Denver’s holiday season will once again be bigger and brighter with the spectacular (and free) Mile High Tree Presented by Xfinity in Civic Center Park. Step inside this brilliantly lit, 110-foot-tall immersive art installation. It will be open all season long (Nov. 17–Dec. 31, 2023). The Mile High Tree puts on a dazzling music-and-lights show and is the largest installation of its kind in North America. Count down the new year with a digital ball drop at 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve!
Culinary Delights
Denver's culinary scene is always finding innovative ways to outdo itself. Most recently, MICHELIN recognized 26 Denver restaurants in their inaugural and highly anticipated Colorado-based guide. These restaurants exude culinary excellence. For some other top picks, check out these must-try restaurants. Or if you're looking for a warm spot during the winter months, there's nothing like a roaring fireplace at these cozy restaurants and lounges.
Holiday Shopping
From festive shopping centers with major retailers at Cherry Creek Shopping Center to museum gift shops and neighborhood boutiques, Denver has holiday gifts for everyone. Plus, there are outdoor shopping opportunities like the Cherry Creek Holiday Market (Nov. 16–Dec. 24, 2023) and Denver Christkindlmarket (Nov. 17–Dec. 22, 2023) at Civic Center Park where you can find finely crafted artisan gifts, hot beverages and European chocolates.
Arts & Culture
Denver's arts and culture scene continues to thrive. You'll find vibrant street art all over town. Transport yourself to the year 2180 at History Colorado Center's new multi-sensory exhibition, Revolt 1680/2180: Runners + Gliders (thru May 2024); learn about the rich cultural heritage of a Central American country, Costa Rica: Long Live Peace and Labor (thru Jan. 28, 2024), at Museo de las Americas; delve into the Western myth, Cowboy (thru Feb. 18, 2024), at Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver); and see a debut exhibition, Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks (thru Feb. 19, 2024), at Denver Art Museum by Ghanaian artist Amoako Boafo that tells the stories about the beauty and complexity of Black life. And there's so much more! Check out these must-see art exhibitions.
Holiday Lights Tour
Downtown Denver is the perfect place to take a spectacular holiday lights walking tour through the heart of the city. From the festive lights at Denver Union Station to the cutting-edge projection mapping installation Night Lights Denver (on the Arapahoe Street side of the Daniels & Fisher Tower), and from the unique Mile High Tree Presented by Xfinity to the decked-out City & County Building in Civic Center Park, it's an evening to remember. All of these attractions are free.