41 Best Things to Do in Denver in Winter (2026 Update)

Experience Our Downtown Denver Food Tour

Downtown Denver │ Book A Tour │ Price: $$$ │ Our Top Pick

Sample Neapolitan pizza with housemade limoncello and more

There’s no better way to experience a place than to taste its local cuisines. Ranked as the city’s top tour on TripAdvisor, our Downtown Denver Food Tour features five award-winning restaurants. 

You’ll savor unique, generously-portioned tastings at each eatery. Alcoholic drink pairings are optional, but we highly recommend them. Think house-made limoncello with authentic Neapolitan pizza, Malbec wine with Argentinian empanadas and more.      

A local guide will accompany you on the three-hour experience. They’ll introduce you to the city’s growing food scene and share information about the historic landmarks on your route. Although these are walking tours, all tastings are seated indoors, making this a great thing to do in Denver in winter.

View World-Class Art at the Clyfford Still Museum

1250 Bannock St, Denver │ Clyfford Still Website │ Price: $ │ Abstract Paintings

View the country’s largest collection by Clyfford Still (photo: Clyfford Still Museum Facebook)

Clyfford Still was part of the first generation of Abstract Expressionists. Later in his life, he retreated from the art world and stopped showing his work.

Today, the Clyfford Still Museum is one of the only places to see this great American painter’s pieces on display. In fact, it’s the only museum in the country dedicated solely to his creations. On a snowy afternoon, head indoors and enjoy viewing his moving works of modern art.

Warm Up with Tea at the Brown Palace

321 17th St, Denver │ Brown Palace Website │ Price: $$$ │ Afternoon Elegance

The hotel lobby hosts high tea daily (photo: The Brown Palace Hotel Facebook)

The Brown Palace is an iconic and historic hotel on 17th and Broadway. Inside lies a stunning lobby where high tea is offered daily. Seating is available on weekdays from 12 – 4 pm and on weekends from 11 am – 4 pm.

Be treated to top-notch service and beautiful spreads of freshly brewed teas, scones and finger sandwiches. Splurge on the champagne add-on to make it a bubbly afternoon! A live pianist plays during the experience, adding to the ambiance.

Note that if you visit around the holidays, a special Christmas tea is offered. Be sure to reserve your spots well in advance, as seating books up quickly.  

Marvel Exotic Wildlife at the Downtown Aquarium

700 Water St, Denver │ Aquarium Website │ Price: $$ │ Underwater Exhibits

Jellyfish are among the many species on display (photo: Downtown Aquarium Facebook)

The Downtown Aquarium is a great place to spend a chilly winter afternoon. The attraction houses more than 500 species of animals and is one of the best things to do in Denver with kids. Visit its interactive stingray reef touch tank for fun hands-on learning.   

Once you’ve made your way through the many underwater exhibits, pop into the Aquarium Restaurant for lunch or warm up with a drink from the Dive Lounge.

Wander Exhibits at the Denver Art Museum

100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver │ Art Museum Website │ Price: $$ │ Premier Collections

Exhibitions feature paintings and many other mediums (photo: Denver Art Museum Facebook)

Art lovers must check out the Denver Art Museum, home to a collection of more than 70,000 pieces. Discover permanent and visiting exhibitions that feature countless styles and mediums. 

Be inspired by Pre-Columbian art, Western American pieces and everything in between. To book your visit and learn about current exhibits, visit the museum’s website.

Enjoy Drinks and Bites on a Denver Cocktails Tour

Downtown Denver │ Book A Tour │ Price: $$$ │ Spirited Fun

Share several toasts on this engaging tour

Looking for a cozy winter outing? Our Denver Cocktails Tour takes you through downtown’s hidden alleys and historic nooks for an evening of good drinks and good stories.

You’ll meet your guide at Union Station and spend two hours exploring the local cocktail scene — think a crisp spritz here, a velvety butter pecan old fashioned there, plus two seasonal selections. It’s mostly indoors, so the cold stays outside while you soak up the city’s character.

Along the way, you’ll enter Denver’s oldest hotel and end up in Dairy Block, one of downtown’s newest micro-districts. This tour is great solo, as a date or out with friends. Consider this elevated happy hour for company outings, too.

Catch a Game at Ball Arena

1000 Chopper Cir, Denver │ Avalanche Website │ Price: $$$ │ Stadium Energy

The Colorado Avalanche play at Ball Arena (photo: Colorado Avalanche Facebook)

If you’re a hockey fan, head over to Ball Arena, home to the Colorado Avalanche. There isn’t a bad seat in the stadium and games are family-friendly. Visit the team’s website to learn more about upcoming events. 

Ball Arena is also shared with our professional basketball team, the Denver Nuggets. View its schedule online and enjoy cheering on the local teams.

Get Tickets to A Christmas Carol at the DCPA

998 14th St, Denver │ DCPA Website │ Price: $$$ │ Dickens Classic

See this holiday favorite on stage (photo: Denver Center for the Performing Arts Facebook)

For more than thirty years, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts has hosted productions of A Christmas Carol. Though many are familiar with this Charles Dickens classic, the story becomes even more vibrant on-stage with festive sets, a spirited troupe and its musical adaptation. 

Take part in one of the city’s most beloved traditions by purchasing tickets to the Wolf Theatre’s showings, available from November 25 – December 27, 2026.

Cozy Up with Hot Cocoa at Union Station

1701 Wynkoop St, Denver │ Union Station Website │ Price: $ │ Downtown Hub

A giant Christmas tree stands in the Great Hall (photo: Denver’s Union Station Facebook)

Need a break from holiday shopping? Cozy up inside Union Station, newly renovated and located in the heart of downtown. 

Often referred to as “Denver’s living room,” this is a great spot to eat, drink, mix and mingle. From the active train platform, hurried travelers come and go. Locals and visitors sip cocktails and enjoy meals at the station, which is home to several award-winning restaurants.

Union Station is especially cheerful during the holidays. In the Great Hall stands a massive Christmas tree and on weekends, kids are thrilled to meet Santa. And what’s a festive experience without hot chocolate? Swing by Olive & Finch (a stop on our private, large-group Big Bite Tour) for a steaming cup.

Learn at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver │ DMNS Website │ Price: $$ │ Family Favorite

Learn about dinosaurs, local wildlife and more (photo: Denver Museum of Nature & Science Facebook)

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is an engaging attraction for the whole family. Permanent exhibits cover everything from local gems, minerals and wildlife to space and ancient Egypt. Rotating displays offer even more to explore.

This museum lies within scenic City Park and for more views, be sure to visit the fourth-floor desk. Here, you’ll witness one of the best displays of downtown Denver. 

Eat, Drink and Be Merry on Dairy Block

1800 Wazee St, Denver │ Dairy Block Website │ Price: $ │ Trendy Micro-District

Dairy Block hosts local vendors in its alleyway (photo: Dairy Block Facebook)

This trendy micro-district offers year-round fun. But in the winter, Dairy Block is an especially cozy spot to shop, dine and come together as a community. 

Sparkly bulbs and snowflakes hang from the ceiling and street art splashes color on the walls. Outdoor heat lamps warm the alleyway where market vendors display locally-made goods. More products lie within Free Market, the block’s retail space.

Dairy Block also encompasses the boutique Maven Hotel, Milk Market food hall and its many lunch spots, plus one of our favorite local restaurants: Kachina Cantina, a stop on our Downtown Denver Food Tour.

Admire Displays at Elitch Gardens’ Luminova Holidays

2000 Elitch Cir, Denver │ Elitch Gardens Website │ Price: $$ │ Twinkling Thrills

Lights illuminate the downtown amusement park (photo: Elitch Gardens Facebook)

On weekends from late November through December, Elitch Gardens glows shades of red, green and many other festive hues. Admire the millions of lights from high above on the Ferris wheel and see colors streak together as you zip around rollercoaster tracks. 

Views of the city add to the magical ambiance at this downtown amusement park, where Santa will make several appearances throughout the 2026 season.

Go Ice Skating at Skyline Park

1701 Arapahoe St, Denver │ Downtown Rink Website │ Price: $ │ Winter Charm

The rink draws many visitors each season (photo: Downtown Denver Rink Facebook)

From November through February, the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park offers free ice skating. Each year, it hosts tens of thousands of skaters!

Note that while access to the rink is free, there’s a small fee for ice skate rentals. Still, it’s one of the best winter things to do in Denver and among the top attractions on 16th Street.

Welcome the Season with The Parade of Lights

101 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver │ Denver Partnership Website │ Price: $ │ Holiday Kick-Off

The parade marches by Civic Center Park (photo: Downtown Denver Partnership website)

The Parade of Lights will kick off Denver’s holiday season on December 5, 2026. This festive display will feature over 40 brightly lit floats, some boarded by special guests and performers. Giant balloons, marching bands, troupes on horseback and more entertainers add to the excitement. 

Be sure to bundle up and arrive early for a good seat along the two-mile route. The parade occupies 15th and 17th streets, crossing on Arapahoe Street and Tremont Place.

Step Inside the Mile High Tree

1000 Larimer St, Denver │ Visit Denver Website │ Price: $ │ Light Show

Looking up at the Mile High Tree (photo: Visit Denver website)

Seeing the Mile High Tree is an annual holiday tradition for many Denver locals. Starting November 20 through the end of 2026, this 110-foot art installation will be brilliantly lit each evening on the Auraria Campus.

Enjoy a dazzling music and lights show which plays every half-hour. Take photos and enter the tree itself for a unique view. It’s the largest creation of its kind in North America, fitting an incredible 140 guests within its base. The best part? Visiting is completely free.

Tour the Denver Mint

320 W Colfax Ave, Denver │ Denver Mint Website │ Price: $ │ Coin Production

The gated entry to the Denver Mint (photo: United States Mint Facebook)

There are just four mints in the entire country, and the Denver Mint is especially worth seeing. It’s the largest coin producer in the world, manufacturing billions of pieces each year. Learn the facility’s rich history on this free tour which ranks as one of the best free things to do in Denver in the winter. 

Outside of a few select dates and federal holidays, tours occur Monday through Thursday at 7:15 am, 8:30 am, 9:45 am, 11:30 am, 12:45 pm and 2 pm. Tickets are available via email or by visiting the ticket window day of.

If you choose the latter, we recommend arriving early to get in line and reserve your spot. Make sure to leave your camera and bags at home, too — these won’t be allowed inside.

Wander the Colorado State Capitol

200 E Colfax Ave, Denver │ Colorado State Website │ Price: $ │ Guided Tours

The stately exterior of the Colorado State Capitol (photo: Alexandra Tran / Unsplash)

The Colorado State Capitol building is another Denver landmark that’s free to the public. Guided weekday tours are available every hour between 10 am – 3 pm. Visitors can also explore independently, peering into stately rooms housed by the Senate and the House of Representatives. 

Admire the interior and exterior of the structure, and be sure to stand on its 15th step which reads “One Mile Above Sea Level.” This vantage point at 5,280 feet elevation offers stellar views of Civic Center Park and the great Rocky Mountains beyond.

Wear Green to the Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Wynkoop St & 19th St, Denver │ Parade Website │ Price: $ │ Irish Luck

Wear green to this festive downtown parade (photo: Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade website)

The first official Denver St. Patrick’s Day parade occurred in 1963, but the city has honored the holiday since the late 1800s. Be part of the longstanding celebration by attending the upcoming parade, set to occur on March 13, 2027.

Traditional Irish dancers, bagpipe players and bands, floats decorated in green and more will march their way past Union Station and down Blake Street. After the event, order a pint of Guinness at one of many bars in LoDo.

Be Charmed by Trinkets at Denver Christkindlmarket

1000 Larimer St, Denver │ Christkindlmarket Website │ Price: $ │ German Festivities

Enjoy German lagers, holiday shopping and more (photo: Denver Christkindlmarket Facebook)

From mid-November to the day before Christmas, Denver Christkindlmarket spreads holiday cheer. At this traditional German market, visitors can peruse rows of wooden huts, each selling artisan goods. Hand-painted ornaments, cuckoo clocks and authentic bier steins are just a few of the charming trinkets you’ll find. 

Food stands are available as well, serving European fare like Bavarian pretzels, Russian-style crepes, Polish pierogies and French cheeses. Many come specifically for the glühwein — German mulled wine served in collectible mugs.

Snowboard in the City at Ruby Hill Rail Yard

1200 W Florida Ave, Denver │ Visit Denver Website │ Price: $ │ Terrain Park

Practice snowboarding tricks in the city (photo: City and County of Denver website)

Ruby Hill Rail Yard is the country’s first free urban terrain park. Weather permitting, the attraction is open from January through March. It features ten rails and boxes for every skill level, and both skiers and snowboarders are welcome. 

Don’t have any gear? On select dates, Denver Parks and Recreation offers free snowboard equipment rentals. To take advantage, stay tuned for the 2026-27 season’s announcements! 

Window Shop on 16th Street

16th St Mall, Denver │ 16th Street Website │ Price: $ │ Countless Retailers

Lights decorate the trees along 16th Street (photo: Mike B / Unsplash)

You’ll find several free activities on 16th Street, a mile-long pedestrian promenade that bustles with locals and tourists. People watch, window shop and admire holiday lights strung on hundreds of trees. Free buses travel from Union Station to Civic Center, transporting passengers to every corner. 

If you’re up for a bit of spending, you can explore countless shops. Discover more entertainment at the Denver Pavilions, home to a movie theater, bowling alley and arcade.

This iconic Denver street is also home to some great locally-owned restaurants. Join our 16th Street Food Tour offered every Friday through Sunday from 10 am – 12:30 pm to taste your way through this delicious area of downtown.

Take a Self-Guided Architectural Tour

16th St Mall, Denver │ 16th Street Website │ Price: $ │ City Landmarks

Admire Denver’s architecture on a self-guided audio tour (photo: Sebastian Kurpiel / Unsplash)

There are a variety of ways to experience the city’s architecture, but Denver Architecture Foundation has put together one of the best free programs. Its self-guided audio tours take you through downtown, Civic Center Park and the Five Points neighborhood.

These adventures visit dozens of interesting sites. Highlights include Union Station, Larimer Square, the Denver Art Museum and Colorado State Capitol. 

Experience a First Friday Art Walk

858 Santa Fe Dr, Denver │ Art District Website │ Price: $ │ Local Galleries

Pop in galleries along Santa Fe Drive (photo: Art District on Santa Fe Facebook)

Most creative communities quiet during the winter months, but not the Art District on Santa Fe. Its First Friday Art Walks, which occur on the first Friday of each month, continue year-round.

Peruse engaging studios and galleries, and enjoy warm bites and beverages from local food trucks. The majority of festivities occur along Santa Fe Drive between 5th and 11th avenues. 

Peruse Shelves at Tattered Cover Bookstore

Denver Metro │ Tattered Cover Website │ Price: $ │ Massive Selection

Tattered Cover sells best-sellers, local authors’ works and more (photo: Tattered Cover Facebook)

Tattered Cover is a bookstore chain with four locations along the Front Range. One is found inside downtown’s Union Station, and another on East Colfax is complete with a cozy cafe. 

Rows of shelves hold books of every genre and era, from current best-sellers to beloved classics. Authors often appear at events, introducing new works and signing copies for attendees.

Walk the Snowy Clear Creek Trail in Golden

Golden │ Visit Golden Website │ Price: $ │ Foothill Views

Golden is especially charming during the snowy months (photo: Visit Golden Facebook)

If you’re not sure what to do in Denver in winter, simply step outside, as the city is full of incredible outdoor spaces. Clear Creek Trail is one of these gems, spanning more than 20 miles and connecting northern Denver to Golden. 

There are several lovely areas on this green belt, though the western end provides more dramatic views. The trail leads past Coors Brewery (which hosts affordable tours) and into downtown Golden. Following along the water’s edge and heading further west, you’ll eventually make your way into the stunning Clear Creek Canyon. 

Take a Tour of Red Rocks Amphitheatre

18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison │ Book A Tour │ Price: $ │ Iconic Venue

The venue’s red rock formations are striking in winter (photo: Cristofer Maximilian / Unsplash)

For over a century, Red Rocks Amphitheatre has hosted iconic artists like The Beatles, U2, Jimi Hendrix, Radio Head, and the Grateful Dead. Huge vertical rocks jut out from the stage, and nearby hikes feature more rock formations. The outdoor venue quiets during the snowy season but continues to draw tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

If you’ve got limited time in Denver and don’t have a car, this four-hour sightseeing tour is the best way to catch all the highlights. Join Aspire Tours for a drive along the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway, with stops at Red Rocks and other famous sites.

Escape to a Ski Town

Rocky Mountains │ Book A Tour │ Price: $$$ │ Mountain Getaway

Breckenridge is famous for its skiing opportunities (photo: GoBreck website)

It’s no secret that the Colorado Rockies boast world-class skiing and snowboarding. But not all visitors realize that some of the country’s top resorts, such as Breckenridge and Winter Park, are within a two-hour drive of the metro area.

Visiting without a car? Join this full-day Breckenridge tour from Denver to experience the iconic ski town, as well as destinations along the route like Red Rocks Amphitheatre and historic Georgetown.

Attend the Whiskey Warm Up Festival in Estes Park

111 E Riverside Dr, Estes Park │ Visit Estes Park Website │ Price: $$ │ Spirit Samples

Sample an array of local whiskeys at this event (photo: Visit Estes Park website)

Merino wool layers and down jackets keep you warm, but not quite in the same way as whiskey. Sample an array of styles from 30+ Colorado distilleries at Whiskey Warm Up, an outdoor event in downtown Estes Park.

Set at just over 7,500 feet elevation, this mountain town is sure to be chilly on March 6, 2027. But with the help of Elkins Whisky, Breckenridge Distillery, Spirit Hound Distillers and many other award-winning brands, you’ll be feeling just fine. 

Race Around the Ice at Georgetown Lake

Co Rd 306, Georgetown │ Visit Clear Creek Website │ Price: $ │ Adrenaline Pumping

Cars race on iced-over Georgetown Lake (photo: Visit Clear Creek website)

If you’ve driven along I-70 in the wintertime, you’ve likely noticed ice fishing tents and cars parked on Georgetown Lake. But on select weekends from January through March, the area clears for exciting ice racing events.

Anyone can enter with a valid driver’s license so if you have an all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle (and the guts), go for it. Spectators are also welcome at this wild winter experience.

Snow Tube at Colorado Adventure Park

566 County Rd 721, Fraser │ Adventure Park Website │ Price: $$ │ Winter Thrills

Snow tube down thrilling hills (photo: Colorado Adventure Park website)

Colorado Adventure Park is locals’ go-to tubing spot. These groomed hills are located in Fraser, roughly an hour and a half from Denver. Here, visitors can rent single or double tubes, then glide down a variety of terrain. 

The best part? No lugging your tube back up the hill! Take the magic carpet lift, which is essentially a large conveyor belt, back up to the top. When you need a break, lounge on Adirondack chairs and toast marshmallows over their fire pit. S’mores kits are available at the concession stand. 

Hike along the Boulder Flatirons

900 Baseline Rd & 9th St, Boulder │ City of Boulder Website │ Price: $ │ Popular Trails

A snowy afternoon beneath the Flatirons (photo: Visit Boulder website)

The Flatirons are striking in all seasons, but especially in winter. Clumps of heavy snow stick to the dramatic rock slabs, which can be admired on a number of popular hikes. Follow along the formation’s base via Chautauqua Trail or for a closer look, take the more challenging First and Second Flatirons Loop. 

After your excursion, consider warming up at the historic Chautauqua Dining Hall. Other nearby attractions add to why Boulder is one of the best day trips from Denver in winter.

Ride the Santa Express Train through Royal Gorge

401 Water St, Cañon City │ Railroad Website │ Price: $$$ │ Canyon Scenery

See snowy canyon views from the train (photo: Royal Gorge Route Railroad Facebook)

Train whistles and holiday tunes fill the air on board the Santa Express Train. Each season, it chugs through the snowy Royal Gorge in Cañon City, a small town about two hours south of Denver. Santa makes an appearance, providing each child with a special gift. Hot cocoa and cookies complete the experience. 

Rides are available from mid-November through the end of the year. Though largely indoors, be sure to bundle up, as you’ll want to make a trip out onto the open observation car. Wintery views and seasonal decor are sure to delight!

Glide on the Ice at Evergreen Lake

29612 Upper Bear Creek Rd, Evergreen │ Evergreen Rec Website │ Price: $ │ Family Fun

Skate on Evergreen Lake (photo: Evergreen Park & Recreation District website)

Encompassing 8.5 acres, Evergreen Lake is the world’s largest Zamboni-groomed outdoor ice rink. Surrounded by forest and mountain views, skaters can glide and play ice hockey daily through the winter months.

Evergreen Lake is found forty minutes from Denver and makes for an affordable day trip for the whole family. If you’re a local, save even more with a 10-Punch Skate Card. It can be used for all family members, and allows children four years and under to skate for free!

Escape to Rocky Mountain National Park

B 1077 US-36, Estes Park │ Book A Tour │ Price: $ │ Bucket List Item

Take a snowy hike (photo: Rocky Mountain National Park Facebook)

Head to Rocky Mountain National Park for a day trip that showcases the rugged beauty of Colorado’s mountains. Hiking trails accommodate all skill levels and scenic drives welcome the entire family.

For a guided experience, join this full-day Rocky Mountain National Park tour from Denver. Pass through small, historic towns on the way, then drive across the park’s alpine, scanning for mountain wildlife like elk, black bears and moose.

Try Your Luck at the Black Hawk Casinos

Black Hawk │ Visit Black Hawk Website │ Price: $$$ │ Slot Machines

Casinos light up the historic town (photo: Visit Black Hawk website)

When the weather’s too cold to bear, head indoors and enjoy an evening of entertainment in Black Hawk. This mountain town lies just under an hour from Denver, drawing visitors to its many casinos. Some historic and some newer, each offers fun table games, slot machines and more. 

Several have attached eateries, bars and lodging as well. Post-holiday season, hotel prices drop, making this an affordable mountain getaway near Denver.