What to Do in Denver, Colorado This Winter
People have some really strange ideas about Denver, Colorado. They think that it’s freezing cold all year long. People wrongly think that there’s no good food here-there’s great food here, you’re just going to the wrong places. And I think that people are convinced that the only thing that they can do during a winter visit to Colorado is go skiing. If you live in Denver or are planning to visit this winter hopefully I can help you by sharing some helpful suggestions of fun activities to enjoy while in town. Wondering what to do in Denver, Colorado this winter? There’s so many places and places to enjoy-read on!
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Book a Tour
If you’re visiting or a local who hates winter driving, booking a tour is a great way to explore the state and leave the planning to someone else. Denver has changed a lot in the past 10 years and the changes have accelerated since 2020. A tour guide can share nuance, insight and perspectives around what’s happening and what’s exciting in and around town. I’ve shared a few of my favorite tours that Viator offers.
What is Denver’s Weather During the Winter
One of my favorite things to do during the winter is troll my friends with pictures of me sitting on coffee shop patios during winter. I especially love to do this after a big snow storm that everyone has heard about. Denver’s winter weather is surprisingly mild, incredibly sunny and generally nice to enjoy the entire winter. The only exception that would be the two weeks in February when it’s crazy cold and that doesn’t seem to happen as often.
Where to Stay
If you’re thinking about booking a staycation or vacation in downtown Denver, I’ve shared some of my favorite hotels based on location, amenities such as EV charging stations and proximity to activities that you may be planning on enjoying.
20 Things to Do in When You Visit Denver this Winter
- Watch the Holiday Evening Drone show! This is a new event that will take place every night at 7:00 pm from November 22-December 31, 2024. The show lasts 15 minutes and is a great segway to enjoying the next experience.
- Night Lights Denver-This is still one of my favorite things to enjoy while I’m in downtown Denver during the evening. Different artist’s work are projected onto the Daniels & Fisher Clocktower. The shows last about 20 minutes and change each month.
- Make your way through Meow Wolf’s interactive art experience. Hard to explain, fun to experience.
- Check out Union Station’s Holiday Light Show and Display-This year Denver’s Union Station had a “facelift” and changed the interior. I’m really curious to see how they set up their holiday display this year.
- Denver Christkindlmarket-I really love that this Christmas market has been moved to Civic Center Park. It’s a great location for it and I especially love that the Mile High Tree is a part of this experience.
Five More Suggestions
- Enjoy a show at Denver Center for Performing Arts
- Head to Bellco Theater for Cirque Dreamz Holidaze
- Enjoy some live music
- Head to a concert at one of the many music venues in town. Some stand out concerts this winter include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
- Billy Strings
- Justin Timberlake
- Mary J. Blige
- View some beautiful art at the Dikeou Collection (reservations required-free)
- Head over to the Museum of Illusions
- Ice Skating at McGregor Square
- Check the events tab to see if the rink has been set up.
There’s Still More to Do
- Dinner and Drinks at Zeppelin Station (take the A-Line light rail one stop to 38th and Blake Station)
- Enjoy a lovely “High Tea” at one of several places in town offering it. You do have to call and reserve a time at all of these spots.
- Enjoy a sexy “Roof top” happy hour at one of the following places
- The Populus Hotel-Stellar Jay
- The Catbird Hotel-The Red Barber
- The Source Hotel-The Woods
- Pick up gifts or go shopping at Colorado Mills Mall-the best mall in the Denver metro area for an authentic mall experience. And it’s an outlet mall.
The Final Four
- Head over to Cherry Creek North for its Winter Wonderland Experience. Once you’re done you can make your way to restaurant in the neighborhood for dinner or go shopping at Cherry Creek Mall.
- Visit Hogan Park to check out the art. Two stand out pieces that I truly enjoyed are Umi and Broken Together. This park is by the airport so it’s a bit of a trek.
- Visit one of the two Ice Castles locations this winter
- Love desert? Visit The Inventing Room for desert.
What to Do in Denver, Colorado This Winter
There are so many activities to enjoy during a winter visit to Denver that don’t involve skiing. Eat your way through town, appreciate some great art and enjoy the view during a rooftop happy hour. If you’re looking for some more ideas, I’m working on another post with additional fun stuff to enjoy while you’re in town. There’s several activities that I didn’t mention.