10 Things to Do in Denver in Winter

Denver in winter is one of the most visited places in Colorado. Despite the low temperatures that characterize the city, the snowy landscapes of the surrounding mountains and the winter sports offered by the surroundings of this destination attract visitors looking for options for the whole family in the state capital.

Among the best things to do in Denver in winter are the city's signature indoor entertainment experiences, ice-skating rinks, shopping tours along the commercial arteries, seasonal sports fun and panoramic snowy views.

The Garden of the Gods is one of the most geologically and culturally significant attractions in Colorado. This site is characterized by its red sandstone rock formations, which rise more than 4300 meters above sea level and during the winter give one of the most distinctive images of the region, with snowy landscapes and mountain peaks.

Also, within the Garden of the Gods you can find Pikes Peak, which is one of the most visited mountain platforms in the world and offers, from the top, wide views of the entire area. You can usually visit this destination on the best tours from Denver, but you can also do it on your own.

Wintertime offers one of the most attractive experiences for visitors, as you can enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings while the snow enhances the beauty of the mountains, creating an unmissable atmosphere in one of the most beautiful places in Colorado.

Denver's winter weather often reaches freezing temperatures, so one of the best ways to escape the cold is to opt for indoor experiences, such as the Wind Tunnel. This attraction will allow you to enjoy the sensation of flying in a controlled and safe environment, as it is a facility designed to simulate the experience of free-falling from a parachute, but in an enclosed environment.

The wind tunnel experience involves defying gravity as you float through the air, supported by powerful air currents generated by vertical fans. This activity is suitable for all ages and participants are provided with safety equipment and receive detailed instructions before entering the tunnel. This is why it is also one of the best alternatives to enjoy Denver with children.

Experiencing weightlessness and the sensation of floating in the wind tunnel not only provides a winter retreat, but also offers an alternative that provides adrenaline and fun for the whole family.

Skyline Park is located in the heart of Denver and becomes one of the winter epicenters with its outdoor ice skating rink. Surrounded by the city's tallest buildings, this space attracts people of all ages looking for fun and also some of the best panoramic views of the urban environment.

The ice skating experience at Skyline Park is ideal for families, especially if you plan to visit Denver with children. The rink provides safe terrain for the little ones to enjoy the sport, and food stands and other winter activities can be found around the park.

In addition, Skyline Park also offers festive decorations, colorful lights and a variety of scheduled events and activities throughout the season. Specifically, if you plan to visit Denver in December, you're in for a holiday atmosphere.

Denver Union Station isn't just a train station, it's a culinary destination that's home to some of the city's best food stalls, and during the winter, it's one of the perfect places to sample seasonal cuisine at any time of day.

There you can try winter options such as green chili, which is a typical Colorado stew, fondue, soup and the popular pumpkin pie. In addition, you can also make an intermediate stop between excursions to have a hot chocolate and take refuge from the cold outside.

Another recommended option is the famous Rocky Mountain Oysters from Mercantile Dining & Provision, a dish that rescues the authentic flavors of the region with a recipe typical of Denver and the surrounding area of Colorado.

In addition, the Terminal Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a wide selection of local craft beers. For all these options and for its central location and easy access from almost anywhere in Denver, Union Station is often featured on the best food tours in the city.

The 16th Street Mall is one of the city's most prominent shopping epicenters, and during the winter and Christmas Eve, it transforms into a haven for those looking for the perfect gifts. This vibrant, pedestrianized stretch offers a wide variety of stores and department stores that make it an ideal destination for a shopping tour.

From name brands to small, local stores, the 16th Street Mall has something for everyone's taste and preferences. Also, if you plan to visit Denver in December, you can see how this place becomes a spectacle of lights and festive decorations. On the other hand, the buildings along the street are often decorated with Christmas motifs, creating a magical atmosphere.

In addition to shopping options, the 16th Street Mall offers a complete experience with a wide selection of restaurants and cafes. There you can take a break from shopping and enjoy a local meal or a hot chocolate to escape the winter chill during your tour.

Red Rock Park is one of the most visited sites around Denver year-round for its amphitheater and music concert venue. But during the winter, this park also offers sweeping views of the snowy Rocky Mountain landscapes and red sandstone formations.

During the coldest time of the year, Red Rock Park transforms into a winter wonderland, offering scenic, snow-drenched trails. The peaks of the Rocky Mountains serve as the backdrop for this icy landscape, which also provides some of the best photographs of your trip.

The importance of Red Rock Park lies not only in its natural scenery, but also in its ability to host cultural and artistic events that celebrate the connection between music and nature. You can visit this site on your own or as part of the best tours from Denver.

Breckenridge, located in the Colorado Rockies about two hours from Denver, stands out as one of the best ski destinations around the state capital. With its mountain scenery and a variety of terrain for all skill levels, Breckenridge offers an unparalleled experience for winter sports enthusiasts.

In addition to skiing, Breckenridge offers other activities to enjoy during the winter season. There you can explore the snowshoe trails, enjoy sleigh rides or experience the serenity of the natural environment on a snowmobile ride. For those seeking more extreme adventures, the area also has snowmobiling and snowboarding terrain.

In addition, the town of Breckenridge, with its Victorian-style architecture, will offer a cultural tour of the region and allow you to discover that this destination is much more than just a ski slope.

During the winter, snow is the main feature in and around Denver, but to discover some of the best scenery you don't always need to go far from the city center. The Botanical Gardens, usually known for their floral splendor in spring and summer, offer a relaxing experience during the winter, when you can take in the snowy trails and picturesque surroundings.

This activity will allow you to discover a completely new perspective of this green space and very different from what you will find in the gardens if you visit Denver in the summer. The snow-covered trees create a calm and peaceful atmosphere, while the meandering paths allow visitors to explore the beauty of every nook and cranny.

In addition, during the winter, the Botanic Gardens also offers special events and activities ranging from festive light displays to workshops and guided tours, making it the centerpiece of some of Denver's best tours.

Winter Park Resort, located about 60 miles from Denver, is one of the most popular winter destinations in the Denver area. Known worldwide as a skier's and snowboarder's paradise, it has a variety of terrain for all levels and ages, offering some of the best things to do with kids in Denver

At Winter Park Resort you can challenge world-renowned downhill runs, such as the Mary Jane run, known for its steep, pine-flanked terrain. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers tubing, ice skating and sleigh rides, which are an ideal alternative for the whole family.

Keep in mind, however, that a visit to Winter Park Resort is not just limited to snow activities. The resort has a bustling alpine village, filled with stores, restaurants and entertainment options to enjoy after a day in the mountains.

If you plan to visit Denver with children or are an animal lover, during the coldest time of the year you can visit the city's zoo, which transforms into a winter wonderland with festive decorations and special activities.

Because winter in Colorado coincides with Christmas, if you visit Denver in December at the zoo you'll also find typical holiday activities. However, the lions, penguins, birds and elephants are still the stars of the show.

Also, throughout the year, the Denver Zoo offers interactive activities that consist of interacting with the animals, feeding them and learning about their natural habitats, which are recreated in detail in this ecopark considered one of the largest in Colorado.

During the winter months, temperatures in Denver can vary significantly, offering a diverse winter experience. However, from December through March it usually ranges from -5° to 10°, so snowfall is common. Also, nights can be considerably colder than the daytime.

On the other hand, keep in mind that snowfall transforms Denver's routine and the city becomes an epicenter for skiers and snowboarders, and you can experience the beauty of the snowy landscapes from anywhere in the city.

Denver experiences a considerable influx of tourists during the winter season. Despite the cold temperatures, the city attracts visitors from all over the country in search of unique and diverse winter experiences. In addition, the city's geographic location makes it an ideal spot to visit Rocky Mountain National Park and nearby ski resorts.

Also, keep in mind that if you visit Denver in December, you'll see the city dress up, offering special festivals, Christmas decorations and cultural activities that attract visitors in search of an authentic winter experience. From enjoying the downtown lighting to participating in cultural and sporting events, the influx of tourists in Denver during the winter is reflected in the city's diverse appeal.

In winter, prices in Denver can be very volatile. During the ski season, which attracts numerous visitors, the costs of hotel accommodations and vacation rentals tend to increase, especially in areas near Rocky Mountain resorts. In addition, ticket prices for winter activities and ski equipment may be higher due to increased demand.

However, there are strategies that may offer opportunities for savings. Some restaurants and stores may have special offers during the off-season, and local cultural events and activities often offer more affordable rates. Overall, price fluctuation in Denver in the winter depends largely on seasonal demand and specific location within the city or surrounding area.

Winter in Denver can be very cold and snowfall can be frequent, so to really enjoy the city I recommend packing the following items in your suitcase:

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