10 Things to Do in Denver in December

December is one of the coldest months of the year in Denver, but also one of the most active. Here's what you can do during your trip.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

10 Things to Do in Denver in December

Christmas in Denver | ©Brian Papantonio

Denver is the capital of Colorado and one of the most popular cities in the American West. It is also one of the most famous snow destinations in the region, so when winter falls the influx of tourists increases. In December, which is one of the coldest months of the year in the area, we also find the beginning of the Christmas season, so this destination becomes a feast of activities.

Among the best things to do in Denver in December are enjoying the festivals of lights, seeing the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains, discovering the most interesting offers in the city's commercial arteries and attending the best live shows and concerts in Colorado.

1. Discover the flowers of light at Denver Botanic Gardens.

Denver Botanic Gardens in December| ©Paul R. Sanchez
Denver Botanic Gardens in December| ©Paul R. Sanchez

The Botanic Gardens are part of Denver's main attractions and an ideal alternative to get to know them in December is to discover the flowers of light that transform this site into a colorful scenery. This annual event, known as Blossoms of Light, illuminates the gardens with a display of lights that bring the cold winter nights to life.

The experience goes beyond simply contemplating the beauty of the lights, as the Botanical Gardens offer interactive activities and live entertainment, turning the visit into a multi-sensory experience. Stroll along illuminated walkways, marvel at moving light sculptures and enjoy glowing projections, making it one of the best things to do at night in Denver.

In addition, you can also explore the diversity of winter flora that blooms even in this season. The gardens are home to a unique collection of winter plants that can withstand the cold temperatures and add a special tint to the experience.

Buy tickets for the Botanical Gardens

2. See Red Rocks Park and the surrounding mountains with snow-capped peaks.

Red Rocks Amphitheater| ©Quan Ha
Red Rocks Amphitheater| ©Quan Ha

Exploring Red Rocks Park and the surrounding mountains is one of the best things to do in winter in Colorado's capital city, offering visitors a unique view of Denver in December. This month, known to be one of the coldest of the year, transforms the landscape into a picturesque setting where limestone rock formations stand out against the snow-capped peaks that surround the city. The park, famous for its open-air amphitheater, becomes a site with snowy trails and paths.

Also, despite the cold temperatures, December offers some of the best postcard views of Denver from Red Rocks Park with absolutely incredible panoramic views of the city.

Also, the snow-capped peaks surrounding Red Rocks offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and photography sessions, although you should note that due to the snowfall some trails may be closed to the public.

Book a tour to Red Rocks from Denver

3. Attend a Nuggets NBA game at a discounted rate

NBA| ©Tomek
NBA| ©Tomek

Attendinga Nuggets NBA game is one of the best things to do in Denver, although the usual drawback is often getting tickets at a good price. December solves part of that problem, as close to the Christmas and New Year's holidays basketball fans have the opportunity to enjoy these games with significant discounts on tickets.

December, then, presents itself as a special window for those looking to experience the intensity and talent of the NBA without breaking their budget. Likewise, this opportunity will also offer you better seats, closer to the court and you can even get adjacent seats, which will be ideal if you plan to visit Denver with children or family.

On the other hand, keep in mind that attending an NBA game not only guarantees a high-quality sporting spectacle, but also gives fans the chance to immerse themselves in the city' s vibrant, festive atmosphere and enjoy some of the best halftime shows around.

Buy tickets to see the Nuggets

4. Visit Skyline Park Ice Rink

Skating Rink| ©Brandon Fuller
Skating Rink| ©Brandon Fuller

One of the favorite activities for tourists visiting Denver in the winter is usually to enjoy the ice rink at Skyline Park. This site, located in the heart of the city, offers a space for both beginners and experienced skaters in a cozy environment that in December is also often decorated with festive motifs.

This activity, then, becomes an ideal option for families, since Skyline Park provides a friendly environment for children and adults alike. Also, since this park is located in the center of the city, you can combine this experience with some of the best guided tours in Denver, which usually include a stop at this site.

In addition to the fun on the ice, Skyline Park transforms into a festive corner during the holiday season. Twinkling lights, colorful decorations and a warm atmosphere make a visit to the ice rink even more special in December.

Book a guided tour in Denver

5. Discover one of the best postcard views of the Rocky Mountains

Rocky Mountains| ©Qianqian Fang
Rocky Mountains| ©Qianqian Fang

Visiting the Rocky Mountain s in December will allow you to discover one of the best postcard views of the city. This time of year offers visitors the opportunity to witness the city's surrounding mountains adorned with a blanket of snow that transforms the landscape into a natural spectacle not to be missed.

In the city, the sight of the surrounding mountains with their snow-capped peaks becomes an unavoidable postcard. The towering snow-capped peaks create a unique panorama that contrasts with the clear blue skies typical of Colorado.

In addition to the visual spectacle, December provides the opportunity to enjoy winter activities in the Rocky Mountains, such as skiing and snowboarding. The combination of scenic landscapes and the chance to participate in winter sports creates a complete experience for those looking for a more active connection to the natural environment.

Just be aware that some of the trails and roads in Rocky Mountain National Park may be closed during the winter in Denver due to snowfall or high winds.

Book a tour to the Rocky Mountains

6. Enjoy the luminous decorations on the city streets.

Denver Zoo at Christmas| ©Leandro Neumann Ciuffo
Denver Zoo at Christmas| ©Leandro Neumann Ciuffo

Exploring the streets of Denver during the month of December is a visually captivating experience, as the city lights up with dazzling illuminated decorations celebrating the holiday season. As you stroll through downtown you'll find yourself immersed in a spectacle that transforms the urban atmosphere into an enchanting scene.

Some of the best decorations can be found in iconic locations such as the 16th Street Mall, where bright lights create a glowing tunnel that will immerse you in the holiday spirit. This corridor is also home to decorated storefronts and giant Christmas trees, where you can take some of the best pictures of your trip.

Another unmissable place to enjoy the luminous decorations is Union Station. This historic meeting point comes alive with a dazzling display of festive lights that adorn both the interior and exterior of the architecturally stunning building. Likewise, historic neighborhoods like LoDo do their part, with building facades adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations.

7. Make the most of seasonal discounts at 16th Street Mall.

16th Street Mall| ©Z-Imagery
16th Street Mall| ©Z-Imagery

Located in the heart of downtown Denver, the 16th Street Mall becomes an irresistible shopping destination in December. This iconic pedestrian promenade, flanked by a variety of stores and retail locations, offers shoppers the opportunity to take full advantage of seasonal discounts. December, marked by the approach of holiday festivities and the changing of the season, presents itself as the ideal time to find tempting deals.

Stores along the 16th Street Mall often offer special discounts and promotions during this month, as merchants look to attract shoppers seeking holiday gifts and winter items. From fashion and accessories to personalized gifts, the diverse array of stores on the Mall gives visitors the opportunity to find items at significant discounts.

On the other hand, the proximity to Christmas also adds a special tint to the shopping experience on the 16th Street Mall. The twinkling lights, festive decorations and overall atmosphere create an ideal setting to enjoy the season while browsing for bargains.

8. Discover the magic of Christmas at Mile High Tree

Mile High Tree| ©one24thscale
Mile High Tree| ©one24thscale

The spirit of Christmas is present in the city in December and is inseparable from the rest of the activities, so during your walks around Denver you can discover the Mile High Tree, a giant Christmas tree that every year attracts tourists and locals alike. Its nearly 50-foot height and eye-catching lights make it the epicenter of the holiday eve, offering an ideal opportunity to discover the magic of the season.

Keep in mind, however, that the Mile High Tree is not just a Christmas tree, but also offers an immersive experience that combines synchronized lights, festive music and visual projections. There you can walk around the tree, immerse yourself in a multi-sensory show and enjoy one of the best things to do with kids in Denver.

The central location of the Mile High Tree also adds to the appeal of the experience. Amid the hustle and bustle of downtown Denver, this holiday spectacle becomes a beacon of light that attracts people of all ages and for the entire month of December outshines the rest of the city's attractions.

9. Catch a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts' Wolf Theater

Denver Center for the Performing Arts| ©Jim Nix
Denver Center for the Performing Arts| ©Jim Nix

Denver is a city with a strong cult following for artistic creativity, and in December you can easily get a taste of that side by attending a show at the Wolf Theater at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. During the last month of the year, this venue offers special holiday shows and themed plays celebrating the holiday season.

From classical productions to contemporary pieces, Christmas performances to carol concerts, the December schedule makes the theater a must-see destination for visitors.

Keep in mind that December is the Wolf Theater's gala month, so if you plan to visit the city during this month I advise you to reserve tickets in advance.

10. Watch the New Year's Eve fireworks display

Artistic Fireworks| ©Carol M. Highsmith
Artistic Fireworks| ©Carol M. Highsmith

Watching the New Year's fireworks is a tradition that adds a festive tinge to the closing of the year in the city. Denver offers several places from which to witness these fireworks displays, but one of the most prominent is Civic Center Park, where the city puts on a show that attracts visitors from all over the state.

Another prime spot to view the fireworks is from the top of Lookout Mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the city and surrounding area. Lookout's elevation provides a unique perspective to appreciate the pyrotechnic display, creating an unforgettable experience and one of the best things to do at night in Denver.

Finally, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, known for its natural setting, also becomes a special place to enjoy the combination of lights and music that characterizes the New Year's Eve fireworks in Denver. But for those looking for a more intimate experience, the rooftops and terraces of some downtown hotels and buildings offer a privileged view of the show.

Temperatures in Denver in December

Denver Streets| ©Ivan Campos
Denver Streets| ©Ivan Campos

Denver experiences cold weather during the month of December. With average temperatures hovering around 4° and nighttime lows reaching below freezing, winter weather takes full effect in the city. On the other hand, snowfalls are very frequent since November in Denver.

However, despite the cold, December also brings with it the opportunity to enjoy the unique winter festivities and activities the city has to offer, such as ice skating, holiday light shows and seasonal themed events, including classic Christmas activities.

Denver's December tourism in December

Getting to know Denver| ©Wesley Fryer
Getting to know Denver| ©Wesley Fryer

Tourism in Denver during the month of December experiences a marked increase thanks to a combination of holiday events and winter attractions. The city becomes a popular destination for those looking to experience the holiday season, attracting both local visitors and tourists from other regions.

In addition to the holiday festivities, Denver's proximity to the Rocky Mountains also contributes to the influx of tourists in December. Many visitors take advantage of the winter season to enjoy outdoor activities, such as skiing and snowboarding, at nearby Breckenridge Mountain Resort and Winter Park Resort.

Prices in Denver in December

Money in Euros| ©Ibrahim Boran
Money in Euros| ©Ibrahim Boran

In December, prices in Denver can vary depending on seasonal demand and the proximity of the holidays. It is important to note that this month coincides with peak tourism season due to Christmas celebrations and winter activities in the region. As a result, prices for accommodations, restaurants and activities may experience a slight increase due to higher demand.

However, December also offers opportunities to take advantage of promotions and special offers on cultural events, shows and local attractions. When planning a visit to Denver in December, I advise you to do your research in advance and consider early booking options to ensure the best value for your money.

What to pack for a December visit to Denver?

Luggage| ©tookapic
Luggage| ©tookapic

December is one of the coldest winter months in Denver and snowfall is very frequent, so I advise you to pack the following in your suitcase:

  • Winter coats
  • Waterproof and comfortable boots
  • Wool scarves
  • Thermal socks
  • Raincoat
  • Sunglasses
  • Woolen hat
  • Waterproof and tactile gloves
  • Fleece pants
  • Thermal fleece
  • Wool sweaters