Visiting Black Owned Denver, Colorado in December

Visiting Black Owned Denver, Colorado in December 2023

Black in Denver, December, Denver, things to do in Denver, Uncategorized Michelle@SquareState
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Are you thinking about checking out Denver, Colorado in December. But, you have questions? December is a wonderful time to visit Denver and I thought it would be helpful to share some activities to anchor your experience around so that you have a great time while in town. If you’re thinking about visiting Black owned Denver, Colorado in December I highly recommend it and have some tips and activity suggestions below.

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Cowtown Denver

Here’s Why December is a Good Time to Visit Denver

You’re probably wondering what the weather is like in December. If you’re from the Northeast, you will absolutely love the weather. If you’re visiting from a warmer state such as Georgia, it will be chilly but not as cold as you would see in the movies. In fact, I often troll people during the winter because the weather is so nice here. I work from coffee shop patios during winter for context.

December is a great time to visit Denver because there are so many holiday activities and the ski resorts should all be open by this time. There’s also professional basketball (Denver Nuggets) professional football (Denver Broncos) and professional hockey (Colorado Avalanche).

If sports aren’t your thing, there are a town of arts and theater events happening in town and I’m sharing some of my favorites below.

Schedule a Tour

If you’re not comfortable driving in snowy conditions or in the mountains, book a tour and leave the driving to someone else.

Standout Events to Check Out

Many of these events have an unexpected Black twist. There’s a lot happening during the month of December in Denver. If you’re planning to book a quick 48 hour or 72 hour trip, I highly recommend checking one or several of these events out as you work on designing your trip into town.

  • Blaxpanation at History Colorado–I attended the event in November and it was absolutely fantastic and free! Highly recommend. At the time I’m working on this post the team hasn’t updated the website with the next event’s information. I’m pretty sure that it’s December 16, 2023. Keep an eye out on the updates to the website.
  • The Nutcracker-This year’s Clara is Black (but, if you are there when the understudy performs she likely won’t be). This is a wonderful time to see a Black lead in the title role especially if you’re a fan of ballet like I am.
  • Yippee Kay Yay-A Die Hard Parody-It’s official, Die Hard is a holiday movie. This is one of the events that I’m most excited about this year and I can’t wait to see this. If you enjoy theater as much as I do buy a ticket as soon as possible.
  • National Brotherhood of Skiers (NBS) Copper Mountain Homecoming Event-If you would like to have a Black ski experience, NBS is hosting another ski weekend in Colorado. I had the amazing opportunity to experience the 50th Anniversary event in February of this year and I can’t rave about it enough. One of my favorite things about the event was talking to Black skiers in their 70’s and 80’s who have been skiing for years. It’s a beautiful community and space to be in.
  • Watch a Denver Nuggets Game
  • Catch a Colorado Avalanche game
  • Comedy Shows- Tony Rock and Gary Owen both have stops in town during the month of December at the Denver Improv Theater
Photo Credit: Square State Colorado

What About a Ski Trip?

Visiting Black Owned Denver, Colorado in December and adding a ski trip would be an incredible time. If you’re unable to join the NBS event, there are people going up to the mountains on a daily and weekly basis. I’ve included a link to a post I shared on how to find community on the slopes and how to plan a ski trip as a Black skier in Colorado. This is especially helpful if you’re a little nervous about heading up on your own.

Buy Travel Insurance if You’re Skiing

Don’t forget to pick up some additional travel insurance if you’re adding a ski trip to your plans.

Where to Stay

If you’re planning a quick trip in and out of town, the following hotels are within walking distance of Denver’s Union Station. You can take the train from Denver International Airport and exit at Union Station. It’s the last stop and then you can walk over to your hotel, take a free mall shuttle or grab a ride share to your accommodation.

Venues such as Ball Arena, Empower Field, Denver Center for Performing Arts, Mission Ballroom and even the Cherry Creek North Shopping district are within a 10-15 minute trip by car.

  • The Rally Hotel
    • Located in the McGregor Square development. If you love baseball, this is the place for you.
  • The Maven
    • Located in the Dairy Block development. I love this spot because it’s a great place to be based while in town.

Where to Eat

Due to gentrification, African-American businesses are now scattered across the Denver metro vs. in a unique neighborhood like before. I’m linking to a post that I did asking “If We Had Black Restaurant Week in Denver: Where Would We Go?”

Special Tip for My Southern Fam:

Please do not eat our Southern food. It won’t taste the same. I just returned from a trip to NOLA a few weeks ago and ate as much Southern food as I could while there. We have different regional cuisine and you will be sad if you eat it. You’ve been warned LOL!

Visiting Black Owned Denver, Colorado in December

December is a beautiful time of year to visit Denver and the state of Colorado. You’ll find that we love to sit in front of a fireplace, soak in a hot tub (bring your swimsuit) and have a good time.

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