Mile High Magic: The 2025 Holiday Season Will Shine Bright

The nightly Mile High Drone Spectacular returns this year bigger and brighter, alongside other new celebrations and seasonal classics

DENVER, Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mile High Holidays, Visit Denver's annual seasonal promotion, will return this year bringing holiday magic for the whole family! New this year, the Mile High Tree and Denver Christkindlmarket will relocate to a new holiday village on the Tivoli Quad at the Auraria Campus while Civic Center Park is under construction.

Back by Popular Demand! Mile High Drone Shows
Nov. 21-Dec. 31, 2025, Downtown Denver
Visit Denver is bringing back the Mile High Drone Shows for the 2025 holiday season – 41 nights of spectacular lights beginning November 21 and running through New Year's Eve with optimal viewing from Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus, as well as many other locations around downtown. The show will include 200 more drones, for a total of 600, and will also expand in size and height, reaching 500 feet in the air and spreading 500 feet wide. Denver-based Brightflight Drone Shows has built a variety of scenes featuring holiday-themed animations and Denver icons, as well as scenes depicting Denver's favorite winter moments and mountain activities. Thanks to a partnership with MSU Denver and the use of their spaces, the show will be visible throughout downtown Denver and especially great from rooftop bars and restaurants as well as from nearby public areas, including Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy and Xfinity  
Nov. 21-Dec. 31, 2025, The Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus
The aptly named Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy and Xfinity is a seven-story, 110-foot-tall piece of immersive art. The 39-foot diameter conical structure is 10 feet higher than the tallest Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in history and contains 60,000 LED lights to create its signature programming. The tree features nightly free public light shows from 5-10 p.m. choreographed to multicultural holiday music and can accommodate up to 140 guests at a time for an immersive viewing experience within the tree. All are invited to the annual tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 21, 2025.

Light Extravaganzas

Blossoms of Light
Nov. 21, 2025-Jan. 12, 2026 (closed Nov. 27 & Dec. 25), Denver Botanic Gardens
Consistently lauded as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation, Blossoms of Light is a spectacular celebration that illuminates Denver Botanic Gardens' York Street location. Wander a mile-long path through immersive, luminous displays that accentuate and highlight the plant collections. A cherished holiday tradition for nearly four decades, Blossoms of Light is constantly evolving to inspire wonder and delight in even the most seasoned visitors.

Zoo Lights
Nov. 23, 2025-Jan. 5, 2026, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Zoo Lights has been making magic and memories for more than 30 years! Presented by Your Hometown Toyota Stores, this illuminating annual event transforms Denver Zoo into Colorado's wildest winter wonderland. Don't miss this year's historic celebration, with more than a million lights sparkling over 80 acres.

Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland
Nov. 20-Dec. 24, 2025, Cherry Creek North
Winter Wanderland displays a collection of free holiday offerings and festivities throughout the neighborhood! Festivities include a dazzling display of nearly one million twinkling lights on more than 600 trees spread throughout the walkable neighborhood and Giving Machines — vending machines that don't dispense snacks or drinks but instead offer the chance to make a positive impact! Throughout the holiday season, enjoy The Million Light Plug-In, Small Business Weekend, Saturday Night Lights with complimentary holiday treats and festive entertainment, a Chanukah celebration and the Cherry Creek North Holiday Market, where you can browse gifts from more than 40 local makers, designers and creators.

Elitch Holidays
Nov. 28, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
This family-friendly event brings larger-than-life holiday displays and immersive experiences for all to enjoy. It features millions of dazzling lights, a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree, twinkling snowmen who never melt, a 300-foot-long candy cane tunnel, giant presents and ornaments, a wall of lights, rides on Elitch Gardens attractions, interactive activities like a light-up hopscotch, strolling holiday entertainers, Old Saint Nick and his elves and more.

Christmas in Color
Nov. 14, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, Water World
Nov. 28, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Drive through millions of lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music you'll hear right through your radio. Drive by giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways and more. Take your time enjoying this lighting extravaganza - we won't judge you if you join the kids with your face pressed against the window!

Trail of Lights
Nov. 29, 2025-Jan. 5, 2026, Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, Littleton
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms takes you along a winding path glistening with lights that illuminate the Colorado countryside. Tucked into the foothills under the dark sky, the glow of lights can be seen for miles. Just under a mile of walking trail, the illumination of cottonwoods, boxelders and pine trees line the pathway through the Green Farm, Crossroads, Deer Creek Discovery Children's Play Area and 1880s Hildebrand Ranch homestead. There is also the option of a shorter path for those who want to take a shorter stroll. In line with the core value of sustainability, all lights used in the event are LED.

Hudson Holidays
Nov. 28, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, Hudson Gardens & Events Center
You'll be enchanted by even more towering trees draped in thousands of colorful lights. A grove of dancing Christmas trees, a multi-colored forest inhabited by giant snowmen, the holiday light tunnel and glowing reindeer will light up Hudson Gardens into an extravaganza of holiday cheer. Purchase a delicious cup of hot cocoa or adult beverage before stopping by for a perfect free family photo opportunity with Santa.

Holiday Shopping and Markets

Denver Christkindlmarket
Nov. 21 – Dec. 23, 2025, The Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus
The Denver Christkindlmarket is celebrating its 25th anniversary with more holiday magic than ever before! This year, they're decking the halls at their new home on the Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus, bringing fresh sparkle to the season with fun anniversary activations and the enchanting addition of glass ornament workshops. With twinkling lights, festive cheer and delightful surprises around every corner, this year's Market is set to be the most joyful celebration yet! The Christkindlmarket will again be paired with the Mile High Tree, making this holiday village the place to be all season long!

Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Nov. 20-Dec. 24, 2025, Cherry Creek North
The Cherry Creek North Holiday Market at Fillmore Plaza features more than 50 local artisan vendors, live music and festive drinks and decor. The market is free, open to the public and family- and dog-friendly.

Lemur and Friends Art Bazaar
Nov. 29 & Dec. 14, 2025, The Learned Lemur
The Lemur and Friends Bazaar is a monthly artist market hosted right on The Learned Lemur's back patio. The bazaar hosts all kinds of artists from across Colorado, from bakers to jewelers. Pick up that perfect, unique gift or something special for yourself!

Denver Winter Market
Dec. 5-7 & 12-14, 2025, Denver Sports Castle
The Denver Winter Market transforms the historic Sports Castle into a multi-level holiday experience with 85+ curated vendors, two full bars, local food trucks, and vintage-inspired charm. Designed with intention and driven by community, this market invites thousands of guests to discover one-of-a-kind gifts, seasonal ambiance, and a bold new tradition in the heart of Denver.

Performing Arts

'A Christmas Carol'
Nov. 21-Dec. 28, 2025, Wolf Theatre
Essential to the holiday season in Denver, "A Christmas Carol" is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation for the whole family that traces money-hoarding curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge's triumphant overnight journey to redemption. Based on Charles Dickens' classic novel, the DCPA Theatre Company's production is "a splendidly festive tradition" (BroadwayWorld) that illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.

Colorado Ballet: 'The Nutcracker'
Nov. 29-Dec. 28, 2025, Ellie Caulkins Opera House
The beloved holiday favorite returns in a dazzling production like no one's ever seen, featuring all-new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet. A sellout every year, this magical tale of Clara, the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is going to be dreamier than ever.

'Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical'
Dec. 3-7, 2025, Buell Theatre
Take a trip into the whimsical world of Whoville this holiday season. This is a must-see as Max the Dog narrates while the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday loving Whos.

Camp Christmas
Nov. 21-Dec. 24, 2025, Stanley Marketplace
One of Denver's most cherished – and quirkiest – experiences returns this year. Created by local artist Lonnie Hanzon in partnership with DCPA Off-Center, this reimagined, walk-through experience is designed to take folks from "meh" to "merry" in six dazzling cycles, from "Pre-Soak" to "Fluff & Buff," with interactive installations and playful prompts. Visitors will check their emotional baggage (literally) before emerging renewed, glittering, and ready to take on the season.

Cleo Parker Robinson's 'Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum'
Dec. 6-Dec. 21, 2025, Cleo Parker Robinson Center for the Healing Arts
A Denver family tradition for over three decades, this incredible blend of dance, music and spoken word lifts the spirit and fills the heart with joy, love, and peace! Celebrate the magic of the season through dance, music and spoken word as Cleo Parker Robinson Dance explores holiday traditions from around the world. Guided by the Three Angels of the Rainbow, Granny visits Africa, the Americas, Mexico, Asia and the Caribbean to celebrate the joy of Holiday Times! From the African Harvest to Kwanzaa, from the Chinese New Year to Junkanoo…. a celebration of both diversity and oneness! 

Arts and Culture

Children's Museum Snow Days
Dec. 6, 2025-Feb. 16, 2026, Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Explore the Children's Museum of Denver in a new way as it transforms its outdoor plaza into Snow Days, a wonderland of winter fun complete with a sledding hill, sock skating and festive activities.

Magical Winter Nights
Nov. 20, 2025-Jan. 6, 2026, Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Step into a whimsical winter wonderland where a dazzling holiday adventure comes alive. This is the Museum like you've never seen it before as a piece of the familiar turns into the fantastical through an immersive journey of light, sound and surprise. Under sparkling stars and through a series of immersive scenes, there's something for everyone in this adventure designed to delight all ages including The Frosted Path, an indoor ice-less skating; Celestial Canopy, indoor northern lights; The Lodge with fireside vibes, cocoa and cocktails for purchase, and more.

Molly Brown House Museum Holiday Tea
Nov. 22, Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 13-14, Molly Brown House Museum
This season, guests can celebrate the holidays with the museum's tea experience, which pairs self-guided tours of the beautifully decorated Victorian home with an elegant high tea service on the third floor. This tea service provides a cozy and memorable way to experience one of Denver's most cherished landmarks.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train
Nov. 7-Dec. 23, 2025, Colorado Railroad Museum
The beloved holiday tradition THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train is back for the 2025 season. This immersive experience offers a one-of-a-kind, three-part theatrical journey that brings the magic of the classic story to life for families of all ages. Guests can enjoy the sights, sounds and spirit of the season aboard vintage trains, making it a memorable holiday outing in Golden.

Brunch with Father Christmas
Dec. 13, 2025, Four Mile Historic Park
Enjoy a hearty buffet, warm drinks, crisp cocktails, holiday crafts, a cozy tractor ride and Victorian-style décor inside the Four Mile House, capped off with a Yule Log Hunt.

Winter Solstice Night Brunch
Dec. 20, 2025, Four Mile Historic Park
Experience the magic of Winter Solstice Night Brunch with evening tractor rides, a holiday marketplace, drag storytelling from LaLa Queen and friends and festive crafts to celebrate the season.

Denver Holiday Favorites

Grand Illumination
Nov. 28, 2025 at 4 p.m., Denver Union Station
Guests can enjoy the Grand Illumination, featuring holiday music, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a festive photo booth and the lighting of the 40-foot Christmas tree adorned with more than 7,000 lights. Families can also stop by Santa at the Station for complimentary photos in the Great Hall and experience Miracle at Union Station: Holidays at Grandma's House, a seasonal installation evoking cozy vintage décor, spiced scents and holiday-themed cocktails at the lower-level gallery bar. With something for everyone, Union Station offers a festive and memorable destination for the holidays.

9NEWS Parade of Lights
Dec. 6, 2025, Downtown Denver
One of Denver's most cherished traditions, this free holiday spectacular features more than 40 units, including extravagantly illuminated floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, magnificent marching bands, traditional equestrian units and vibrant cultural displays. And, of course, special appearances by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa!

Holiday Lights in Civic Center
Date and Times of CIty and County lighting TBA, Civic Center Park
Holiday Lights in Civic Center include several holiday activations all within the 12 acres of Civic Center. The Great Lawn Holiday lights are produced by Civic Center Conservancy and provide an extra sparkle to the nearby green space.

McGregor Skate
Starting Nov. 28, 2025, McGregor Square Plaza
The magic of winter has made its way to LoDo with McGregor Skate, an ice-skating rink for all ages. On Friday, November 28, the annual McGregor Skate Grand Opening and Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature a free ice-skating performance at 5:30 p.m., the tree lighting at 6 p.m., a screening of The Grinch (2018) on the giant outdoor screen, and free photos with Santa at Milepost Zero. Following the celebration, McGregor Skate will remain open daily through January 4 and on weekends through January 25, offering affordable winter fun with rentals available on-site, free admission for children under two and seniors over 65 and seasonal drinks at the outdoor bar.

Milepost Zero with Santa
Nov. 28, 2025 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., December 6 from 3 to 6 p.m., December 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. for special pet visits and December 20 from 3 to 6 p.m., McGregor Square 
Milepost Zero, the expansive McGregor Square food hall that offers everything from tacos and pizza to sushi and BBQ, will once again host free visits with Santa this holiday season.

Champagne Cascade
Nov. 9, 2025, The Brown Palace Hotel
Beneath the hotel's iconic stained-glass ceiling, a tower of 5,201 glasses becomes a shimmering cascade as Champagne flows tier by tier, creating one of Denver's most celebrated holiday traditions.

Holiday Tea
Nov. 10, 2025-Jan. 25, 2026, The Brown Palace Hotel
Enjoy Holiday Tea at The Brown Palace, where guests can enjoy seasonal teas, treats and festive cheer amidst the hotel's sparkling décor and the centerpiece Denver Debutante Chandelier.

Restaurants and Bars

Mile High Merry
Dec. 13, 2025 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Denver Central Market
Families can enjoy complimentary digital photos with Santa, festive eats and drinks from the market's vendors and live holiday music filling the space. A caricature artist will also be on hand, adding a playful twist to this seasonal gathering at one of Denver's favorite food halls.

Litmas Holiday Rooftop Popup
Starting Nov. 26, 2025, Linger
Enjoy cozy igloos, dazzling lights, festive cocktails, over-the-top décor and a lively holiday vibe. Open Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve; walk-ins welcome, with limited reservations available.

About Visit Denver, The Convention & Visitors Bureau 
Celebrating 116 years of promoting the Mile High City, Visit Denver is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes. Denver welcomed more than 37.1 million visitors in 2024, generating $10.3 billion in spending, while supporting tens of thousands of jobs and making Tourism one of the city's largest industries. Learn more about Denver at Visit Denver or Tourism Pays Denve r. Follow Denver's social media channels for up-to-the-minute updates on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , YouTube and LinkedIn . 

With press or photo inquiries, please contact: 

Taylor Shields, Director of PR & Communications 

Caroline Campbell, PR & Communications Manager 

Natalie St. Hilaire, PR & Communications Coordinator 

[email protected]

SOURCE Visit Denver, The Convention & Visitors Bureau