10 Things to Do in Denver in December

Denver is the capital of Colorado and one of the most popular cities in the American West. It is also one of the most famous snow destinations in the region, so when winter falls, the number of tourists increases. December, which is one of the coldest months of the year in the area, is also the start of the Christmas season, making this destination a feast of activities.

Some of the best things to do in Denver in December include enjoying the festivals of lights, seeing the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains, discovering the best bargains in the city's shopping arteries and attending Colorado's best live shows and concerts.

The Denver Botanic Gardens are one of Denver's top attractions and an ideal way to experience them in December is to discover the blossoms of light that transform the site into a colourful backdrop. This annual event, known as Blossoms of Light, illuminates the gardens with a display of lights that bring the cold winter nights to life.

The experience goes beyond simply gazing at the beauty of the lights, as the Botanic Gardens offer interactive activities and live entertainment, making the visit a multi-sensory experience. Stroll along illuminated walkways, marvel at moving light sculptures and enjoy glowing projections, making it one of the best things to do at night in Denver.

You'll also be able to explore the diversity of winter flora that flourishes even during this season. The gardens are home to a unique collection of winter plants that can withstand the cold temperatures and add a special tint to the experience.

Exploring Red Rocks Park and the surrounding mountains is one of the best winter activities to do in Colorado's capital city, offering visitors a unique view of Denver in December. This month, known to be one of the coldest of the year, transforms the landscape into a picturesque setting where limestone rock formations stand out against the snow-capped peaks that surround the city. The park, famous for its open-air amphitheatre, becomes a site of snowy paths and trails.

And despite the cold temperatures, December offers some of the best postcard views of Denver from Red Rocks Park with absolutely incredible panoramic views of the city.

The snow-capped peaks surrounding Red Rocks also offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and photography sessions, although be aware that due to the snowfall some trails may be closed to the public.

Attendinga Nuggets NBA game is one of the best things to do in Denver, although the usual drawback is often getting tickets at a good price. December partly solves that problem, as close to the Christmas and New Year's holidays basketball fans have the opportunity to enjoy these games at significantly discounted ticket prices.

December, then, presents a special window for those looking to experience the intensity and talent of the NBA without breaking their budget. This opportunity will also offer you better seats, closer to the court and you can even get adjacent seats, which will be ideal if you plan to visit Denver with kids or family.

On the other hand, keep in mind that attending an NBA game not only guarantees a high quality sporting spectacle, but also gives fans the chance to immerse themselves in the city' s vibrant, festive atmosphere and enjoy some of the best halftime shows around.

One of Denver's favourite wintertime activities for visitors to Denver is often to enjoy the ice rink at Skyline Park. Located in the heart of the city, Skyline Park offers a space for beginners and experienced skaters alike in a cosy environment that is often decorated with festive motifs in December.

This makes it an ideal family activity, as Skyline Park provides a friendly environment for children and adults alike. And since the park is located in the centre of the city, you can combine this experience with some of Denver's best guided tours, which often include a stop at the park.

In addition to the fun on the ice, Skyline Park transforms into a festive hub during the holiday season. Twinkling lights, colourful decorations and a warm atmosphere make a visit to the ice rink even more special in December.

Visiting the Rocky Mountain s in December will allow you to discover one of the best postcard views of the city. This time of year offers visitors the opportunity to witness the city's surrounding mountains adorned with a blanket of snow that transforms the landscape into a natural spectacle not to be missed.

In the city, the sight of the surrounding mountains with their snow-capped peaks becomes an unavoidable postcard. The towering snow-capped peaks create a unique panorama that contrasts with the clear blue skies typical of Colorado.

In addition to the visual spectacle, December provides the opportunity to enjoy winter activities in the Rocky Mountains, such as skiing and snowboarding. The combination of scenic landscapes and the chance to participate in winter sports creates a complete experience for those seeking a more active connection with the natural environment.

Just be aware that some of the trails and roads in Rocky Mountain National Park may be closed during the winter in Denver due to snowfall or high winds.

Exploring the streets of Denver during the month of December is a visually captivating experience, as the city lights up with dazzling illuminated decorations celebrating the festive season. As you stroll through downtown, you'll find yourself immersed in a spectacle that transforms the urban atmosphere into an enchanting backdrop.

Some of the best decorations can be found in iconic locations such as the 16th Street Mall, where twinkling lights create a glowing tunnel that will immerse you in the holiday spirit. This corridor is also home to decorated storefronts and giant Christmas trees, where you can snap some of the best photos of your trip.

Another unmissable place to enjoy the illuminated decorations is Union Station. This historic gathering place comes alive with a dazzling display of festive lights adorning both the interior and exterior of the architecturally stunning building. Historic neighbourhoods like LoDo also do their part, with building facades adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations.

Located in the heart of downtown Denver, the 16th Street Mall becomes an irresistible shopping destination in December. This iconic pedestrian mall, flanked by a variety of shops and shops, offers shoppers the opportunity to make the most of seasonal discounts. December, marked by the approach of the holiday season and the changing of the season, is an ideal time to find tempting bargains.

Stores along the 16th Street Mall often offer special discounts and promotions during this month as merchants look to attract shoppers seeking holiday gifts and winter items. From fashion and accessories to personalised gifts, the diverse array of shops on the Mall gives visitors the opportunity to find items at significant discounts.

The proximity to Christmas also adds a special tinge to the shopping experience on the 16th Street Mall. The twinkling lights, festive decorations and overall atmosphere create an ideal setting to enjoy the season while bargain hunting.

The spirit of Christmas is present in the city in December and is inseparable from the rest of the activities, so during your walks around Denver you can discover the Mile High Tree, a giant Christmas tree that attracts tourists and locals alike every year. Its nearly 15-metre height and eye-catching lights make it the epicentre of the festive eve, offering an ideal opportunity to discover the magic of the season.

However, be aware that the Mile High Tree is not just a Christmas tree, but also offers an immersive experience combining synchronised lights, festive music and visual projections. There you can walk around the tree, immerse yourself in a multi-sensory spectacle and enjoy one of the best things to do with kids in Denver.

The central location of the Mile High Tree also adds to the appeal of the experience. Amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown Denver, this holiday spectacle becomes a beacon of light that attracts people of all ages, and for the entire month of December it outshines the rest of the city's attractions.

Denver is a city with a strong cult of artistic creativity and in December you can easily get a taste of that side of the city by attending a show at the Wolf Theatre at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. During the last month of the year, this venue offers special holiday shows and themed plays celebrating the holiday season.

From classical productions to contemporary pieces, Christmas performances to carol concerts, the December programming makes the theatre a must-see destination for visitors.

Keep in mind that December is the Wolf Theatre's gala month, so if you plan to visit the city during this month I advise you to book your tickets in advance.

Watching the New Year's Eve fireworks is a tradition that adds a festive tinge to the end of the year in the city. Denver offers several places from which to watch the fireworks display, but one of the most prominent is Civic Center Park, where the city puts on a show that attracts visitors from all over the state.

Another great place to watch the fireworks is from the top of Lookout Mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. Lookout's elevation provides a unique perspective to appreciate the pyrotechnic display, creating an unforgettable experience and one of the best things to do at night in Denver.

Finally, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, known for its natural setting, also becomes a special place to enjoy the combination of lights and music that characterises the New Year's Eve fireworks in Denver. But for those seeking a more intimate experience, the rooftops and terraces of some downtown hotels and buildings offer a privileged view of the show.

Denver experiences cold weather during the month of December. With average temperatures hovering around 4° and nighttime lows reaching below freezing, the winter weather takes full effect in the city. On the other hand, snowfall is very frequent in Denver since November.

However, despite the cold, December also brings with it the opportunity to enjoy the unique winter festivities and activities the city has to offer, such as ice skating, festive light shows and seasonal themed events, including classic Christmas activities.

Tourism in Denver during the month of December is boosted by a combination of festive events and winter attractions. The city becomes a popular destination for those looking to experience the holiday season, attracting both local visitors and tourists from other regions.

In addition to the holiday festivities, Denver's proximity to the Rocky Mountains also contributes to the influx of tourists in December. Many visitors take advantage of the winter season to enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding at nearby Breckenridge and Winter Park Resort.

In December, prices in Denver can vary depending on seasonal demand and the proximity of the holidays. It is important to note that this month coincides with the peak tourist season due to Christmas celebrations and winter activities in the region. As a result, prices for accommodation, restaurants and activities may experience a slight increase due to higher demand.

However, December also offers opportunities to take advantage of promotions and special offers on cultural events, shows and local attractions. When planning a visit to Denver in December, I advise you to do your research in advance and consider early booking options to ensure the best value for money.

December is one of the coldest winter months in Denver and snowfall is very frequent, so I recommend packing the following:

• Winter coats
• Waterproof and comfortable boots
• Woollen scarves
• Warm socks
• Mackintosh
• Sunglasses
• Woollen hat
• Waterproof and tactile gloves
• Fleece trousers
• Thermal fleece
• Woollen jumpers