It's holiday time, Aurora! Let our guide show you all the best seasonal activities. Whether you're an Aurora veteran or a first-timer, this guide will make your holidays unforgettable.
Popular events this season include the enchanting **Nutcracker**, featuring exquisite ballet performances that capture the spirit of Christmas. Alongside that, **Winter Wanderland** invites visitors to experience festive displays and holiday-themed activities that engage the whole family. And the whimsical **Camp Christmas** is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its unique blend of holiday cheer and interactive installations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Aurora
- Winter Wanderland (Denver)
- The Nutcracker (Denver)
- Camp Christmas (Denver)
- Luminova Holidays (Denver)
- Christmas in Color (Denver, Morrison, Aurora)
- Downtown Denver Rink (Denver)
- Home for the Holidays (Lone Tree)
- A Christmas Carol (Denver)
- Denver Zoo Lights (Denver)
- LIGHT At Gaylord Rockies
See these and even more events listed below!
Aurora Holiday Light Displays
Winter Wanderland
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday celebration with extensive light displays and live music.
Description:
Cherry Creek North transforms into a dazzling holiday destination with over 1 million twinkling lights wrapping more than 600 trees, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Where: Denver | More Info: Winter Wanderland
Luminova Holidays
What to Expect:
Immersive light displays and interactive activities.
Description:
Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens features over 4 million dazzling lights, a 65-ft. Christmas tree, and 25-ft. snowmen that never melt. The event includes rides, interactive activities, and photo opportunities amidst larger-than-life light displays.
Where: Denver | More Info: Luminova Holidays
Christmas in Color
What to Expect:
Synchronized lights and music drive-thru show with the world's longest light tunnel.
Description:
Christmas in Color is a drive-thru Christmas light show featuring synchronized lights and music, with over 1 million holiday lights and the world's longest light tunnel. It offers a convenient and warm holiday experience for families.
Where: Denver, Morrison, Aurora | More Info: Christmas in Color
LIGHT At Gaylord Rockies
What to Expect:
Dazzling Christmas lights and festive decorations.
Description:
Gaylord Rockies features over 3 million dazzling Christmas lights around every bend of the resort, creating a spectacular holiday display.
Where: Aurora | More Info: LIGHT At Gaylord Rockies
Denver Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Denver Zoo Lights features over 3 million LED lights transforming the zoo into a vibrant display of color and light, with special attractions like ice sculpting and animal habitats illuminated.
Where: Denver | More Info: Denver Zoo Lights
Aurora Holiday Markets and Shopping
Visit the Village
What to Expect:
Holiday market with local artisans and family-friendly food options.
Description:
Visit the Village is a holiday-themed family fun day featuring local artisan and craft vendors, food trucks, and a vendor booth decor contest.
Where: Aurora | More Info: Visit the Village
Aurora Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Colorado Ballet's The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet performance featuring mischievous dancing mice, sweet Sugar Plums, and a symphony of swirling snowflakes, set to Tchaikovsky's enchanting score.
Where: Denver | More Info: The Nutcracker
Camp Christmas
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday celebration with themed nights and activities.
Description:
Camp Christmas is a 15,000 square-foot immersive holiday experience at Stanley Marketplace, featuring handcrafted installations by Denver-based magic makers. It includes nostalgic scenes, playful decorations, and opportunities to visit Santa. The event offers various themed nights and activities, such as craft cocktails and a surreal mashup of holiday cheer.
Where: Denver | More Info: Camp Christmas
Home for the Holidays
What to Expect:
Old-school variety show with celebrity appearances and diverse musical styles.
Description:
Home for the Holidays is a holiday spectacular featuring dancers, singers, holiday songs, and celebrity appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. With an updated storyline and spectacular surprises, this event is sure to delight and put you in the holiday spirit. After 10 years, it will be going on a break, making this a last chance to see this beloved holiday tradition.
Where: Lone Tree | More Info: Home for the Holidays
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
30th anniversary production with accessible performances.
Description:
A joyous and opulent musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel, tracing Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey to redemption.
Where: Denver | More Info: A Christmas Carol
The Polar Express
What to Expect:
Immersive theatrical re-creation of the Polar Express story with vintage coaches and coal-fired steam locomotive.
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride is a theatrical extravaganza where guests embark on a journey to the North Pole aboard vintage coaches pulled by a coal-fired steam locomotive. The event features holiday caroling, a hot chocolate song and dance, and a dramatic re-enactment of the Polar Express story. Guests will enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and a Silver Bell as part of the experience.
Where: Golden | More Info: The Polar Express
Live Music with Reunited Acapella
What to Expect:
Harmonizing voices emulate instruments in holiday carols.
Description:
Reunited Acapella brings harmonious holiday musical stylings to Stanley Marketplace, blending voices with instruments in classic Christmas carols.
Where: Aurora | More Info: Live Music with Reunited Acapella
A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant
What to Expect:
Satirical take on Scientology teachings in a children's pageant format.
Description:
A satirical children's pageant that humorously explores the teachings of Scientology, blending comedy and social commentary.
Where: Aurora | More Info: A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant
Aurora Other Holiday Activities
Downtown Denver Rink
What to Expect:
Free ice skating with various rental options.
Description:
The Downtown Denver Rink offers free ice skating at Skyline Park, with skate rentals available for adults and kids. It is open daily from November to February, with special events and discounts for military, first responders, and 4th graders.
Where: Denver | More Info: Downtown Denver Rink
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Commerce City (8 miles)
- Denver (8 miles)
- Englewood (10 miles)
- Castlewood (11 miles)
- Centennial (11 miles)
- Southglenn (12 miles)
- Thornton (12 miles)
- Littleton (13 miles)
- Westminster (13 miles)
- Wheat Ridge (13 miles)
- Lakewood (13 miles)
- Northglenn (14 miles)
- Highlands Ranch (14 miles)
- Arvada (14 miles)
- Parker (15 miles)
- Columbine (16 miles)
- Brighton (18 miles)
- Ken Caryl (18 miles)
- Broomfield (19 miles)
- Golden (21 miles)
- Lafayette (23 miles)
- Louisville (23 miles)
- Castle Rock (25 miles)
- Erie (25 miles)
- Boulder (31 miles)
- Longmont (33 miles)