Here are some fun things that I would love to do this December! I definitely don’t think I can get to all of these but putting this list together has been so fun and would love to share these ideas with you.
1. Iceskate at Evergreen Lake
This looks like a magical experience on a non-windy wintery day. Evergreen lake, the world’s largest Zamboni- groomed lake, is rated by CNN and Sunset Magazine as one of the world’s ten most beautiful outdoor ice skating rinks. I would love to get a group of friends together to do this! To find out more, click here.
2. Denver Union Station & Santa Visit
Union Station is known for its holiday decor and pop-up markets and bars. Its outdoor Christmas tree boasts more than 7,000 lights and on Sundays in December, Union Station hosts free visits to Santa and Mrs. Claus. I’ve heard the line can be up to 3 hours long so plan your visit accordingly.
3. Jingle on the Avenue or Holiday Lights Walk in Golden
Jingle on the Avenue event is held on December 21,2024 from 11-1pm where family favority holiday characters walk along Washington Avenue. My toddler has loved everything from our football team mascot, The Tiger, to meeting Mickey and Minnie at Walt Disney World, so I think this will be a hit. For more details, see here. Additionally, I haven’t seen the holiday lights display in Golden in a long time so heading to Golden to see the lights also sounds like a fun way to spend the evening. More info here.
4. Gaylord’s “ICE – featuring the Polar Express”
The Gaylord Rockies is hosting IFE! featuring the Polar Express where you will see hand-carved ice sculptures depicting scenes from the beloved movie. This movie has been Anaya’s fave this holiday season so I think she would love seeing this! They provide snuggly parkas to keep warm but I would definitely recommend wearing warmer clothes in case. Buy tickets here.
5. The North Pole in Colorado Springs
The North Pole is a vintage amusement park with rides and a Santa’s Village, located near Pike Peak. The North Pole also offers a train ride around the park. Tickets are sold out fast, so plan your visit ahead of time. Buy tickets here.
This longstanding tradition benefits “There with Care,” a non-profit supporting families facing critical illness. As part of the tea experience, children have an opportunity to decorate gingerbread cookies. More info here.
7. Gingerbread Display at the Broadmoor
If you managed to get tickets to the North Pole, then another stop in the Springs would be to view the gingerbread display and the holiday decor at the Broadmoor, featuring a golf theme this year. View more details here.
8. The Polar Express in Golden
insert here This bucketlist item will have to wait for us until next year. I missed the October 1 date to get tickets and all tickets are sold out! So unless someone has an in or tickets they don’t want, we will not be able to make it to this. The Colorado Railroad Museum hosts The Polar Express Train Ride offering an experience with songs and dances, inspired by the movie. For more info, click here.
9. Denver Zoo Lights or Blossom of Lights
Walk around the zoo with lights of animals throughout. I’ve heard some love this tradition and don’t skip it, while others prefer other lights around the city. Buy tickets here. Another option is to walk around the Denver Botanic Garden and see the lights display there. I have heard this is magical and lauded as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
10. The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol
Tis the season for heading to view the Nutcracker or Christmas Carol. The Nutracker show and A Christmas Carol can be viewed nightly until Dec 29th at Ellie Caulkins Opera House and Wolf Theatre, respectively.
