From mid-November through the end of December, Denver Metro fills up with holiday lights, outdoor markets, parades, and free museum days. This page lists verified public events from November 9 through about December 31, 2026, starting with Denver, then nearby cities. Each item links to an official or other reputable source. Confirm times, tickets, and closures there before you go.
SCFD Free Day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
When: Monday, November 16, 2026. Typical museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver, CO
Cost: Free general admission
Free general admission to the Wildlife Halls and permanent exhibitions. No ticket is required for general admission. A separate ticket is required for the Sturm Infinity Theater, Gates Planetarium, or temporary exhibitions.
When: November 19 through December 24, 2026. Monday to Wednesday noon to 7 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday and December 18 to 23, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thanksgiving (November 26) and Christmas Eve, noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Fillmore Plaza, Cherry Creek North, Denver, CO
Cost: Free
A free outdoor market of local makers, designers, and creators at Fillmore Plaza, with live music and the Mistletoe Lounge bar.
When: November 20, 2026, through January 10, 2027, 4:30 to 9 p.m. Closed November 26 and December 25. A sensory-friendly night is scheduled for December 1, 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, York Street, Denver, CO
Cost: Ticketed. Public tickets $19 to $45, depending on date and time. Children 2 and younger are free.
A ticketed evening walk through LED light displays at the York Street gardens. Timed tickets are sold in advance, with plan-ahead prices from $19 to $45. Children 2 and younger are free.
Holiday Light and Music Show at the City and County Building
When: November 20, 2026, through January 24, 2027. Shows run 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Lighting is static on Mondays. The building stays dark on December 5 and December 21, 2026.
Where: Civic Center Park (City and County Building), Denver, CO
Cost: Free
A free festive light and music display on Denver's City and County Building, produced by Colorado Holiday Experiences.
When: November 20 through December 31, 2026, nightly at 7 p.m. Weather may affect the schedule.
Where: Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus and nearby viewing spots, Denver, CO
Cost: Free
A free nightly show of about 600 drones with holiday-themed animations. Prime viewing includes the Tivoli Quad and the Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
When: Select nights November 23, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Sunday to Thursday 4:30 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 4:30 to 10 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Where: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, Denver, CO
Cost: Ticketed. Standard nights $29.95 adults and seniors, $22.95 youth. Value nights $25.95 and $18.95. Youth 2 and under are free. Members save 10%.
A ticketed after-hours light event across the zoo's 80-acre campus, in its 35th year, with theme nights and a Zoo Lights Market.
When: November 27 through December 31, 2026, with weekend programming listed on the official Larimer Square calendar, starting November 27 and 28.
Where: Larimer Square, Denver, CO
Cost: Free to walk the block. Some listed activities are complimentary on select dates.
A free stroll through holiday decor on Larimer Square, with weekend visits from Santa, crafts, carolers, and seasonal offers from shops and restaurants.
When: November 28 through December 27, 2026, on select days. Opening weekend November 28 is 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the water tower lighting that day. Closed December 24 and 25. Hours vary; see the official calendar.
Where: National Western Center, Main Campus Plaza, Denver, CO
Cost: Free admission. Some activities may require tickets or advance registration. On-site parking is $15.
A new outdoor holiday gathering with lights, a Winter Village of Colorado makers, food and drink vendors, and fire pits. Admission is free; some activities may need tickets or registration. On-site parking is $15.
When: November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027, 5 to 8:30 p.m. Last entry is 8:30 p.m. Closed November 26, November 30, December 1, December 7, December 8, and December 25.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, Chatfield Farms, Littleton, CO
Cost: Ticketed. Public tickets $13.50 to $30, depending on date and time. Children 2 and younger are free.
A ticketed outdoor light walk of just under a mile through the Chatfield Farms countryside, including the Hildebrand Ranch homestead. Timed tickets are sold in advance, with plan-ahead prices from $13.50 to $30. Children 2 and younger are free.
When: Saturday, November 28, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m. A brass band march begins at 5 p.m. The tree lighting in Olde Town Square is at 6 p.m.
Where: Olde Town Square, Arvada, CO
Mayor Lauren Simpson lights the holiday tree in Olde Town Square after a brass-band march led by Guerrilla Fanfare. Live music and skating in the square are listed from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Visit Arvada says parking in Olde Town is free.
When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, in downtown Denver. 9NEWS plans a live telecast from 6 to 7 p.m. Confirm route and viewing details on the official page.
Where: Downtown Denver parade route, Denver, CO
Cost: Free along the route. Grandstand and VIP tickets are sold separately.
The 52nd annual parade, produced by the Downtown Denver Partnership. It is free to watch along the route. Grandstand and VIP tickets are sold separately. The 2026 route turns from 17th Street onto Curtis Street.
When: Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Denver Art Museum Campus (Hamilton Building, Martin Building, and The Kirkland), Denver, CO
Cost: Free general admission. DIVA is ticketed and is not included.
Free general admission across the museum campus, made possible in part by SCFD. The ticketed DIVA exhibition is not included. The museum asks visitors to register and select December 8 on its calendar.
When: Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony at the gazebo is at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, Lakewood, CO
Cost: Free. Hot cocoa and cookies have a suggested $1 donation.
The city's annual lights celebration, with a lighting ceremony, live music, light displays, and visits with Santa. Santa meet-and-greets are free. Hot cocoa and cookies have a suggested $1 donation.
When: Saturday, December 5, 2026. Holiday Market 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tree lighting 3 to 6 p.m.
Where: Englewood Civic Center, Englewood, CO
A daytime holiday market of local vendors, followed by an evening tree lighting with live performances, visits with Santa, a s'mores station, and food trucks.
Aurora Holiday Tree Lighting and Merry Makers Market
When: Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: Aurora Central Library and Municipal Center, Aurora, CO
Cost: Free
A free city event with the Merry Makers Market at Aurora Central Library, a tree lighting at the Municipal Center, performances, treats, and a visit from Santa.
Use the official link on each listing before you go. Hours, tickets, and weather cancellations can change, especially around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. Free museum days may still require registration, and ticketed exhibitions are often separate.
