7 Holiday Events Perfect for Families in Denver

Since 1975, the Parade of Lights has been the marquee event in downtown Denver. The two-night parade is FREE and winds its way down a two-mile route with floats, marching bands, costumed characters, plenty of sparkling lights, giant balloons to rival the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, and the parade mascot himself, Major Waddles. Pick up tickets in the official grandstand for the best seats in the house, or just find a prime spot along the route. And don’t forget to bundle up and bring a hot beverage along too.

9News Parade of Lights
Friday, December 6 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 7 at 6 p.m.
1437 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80202

Follow the sounds of the swing band and the dapper throwback party outfits to this roaring vintage shindig. The annual ball sends guests back to the 1940s and ‘50s, with props, vintage cars, old-fashioned Christmas decorations, classic holiday foods, and re-enactors to complete the scene. The extraveganza takes inspiration from “White Christmas” and other classic Hollywood displays of holiday cheer.

1940s White Christmas Ball
December 7, 3:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center
650 15th St., Denver, CO 80202

Listening to hundreds of tubas belt out classic holiday songs may sound like a weird way to spend an afternoon, but Tubachristmas must be doing something right because the annual event has been going on for 46 years. Among shows around Colorado, the group pops up at the Denver Performing Arts Complex on December 22, just in time to serenade guests with the frumpiest of brass instruments.

Tubachristmas
December 22, 11:30 a.m.
Denver Performing Arts Complex
1400 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204

Forget the slopes. The best winter sports and games can be found at the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park. The rink is FREE (skate rentals are $7/$9) and is open every day through mid-February, making it easy to pop by whenever the urge strikes to get on the ice. Also be on the lookout for special events, like the chance to skate with Major Waddles, Santa, and Disney characters. Stop by on Friday nights to listen to DJs spinning while you skate, or gather a team for a game of broomball.

Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park
1515 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80202

It wouldn't be Christmas without a visit to the traditional German holiday market in Skyline Park. Finish up your holiday shopping at the artisan marketplace, sample snacks straight from the old country like Russian crepes known as blinchiki or knödel dumplings (paired with a big stein of beer), and look out for market celebs like St. Nikolaus, Krampus and the Christkind.

Christkindl Market
Daily from 11 a.m., November 22 - December 23
1515 Arapahoe St tower 3 suite 100, Denver, CO 80202

Not every excited NYE celebrator can stay awake until midnight. Younger residents of the Mile High City can celebrate early at Noon Year’s Eve. Hosted by the Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, the event features all the usual trappings of a NYE party, with a ball drop, rainbows of confetti, and oversized sheets of bubble wrap for kids to stomp on (which, honestly, should be a part of every New Year’s Eve party).

Noon Year’s Eve
December 31, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
2121 Children's Museum Dr, Denver, CO 80211

There’s no better place to ring in the new year than in the streets of downtown Denver. Head down to the 16th Street Mall where you can watch the extensive eight-minute fireworks show, which runs twice on New Year’s Eve. Pop by at 9 p.m. with the little ones for a pre-bedtime show or stick around until midnight for the official countdown and show. There will be plenty of entertainment from DJs all night long.

18th Annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks
16th St, Denver, CO 80202