A Denver Winter Packing Guide

Christmas lights, crafted cocktails, and visits with Santa Claus—there’s a certain kind of magic to a Union Station Christmas. Secure your spot on the Nice List this year with Santa at The Station. Parents, kids, and kids at heart are invited to join us in the Great Hall on select Sundays throughout the season for a complimentary visit and photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. (Lines for this popular tradition can be as long as three hours—pick up a St. Nick Express Pass to skip the queue.)

Of course, there’s more to the Station’s festivities than just family fun. Join us until December 24 for Miracle at Union Station, a pop-up cocktail experience that celebrates the spirit of the season, with an emphasis on spirits.

Holiday magic takes center stage all season long at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Located just a few short blocks from Denver Union Station and The Crawford Hotel, the sprawling, 12-acre campus is home to some of the best live entertainment in the city, with a lineup of festive holiday productions you won’t want to miss.

Join in a cherished tradition until December 28 at the Wolf Theatre with A Christmas Carol: a joyous, opulent musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved novel. Delight your kids (or your own inner child) at Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, playing from December 3 to 7 at the Buell Theatre. Or watch as the Colorado Ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s iconic Christmas classic to life—complete with sugar plums, dancing mice, and a symphony of swirling snowflakes—at The Nutcracker, playing until December 28 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

The season of giving is in full swing here in LoDo, and with it comes one of Denver’s most eagerly anticipated annual events: Christkindlmarket. Held until December 23, this authentic, European-style holiday market is free and open to the public, with a festive atmosphere that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped onto the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

This year marks the market’s 25th anniversary, along with a move to a new location on Auraria Campus’ Tivoli Quad and the historic Tivoli Union building, just a short, 15-minute stroll from The Crawford Hotel. Browse more than 40 craft and food vendors, from local brews and baked goods to handmade ornaments, unique jewelry, one-of-a-kind accessories, and more—perfect for finally crossing that hard-to-buy-for person off your list.

And Christkindlmarket is far from the only holiday shopping pop-up to look forward to this season. Just around the corner from Denver Union Station, the Dairy Block transforms into a winter wonderland for Mistletoe Market. On for two weekends only (December 13 and 14, and December 20 and 21), this festive, family-friendly experience includes a stunning selection of local vendors alongside live carolers, crafting workshops, storytime with Cindy Lou, and even a chance to take photos with the mean one himself: Mr. Grinch.

All aboard for festive fun and a dose of childlike wonder. Your ticket to holiday nostalgia departs from the Colorado Railroad Museum up until December 23 with The Polar Express Train Ride. Journey aboard an authentic, steam-powered train in this three-part theatrical extravaganza that combines live caroling, immersive storytelling, scrumptious Christmas cookies, and (you guessed it) hot, hot chocolate. The experience concludes with a visit to the North Pole and a chance to meet Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick himself.

Looking to elevate your Polar Express experience even further? Immerse yourself in the golden age of train travel with a stay in one of The Crawford Hotel’s elegant Pullman Guest Rooms. Inspired by the vintage sleeper railcars of a bygone era, these sumptuous, design-forward retreats offer one of the best places to stay for Denver holiday events. Discover the ultimate hotel hideaway, steps from some of LoDo’s top festive events and attractions.

The coming solstice may signal shorter days and longer nights, but the holiday season in Denver is anything but dark. Beginning with the annual Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 6, visitors and locals alike can enjoy the Mile High City illuminated in true festive style all season long.

Take in the spectacle of more than four million glittering Christmas lights at Elitch Gardens’ Luminova Holidays from November 28 through January 4, 2026. See the theme park shining brighter than ever, enjoy festive entertainment at every turn, and catch a performance of Spirit of the Season live on stage at the Trocadero Theatre.

Bask in the warm glow of cherished Christmas memories at Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens. One of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, this mile-long light trail is open until January 11, 2026. For the most magical experience, we recommend keeping your eye on the weather forecast—nothing quite compares to the sight of the lights glowing softly under a fresh blanket of snow.

As Ella Fitzgerald so memorably sang: “What are you doing New Year’s, New Year’s Eve?” For an evening as timeless, enigmatic, and memorable as the Queen of Jazz herself, there’s no better destination than The Cooper Lounge. Treat yourself to a night of opulence as you ring in 2026 at their New Year’s Eve Masquerade with unlimited handcrafted cocktails, elevated bites, and a midnight champagne toast. Just downstairs from The Crawford Hotel, it’s the perfect destination for an evening of effortless revelry—no cab ride or coat required.

From dazzling light displays and unique Christmas markets to festive pop-ups and immersive entertainment, the Christmas season in the Mile High City is truly a time of magic. And with The Crawford Hotel as your home base, you’ll never be more than a short stroll away from all the best holiday experiences in Denver near Union Station. Gather, make memories, and celebrate the season in a landmark hotel unlike any other—because there’s no place like LoDo for the holidays.

Explore our current offers to start planning your holiday getaway with The Crawford Hotel today.