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Denver Christmas Markets
& Festive Holiday Attractions 2026

The annual Christkindlmarket brings authentic German and European holiday traditions to Denver!

  • Event Dates

    From: Awaiting dates
    To: Awaiting dates

  • Key Highlights

    • European Coffee
    • Live Entertainment
    • Ugly-Sweater Night
    • Authentic Glühwein
    • Bavarian-Style Biers
    • Meeting St. Nikolaus
    • Dance Performances
    • Live German Polka Music

Denver Christmas Markets and Festive Holiday Attractions 2026

The annual Christkindlmarket brings authentic German and European holiday traditions to Denver!

  • Stay close to the Market The Art Hotel Denver, with funky rooms, large showers, delicious breakfasts and located  close to all the city's top attractions.

Christmas in Denver

  • Next Edition: Awaiting dates, typically mid November to early January.
  • Denver’s Christkindlmarket and surrounding festive attractions transform Civic Center Park and the city streets into a celebrated winter wonderland.
  • Explore the best holiday markets, dazzling light displays, and cozy seasonal experiences.

The Market

  • Next Edition: Awaiting dates – Typically mid November to a few days before Christmas eve.
  • Denver's Christmas Market at Civic Center Park opens every year on the Friday before Thanksgiving and lasts through the 23rd of December. The event offers an authentic German holiday experience, including meeting St. Nikolaus, Krampus and the Christkind herself.
  • Guests can savour the season as they enjoy authentic Glühwein, Bavarian-style Biers, European coffee, or hot chocolate while wandering through the Market. Blinchiki (Russian-style crepes), knödel (Central European-style boiled dumplings), and Viennese apple strudel highlight the Market's international food offerings.
  • Each charming wooden hut offers finely crafted artisan gifts and holiday treats sold by local Coloradan and international merchants. Guests can enjoy live entertainment while snacking on Bavarian-style pretzels, fresh smoked salmon, or Goulash with their family and friends.
  • Live German Polka music, heritage dance performances, and a designated ugly-sweater night add to the unique Christmas Experience.
  • Opens: Sunday – Wednesday: 11am – 7pm | Thursday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm | (The gates will be closed at 9pm) Festival Hall Hours: Thursday – Saturday: open until 10pm
  • Stay in The Patterson Inn, rated “Superb” by guests, located just steps from the gay bars and clubs, close to the markets and offering superb rooms and amenities.

The Location

  • Denver's Christkindlmarket takes place at the Civic Center Park on 101 West 14th Avenue, Just a 10-minute drive from the gay-popular River North Art District (RiNo), home to some of the city's top gay bars and restaurants.
  • The city's gay bars boast beautiful festive decorations throughout December.
  • Visit Charlie's for some seasonal line dancing or dance all night at Tracks.

Georgetown Christmas Market

  • Awaiting dates: Typically the first two weekends in December.
  • A Victorian Christmas awaits in the historic mountain town of Georgetown, located just an hour west of Denver.
  • Georgetown's Sixth Street transforms into a Christmas vision with a European-style outdoor market, roasted chestnuts, horse-drawn wagon rides, and Christmas carolers.

Light Shows at the Botanic Gardens

  • Awaiting dates: Typically mid November to early January – 4:30-9 p.m. (closed Nov. 28 & Dec. 25)
  • The Blossoms of Light returns to the Denver Botanic Gardens on York Street from late November to early January.
  • Blossoms of Light transforms the garden into a winter wonderland full of over two million twinkling holiday lights, sure to enchant guests young and old alike.

Zoo Lights

  • Zoo Lights return to the Denver Zoo for over 28 years with over a month of nightly entertainment, animal encounters, and a colourful display of holiday lights.
  • Two million Christmas lights decorate the zoo's 70 acres during the event, which runs through early January. Other highlights of the event include a Festival of Lights, visits with Santa Claus.

Festive Lights & The Mile High Tree

  • Awaiting dates – Before Thanksgiving, experience the Grand Illumination of landmark buildings in downtown Denver, including the City & County Building, Denver Union Station, Larimer Square and more. Check out the colourful projections of Night Lights Denver on the D&F Clocktower.
  • Visit the Mile High Tree, the largest installation of its kind in North America. During open times, visitors to the tree will enjoy a selection of festive and diverse songs timed to the tree's exciting light displays. The program lasts about five minutes and will run approximately every 15 minutes.

Where to stay in Denver?

The following hotels are all close to the city's top attractions:

Four Seasons,    Westin,    Sheraton,    Grand Hyatt

Gay Map of Denver

Capitol Hill, a vibrant neighborhood located in East Denver, is also the city’s unofficial gayborhood. From Country/Western bars to dance clubs, there is a variety of nightlife options to discover here, with hotels an easy walk to bars
booking.com our hotel partner .

Address: 1111 14th St, Denver, CO 80202, United States

  • Luxury 5-star hotel in downtown Denver’s Theatre District.
  • Located in a modern high-rise with city and Rocky Mountain views.
  • Home to EDGE Restaurant & Bar plus a rooftop pool and spa.
  • Short walk to theatres, the convention centre and Larimer Square.
  • About a 5-10 minute taxi to Denver’s main gay nightlife areas.
  • Upscale base for exploring downtown and the city’s LGBTQ+ scene.
  • Website

Address:

  • Modern downtown Denver hotel near the 16th Street Mall.
  • Large contemporary tower with city-view spacious rooms.
  • Features include an indoor pool and rooftop jogging track.
  • Located in the central business district close to restaurants and bars.
  • About a 5 minute taxi to Denver’s main gay nightlife areas.
  • Convenient base for exploring downtown and the East Colfax scene.
  • Website

Address: 1550 Court Pl, Denver, CO 80202, United States

  • Large 4-star hotel in downtown Denver near the 16th Street Mall.
  • Modern high-rise with renovated rooms and large social lobby spaces.
  • Features include a rooftop pool, fitness centre and cocktail lounge.
  • Located in the central business district close to major attractions.
  • About a 5-10 minute taxi to Denver’s main gay nightlife areas.
  • Convenient downtown base for exploring the city and its bar scene.
  • Website

Address: 1672 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80202, United States

  • Modern 4-star hotel in downtown Denver near the 16th Street Mall.
  • Located in the Tabor Center complex in the city’s business district.
  • Contemporary rooms with city views and Westin wellness features.
  • Walking distance to Larimer Square, and major attractions.
  • About a 7 minute taxi to the East Colfax gay nightlife area.
  • Convenient central base for exploring downtown and evening venues.
  • Website

Address: 1336 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218, United States

  • Gay bar and drag restaurant in Denver’s City Park West.
  • Set in a converted house with patios on East 17th Ave.
  • Known for drag brunch, bingo, watch parties, and stage shows.
  • Feels more like a camp dinner spot than a nightclub.
  • Popular for group nights out built around the event calendar.
  • Open: Tue-Wed 4pm-10pm, Thu-Fri 4pm-11pm,
  • Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-6pm
  • Facebook

Address: 475 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204, United States

  • Gay fetish bar on Santa Fe Drive in Denver.
  • Known for leather nights, underwear parties, and beer busts.
  • Covered patio gives it more space than many city bars.
  • Crowd skews kink, leather, bear, and alternative gay scene.
  • Feels more underground than polished or mainstream.
  • Open: Mon-Thu 3pm-2am, Fri-Sun 1pm-2am
  • Website

Address: 1501 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80218, United States

  • Gay sports bar on East Colfax in Denver.
  • Known for games, karaoke, and two outdoor patios.
  • Feels more like a neighbourhood hangout than a club.
  • Draws a mixed gay crowd built around sport and socialising.
  • A distinctive local niche rather than a generic nightlife spot.
  • Open: Mon-Fri 3pm-2am, Sat 12pm-2am, Sun 11am-2am
  • Website

Address: 5110 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204, United States

  • Gay leather bar on West Colfax in Denver.
  • Focused on fetish, gear, and themed nightlife.
  • Feels destination-led rather than casual walk-in traffic.
  • Crowd is shaped by Denver’s leather and kink scene.
  • Darker, more niche, and less mainstream than other gay bars.
  • Open: Tue-Sun 8pm-2am, Mon closed.
  • Website

Address: 504 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203, United States

  • Gay bar on East Colfax Avenue in Denver.
  • Neighbourhood-style venue built around a central bar.
  • Pool tables, darts and patio seating shape the atmosphere.
  • More relaxed pub vibe than Denver’s nightclub venues.
  • Popular for casual drinks and daytime brunch gatherings.
  • Open: Mon-Fri 2pm-2am, Sat-Sun 11am-2am
  • Website

Address: 4501 E Virginia Ave, Denver, CO 80246, United States

  • Gay club in Glendale with a strong Latin party focus.
  • Known for drag, after-parties, and late-night weekend hours.
  • Music leans reggaeton, banda, cumbia, and high-energy club sets.
  • Feels more destination-led than the East Colfax bar strip.
  • A distinct part of Denver’s Latin gay nightlife scene.
  • Open: Thu 9pm-4am, Fri-Sat 8pm-4am, Sun 9pm-4am
  • Website

Address:1027 N Broadway, Denver, CO 80203, United States

  • Gay bar on North Broadway with a more casual local feel.
  • Known for karaoke, sports nights, patio drinks, and late food.
  • Feels more like a community hangout than a hard-core club.
  • A regular Pride stop with a broad social crowd.
  • Good fit for an easy night out without East Colfax intensity.
  • Open: Mon-Thu 1pm-2am, Fri-Sun 12pm-2am
  • Website

Address: 4958 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220, United States

  • Gay bar on East Colfax with a long-running local following.
  • Known for darts, happy hour, strong drinks, and game nights.
  • Feels like an old Denver dive rather than a polished club.
  • Draws regulars who come for familiarity as much as nightlife.
  • One of the city’s most established gay bar addresses.
  • Open: Mon-Thu 3pm-2am, Fri 1pm-2am, Sat-Sun 11am-2am
  • Facebook

Address: 255 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209, United States

  • Gay-owned LGBTQ+ bar located on South Broadway in Denver.
  • Known for its large back patio that draws a social crowd.
  • More of a neighbourhood lounge than a dance-focused club.
  • Part of the independent South Broadway nightlife strip.
  • Popular for relaxed drinks and conversation with locals.
  • Open: Mon-Wed 3pm-12am, Thu 3pm-1am, Fri 3pm-2am,
  • Sat 12pm-2am, Sun 12pm-12am
  • Website

Address: 629 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203, United States

  • Gay bar and nightclub on East Colfax in Denver.
  • Large patio is a major part of the venue’s appeal.
  • Known for drag, DJs, beer busts, and big weekend energy.
  • Draws a broader crowd than Denver’s niche leather bars.
  • One of the city’s best-known gay nightlife institutions.
  • Open: Mon-Sat 3pm-2am, Sun 12pm-2am
  • Facebook

Address: 1601 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80202, United States

  • Not a gay bar, but it does host regular drag and cabaret shows.
  • Located beneath the Daniels & Fisher Tower in downtown Denver.
  • Known for burlesque, comedy, live music, and stage performances.
  • Feels more like a hidden theatre bar than a nightlife strip venue.
  • One of Denver’s most distinctive rooms for a dressed-up night out.
  • Open: Thu 4:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 4:30pm-11pm,
  • Sun 4:30pm-11pm, Mon-Wed show schedule varies
  • Website

Address: 900 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80218, United States

  • Gay bar and nightclub on East Colfax with deep local history.
  • Known for country-western nights, dancing, drag, and karaoke.
  • One of the few venues where cowboy style still shapes the room.
  • Draws a crowd built around events rather than weekend drinking.
  • A long-running fixture that still feels tied to Denver’s gay nightlife 
  • Open: Sun 12pm-2am Mon-Thu 2pm-2am
  • Fri 2pm-4am Sat 12pm-4am
  • Website

Address: 3500 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205, United States

  • Gay nightclub in RiNo on Walnut Street in Denver.
  • Known for large dance nights, drag events, and themed parties.
  • Bigger and more event-led than Denver’s pub-style gay bars.
  • Warehouse-style setting gives it a destination-club feel.
  • One of the city’s main addresses for big LGBTQ+ nights out.
  • Open: Thu-Sat 9pm-2am, Sun-Wed closed
  • Website

Address: 500 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204, United States

  • LGBTQ+ bar and cabaret venue on Santa Fe Drive in Denver.
  • Known locally for drag shows, karaoke and theatrical themed nights.
  • Small room built around a stage rather than a dance floor.
  • Feels more alternative and performance-driven than club venues.
  • A distinctive stop for Denver’s camp and cabaret nightlife.
  • Open: Mon-Wed 7pm-3am, Thu-Sun 3pm-3am
  • Instagram

Address: 2195 California St, Denver, CO 80205, United States

  • Lesbian bar in Five Points with a broader LGBTQ+ crowd.
  • The former Mercury Cafe, giving it a bigger footprint & character.
  • Known for sapphic nights, karaoke, drag, and community-led events.
  • Feels more destination-led than the usual East Colfax gay-bar circuit.
  • A specific local answer to Denver’s lack of dedicated lesbian spaces.
  • Open: Tue, Thu 5pm-11pm, Wed 5pm-12am,
  • Fri-Sat 5pm-2am, Sun 3pm-11pm
  • Website

Recommended Hotels in Denver By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Denver that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars

Four Seasons
5 Star – Central Location

Four Seasons Hotel Denver
Booking.com
  • 5-Star, Elegant Suites, Mountain Views
  • A short taxi ride to the gay bars
  • iPod docking, flat-screen TV
  • Luxurious suites with stunning views & a full-service spa, ideal for a pampered Denver stay.

Grand Hyatt Denver
4 Star – Luxury

Booking.com
  • 4-Star, Indoor Pool, On-Site Restaurant
  • A short walk to the gay bars
  • Flat-screen TV, free WiFi
  • Comfortable rooms with modern amenities, indoor pool, close to Denver attractions.

Westin Hotel
4 Star – Great Amenities

The Westin Denver Downtown
Booking.com
  • 4-Star, Rooftop Pool, Fully Equipped Fitness Centre
  • A short taxi ride to the gay bars
  • 37-inch TV, gift shop
  • Offers rooftop pool with city views & a state-of-the-art fitness centre, perfect for a Denver visit.

Sheraton Hotel
4 Star – Perfect Location

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
Booking.com
  • 4-Star, Outdoor Pool, Business Center
  • Close to the gay district
  • Cable TV, ergonomic desk chair
  • Features an outdoor pool, modern business amenities, & comfortable rooms in a prime location.

Video Of Christmas in Denver

Highlights for the Christmas Markets

Sheraton Denver Hotel

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