Festive winter activities to enjoy in Colorado this December

By:
Nov. 18, 2024
The Lincoln Center presents The Nutcracker by the Canyon Concert Ballet. Photo courtesy of Canyon Concert Ballet.
The Lincoln Center presents The Nutcracker by the Canyon Concert Ballet. Photo courtesy of Canyon Concert Ballet.

While the month of December in Colorado tends to be a bit chilly, family time, traditions, good food and holiday cheer warm us up as we enjoy fun activities and festive events around Colorado.

Take time to do something you enjoy. Here are some ideas for things to do in Colorado in December.

Enjoy the free nightly drone show in the night sky above Denver

Over 400 drones in the night sky above Denver create the city's first nightly free done show. Photo courtesy of Brightflights Drone Shows.
Over 400 drones in the night sky above Denver create the city’s first nightly free done show. Photo courtesy of Brightflights Drone Shows.

Starting in late November and continuing through December, the sky above Denver will become an animated canvas for 400 drones. This is the first year for Denver’s Mile High Drone Show, a collaboration between VisitDenver and the Denver company Brightflights Drone Shows. Each animation will be 400 feet high and 500 feet wide, and the show will last 15 minutes.

Along with nightly shows beginning at 7 p.m., there will be three sports-themed shows: Dec. 2 at 5:20 p.m. for the Denver Broncos’ Monday Night Football game; Dec. 25 at 7 p.m. for the Denver Nuggets Christmas game; and Dec. 31 at 5:30 p.m. for the Colorado Avalanche’s New Year’s Eve game.

Check out other holiday light displays in Colorado during the month of December.

Finally, see ‘The Nutcracker’

The Lincoln Center presents The Nutcracker by the Canyon Concert Ballet. Photo courtesy of Canyon Concert Ballet.
The Lincoln Center presents The Nutcracker by the Canyon Concert Ballet. Photo courtesy of Canyon Concert Ballet.

This famous ballet debuted in 1892, so if you haven’t seen it, don’t wait.  This fairy tale production of a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve is a must for the holidays. It’s ranked right up there with caroling and visiting Santa Claus.

Several different art centers will host the ballet in December in Colorado:

Nov. 29-Dec. 1: The Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts welcomes the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and Oklahoma School of Dance in The Nutcracker.

Nov. 30-Dec. 1: The Denver Theater presents Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet offers a slightly different interpretation of the classic ballet by including unique elements and giant puppets from award-winning principal dancers.

Nov. 30-Dec. 29: The Colorado Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver.

Dec. 4-8: A long-standing northern Colorado tradition, The Lincoln Center presents The Nutcracker by the Canyon Concert Ballet.

Dec. 22-23: The Canyon Concert Ballet brings a special child and sensory-friendly version of The Nutcracker Sweets in a 40-minute production at the Rialto Theater in Loveland.

Dec. 14: Support Wreaths Across America day

Wreaths Across America’s largest ceremony takes place at Arlington National Cemetery on Dec. 14, but other organizations work with the nonprofit to place wreaths in remembrance of U.S. service members. Photo courtesy of Wreaths Across America.
Wreaths Across America’s largest ceremony takes place at Arlington National Cemetery on Dec. 14, but other organizations work with the nonprofit to place wreaths in remembrance of U.S. service members. Photo courtesy of Wreaths Across America.

With the mission to “Remember, honor, teach,” the national nonprofit Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at cemeteries, monuments and veteran’s parks across the country, including Colorado, during this annual event each December. This year, wreaths will be laid at 109 Colorado locations.

You can join the day by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering to place wreaths or attending a ceremony. This year’s theme is “Live with purpose.” The nonprofit’s efforts help to ensure that those who have served in the United States military are not forgotten.

Dec. 15: Cheer on horses and their riders of all ages at an indoor gymkhana

A rider and horse display their skills and speed. Photo courtesy of Park Trail Riders.
A rider and horse display their skills and speed. Photo courtesy of Park Trail Riders.

If you’re looking for a different scene from the holiday fairs and light displays but still want to enjoy a “Western” activity during winter in Colorado, look no further than the indoor gymkhana at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock.

A gymkhana displays athletic and equestrian skills in timed-speed events, such as barrel racing, pole bending and flag racing. The Park Trail Riders put on the event monthly through the winter in Colorado.

 

Cut down your own Christmas tree

Hiking to find that perfect tree, the debate of who found the best one and the teamwork it takes to get it back to the vehicle are all part of the fun. Photo by Kati Blocker, UCHealth.
Hiking to find that perfect tree, the debate of who found the best one and the teamwork it takes to get it back to the vehicle are all part of the fun. Photo by Kati Blocker, UCHealth.

Whether it’s your first time or a beloved holiday tradition, getting a Christmas tree can be a fun Colorado outdoor adventure. It brings fresh memories and a fresh-smelling tree to your home, adding to your list of great winter activities.

Cutting down your Christmas tree is a great excuse to exercise outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and spend time with friends and family. And it’s a winter activity offered throughout Colorado. Most permits are $10 to $20 per tree, and permits can be purchased online at recreation.gov. You can start purchasing permits in November, but most cutting seasons don’t start until December. Read this article to prepare for your trip and learn about the different ranger districts, rules and guidelines.

Christmas in Color drive-thru light show

A Christmas in Color drive-thru light show. Photo courtesy of Christmas in Color.
A Christmas in Color drive-thru light show. Photo courtesy of Christmas in Color.

Suppose you’re looking for a December activity and find it chilly outside. In that case, it might be a perfect time to check out the Christmas in Color drive-thru light show happening at three locations in Colorado throughout December: Water World, Red Rocks Park and Arapahoe County Fairgrounds.

Stay in your vehicle while driving through millions of lights synchronized to holiday music on your car radio. Tickets are sold online. Check out their “Santa fun” page for kid activities and a discount for your drive-thru visit.

Visit the North Pole, home of Santa’s workshop

A visit with Santa is one of many fun activities in Colorado in December. Photo courtesy of North Pole, Design Rangers.
A visit with Santa is one of many fun activities in Colorado in December. Photo courtesy of North Pole, Design Rangers.

This Santa-themed amusement park at the foot of Pikes Peak is a fun place to visit in Colorado with children. It offers two dozen family-friendly rides for anyone looking to get in the Christmas spirit.  Share a sweet treat while exploring the vintage shops and even meet with Santa himself. It is recommended that you dress in layers with comfortable shoes. Reservations are required during peak days in December.

Ready. Set. CO To do in Colorado

About the author

Kati Blocker has always been driven to learn and explore the world around her. And every day, as a writer for UCHealth, Kati meets inspiring people, learns about life-saving technology, and gets to know the amazing people who are saving lives each day. Even better, she gets to share their stories with the world.

As a journalism major at the University of Wyoming, Kati wrote for her college newspaper. She also studied abroad in Swansea, Wales, while simultaneously writing for a Colorado metaphysical newspaper.

After college, Kati was a reporter for the Montrose Daily Press and the Telluride Watch, covering education and health care in rural Colorado, as well as city news and business.

When she's not writing, Kati is creating her own stories with her husband Joel and their two young children.