While the month of December in Colorado tends to be a bit chilly, family time, traditions, good food and holiday cheer warm us up as we enjoy fun activities and festive events around Colorado.
Take time to do something you enjoy. Here are some ideas for things to do in Colorado in December.
Through Dec. 31: Look to the sky for Denver’s Mile High Drone Show – Denver, Colorado
From late November through Dec. 31, the sky above Denver becomes an animated canvas for 400 drones every night. This is the second year for Denver’s Mile High Drone Show, a collaboration between Visit Denver and the Denver company Brightflights Drone Shows. The shows will launch just west of Denver, and the animation will be 400 feet high and 500 feet wide, and last 15 minutes.
Check out other holiday light displays in Colorado during the month of December.
Through Dec. 29: See ‘The Nutcracker’ – Locations in Colorado and Cheyenne, Wyoming
This famous ballet debuted in 1892, so if you haven’t seen it yet, now is the time. This fairy tale production of a girl who befriends a nutcracker doll that comes to life on Christmas Eve is a must for the holidays. It’s ranked right up there with caroling and visiting Santa Claus.
Several art centers will host the ballet in December in Colorado:
Nov. 29-Dec. 28: The Denver Theater at Paramount Theater presents Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet offers a slightly different interpretation of the classic ballet by including unique elements and giant puppets from award-winning principal dancers.
Nov. 29-Dec. 28: The Colorado Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver.
Dec. 4-7: A long-standing northern Colorado tradition, The Lincoln Center presents The Nutcracker by the Canyon Concert Ballet.
Dec. 5: The World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker at the Cheyenne Civic Center, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Dec. 11-16: Parker Arts and Denver Ballet Theatre present The Nutcracker at PACE Center in Parker, Colorado.
Dec. 12 and 13: For the first time, the Canyon Concert Ballet will offer two performances of The Nutcracker in Steamboat Springs at the Strings Music Pavillion.
Dec. 16 and 17: A Colorado Nutcracker, presented by the Colorado Ballet Society and Colorado Youth Ballet, is at the Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs for three shows over two days.
Dec. 19 and 20: The Nutcracker will be performed by the Canyon Concert Ballet at the Cheyenne Civic Center, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The Canyon Concert Ballet also does a special child and sensory-friendly version of The Nutcracker Sweets in a 40-minute production at the locations where they perform their traditional shows.
Dec. 6, 13, 20: Visit with Santa’s Reindeer at the Winter Park Reindeer and Holiday Drone Show – Winter Park, Colorado
Meet two of Santa’s reindeers between ski laps at Winter Park or before the resort’s holiday drone show.
Winter Park will host Santa’s sleigh and two of the fuzzy creatures who pull it through the night sky in the Village. Get your photo taken on the sleigh and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa. The drone show starts at dusk, approximately 5:45 p.m. Learn more about the free event.
Dec. 13: Participate in National Wreaths Across America Day – throughout Colorado
With the mission to “Remember, honor, teach,” the national nonprofit Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at cemeteries, monuments and veteran’s parks across the country, including Colorado, during this annual event each December. This year, wreaths will be laid at 109 Colorado locations.
You can join the day by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering to place wreaths or attending a ceremony. This year’s theme is “keep moving forward.” The nonprofit’s efforts help to ensure that those who have served in the United States military are not forgotten.
Dec. 18-20: ‘Pray for snow’ at the Breckenridge Ullr Fest – Breckenridge, Colorado
Ull, in the Norse mythology, is said to be the stepson of Thor, and the god associated with snow — and even skis.
So, it makes sense why, among the mecca of Colorado’s winter resorts, Breckenridge would create a three-day festival to praise Ullr in hopes he brings a powder-filled ski season. And it’s been going on for over 60 years.
The Ullr Fest’s first day includes a 4 p.m. Ullr Parade. People line Breckenridge’s Main Street — often in Viking hats — to cheer on the creative floats and the year’s honorary king and queen, chosen for their contributions to the town over the past year. After, the town bonfire lights up, and as a homage to Ull, Christmas trees of past are burned, and snow dances get underway.
The event coincides with the Rockstar Energy Open, hosted by Breckenridge Ski Resort Dec. 19-21. That event features pro snowboarders and future greats.
Dec. 6, 13 and 20, 2025: Try Elf Yoga with goats – Englewood, Colorado
Love yoga? Have you tried goat yoga? What about elf goat yoga? Why not give it a try? ‘Tis the season.
Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga is hosting three December opportunities for you to give goat yoga a try. These cute four-legged creatures are raiding the Denver Makers Market, 9515 E. Country Line Road, in Eaglewood, in time for some holiday — and healthy — fun.
Dec. 4, 8, 13 and 27: Bring the family for a stargazing AstroTour adventure – Boulder, Colorado
Starting at sunset at the Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead, learn and understand the night sky from the experts.
An AstroTour stargazing tour begins with an introduction to telescopes and short viewing the sky, then an educational astronomy talk. After that first hour, you get 45 minutes of telescope time to explore various celestial objects and another 15 minutes to ask questions of the experts. And stay even later and keep viewing if you’d like.
Though the tour is at a trailhead, there is no hiking. The event takes place in the parking lot where the ground is flat and AstroTour provides chairs. This is an amazing winter activity for the whole family to enjoy.
Through Jan. 7: Cut down your own Christmas tree – throughout Colorado
Whether it’s your first time or a beloved holiday tradition, getting a Christmas tree can be a fun Colorado outdoor adventure. It brings fresh memories and a fresh-smelling tree to your home, adding to your list of great winter activities.
Cutting down your Christmas tree is a great excuse to exercise outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and spend time with friends and family. And it’s a winter activity offered throughout Colorado. Most permits are $10 to $20 per tree, and permits can be purchased online at recreation.gov. You can start purchasing permits in November, but most cutting seasons don’t start until December. Read this article to prepare for your trip and learn about the different ranger districts, rules and guidelines.
Through Dec. 28: Stay warm while enjoying Christmas in Color drive-thru light show – Denver, Colorado
Suppose you’re looking for a December activity and find it chilly outside. In that case, it might be a perfect time to check out the Christmas in Color drive-thru light show happening at two locations in Colorado throughout December: Water World and Red Rocks Park.
Stay in your vehicle while driving through millions of lights synchronized to holiday music on your car radio. Tickets are sold online. Check out their “Santa fun” page for kid activities and a discount for your drive-thru visit.
Through Dec. 24: Visit the North Pole, home of Santa’s workshop – west of Colorado Springs, Colorado
This Santa-themed amusement park at the foot of Pikes Peak is a fun place to visit in Colorado with children. It offers two dozen family-friendly rides for anyone looking to get in the Christmas spirit. Share a sweet treat while exploring the vintage shops and even meet with Santa himself. It is recommended that you dress in layers with comfortable shoes. Reservations are required during peak days in December.
Dec. 26-Jan. 1: Celebrate Kwanzaa – Denver and Colorado Springs
Celebrate the fastest-growing holiday in the world. Kwanzaa is a non-religious celebration created by African Americans more than 50 years ago to highlight Black people’s accomplishments throughout history. Join in Kwanzaa celebrations at designated events, or honor the holiday at home.