17 Things to Do in Denver in Winter: The Best Events & Activities

The Best Denver Winter Activities and Events (2023-2024)

If you're looking for things to do in Denver in winter, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll share the best of winter in Denver.

Beat the winter blues with fun outdoor adventures, holiday celebrations, relaxing experiences, and family-friendly activities.

What do you do in Denver in the winter?

There are so many unique winter activities in Denver, including ice skating, local events, winter events, and holiday experiences.
Here’s a quick list of things to do in Denver in Winter. We'll share more details below.

1. Go ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink
2. Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens for a winter event
3. Go wine tasting at The Infinite Monkey Theorem
4. Enjoy winter on the rocks at Red Rocks
5. Get warm and relax at Oakwell Beer Spa – the perfect date
6. Enjoy local craft beer on a heated patio
7. Attend the National Western Stock Show
8. Watch the Parade of Lights – a free activity
9. Explore Denver Union Station
10. Experience Winter Wonderland at Cherry Creek North
11. Taste beer at the Denver Winter Brew Fest
12. Go to Snow Days at the Children’s Museum of Denver
13. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Temper Chocolates and Confections
14. Take a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park
15. Go to the Denver Zoo for Zoo Lights – a kid-friendly experience
16. Watch sports at the Ball Arena
17. Celebrate the new year at a NYE event – so many options

1. Go ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink

One of the most exciting things to do in Denver in winter for anyone is ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink. The rink is in the large Civic Center Park and is only open during winter, starting November 20th, 2023.

The rink is free, but you can rent skate gear and buy food and drinks.

2. Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens for a winter event

While the Denver Botanic Gardens is beautiful and fun to visit all year, winter offers a unique experience at the gardens. 

There are many winter events, including the Children and Family Make and Take: Harvest Wreaths, with various dates and times throughout November and December.

Blossoms of Light is another popular winter event that lasts from November 17th, 2023, to January 7th, 2024 (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) from 4:30-9 PM. 

3. Go wine tasting at The Infinite Monkey Theorem

The Infinite Monkey Theorem is a local winery with delicious beverages. During winter, the winery holds several special events, like comedy nights, a wreath-making workshop, a holiday party, and more.

4. Enjoy winter on the rocks at Red Rocks

One of the best winter wonderland things to do in Denver is hanging out at Red Rocks. Red Rocks Amphitheatre has a relaxed vibe and few crowds as it cools down and shows pause for winter. This makes for the perfect time to explore the park and visit various sites around Red Rocks.

5. Get warm and relax at Oakwell Beer Spa

If you’re looking for the perfect way to relax this winter in Denver, look no further than Oakwell Beer Spa. This award-winning, unique day spa offers an incredible experience where you can rejuvenate with beer-inspired treatments and enjoy local craft beer and other beverages. It's perfect for a date or spending time with friends.

The signature spa treatment, Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, is the perfect way to warm up during winter in Denver. Other spa services include an Infrared Sauna and Zero Gravity Massage Experience.

Along with the standard spa day packages you can enjoy any day, Oakwell Beer Spa also has  New Year’s and Valentine’s Day spa packages.

6.  Enjoy local craft beer on a heated patio

One of our favorite ways to get cozy and enjoy Denver in winter is sipping local craft beer on a heated patio.

Denver’s thriving beer scene makes it easy to find a brewery. A few spots we enjoy with patio heaters are Great Divide Brewing Barrel Bar, Odell Brewing (in Five Points), and Wynkoop Brewing Company.

7. Attend the National Western Stock Show

The annual National Western Stock Show is one of Denver’s most unique winter events and takes place every January. This year, it runs from January 6th to 24th, 2024.

The National Western Stock Show aims to invest in future generations with livestock and equestrian education, innovations, entertainment, and competition. This event is great for youth and adults.

9. Watch the Parade of Lights

If you’re looking for free Denver winter activities, the Parade of Lights is one of the best! This family event is in downtown Denver on December 2nd, 2023, starting at 6 PM.

The parade will have 40 floats, balloons, marching bands, equestrian units, and cultural displays. There are also special guest appearances from Santa and Major Waddles the Penguin.

9. Explore Denver Union Station

The Denver Union Station, also known as “Denver’s Living Room,” is a historic landmark located in the vibrant lower downtown area. It’s the perfect place to get warm, shop, and dine. There are also various winter events, including a pop-up cocktail bar and a light show.

10. Experience Winter Wonderland at Cherry Creek North.

Winter Wonderland at Cherry Creek North offers the ultimate holiday experience, with close to a million twinkling lights illuminating the entire neighborhood. You can also enjoy a collection of winter events, holiday shopping, and food. This year, Winter Wonderland is from November 16th to December 24th, 2023.

11. Taste beer at the Denver Winter Brew Fest

The annual Denver Winter Brew Fest is back at the Mile High Station on January 27th, 2024. Enjoy unlimited tastes of various beers, including seasonal and special releases. There are also food trucks, live music, and more.

12. Go to Snow Days at the Children’s Museum of Denver

Snow Days at the Children’s Museum of Denver offers some of the best things to do in Denver in winter for kids. Starting December 2nd, there's so much to enjoy with real snow for sledding and building snowmen, a sock skating rink, a fire, and more.

13. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Temper Chocolates and Confections

What’s a holiday season without delicious treats? Whether you want to satisfy a sweet tooth, need a last-minute gift, or want some desserts for a holiday party, Temper Chocolates and Confections is the place to go.

14. Take a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Another incredible way to enjoy a winter wonderland experience is by taking a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, about an hour and a half from Denver. During winter, the park boasts snow-capped mountains, frozen waterfalls, and wildlife in the snow. Best of all, there are fewer crowds at the park during this time.

15. Go to the Denver Zoo for Zoo Lights

While Denver Zoo is one of the best places in Denver all year, Zoo Lights is easily one of the best Denver winter activities. From December 2nd, 2023, to January 7th, 2024, you can enjoy special sights and activities throughout the zoo, including light installations, ice-carving demonstrations, and craft cocktails.

16. Watch sports at the Ball Arena

If you’re a sportsfan, head to the Ball Arena in downtown Denver for basketball or hockey. The Denver Nuggets are playing basketball, while the Colorado Avalanches are playing hockey through the winter.

17. Celebrate the new year at a NYE event

You're in luck if you're celebrating the new year in Denver. There are so many fun events with something for everyone. From a fireworks show and an annual bar crawl to a unique spa experience and an upscale cocktail party, there are countless New Year's Eve activities in Denver. 

Denver, Colorado in Winter: FAQs

Let’s explore common questions about Denver in winter.

What is the winter season in Denver?

Denver’s winter season is typically early November to late March. However, it could start sooner or last longer.

What is Denver’s snowiest month?

March is usually Denver's snowiest month, with an average of 11.5 inches of snow. It's been known to snow in Denver from October to April, so it's best to stay prepared. 

Is Denver worth visiting in the winter?

Denver is well worth visiting during winter if you enjoy cold weather and fun winter activities. The snow is beautiful, and there are many fun things to bundle up and do to enjoy the winter season. 

If you don’t prefer cold weather, we recommend visiting Denver during summer or fall.

Enjoy the Best Things to Do in Denver in Winter

We hope this article inspired you to enjoy the best things to do in Denver in winter.

Denver is home to some of the best winter events and activities, with our favorites being relaxing at a cozy spa day, enjoying local craft beer, and going to holiday events.

If you’re ready to start beating the winter blues, book a relaxing spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa.

By: Polly Clover