Our Favorite Winter Experiences in Denver

Nothing says winter fun like a day at the rink. Thankfully, Denver has plenty to choose from, including a spectacular outdoor ice skating experience just a short walk from The Crawford Hotel. Located steps from the 16th Street Mall in the heart of lively LoDo, the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park is open from November 21st to February 2nd, and is completely free to the public. Bring your skates or take advantage of convenient, on-site rentals, including kids’ sizes and skate aids for those wobbly skaters-in-training.

Less of a skater and more of a spectator? Not to worry — you’ll still find plenty of on-ice entertainment to enjoy here in downtown Denver. Stroll just a few blocks southwest along historic Wynkoop Street, and you’ll find yourself at Ball Arena, the hallowed home ice where the Colorado Avalanche bested the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the 2022 Stanley Cup Final. Here, you can cheer on the Avs and revel in the on-ice action all NHL season long!

Winter in Colorado means shorter days and colder nights, so it should come as no surprise that Coloradans know a thing or two about brightening up the year’s darkest season. Join us at the Denver Zoo from November 23rd to January 5th, for Zoo Lights, a dazzling annual spectacle that illuminates the 80-acre zoo campus with more than three million festive lights.

Tickets sell out every year, so it pays to book in advance, especially if you plan on attending one of their special adults-only or sensory-friendly nights. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Interactive, educational exhibits make it ideal for a family-friendly outing, and the fourth floor offers stunning views of City Park’s winter wonderland — without having to brave the cold!

Of course, the Denver Zoo isn’t the only place to go for a magical stroll through gorgeous pathways of light. From November 20th until January 12th, the Denver Botanic Gardens hosts Blossoms of Light, a local tradition for three decades and counting, and one of the top holiday light shows in the nation! Here, luminous displays are artfully interwoven with the Gardens’ breathtaking collection of plants in a dazzling spectacle of light and color. Wander the mile-long path, snap a selfie under a canopy of twinkling lights, or pause under the mistletoe to warm up with a smooch. If you feel the need to shake off winter’s chill, pop into Offshoots Café or the Hive Garden Bistro for classic hot cocoa, complete with marshmallows, whipped cream, and a peppermint-chocolate drizzle.

Denver may have come a long way since its days as a railway hub and frontier town, but you can still find echoes of our Wild West past if you know where to look. In a cherished tradition dating back to 1906, the city proudly plays host to the National Western Stock Show each January. Dubbed the Super Bowl of livestock shows, it’s one of the city’s biggest annual events, with a horse show that’s among the largest in the world.

Held this year from January 11th to 26th at the National Western Complex, the show features world-class rodeos, livestock competitions, and a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. You’ll find fun and entertainment for both kids and kids-at-heart at this family-friendly event, including a petting farm, youth art contest, pony rides, and so much more! The best part? All proceeds from the event go to the Denver Scholarship Program, providing scholarship opportunities for youth in the local community.

Centrally located in the vibrant heart of LoDo, The Crawford Hotel is conveniently close to many of Denver’s top winter attractions, experiences, and activities. But with Denver Union Station right downstairs, you’ll find some of the city’s most talked-about winter events right here under our historic roof!

The winter fun kicks off on November 29th with Grand Illumination, a festive celebration that culminates with the lighting of the Station’s outdoor Christmas tree! Forty feet tall and decorated in more than 7,000 holiday lights, it’s truly an impressive sight! The breathtaking spectacle also features live music, face painting, and visits with Santa Claus! Can’t make it for November 29th? Not to worry — you can enjoy several opportunities to sit down with Jolly Old Saint Nick with free Santa at The Station events held throughout the holiday season.

And there’s lots to entertain the grown-up crowd as well. Enjoy Live Music in The Parlour on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Or join us in the lobby on Tuesday nights for Spritz at The Station, where you can raise a glass to a wonderful winter stay on storied Wynkoop Street. Cheers!

From dazzling outdoor light shows to fun annual festivals, winter in the Mile High City is no time for staying in — especially when you stay at The Crawford Hotel! Whether you’re looking to get out in the crisp winter air or cozy up in stylish spaces that evoke the golden age of train travel, The Crawford is your gateway to the vibrant tapestry of Denver throughout every season. Explore exceptional local experiences and a curated lineup of can’t-miss winter events, and start planning an unforgettable cold-weather getaway in Colorado’s capital.