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During the winter, Denver turns the Mile High City into an inviting, snow-covered oasis full of holiday cheer and outdoor excitement. No matter if you’re an adrenaline junkie, a cultural enthusiast, or you just want to relax, there are endless things to do in Denver Colorado in winter, for every type of traveller. From a cosy ice skating rink under the downtown glow to rejuvenating mineral pools and skiing to the west an hour away, Denver is a city of urban charm and mountain magic. The winter festivities, the seasonal delicacies, and the picturesque day trips complete the experience.
10 Best Things To Do In Denver Colorado In Winter
Discover things to do in Denver Colorado in winter—ice skating downtown, visiting museums, shopping local boutiques, and taking alpine day trips for unforgettable seasonal fun.
1. Ice Skate At Downtown Denver Rink
Photo: Brian Kyed / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
One of the most magical ways to enjoy wintertime in Denver, Colorado, is ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink located in Skyline Park. Surrounded by city skyscrapers decorated in dazzling lights, the Downtown Denver Rink has a festive atmosphere that brings fun for the whole family and celebrations for the season. Holiday music plays at a low volume in the background as people of all ages skate across the soft surface of the ice. The chilly rink is especially delightful at night, as the city lights reflect off the ice, creating a postcard-perfect winter scene.
Location: Skyline Park, 16th Street Mall
Top Highlights: Glide under city lights with seasonal music and food stalls around.
2. Soak In Indian Hot Springs
Photo: Kouji Tsuru / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Huddled in the historic town of Idaho Springs, against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and a short drive from downtown Denver, Indian Hot Springs can be your refreshing respite from winter. The complex boasts a covered tropical environment with a huge geothermal shower with clove trees and a hot steaming environment, and that is ideal on those frosty days to relax. The trip here is a relaxing, healing event that can readily secure its own place in the line of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado in Winter.
Location: Idaho Springs (40-minute drive from Denver)
Top Highlights: Natural geothermal pools in cave-like settings and outdoor jacuzzis
3. Ski Or Snowboard At Echo Mountain
Photo: Matt Omann / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located only 36 miles outside the city of Denver, Echo Mountain is the nearest ski and snowboard resort to the city, so it is a perfect place to go snowboarding or downhill skiing in winter. At Echo, in contrast to the vast mega-resorts of the West, there are not as many people, and beginners will find a more approachable experience. With easy runs down the well-maintained slopes and the terrain park features, the slopes host everyone, including beginners. Echo is a favourite among the locals due to the relaxed atmosphere, the scenic mountains, and the short commute.
Location: Echo Mountain Resort (~35 miles west of Denver)
Top Highlights: Closest ski and snowboard resort to Denver, with night skiing
4. Visit Denver Botanic Gardens – Blossoms Of Light
Photo: Sarbjit Bahga / Wikimedia Commons
The Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light turns the York Street campus into a mesmerising place that turns on the beauty of illuminated magic every winter. From early December to January, the elaborate winding pathways are decorated with hundreds of dazzling lanterns, sparkling arches, and floating orbs that dance delicately in the water. It has a larger-than-life spiderweb sculpture, the beautiful “starburst” tunnel, and some artfully lit trees that radiate warmth against the cool evening air. Guests can grab a hot cup of cocoa or mulled wine at temporary kiosks, listen to live holiday music in the amphitheatre, or wander through the glasshouse conservatory dripping with seasonal characteristics.
Location: York Street Campus, Central Denver
Top Highlights: Dazzling light installations among winter garden trails
5. Explore The Denver Art Museum
Photo: DutchTreat / Wikimedia Commons
At the centre of downtown, visiting the Denver Art Museum (DAM) is a must-see on a winter day for culture and inspiration. Featuring rotating exhibitions and a collection of respectable Western American, indigenous, and contemporary artworks, modern art in Denver also exists in its architectural icon, the Hamilton Building by Daniel Libeskind. During winter, this museum frequently introduces winter exhibitions and children-friendly areas of interaction, including the tactile play zone, made just for Kids. It is one of the things to see in Denver, Colorado in Winter is to visit the DAM to have warm indoor comfort combined with artistic exploration.
Location: Golden Triangle Creative District, Downtown Denver
Top Highlights: Western, Indigenous, and rotating art exhibits in a modern space
6. Take A Day Trip To Evergreen Lake For Ice Skating
Photo: Cristiano Tomás / Wikimedia Commons
Only 40 minutes driving distance to the centre of Denver, this beautiful winter retreat with a lake is a fantastic place for a day trip. West of town, in the snow-shrouded pine forest and against the mountain backdrop, the lake is converted during winter to one of the largest Zamboni-tended outdoor ice rinks in the U.S. There is a chance to glide on the frozen surface with skaters of all levels and even separate space to play hockey as well as areas that are devoted to family skating. If you like to skate or admire the alpine landscape, Evergreen Lake provides a magical high-altitude winter experience outside the city.
Location: Evergreen, Colorado (45-minute drive from Denver)
Top Highlights: Natural frozen lake skating with mountain scenery
7. Shop & Stroll At Larimer Square
Photo: Sdkb / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the old historic core of downtown Denver, Larimer Square turns into a Christmas-like place during nighttime hours. Filled with sparkling lights all over and the bright shops on its streets, the square welcomes walks during the night through small shops, crafty stores, and coffee houses. During the colder climate, there are pop-up stalls selling handcrafted chocolate, hot apple cider, and other holiday-type trinkets, which make ideal personal gifts or Christmas gifts. The street music and carolers enhance the feeling of a season, and the street sidewalk is brightened by cobblestones after snow.
Location: Larimer Street, Downtown Denver
Top Highlights: Historic brick-lined shopping street with festive winter lighting
8. Ride The Winter Park Express Ski Train
Photo: Chris Light / Wikimedia Commons
The Winter Park Express Ski Train plug offers one of the most scenic and hassle-free winter adventures in Denver. Departing from the magnificently restored Union Station, this seasonal Amtrak service takes riders through snow-covered canyons and over the Continental Divide to the base of Winter Park Resort in just over 2 hours. Along the way, the sweeping windows at the top of the bi-level Sightseer Lounge provide incredible views of the Rockies, while the café car keeps riders warm and cosy. It is certainly one of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado in Winter.
Location: Departs from Union Station, Denver, to Winter Park Resort
Top Highlights: Scenic 2-hour winter train ride through the Rockies
9. Attend A Colorado Avalanche Ice Hockey Game
Photo: Claudio Schwarz / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Attending a Colorado Avalanche game at Ball Arena gives you an exciting look into winter sports culture in Denver. Regardless of whether you are a lifelong hockey fan or just experienced your first-ever game, it doesn’t take long to encircle yourself in the energy of the crowd. This is much more than just a game; it is a much-loved winter tradition. From the locals to the visitors, everyone comes together in a celebratory gathering. Every game has its festival vibe. Between the cheering of fans and the action on the ice, it is a great way to capture Colorado’s love for winter sports.
Location: Ball Arena, Denver
Top Highlights: High-energy NHL games with passionate local fans
10. Sip Craft Beer In A Cosy Taproom
Photo: Larry D. Moore / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Denver craft beer scene is amazing in the winter months, and what to do in Denver, Colorado in winter wouldn’t be complete without grabbing a drink in a local taproom. Whether you’re in LoHi, Ballpark, or RiNo, enjoy seasonal brews such as the 17 Mile Porter or Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti at Great Divide Brewing Co. and enjoy one of their fireside armchairs. In RiNo, Ratio Beerworks embraces an industrial aesthetic but combines it with community coziness and has rotating winter taps, such as spiced blondes and barrel-aged sours. History buffs can stack up the history reel at Wynkoop Brewing, Denver’s first brewpub, and drink their award-winning Railsplitter oatmeal stout.
Location: LoHi, RiNo, and Downtown Denver neighbourhoods
Top Highlights: Seasonal brews and stouts in fire-lit, warm atmospheres
These things to do in Denver Colorado in winter transform the city into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, cosy cafés, and snowy adventures just beyond the city. From exploring art-filled museums and relaxing in hot springs to hitting the slopes in nearby mountains, the Mile High City blends urban charm with outdoor thrills. Whether you seek culture or adventure, Denver has it all. Book your winter escape with TripXL and experience the best of cold-weather fun.
Cover Photo: Sarbjit Bahga / Wikimedia Commons
