9 Winter Festivals In Denver That Are Simply Unforgettable
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Denverites aren’t ones to hide in their houses under piles of quilts during the winter – we know how to bundle up and enjoy the outdoors, even on cold days. Winter is a time to celebrate – so don’t miss these nine festivals!
Head to Skyline Park (16th & Arapahoe) for this free festival that runs from November 18th through December 23rd. Shop for gifts from local craftspeople and vendors, enjoy entertainment and a tasty German meal or snack. The market is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.. Visit the website for a calendar of entertainment events.
Every holiday season, downtown Golden is illuminated with thousands of lights, and the streets come alive with music and entertainment. The festival runs through December 31st and includes a Candlelight Walk through downtown on December 2nd, starting at 6:30 p.m. Don't miss the Christmas Parades on December 3rd, 10th and 17th. Visit the website for a full list of events.
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This fun, free festival includes appearances by St. Nick, music, dancing and entertainment, food vendors and a huge marketplace to find local gifts. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers dressed in Victorian costume and plenty of sparkling lights. The festival runs on December 3rd and 4th; and December 10th and 11th in downtown Georgetown.
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Visit Arvada on Tuesday, December 6th for Lagniappe, where merchants traditionally stay open late to give their customers a small gift of thanks. Enjoy music by the Arvada Choir in the town square at 5:30 p.m., then the mayor lights the Christmas tree at 6:00. Take a horse-driven carriage around town from 6:00 to 8:00, have some chili at the chili cook-off and sip some free hot chocolate. Don't forget to say hello to Santa! He's at the library from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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You'll find over 150 local vendors here at the Jackalope Art Fair. The event is held at the McNichols Building (144 W. Colfax Ave.) on December 10th and 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Grab some lunch from one of the tasty local food vendors, sign up for a hands-on workshop and do some holiday shopping. The event is free, but you're encouraged to make a donation to the Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies.
Check out this family-friendly, free event on Saturday, December 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. See live ice carving, enjoy live music and entertainment and warm up around the fire pits with some complimentary warm beverages. Fillmore Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues.
This year marks the 5th annual Beer Festivus, where you'll have a chance to sample beer from more than 50 Denver-based craft breweries. It's held in the Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum - basically, a great big party in a huge aircraft hangar. Saturday, December 17th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Buy your tickets in advance on the festival's website.
Celebrate the Winter Solstice on December 17th with a community celebration from 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.. This family-friendly celebration includes sword dancers, storytelling, juggling, snacks, and pipe & drum. Visit the website for details.
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Don't miss the fireworks in downtown Denver on December 31st. See two shows along the 16th Street Mall; the first at 9:00 p.m., the second at midnight.
For more holiday fun, check out these 10 enchanting things to do in Denver that will make your Christmas special.
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