10 Best Christmas and Holiday Events in Colorado for 2025

Christmas in Colorado has a unique offering. Between snow-dusted mountain towns, festive city markets, and breathtaking light displays, the state brings holiday traditions to life in ways that feel both timeless and unique. If you’re searching for a family-friendly train ride, an authentic European market, or a small-town parade, Colorado has something for everyone. 

We searched the internet high and low for the most talked-about and well-loved events so you don’t have to, saving you time while making sure you don’t miss a thing. 

These events are not ranked in any particular order. Each one is included because it’s popular or worth knowing about.

1. Georgetown Christmas Market 

Step back in time on Georgetown’s historic “Merriest Main Street,” where roasted chestnuts, Victorian dancers, horse-drawn wagon rides, and carolers fill the air with old-world charm. St. Nicholas makes appearances, and the European-style market offers unique gifts and festive treats. It’s one of Colorado’s most beloved Christmas traditions.

• Dates: December 6–7 & 13–14, 2025 (10 am–5 pm)
  
• Address: 6th Street, Georgetown, CO 80444
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes 
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: historicgeorgetown.org

2. Denver Christkindlmarket 

Skyline Park transforms into an authentic German holiday market, complete with artisan gifts, German food, mulled wine, and live music. It’s a month-long celebration perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to shop for something special. The festive atmosphere makes it one of Denver’s biggest holiday highlights.

• Dates: November 21–December 23, 2025
  
• Address: Auraria Campus,  Tivoli Quad 1000 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80204
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes 
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors) 
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: christkindlmarketdenver.com

3. Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens 

This annual light show transforms the gardens into a glowing winter wonderland with millions of LED lights and animated displays. Guests can stroll through the illuminated pathways while enjoying warm drinks and holiday cheer. It’s one of the most popular light displays in the entire region.

• Dates: Late November 2025 – Early January 2026 (TBA)
  
• Address: 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes 
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only 
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: botanicgardens.org

4. Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms (Littleton)

Located at Denver Botanic Gardens’ Chatfield Farms, this walk-through trail features glowing trees, light displays across farmland and forests, and even a historic homestead. Families love the children’s play area and festive atmosphere. It’s a smaller, more rustic counterpart to Blossoms of Light.

• Dates: TBA 2025 (typically late Nov–Dec)
  
• Address: 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton, CO 80128
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes 
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only 
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: botanicgardens.org

5. Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens Theme Park (Denver)

Elitch Gardens goes all out with over 3 million lights, giant displays, a candy cane tunnel, and interactive fun for kids. Some rides remain open, and Santa himself makes appearances. It’s a theme-park-meets-holiday festival experience.

• Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
  
• Address: 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes 
  
• Pet-friendly: No 
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: elitchgardens.com

6. Christmas in Color (Multiple Locations)

This drive-through light show lets you enjoy synchronized displays, music, and colorful tunnels, all from the comfort of your car. Popular locations include Water World, Red Rocks, and Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. It’s an easy, low-stress way to see lights with kids in tow.

• Dates: November 20–December 24, 2025
  
• Locations: Water World (Federal Heights), Red Rocks (Morrison), Arapahoe County Fairgrounds (Aurora)
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes 
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (in vehicles) 
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: christmasincolor.net

7. Cherry Creek North Holiday Market (Denver)

Denver’s upscale Cherry Creek district hosts this open-air market featuring local vendors, food, drinks, and live music. The setting makes holiday shopping more festive, with plenty of options for unique, locally made gifts. It’s both family-friendly and dog-friendly.

• Dates: November 20–December 24, 2025
  
• Address: Fillmore Plaza, Cherry Creek North, Denver, CO 80206
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes 
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes 
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: cherrycreeknorth.com

8. Polar Express Train Ride (Durango)

Based on the classic story, this train ride is a holiday tradition for many Colorado families. Passengers enjoy hot cocoa, music, treats, and a visit from Santa as the train makes its way to the “North Pole.” It’s a magical experience that kids remember for years.

• Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 3, 2026
  
• Address: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: durangotrain.com

9. Festival of Lights (Frederick)

Crist Park hosts this community event featuring a parade, tree lighting, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, and an ice sculpture display. Families can also take photos with Santa. It’s a fun, free option for small-town holiday charm.

• Dates: December 6, 2025
  
• Address: Crist Park, 105 Fifth St, Frederick, CO 80530
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: frederickco.gov

10. Boulder County Winter Market (Longmont)

This indoor market is packed with 150+ local farmers, makers, and artisans offering food, crafts, and unique gifts. Visitors can enjoy live music while shopping and supporting local businesses. It’s a great way to stock up for the holidays while enjoying the season.

• Dates: December 6–7, 2025 (9 am–3 pm)
  
• Address: Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont, CO 80501
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: bcfm.org

Make Christmas Memories in Colorado This Year

These 10 events highlight the best of Colorado’s holiday season, from big city festivals to cozy mountain markets. Your whole family can enjoy diverse activities set to a picturesque mountain backdrop. 

Let us save you even more time! Join our email list and we’ll send you the best Christmas events, tips, and traditions straight to your inbox. Follow us on Instagram @thechristmascom for even more holiday inspiration. 

Have an event to add or see an update we should make? Email us at info@thechristmas.com.