The holidays are officially in full swing! If you have kids, they’re likely going to be out of school soon and amped up for some holiday fun. Don’t panic though — we spoke with two Denver experts (with kiddos!) on the City Cast Denver podcast to get their recommendations for the best kid friendly seasonal festivities currently taking place in the Mile High. From one parent to another — you’re welcome 🎄
Free/Cheap Options
Standing 10 feet taller than New York’s tallest-ever Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, the Mile High “Tree” is 110 feet of dazzling lights synchronized to beloved holiday tunes, located this year on the Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus. Oglers are invited inside the tree for a mesmerizing immersive light show that kids and adults alike will love.
- Bonus: The Mile High Tree is part of the annual Christkindlmarket, so be sure to grab a schnitzel and some hot mulled wine while you’re there 🥨
Closed to vehicles and decked out in festive decor, Larimer Square captures all the warm fuzzies of the season, complete with a daily holiday market, a pop-up holiday bar doling out seasonal treats, live carolers, and free visits with Santa on Saturday afternoons.
Fun for Adults and Kids
Denver Botanic Gardens brings the season’s magic to life with this Mile High holiday tradition. Experience the garden’s stunning plant collection draped in colorful Christmas lights that will enchant visitors of all ages. Yummy holiday treats and warm beverages are available for purchase.
- Pro-tip: Buy your tickets for one of the program’s “Value Nights” to get a discounted price.
A young girl sits with sign language Santa at Cherry Creek Mall. (Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Chopping your own Christmas tree in the rugged Rocky Mountain wilderness should be a Colorado holiday right of passage. Not sure where to go or what to pack? We’ve got you covered on everything you need to know to cross this one off your family’s Christmas bucket list.
Kid-Friendly Holiday Dining
Forget the North Pole, Santa’s workshop is taking over the Little Man Ice Cream Factory on West Colfax for the holiday season. Get whisked away in this wintry wonderland complete with special events every week, like bingo with Mrs. Claus, custom ice cream-making classes, can’t-miss seasonal flavors, caroling, and visits with the Big Man in red himself.
This Uptown fave is already known by most as a kid-inclusive space with a dynamite children’s menu (I mean, a Milk Flight? Come on 👏). Even better, the restaurant is transformed for the holidays with tinsel and lights that will keep the kiddos enamored, plus a holiday cocktail menu for the grown-ups.
- Psst: If you’re looking for a kid-free environment to imbibe in, check out this list of our favorite Denver holiday pop-up bars 🍸
👉 But wait, there’s more — way more where these came from! Tune into the City Cast Denver podcast for even more ideas for kid friendly holiday fun 🎄
