15 Fun Things to Do in Denver, Colorado in Winter
Snow-dusted peaks crash into city energy in Denver, and winter’s when the place really shows off. Hibernation doesn’t stand a chance.
The Mile High City shakes off the chill with these 15 fun things to do in Denver during winter.
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1. Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park
The Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park keeps spirits up with free skating from November through February.
Glide under the old Daniels & Fisher clocktower, city lights twinkling, with downtown’s skyline all around.
Skate rentals run $9-12 depending on age, or bring your own. It’s open daily—weather sometimes has other plans, but that’s part of the winter vibe.
2. Snow Tubing at Colorado Adventure Park
About 20 minutes from Winter Park, Colorado Adventure Park is home to Grand County’s biggest and fastest tubing hill.
Multiple lanes, a magic carpet lift, and a whole lot of speed—yes, you’re going to want to try every run.
Ages 3 and up can join, so it’s a solid pick for families. The lanes go from mellow to “hold on tight,” and there’s plenty of space to spread out.
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3. Visiting the Denver Zoo in City Park
The Denver Zoo stays open all winter, and it’s a whole new experience when it’s cold. Penguins, big horn sheep, and Amur tigers are way more lively in the chill.
Special events and festive lights pop up throughout the season, with holiday displays and programming.
4. Exploring the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
If it’s cold outside, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a warm escape jammed with over 4.3 million artifacts.
Interactive exhibits, a digital planetarium, and the giant Infinity Theater keep both kids and adults busy.
Views of the city from inside are surprisingly good when the snow’s falling. Keep an eye out for those free admission days in winter.
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5. Taking a Guided Snowshoeing Tour
Colorado’s foothills get blanketed in fresh snow, and snowshoeing is one of the best ways to see the quieter side of winter.
Trails wind through peaceful woods, and you’ll spot wildlife tracks in the powder. Guides share local stories and safety tips, so you can just focus on the views.
Some free guided tours run daily at different spots near Denver. Half-day options are great for dipping your toes into Colorado’s winter wilds.
6. Strolling Through Festive Markets
Denver Union Station turns on the charm for the holidays with twinkly lights and the smell of something delicious wafting through the air.
The building’s old-school architecture makes shopping here feel like stepping into a snow globe. You’ll find handmade gifts, gourmet snacks, and live holiday music.
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7. Taking a Day Trip to a Nearby Ski Resort
Winter Park sits just 90 minutes from Denver—close enough for spontaneous mountain escapes. You can find plenty to do besides skiing in this laid-back resort town.
The drive through the Rockies is an experience in itself, with winding roads and those wild, postcard-worthy views.
Winter Park is one of the closest ski resorts to Denver, so you can sleep in and still squeeze in a full day.
8. Attending the National Western Stock Show
Denver’s winter festival game is strong, especially if you’re after some cowboy energy. The National Western Stock Show in January is one the biggest livestock events in the West.
It’s all about Western heritage, and the indoor venues mean you can soak up the action without freezing.
There’s a real sense of community, too, and plenty of chances to see something you’ve probably never witnessed before.
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9. Easy Winter Trails in the Rocky Mountain Foothills
The foothills west of Denver serve up some of the best winter hiking around. Trails stay accessible, and the snowy scenery is next-level.
Rocky Mountain National Park has beginner-friendly hikes like Bear Lake and Sprague Lake—flat, scenic, and usually packed down.
10. Local Art Galleries Around Downtown Denver
Denver’s art scene doesn’t hibernate. Downtown is dotted with dozens of galleries, all warm and welcoming when it’s cold outside.
David Cook Fine Art features historic American Indian art and historic Western/American works, with rotating exhibits from Colorado and beyond.
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11. Comfort Food at Local Denver Restaurants
Cold days call for food that sticks to your ribs. Denver’s restaurants are all about comfort dishes when the temperature drops.
Williams & Graham in LoHi is a speakeasy-style spot with a menu full of winter classics, plus cocktails that’ll warm you up fast.
Root Down takes seasonal ingredients and spins them into soups, braised meats, and pastas you’ll want to order twice.
12. Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Winter Displays
Winter lets the Botanic Gardens’ shapes and textures shine—bare branches, sculptural evergreens, and snow outlining every curve.
The Blossoms of Light event is a must, with glowing installations winding through the gardens.
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13. Denver Central Market for Seasonal Treats
Denver Central Market is the spot for winter snacking. Vendors roll out holiday cookies, hot drinks, and all sorts of seasonal sweets.
Artisanal chocolates, steaming soups, and specialty coffee line the stalls, all inside where it’s warm.
Limited-edition treats keep things interesting, so you never quite know what you’ll find.
14. Curl Up with a Book at Tattered Cover Bookstore
When all you want is a good book and a cozy corner, Tattered Cover Book Store is the answer.
This Denver institution has coffee shops, soft chairs, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you lose track of time.
Grab a novel, sip something hot, and maybe stumble into an author event. It’s the kind of place where winter just feels right.
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15. Taking a Day Trip to Indian Hot Springs
Winter in Denver begs for a getaway, and Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs comes through.
The drive clocks in at about an hour—pretty convenient for a soak in one of the closest hot springs towns to Denver.
Natural mineral pools stay deliciously warm, even if the mountains are blanketed in snow.
The place has a bit of old-school charm, and there are several pools to choose from, each with its own vibe and temperature.
