Can’t beat the holidays? That’s cool – join ’em. Why not? Tons of holiday events around Denver are *FREE* and actually quite delightful. Attending them can lift your spirits and get you back to that kiddie Christmas-like feeling you had when first watching Miracle on 34th Street.

Here’s 5 totally cheesy and totally rad things to do to get into the Christmas Spirit in Denver, Colorado. Did we mention they’re free?…

 

#1. TUBACHRISTMAS – Sunday, December 21st, 2014

Hundreds of tubas will meet and perform holiday songs in Skyline Park (intersection of Arapahoe & E. 17th St.) at 1 pm for about an hour. Gather your friends, your hot chocolate, and mosey on down to Skyline for an amazing concert. Last year we even hit up Osteria Marco with some friends for brunch beforehand. Bonus: Pick up a TUBACHRISTMAS Beanie and other merchandise while you’re at the show – support your local tubas! For info on TUBACHRISTMAS in surrounding areas, like Fort Collins and Colorado Springs, click here.

 

#2. Zoo Lights – December 5th, 2014 – January 4th, 2015

It may not be summer time, but the Denver Zoo still anticipates you and your family’s visit with the awesome Zoo Light exhibit spanning 38 acres. Although not free, this is still a great way to get outside and check out the beautiful holiday lights with those you adore. Check out the Zoo Lights Glow Package – purchase by Dec 4th, 2014, and receive 2 adult tickets, 2 souvenir mugs with free hot chocolate, and 2 3-D Glow Glasses for $30 (regularly $50).

#3. Downtown Denver Grand Illumination – November 28th, 2014

On November 28th at 6 pm sharp, the Grand Illumination will take place, lighting up downtown from Denver Union Station to the City and County Building. The beautiful lights will be on display through the end of December, but the first lighting is really a treat to watch… and it’s a completely FREE event!

 

#4. Denver’s Christkindl Market – November 21st – December 23rd, 2014

 

Also located in Skyline Park (Arapahoe and 17th Street), this authentic German market holds a ton of vendors with handmade, local gifts for you to purchase, right in time for the holiday season. Last year, we saw and purchased delicious treats of roasted/seasoned almonds, hand-blown glass ornaments, knitted headbands & scarves, and much more. Gifts for men, women, boys, girls, and even pets were present, making it super easy for us to pick up gifts for our family & friends while supporting local artists.

Not into the gift purchasing? No worries – head to their beer tent for a stein of beer, delicious muddled wine, and to listen to the live music play.

#5. Denver’s Parade of Lights – Friday, December 5, & Saturday, December 6, 2014

 

Floats, lights, marching bands… what is there not to love about Denver’s Parade of Lights? There are two show times of this 40+ year old tradition happening, so make sure you attend AT LEAST one: Friday, December 5 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 6 at 6:00 p.m, beginning in Civic Center. Check out the route:

 

There you have it. 5 awesomely cheesy holiday events in Denver, the majority of which being *FREE*. Make sure to stop by and get into the holiday spirit with your friends and family. We’re making sure to hit all of the events this year, and so should you! Why not? Like we said – if you can’t beat the holidays, might as well join ’em.

Don’t miss out on the fun!
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