camp and Fairy Bars. Wander through surreal nostalgic scenes and scratch your head at playful pun trees, reconnecting with the joy of the season.
Where: Denver | More Info: Santa at the Hangar
Old-school variety show with celebrity appearances and diverse musical styles.
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
Immersive theatrical re-creation of "The Polar Express" with vintage coaches and Santa visit.
The Polar Express Train Ride is a theatrical re-creation of the classic holiday story, featuring a cabaret-style show, a ride to the North Pole aboard vintage coaches, and a visit with Santa. Guests enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a Silver Bell as part of the experience.
Where: Golden | More Info: The Polar Express Train Ride
Holiday musical performances with a mix of classic and original songs.
The Lakewood Cultural Center presents a diverse lineup of holiday performances, including Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, featuring well-known holiday songs and a wholesome, uplifting musical story. The season also includes other vibrant and multicultural programs showcasing world-class artists in dance, theater, jazz, and classical music.
Where: Lakewood | More Info: Holiday Performances at Lakewood Cultural Center
Free ice skating with affordable skate rentals for all ages.
The Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park offers free ice skating from November to February, with special events and skate rentals available for adults and children. It is conveniently located along the 16th Street Mall, providing a fun winter activity for all ages.
Where: Denver | More Info: Downtown Denver Rink
Traditional Hanukkah celebration with a latke contest.
Join the JCC Denver for a Hanukkah Celebration filled with food, tradition, and camaraderie. Enjoy a latke contest and share in the joy of the Festival of Lights.
Where: Denver | More Info: Chanukah Celebration in Cherry Creek
Community-driven Hanukkah celebration with latke contest and themed games.
Latkes and Lights is a Hanukkah celebration featuring themed games, live music, and a variety of latkes from famous Denver restaurants and community members. Attendees can vote for their favorite staff-made menorah and enjoy a family-friendly event with activities for all ages.
Where: Denver | More Info: Latkes and Lights
Interactive educational events for all ages.
At the Downtown Aquarium Denver, families can enjoy a variety of interactive experiences, including educational days for home-schooled students, marine biologist days, and low-sensory mornings for those with sensory processing disorders. The aquarium also hosts themed events like Valentine's Day breakfasts, Easter brunches, and Earth Day celebrations.
Where: Denver | More Info: Santa and the Aquarium
