Kick Off The Mile High Holiday Season Over Thanksgiving Weekend In Denver

Denver officially begins celebrating Mile High Holidays over Thanksgiving Weekend when the Grand Illumination of downtown Denver sees more than 600,000 twinkling lights throughout downtown turned on for the first time.  Here are 10 highlights of Thanksgiving Weekend in Denver. 

Ooh and Ah at the Grand Illumination of Downtown Denver

November 29

The Grand Illumination event lights up downtown Denver with nearly 600,000 lights from Union Station to the City and County Building. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. at Union Station with carolers, food, drink, and family friendly activities.

Experience a Holiday Classic at the Denver Center for Performing Arts – A Christmas Carol

November 29-December 29

Let Someone Else Do The Cooking On Thanksgiving

November 28

Not in the mood to baste that turkey? Take the night off and hit the town! Some of Denver’s best restaurants want to cook you a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner this year.

Take a Trip to the Art World of Paris

Through February 9, 2014

Take a trip to Paris, without leaving The Mile High City. This holiday season, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) presents Passport to Paris, a suite of three French-themed exhibitions, featuring masterpieces by Cézanne, Toulouse-Lautrec, and will feature more Monet in Denver than ever before!

Uncover the Truth with The MythBusters

Through January 5, 2014

Uncover the truth behind some of science’s popular myths! Just like the dynamic TV series, the fully interactive Mythbusters: The Explosive Exhibition mixes scientific method with gleeful curiosity and old-fashioned ingenuity to create a hands-on – and yes, explosive – experience for guests of all ages.

Get Your Holiday Shopping Done Early

Cross some loved ones off your holiday gift list early this year! Cherry Creek North’s 16 blocks are filled with holiday lights and décor and the region’s largest collection of independently owned boutiques. Browse 160 upscale shops at Cherry Creek Shopping Center.

Warm to the Glow of Blossoms of Light

December 1, 2013-January 1, 2014

Embrace the holiday season at Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens. More than one million colorful lights draped in elegant designs highlight the Gardens’ winter beauty. Romantic and popular kissing spots will return, as well as the always-anticipated HoloSpex glasses. Warm drinks and tasty treats will also be available.

Take a Spin on the Ice – for FREE – at the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park

November 30, 2013-February 17, 2014

Skyline Park is the place to be this holiday season! Southwest Airlines and the Downtown Denver Partnership invite you to grab your family and friends and head to 16th and Arapahoe in Downtown Denver to the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park! Skating is free with your own skates, or rentals are available for just $2.

Celebrate the Season With Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

November 30-December 1

Two nights only! Mannheim Steamroller Christmas has been America’s favorite holiday celebration for more than 25 years. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features beloved Christmas music along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in the Buell Theatre’s intimate setting.

Visit The Old World at the Denver Christkindl Market

November 22- December 21

Relive a centuries old German tradition at the annual Denver Christkindl. The sights, sounds and flavors of the holiday season with a German flair arrive on the 16th Street Mall. Music, holiday lights and typical vendor cabins will fill Skyline Park area across from the Daniels & Fisher Clock Tower.