Holidays in Civic Center: Denver’s Coziest Winter Tradition Returns ✨

Happy Saturday, Denver!

Hey everyone — Ben here. If you’ve been waiting for Denver to officially switch into holiday mode, consider this your sign. Holidays in Civic Center kicks off soon with glowing lights, the Christkindlmarket, the Mile High Tree, and plenty of festive moments to ease you into the season. From mulled wine to immersive art, this is where Denver comes alive with holiday cheer.

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📍 1435 Market St, Denver, CO 80202

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🎄 Holidays in Civic Center Returns: A Mile High Tradition of Lights, Markets & Cozy Vibes

If you’ve been waiting for Denver to officially flip the switch on holiday season, the moment is here. Holidays in Civic Center returns this year with twinkling lights, festive markets, immersive art, and some of the city’s most beloved winter traditions — all in one glowing destination.

✨ Christkindlmarket: A German Holiday Village in the Heart of Denver

The iconic Denver Christkindlmarket kicks things off starting November 17, bringing steins, strudels, handcrafted gifts, and all the cozy Bavarian charm you can handle. It’s celebrating its 25th anniversary, and the new location on Auraria Campus adds even more sparkle.

Expect:

Authentic German food & mulled wine 🍷
Meet-and-greets with St. Nikolaus, Krampus, and the Christkind
Artisan vendors & glass ornament workshops
Live music and tons of holiday cheer

📅 Nov. 17–Dec. 23

🌲 The Mile High Tree

Denver’s famous 110-foot-tall Mile High Tree, presented by Xfinity lights up again starting November 17 at 5:15 p.m. This immersive art installation glows, pulses, and dances with music — and yes, you can step inside the tree for the full experience.

🔥 Don’t miss: A special 9 p.m. “ball drop-style” countdown to ring in the New Year on Dec. 31.

🎁 Holidays in Civic Center: Community, Culture & Cozy Nights

Running Nov. 17 – Dec. 23, Holidays in Civic Center brings all four activations together — markets, lights, performances, and winter celebrations — to turn Civic Center Park into downtown’s holiday hub.

Pro Tips:

The park is fenced for safety with entrances at 14th & Bannock and along Broadway.
Bike, rideshare, or take transit — parking fills fast!
If you must drive, reserve a spot at the Denver Post Garage via LAZ Parking.

No matter how you celebrate the season, this is one of Denver’s most magical spots to sip cocoa, wander under the lights, and soak up the festive energy of the city.

Saturday, November 15

3XCHARM - Larimer Lounge | 9:00 PM

Mau P - Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre | 7:00 PM

Sunday, November 16

Darrell Scott - Swallow Hill Music | 7:00 PM

Peter McPoland - The Gothic Theatre | 8:00 PM

Friday, November 14

Lucius - The Ogden Theatre | 8:00 PM

An Evening with Megan Hilty - Lone Tree Arts Center | 7:30 PM

❄️ See You Under the Civic Center Lights

Northern Lights Over Downtown by u/Ethgawwd

Thanks for reading, and I hope this gives you a little something to look forward to as Denver eases into the holiday season. Whether you’re grabbing a pretzel at Christkindlmarket or stepping inside the Mile High Tree, don’t forget to send me your favorite photos — I love seeing what you all discover around the city. Stay warm out there, and I’ll catch you in the next issue.