The Thirst Team

In addition to the Denver holiday events that help bring joy to the season each year, there are other fun events across Colorado that will keep you entertained. From parades of lights to markets packed with endless gift ideas, it is the time to enjoy seasonal highlights. Of course, there’s plenty to get your heart pumping with runs, walks and ice-skating adventures. We’ve put together several events that will keep the family interested.

Turkey Trot
The Turkey Trot at Fort Lewis College in Durango has become a favorite among Four Corners runners and walkers. What better way to get rid of a few Thanksgiving pounds? The run is at 10 a.m. Nov. 23.

Skate away
Planning to head to the Western Slope for slightly warmer temps this holiday season? There’s plenty to do on the Grand Mesa, including ice skating for the family, and nordic skiing. Always check conditions to make sure the ice is thick enough before hitting the small lakes that are spread around the mesa. Nearby Colorado River State Park also offers snowshoeing and skating when temps drop.

Skate away II
Speaking of ice skating, the Rink at Belmar offers enthusiasts a chance to practice their toe-loop jump or to simply glide around the Lakewood rink. In addition to extensive shopping stops, Belmar also offers holiday bazaars, movie nights, yoga and photos with Santa.

Skate away III
The Halcyon, a Cherry Creek hotel, presents Denver’s only rooftop skating experience this holiday season. Halcyon on Ice will offer guests a skating experience with a view of the city. Food, drinks, treats and, of course, overnight stays are all available. “We can’t wait to kick off the holiday season with our first-ever rooftop ice skating experience, as well as the Holiday Bake Shop, curated by our talented pastry chef Saura Kline,” said McClinton Heil, managing director of Halcyon.

Prost!
The Denver Christkindlmarket offers a chance for people to slow down and explore a bit of the old-fashioned approach to the holidays. The German-style market is open through Dec. 23 at Denver Civic Center Park. It’s free to check it out, but don’t hesitate to throw down a few bucks for some tasty food and beverages. The website encourages visitors to “enjoy traditional Glühwein, Bavarian-style Biers, European coffee, or hot chocolate while wandering through the market. Each charming wooden hut offers finely crafted artisan gifts and holiday treats.”

Community Marketplace
The Block Distilling Co. in Denver’s River North neighborhood hosts Housemade: A Community Market Experience, Holiday Edition, which is set for noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Photos, food, leather goods, vintage fashion, ceramic art, jewelry and a variety of other goods will be available. Don’t forget to grab a house-made cocktail while shopping.

You could put an eye out
The Gaylord Hotel shipped in two million pounds of ice to create some magic at their location near DIA. This year’s theme, “A Christmas Story,” brings all of the characters and memorable moments to life. Forty ice-chiseling artisans from Harbin, China, created the exhibit. “Guests will experience over ten scenes from the hilarious family tale in hand-carved sculptures made of ice,” according to Gaylord Hotels. “Featured scenes include the old man's major award, Aunt Clara's pink nightmare, the ultimate triple dog dare at the school's flagpole and more. Colored ice, clear ice, and LED lights are all used to create the display.”

The Colorado Trail
If you haven’t already, it’s a great time to become a friend of The Colorado Trail. The trail, which spans 567 miles between Denver and Durango, is a bucket-lister for many Coloradans. The Colorado Trail Foundation will host its holiday party from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 14 to celebrate the past year’s successes. According to the Foundation, “2023 has been a productive and very successful year building and maintaining The Colorado Trail. We will entertain you with some of the most interesting details from the year.”

Get merry
Need a little holiday cheer? Join the Cherry Creek Chorale when it presents “A Merry Little Christmas” at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village. Expect a “joyous selection of familiar holiday music and some beautiful new arrangements.” The concerts are set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9.

Guess who’s coming to town?
Westminster events run throughout the season, starting with visits by Santa. Also look for a HomeTown Christmas, holiday lighting ceremony, and Santa on the Plaza at Westminster City Hall plaza. Check dates and times of all events on the city’s website.

Horsin’ around
Visitors will have to wait until Feb. 11 and 12 to check out the ski joring event during the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival. Leadville also hosts a ski joring and carnival weekend March 1-3. There is more than just horses pulling people on skis or boards. Look for a plethora of snowy fun. “Horse events include Street Slalom, the famous Donkey Jump, Shovel Race, and Ski Joring,” according to Steamboat’s website.

Trinidad’s Hometown Holidays
The southern Colorado city opens the season with the tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 24 and the Parade of Lights on Nov. 25. Look for a number of floats, Santa and local bands performing holiday tunes.