10 Things to Do in Denver in November
November is halfway between fall and winter in Denver, but it offers some of the best cultural activities of the year. Here I tell you about all the options you'll find in the city.
If you plan to visit Denver in November you will find a city that is beginning to say goodbye to autumn and preparing to enter winter, but not before presenting some of the best cultural options of the annual calendar and alternatives that inaugurate Christmas Eve in the capital of Colorado.
Among the best things to do in Denver in November are discovering the cultural festivals, visiting the city's museums without paying entrance fees, exploring the surroundings of this destination before the winter snows and attending the opening of the Christmas markets, which are typical in this place.
1. Discover Denver Arts Week
November welcomes an extraordinary celebration of creativity and artistic expression to the city: Denver Arts Week. This annual festival, which spans the first week of the month, has established itself as a unique event that highlights the richness and diversity of the local and international arts scene. Denver Arts Week is not really an exhibition of artwork, but an immersion into Denver's cultural scene.
Denver, which is recognized as a cultural bastion and especially noted for its art scene and the street murals that adorn its streets, is transformed during this event into a living canvas where the walls come alive, telling vibrant stories and capturing the diverse essence of Colorado's capital city. Local artists display their talents, turning urban spaces into outdoor galleries.
The Denver Arts Week experience goes beyond static exhibits to include live events, street performances and opportunities to interact directly with the artists.
2. Explore the Rocky Mountains before winter arrives
Before winter descends on the city, one of the best ways to say goodbye to autumn is to visit the Rocky Mountains. This site offers a visual spectacle not to be missed, with its peaks covered with colorful autumn forests and clear skies. November, which usually features the first snowfall of the year, is the perfect time to venture out on the roads and trails that wind through the rugged landscapes and alpine meadows.
However, it is crucial to take advantage of this window of time before winter sets in. With the arrival of the heaviest snowfall and icy winds, many roads and trails are closed to the public. The white blanket that covers the region not only adds a new dimension to the beauty of the landscape, but also presents logistical and safety challenges, in some cases creating extreme weather conditions.
That's why exploring the Rocky Mountains in November is an ideal opportunity to discover some of the best scenery around the city, in experiences you can have on your own or on some of the best tours from Denver.
3. Enjoy a show at Red Rocks before the winter shutdown
November is the golden month for music and live show lovers in Denver, as it marks the last chance of the year to enjoy a live show at Red Rocks Amphitheater. This open-air stage nestled among limestone rock formations offers a unique experience at a site that, with unparalleled acoustics and panoramic views, has become a cult venue for performers.
However, the arrival of winter means the temporary closure of Red Rocks. November, therefore, marks the last month of the year in which the amphitheater hosts concerts and live events before adverse weather conditions and snowfall close its doors until March of the following year.
The opportunity to enjoy a concert at Red Rocks before the onset of winter in Denver is, therefore, a unique experience. Whether it's an established artist or an up-and-coming band, this amphitheater becomes a stage in November that celebrates music under the starry sky before the winter break.
4. Visit the city's museums with free admission
If you want to live cultural experiences in Denver, November is the ideal month because it offers art lovers an exceptional opportunity to explore several museums that open their doors for free on specific days of the week. This initiative seeks to encourage access to culture, allowing locals and visitors to enjoy the most outstanding museums without worrying about the cost of admission.
The free admission days in November not only offer free access to museums, but also have extended hours, usually from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day. Among the most popular museums joining the initiative are the Denver Art Museum, which houses a collection ranging from ancient art to contemporary works, and the Museum of Nature and Science.
From traveling exhibits to permanent collections, participating museums become open spaces for education, inspiration and enjoyment for all who wish to visit.
5. Attend the opening of Cherry Creek Holiday Market
The arrival of November in Denver brings with it the holiday spirit, the anticipation of year-end festivities and the opening of the Cherry Creek Holiday Market, an event that marks the beginning of this special season. This flea market, then, becomes a must-see destination for anyone looking for handcrafted goods and unique gifts that reflect the holiday spirit.
The Cherry Creek Holiday Market is not only a place to shop, but also a space where the community comes together to celebrate. With local vendors offering everything from decorative items to Colorado food specialties, the market becomes a traditional site.
This holiday market is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, providing attendees with a unique shopping and entertainment experience. From holiday decorations to handcrafted gifts, the Cherry Creek Holiday Market is the ideal place to find some of the best holiday products. Also, visiting this flea market is one of the top things to do with kids in Denver.
6. Take shelter from the cold in Denver's wind tunnel.
When the fall temperatures begin to drop and the cold becomes intense, there is a unique experience that will allow you to take refuge from the frigid weather without losing your share of entertainment and that is the Denver Wind Tunnel. This indoor activity, which has gained popularity in the region, offers visitors the opportunity to experience the sensation of flying in a controlled and safe environment.
Buying tickets for the Denverwind tunnel allows you to experience an experience that simulates the free fall of a parachute jump, allowing participants to enjoy zero gravity without having to jump out of an airplane. During the flight, powerful air currents will lift you up and give you the unique sensation of floating in the air in an adrenaline-filled experience.
This flight activity is an exciting option for both beginners and experienced skydivers, providing a unique perspective of weightlessness in a controlled environment. In addition, this wind tunnel allows you to enjoy this adventure year-round, regardless of the weather conditions outside, and is suitable for enjoying with children in Denver.
7. Celebrate Day of the Dead in Denver
Denver has one of the largest Mexican immigrant communities in the United States and, as a result, the tradition of the Day of the Dead celebration has become a staple event in the city every November 2. This holiday, which honors loved ones who have passed away, fills the city with color and joy as people gather to remember and celebrate life.
Among the highlights of Denver's Day of the Dead celebrations are the processions and parades that wind through the streets, filling the air with music, folkloric dances and the aromatic fragrance of ofrendas. Events often include community altars, where photographs and symbolic objects are placed in honor of the departed, and participants can enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine, with food stands offering traditional dishes.
Denver, then, becomes a vibrant and festive scene during the Day of the Dead, with numerous cultural centers and museums organizing special activities to commemorate the occasion that you too can be a part of if you plan to visit the city in November.
8. Get to know Christkindlmarket Denver
Every November, Denver welcomes the holiday season with the opening of the Christkindlmarket, an event that has become a must-see tradition. This market, which has its roots in German festivities, creates a festive atmosphere in the heart of the city and marks the beginning of the holiday season.
The Christkindlmarket is set up annually in Skyline Park, transforming this space into an authentic European Christmas market. Among the stalls decorated with lights and ornaments you can find a wide variety of handicrafts and gifts. You will also find an ice skating rink, which later becomes one of the main attractions of winter in Denver.
In addition, the Christkindlmarket offers a variety of culinary delights, such as pretzels, German sausages and, of course, the classic hot drink of the season: glühwein, or mulled wine.
9. Attend the Denver International Film Festival
If you're a film buff or want to experience something different in Denver in November, you can attend the International Film Festival. This annual event brings together filmmakers, artists and film lovers for a unique cinematic experience. During this festival, a selection of independent films, documentaries and international masterpieces that highlight cultural diversity are shown at different locations throughout the city.
The Denver International Film Festival is also known for its dedication to showcasing innovative and provocative films that challenge conventions and explore new narrative horizons. Screenings are held in classic cinemas, but also in alternative screening rooms, giving attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of cinematic styles and unique perspectives.
This festival, therefore, not only offers an exceptional cinematic experience, but also the opportunity to interact with filmmakers and industry professionals, as the event also includes Q&A sessions, panel discussions and interactive workshops.
10. Visit the Center's Aquarium before the hibernation period.
Before the cold temperatures arrive and many marine species enter their hibernation period, buying tickets to visit the Downtown Aquarium in Denver in November will allow you to experience this site at one of its best times. This aquarium is home to a great diversity of marine life. However, beginning in December, some of these species prepare to hibernate, transforming the aquarium's operation.
During the months leading up to the hibernation period, visitors have the opportunity to see the full activity of the underwater habitats. The aquarium's tanks include everything from tropical fish to sharks of different sizes. In addition, interactive exhibits offer attendees the chance to walk through acrylic tunnels through the ponds in a kid-friendly experience in Denver.
As December approaches, the Downtown Aquarium undergoes significant changes. Many marine species choose to enter a period of hibernation, adjusting their behavior and energy. This can result in a quieter environment in the ponds and some areas of the aquarium remaining closed to the public.
Denver temperatures in November
November in Denver marks the transition from fall to winter, and temperatures during this month reflect this seasonal change. As the city bids farewell to the warm days of autumn, temperatures typically range from 8° to 15°, although it begins to cool down toward the end of the month.
It is important to note that while snowfall is not as frequent in November as in the following months, it is still possible for Denver to experience occasional snow precipitation. This adds a wintry tint to the city, creating a picturesque landscape and setting the stage for the upcoming ski season in the surrounding mountains.
Denver tourism in November
November in Denver attracts a significant tourist influx, as the city becomes an attractive destination for those seeking varied experiences ranging from cultural events to previewing the winter season in the Rocky Mountains. In addition, the transition from fall to winter provides an opportunity to explore Colorado's changing landscapes.
On the other hand, the approach of the holiday season is beginning to be felt in the city, so many planning to visit Denver in December can begin to discover the festive side of this destination starting in November with the opening of themed flea markets and Christmas fairs.
Prices in Denver in November
Prices in Denver during the month of November tend to experience ups and downs that reflect the seasonal transition and festivities that characterize this period. As winter and Christmas approach , prices increase, especially for excursions and culinary options.
In addition, the influx of tourists that Denver experiences in November, especially due to events such as the International Film Festival and the opening of the Christkindlmarket, can influence the prices of accommodations. That's why I advise you to book your stay in advance and book city tours before your arrival, so you can freeze the rate and get more affordable prices.
What to pack to visit Denver in November?
November is the prelude to winter in Denver, however the weather is not so cold and the winds are moderate, at least during the first part of the month, so I advise you to include the following in your suitcase:
- Hiking shoes
- Mountain coat
- Jacket
- Comfortable shoes
- Wool sweaters
- Light T-shirt
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight pants
- Rain jacket
- Waterproof jacket