6 fun things to do in Colorado in November

By:
Oct. 9, 2023
Among Colorado hot springs, Steamboat's Old Town Hot Springs is one of the most popular.
Steamboat’s Old Town Hot Springs is one of the most popular of Colorado’s hot springs. The center features multiple pools with varying temperatures surrounded by beautiful aspens and flowers. Photo courtesy of Old Town Hot Springs.

In many places around the world, the arrival of November means bitter cold days with little to no sunshine. In Colorado, however, a winter snowstorm is often followed by sunshine and milder weather, allowing Coloradans to enjoy the outdoors all year.

There are a lot of outdoor winter activities to enjoy, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing and more. However, if you like to unwind by immersing yourself in culture, art or real-life storytelling instead, there are plenty of options for that around the state as well.

Here are some of our favorite outdoor and indoor things to do in Colorado in November.

November 3-11: Tap into your creative side during Denver Arts Week

A woman painting a mural. Murals are part of the Denver Arts Week happening in November in Colorado.
Admiring art can help reduce stress and make you feel more relaxed. Photo: Getty Images

Celebrate the Mile High City’s arts and culture scene with hundreds of events happening around the city during Denver Arts Week.

Explore the city’s vibrant art districts, check out museum exhibitions and outdoor sculptures, enjoy a show, get inspired at film and literary events or buy some one-of-a-kind art of your own.

Many museums and cultural institutions will be open for free during this week, and there will be other deals and promotions throughout the city, so you don’t want to miss it. Check their events schedule on the website or follow Denver Arts Week on social media for the latest updates.

Nov. 11: Walk, jog or run the Denver Veterans Day Run

People participating in the Denver Veterans Day Run, a great thing to do in Colorado in November.
If you are not able to attend the Denver Veterans Day Run in person, you can still show your support by virtually running the race between November 1-12. Photo: Colorado Veterans Project.

Get moving for a good cause by signing up for the Denver Veterans Day Run in City Park, Denver. Recognized as Denver’s official run for veterans, this is a memorial 5K and 10K in-person and virtual run, open to everyone.

All proceeds from your registration (and donations) go directly to helping Colorado veterans. The run is hosted by the Colorado Veterans Project, whose mission is to enhance pride and patriotism in Coloradans by building a stronger, more supportive community for veterans. Registration is $50 for the 5K and $55 for the 10K.

Nov. 17- Dec. 31: Take a ride on the Polar Express

The Polar Express, which begins rides in Colorado in November.
Fun fact: Tom Hanks, the star of The Polar Express movie, voiced six different characters in the film. Photo: D&SNGRR

The holiday season is upon us, and there is something magical about experiencing a classic holiday story first-hand. Climb aboard the Polar Express Train Ride as it departs from Durango, Colorado and travels to the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus.

You’ll be immersed in the story as chefs serve hot chocolate and sweet treats while the conductor recites a reading from the Polar Express book. Once you arrive at the North Pole, a beautiful light show set to holiday music awaits! Tickets for the 2023 season are now available.

Read more about ‘Polar Express’ train ride…

Nov. 22: Catch your first run of the ski season

people skiing in Steamboat, a great thing to do in Colorado in November.
More than 500,000 people visit Steamboat Springs each year for a variety of winter activities. Photo: Steamboat Resorts.

The ski and snowboard season begins Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Steamboat Ski Resort in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Make yourself at home in this welcoming, western community that is known for world-class skiing.

Not an expert ski bunny quite yet? No worries, lessons and equipment rentals are available. After a long day on the mountain, stroll down Main Street and refuel with a hearty meal at one of the many restaurants in town, relax in the healing waters of the mineral hot springs, then snuggle up in the warmth of your lodge or cabin while snow, or Champagne Powder as locals have trademarked it, falls outside.

Read more about what Steamboat has to offer.

November 10-January 31: Break out the ice skates at Skate in the Park

Ice skating is a fun way to get physical activity in Colorado’s colder months, which usually start in November. Photo by Getty Images.
Ice skating is a fun way to get physical activity in Colorado’s colder months. Photo by Getty Images.

Whether it’s date night or a family fun night out, Acacia Park in Colorado Springs offers open ice skating for everyone to enjoy. Children 4 and under are free with a paying adult, and a discount is offered for military and first responders. Tickets are only available at the rink, so check out the open skate schedule before you go.

November 1-30: Visit a hot spring in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains

Glenwood Springs bills its hot springs pool as the longest in the world. Photo courtesy of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.

Colorado’s 30+ hot springs are some of the best in the world. Soak in the mineral-rich thermal pools while taking in beautiful mountain views. If you are looking for a relaxing getaway from the holiday hustle and bustle, this is the one for you. Some of our favorite hot springs destinations include Glenwood Springs Hot Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs, The Springs Resort and Spa and Ouray Hot Springs.

Health and fitness Ready. Set. CO Skiing To do in Colorado

About the author

Megan Jansson is a Social Media Communication Strategist at UCHealth with a passion for all things health. She worked as a certified personal trainer for many years, earned her bachelor’s degree in strategic advertising at the University of Colorado Boulder and earned her master’s degree in public health at Colorado State University. Always having a big passion for writing, she’s written numerous articles and stories for Colorado State University and the Colorado School of Public Health.