Oh, what fun! 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Lower Downtown Denver! Twinkle lights line the streets, scents of fir and pine fill every room, and there’s an essence of magic in the air.

The collective of Mile High City hot spots, Denver Union Station, Dairy Block, and McGregor Square are teaming up to make your holiday season merry and bright. As we celebrate the merriest of festivities together throughout the season, you will want to bookmark this page to add these hallmark occasions to your itinerary.  

Holiday Hop ‘Round the Clock 

Friday, November 25 at Denver Union Station | Grand Illumination 

5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

————————————–

Kick off the holiday season with Denver Union Station for the annual tree lighting ceremony, Grand Illumination and Merry & Bright Lights show.

Denver Union Station’s annual Grand Illumination event will feature performances of classic holiday hits by the Denver Dolls, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the lighting of the station’s outdoor 40-foot-tall Christmas tree featuring 7,000+ holiday lights.

Free and open to the public. 

 

Every Night at Denver Union Station | Merry & Bright Lights 

5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. nightly through December 26

————————————–

Merry & Bright Lights will transform the exterior façade of Denver’s landmark train station into a spectacular canvas spreading holiday cheer. Held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly from Friday, Nov. 25th – Monday, Dec. 26th, this outdoor light show features interactive visual imagery created by local Denver artists projected across the Station’s historic façade. With classic holiday music accompanying the joyful imagery, Merry & Bright Lights is a can’t miss holiday experience in Denver.

Free and open to the public. 

 

Saturday, November 26 | Dairy Block, Denver Union Station, McGregor Square | Small Business Saturday

All Day 

————————————–

Support local businesses and shop small when you visit each location and shop our retailers. 

 

Sunday, November 27 Denver Union Station | Santa at the Station 

11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays only through December 18

————————————–

Bring the whole family to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Sit on the big man’s lap, make your requests, and find out if you’re on the Naughty or Nice list. 

Free and open to the public. Option to purchase a St. Nick Express skip-the-line tickets for $50 per family, which includes a keepsake Denver Union Station ornament (SOLD OUT).

 

Monday, November 28 at McGregor Square | Sleigh Bar at Milepost Zero

————————————–

A new holiday experience is popping up at Milepost Zero for the month of December. Milepost Zero will be transformed with all things festive and jolly. Join us for holiday inspired cocktails, floor to ceiling decor, drag queen performances, live music, themed trivia, movie nights and more.

Free and open to the public

 

Friday, December 2 at McGregor Square | McGregor Skate

Monday – Friday: 12 – 9 PM | Friday – Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM | Sunday: 12 – 6 PM

————————————–

The magic of winter has made its way to LoDo! McGregor Skate has arrived: a brand new ice skating rink coming to McGregor Square. Bring the family and join us on the ice, day or night. Skates can be rented at McGregor Square or guests can bring their own.

Open to the public. $6 Admission. Skate rental prices vary by age.

 

Sunday, December 4, 11, 18 at Denver Union Station | Santa at the Station

11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays 

————————————–

Bring the whole family to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Sit on the big man’s lap, make your requests, and find out if you’re on the Naughty or Nice list. 

Free and open to the public. 

 

Weekends at Dairy Block 3rd Annual Apres Ski Holiday Market 

November 25-27, December 2-4, December 9-11, December 16-18

————————————–

Dairy Block is excited to once again celebrate & shop this holiday season at the 3rd annual Après Ski Holiday Market curated by American Field. Inspired by a European ski village, the market will feature a wide variety of vendors offering clothing, home goods and more, representing both local Colorado businesses and top national retailers.

Sponsored by Maker’s Mark, the Dairy Block Après Ski Holiday Market will be held from 4-8PM on Friday and 11AM-5PM Saturday & Sunday in the [heated] Alley over the weekends. 

 

Who-ligan Holiday on the Block Entertainment 

December 3, December 10, December 17

————————————–

Dairy Block will also be spreading cheer with the special Who-ligan Holiday on the Block. Enjoy holiday story time led by the most famous little “who-ligan” at 11:30AM in Morning Jones at Denver Milk Market with hot cocoa & cookies, followed by FREE photo opportunities and entertainment with everyone’s favorite holiday characters including the “Mean One” himself in his Crumpit Cave off of the Dairy Block Alley from 12-3PM.

Enjoy festive carols led by The Jingle Belles in the Alley from 1-3PM:

Saturday, December 3rd, Saturday, December 10th, Saturday, December 17th, and Sunday, December 18th

 

 

Saturday, December 31 at Denver Union Station | Orient Express to 2023 New Year’s Eve Soiree 

8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

————————————–

Ring in the new year at Union Station’s Orient Express to 2023 New Year’s Eve Soiree. Beginning at 8:00 p.m., step aboard thel festivities as the evening transports guests via destination themed cocktails, decor, and projection imagery on an enchanting adventure through the stroke of midnight. 

Ticketed event with multiple tiers for guests 21+. 

Give Back to the Community

Sunday, December 18 at Denver Union Station

---

When you visit Santa at the Station on Sunday, December 18th and patronize any of the following businesses within the station, a percentage of proceeds will benefit Youth on Record, WellPower, and Showers For All. 

Visit any of the following participants on December 18th to help the Denver Union Station Foundation continue to support meaningful work and philanthropic efforts throughout Colorado.

Landfall Floral

Wafels & Dinges 

Bloom

The Crawford Hotel

Snooze A.M. Eatery

Tattered Cover