There are many fun things to do in Denver, Colorado in the winter. Some popular activities include skiing and snowboarding at one of the nearby ski resorts, like Copper Mountain or Breckenridge.
You can also go ice skating at one of the outdoor rinks in the city, like the rink at Skyline Park.
Other fun winter activities in Denver include visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens to see the winter lights display, checking out the holiday markets and festivals, and enjoying the warm drinks and food at one of the many cozy cafes and restaurants in the city.
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Ski resorts and snowboarding near Denver
Denver Botanic Gardens Winter lights display
Denver holiday markets and festivals
Best Denver cafes and restaurants to visit in the Winter
Snowmobiling near Denver
Ski resorts and snowboarding near Denver
There are several ski resorts located near Denver that offer snowboarding. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Keystone Resort: Located about 70 miles west of Denver, Keystone is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and variety of terrain.
- Copper Mountain: Located about 75 miles west of Denver, Copper Mountain is known for its intermediate and advanced runs, as well as its terrain parks.
- Breckenridge Ski Resort: Located about 90 miles west of Denver, Breckenridge is one of the largest ski resorts in the country, with over 2,300 acres of skiable terrain.
- Loveland Ski Area: Located about 53 miles west of Denver, Loveland offers a more laid-back atmosphere and is known for its steep and deep terrain.
- Arapahoe Basin: Located about 68 miles west of Denver, Arapahoe Basin is known for its long ski season, which often extends into June.
- Echo Mountain: Located about 40 miles west of Denver, Echo Mountain is a smaller, more intimate ski resort that offers a variety of terrain for all ability levels.
- Winter Park Resort: Located about 67 miles west of Denver, Winter Park is known for its wide range of terrain and its family-friendly atmosphere.
Ice Skating in Denver
Some of the most popular spots to ice skate include:
- Skyline Park Ice Rink: Located in the heart of downtown Denver, the Skyline Park Ice Rink offers outdoor ice skating in a festive atmosphere. The rink is open from November through February, and admission is free. Skate rentals are available on site.
- The Rink at Belmar: Located in the Belmar neighborhood of Lakewood, the Rink at Belmar offers outdoor ice skating in a vibrant, urban setting. The rink is open from November through February, and admission is free. Skate rentals are available on site.
- The Ice Rink at the Village at Winter Park Resort: Located about 67 miles west of Denver in the town of Winter Park, the Ice Rink at the Village offers outdoor ice skating in a beautiful mountain setting. The rink is open from November through April, and admission is free. Skate rentals are available on site.
- The Ice Rink at Evergreen Lake: Located in the town of Evergreen, about 30 miles west of Denver, the Ice Rink at Evergreen Lake is the largest outdoor ice rink in Colorado. The rink is open from November through February, and admission is free. Skate rentals are available on site.
Denver Botanic Gardens Winter lights display
The Denver Botanic Gardens offers a winter lights display called “Blossoms of Light” each year.
The display features thousands of colorful lights that are arranged in intricate designs and patterns throughout the gardens.
The lights are synchronized to music, creating a beautiful and immersive experience for visitors.
The “Blossoms of Light” display is typically open from early November through early January. In addition to the lights, the gardens also offer a variety of holiday-themed events, such as carolers, hot chocolate, and Santa visits.
Denver holiday markets and festivals
Denver offers a variety of holiday markets and festivals during the winter months. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Denver Christkindlmarket: Located in the heart of downtown Denver, the Denver Christkindlmarket is a traditional German holiday market that features a variety of vendors selling handmade crafts, gifts, and food. The market is open from late November through December, and it also offers live entertainment and activities for children.
- A Christmas Carol: Performed at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, “A Christmas Carol” is a classic holiday play that tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey to redemption. The play is typically performed from November through December.
- Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland Light Walk: “Experience the joy of the season with Winter Wanderland, a collection of free outdoor events for all to enjoy. Celebrate the season in Cherry Creek North, Denver’s must-see holiday destination featuring nearly a million twinkling lights wrapping more than 600 trees, illuminating the entire neighborhood!”
Best Denver cafes and restaurants to visit in the Winter
Denver has a thriving food and drink scene, and there are many great cafes and restaurants to visit in the winter. Some of the best ones include:
- The Nickel: Located in the downtown area of Denver, The Nickel is a cozy restaurant that offers a seasonal menu of New American cuisine, as well as a variety of craft cocktails and local beers. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a great spot to visit on a cold winter day.
- The Truffle Table: Located in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver, The Truffle Table is a cozy restaurant that offers a menu of Italian-inspired dishes, as well as a variety of wines and craft cocktails. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, and it is known for its handmade pasta and truffle dishes.
- Corvus Coffee: Located in the Platt Park neighborhood of Denver, Corvus Coffee is a popular cafe that offers a variety of specialty coffee drinks, as well as a selection of pastries and sandwiches. The cafe has a cozy atmosphere, and it is a great spot to warm up with a cup of coffee on a cold winter day.
- Snooze: Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Denver, Snooze is a popular breakfast and brunch spot that offers a variety of creative and delicious dishes, as well as a selection of coffee and cocktails. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, and it is a great spot to start your day on a cold winter morning.
- The Plimoth: Located in the Berkeley neighborhood of Denver, The Plimoth is a cozy restaurant that offers a menu of traditional English pub fare, as well as a selection of local beers and ciders. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, and it is a great spot to enjoy a hearty meal on a cold winter day.
Snowmobiling near Denver
Our favorite place to go is Thunderstruck Adventures in Steamboat Springs. They’re the only outfitter in Steamboat Springs & Colorado that provides a true backcountry snowmobiling experience on a private mountain.
You can rent snowmobiles without having to have a guide.
They have all types of terrain for all skill levels – Powder Meadows, Technical Tree Riding, Scenic Trails, Downhill Powder Descents, Cliff drops, V-bottom riding, rock faces & Chutes, technical ravine riding, and everything in between!
Check out their most popular tours and rentals here.