Hello, neighbors! Can you believe it’s already almost November? The air is crisp, the holidays are on the horizon, and Central Park is starting to twinkle with that festive energy I love so much. Between cozy markets, light displays, and holiday kick-off events, there’s plenty happening around town this month. Here are a few fun things to check out:
• October 31-November 9
– Check out new films at the Denver Film Festival
With 136 exciting new films, the festival will also feature John Elway appearing at the world premiere of a documentary about himself, Elway. There’ll be a showing of Is This Thing On?, directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern. There’s also a chat with former Newsweek film critic David Ansen and a screenwriting workshop with Jonathan A. Abrams, screenwriter of Juror #2. See the festival website for more events, plus times and ticket prices.
• November 1
– Try the self-guided scavenger hunt at Bluff Lake Nature Center’s Boo on the Bluff
If the whole family has a Halloween sugar hangover, head outside! This DIY scavenger hunt is estimated to take about an hour, with tweaks to make it easier for little kids and harder for bigger ones. 9am-5pm. Registration is required and there’s a suggested donation of $5, $10, or $15.
• November 7-16
– Embrace the arts during Denver Arts Week
Hundreds of events celebrate the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, starting with expanded First Friday Art Walks and continuing with Free Night at the Museums on Saturday, Nov. 8, when many of Denver’s top cultural spots stay open late and open their doors at no cost.
• November 7, 15, and 23
– Visit the zoo free of charge on Denver Zoo Free Days
This is your chance to see the animals for free! There are a limited number of tickets available and they’re released a few weeks prior. The tickets for November 15 and 23rd will be released on Nov 4th and November 12th, respectively.
• November 7- December 23
– Ride The Polar Express at the Colorado Railroad Museum
This immersive experience features live performances, caroling, cocoa, cookies, and a steam train ride to the “North Pole,” where guests meet Santa and receive a Silver Bell—the First Gift of Christmas. Note: Many November dates are already sold out, but as of now, some December tickets are still available. Don’t wait—this beloved holiday tradition sells out quickly each year! See website for times and ticket prices.
• November 8
– Check out the final 2nd Saturdays at CSU Spur of 2025
Presented by Canvas Credit Union, this event at the National Western offers free, family-friendly fun each month. Visitors can watch veterinarians in action, explore the rooftop greenhouse, try cooking demos, play in mock labs and clinics, and even experience virtual reality. Each event also includes creative projects like bouquet-making and interactive learning with local partners like Sci on the Fly and History Colorado.10am-2pm. Free.
• November 14
– Kick off the holiday season with the Holiday Tree Lighting at The Shops at Northfield Plaza
This is the first year this event will feature the lighting of a brand-new, 36-foot holiday tree with a walk-through tunnel, plus plenty of festive fun for the whole family. Enjoy free hot cocoa, live carolers, photos with Santa, and holiday surprises throughout the evening. 4pm-6pm. Free.
• November 14- December 24
– Check out Camp Christmas Takeover at Stanley Marketplace
The Marketplace transforms into a festive wonderland featuring the new Camp Christmas Express 15-minute walk-through experience, three themed pop-up bars, and Merry Badge Scavenger Hunt. Enjoy dazzling décor, unique holiday shopping, and plenty of seasonal cheer. Free visits with Santa weekends from 11am–1pm. Walk-through experience, Tuesdays-Sundays, $10 per person, no reservation needed.
• November 21
— Kick off the holiday season with the annual Winter Welcome at the 29th Ave Town Center
Enjoy live entertainment from The Denver Dolls, Aerial Cirque Over Denver, and more, plus local vendors with seasonal treats and a Winter Welcome bar serving up hot cocoa. The fun starts at 5:00pm with photos with Santa, Girl Scouts selling s’mores, and giveaways from MCA partners and the tree lighting ceremony begins at 6:00pm sharp!
Heads up: 29th Avenue from Quebec to Syracuse will be closed starting at 8:00am for the event setup.
• November 21-23
— Get festive at The Denver Christmas Show
Mark your calendars for when the National Western Complex transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with fun, shopping, and cheer. Event hours and ticket prices vary, see website for details. Kids under 13 are free with a paying adult. Grab an exclusive discount by purchasing tickets through the event’s Facebook page (click on the “Find Tickets” button)!
• November 20-December 24
— Shop at the sixth annual Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Great shopping, live music, sparkling lights, and festive food and drinks! Times vary by day; see website for details.
• November 20-Dec 30
— Hop aboard the Santa Express Train at Colorado’s Royal Gorge
Just over two hours from Central Park (depending on traffic; check times before you go), this train ride offers families festive décor, Christmas music, cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa, who greets every child with a special gift. Trains run multiple times daily from mid-November through December, with meal and drink options available for purchase. The Holiday Train offers the same scenic journey, minus Santa, for a more relaxed experience.
• November 21-December 23
– Experience a German-style holiday market at Denver Christkindlmarket
If you’re looking to get in the Christmas spirit as soon as possible, head over to check out the food, crafts, and entertainment! This year, one of the new offerings is a glass ornament-making workshop–ages 7 and up welcome. Wandering around the market itself is free, but the workshop is $50 a person (you’ll make and bring home either a pendant necklace or Christmas ornament) and signup is required. Times vary by day; see website for details
• November 21-January 11
See a magical holiday light display at Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light
A mile-long path lit with mesmerizing LED lights that enhance the gorgeous botanicals. Tickets for this beloved local tradition go on sale in early November—see website for details.
• November 24-January 4th
Hit the zoo for another gorgeous wintery light display
Denver Zoo Lights are a family favorite and are sure to get you in the holiday spirit with over 80 acres and 3 million lights! Tickets go on sale on November 6th so make sure you get your tickets fast, as they often sell out.
• November 27, Thanksgiving Day
Run a turkey trot!
Harvesting Hope Turkey Trot 5K and Kids Fun Run. This event was founded by two Central Park moms of children with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes insatiable appetite, among other issues, and is the leading cause of life-threatening childhood obesity. (Proceeds are donated to the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research.) This event is right in the neighborhood and is a favorite, with a great spirit and energy! Kids’ fun run, 8:45am; timed 5K, 9:15am. Fees vary; see website for details and registration information.
Mile High United Way Turkey Trot Your registration fee helps support the United Way’s initiatives, including working to prevent homelessness, supporting early childhood education, and helping families access basic needs. Last year, almost 10,000 runners participated! 7:30am registration opens; 8:15am first corrals open; 10:15am kids’ fun run starts. See website for additional times and registration fees and details.
• November 28
– Visit an artisan market on Black FridayGet some shopping done and support local makers at the Holiday Artisan Market: Black Friday at Shops of Northfield. Everything is handmade! Then hit the regular shops for Black Friday deals. Artisan Market, 11am-6pm.
