Denver for the holidays

I visited downtown Denver during the holidays for the first time 14 years ago.  I  had just moved to Littleton from Washington State with my then boyfriend, now husband, who had grown up in Colorado. We visited Larimer Street, and with its canopy of lights and dressed up storefronts I fell in love with Denver during the Christmas season. We have made it a tradition to do at least one or two trips to the Mile High City every December since then.

If you head to the big city over the next couple of weekends, here’s a few things that I recommend you check out.

Stroll down Larimer Street

Downtown Denver is beautiful during the holiday season. Twinkling lights cling to the trees and lamp posts on the 16^th Street Mall. Skyline Park comes alive with the sound of laughter as folks enjoy the free ice rink. It’s free if you bring your own skates and just $2 to rent a pair. But my favorite area is Larimer Street. There’s just something sweet and romantic about this Denver street during the holidays.

The storefronts are decorated by local artists each year who are commissioned by Larimer Square to trim the fronts of many boutiques with fantastic holiday flair.

Pop into Tamayo and warm up with some delicious tapas or a top shelf tequila while you’re in the area. This restaurant has been around for a while, but we just recently discovered its charms and we’re hooked.

Brilliant at the Denver Art Museum

The trees aren’t the only thing sparkling this holiday season in downtown Denver, and that’s because inside the Denver Art Museum you’ll find a jewel exhibit that would make Elizabeth Taylor swoon.

Brilliant: Cartier in the 20^th Century is a world-exclusive exhibit featuring stunning jewelry, timepieces, and precious objects created between 1900 and 1975. The show runs through March 15. I have reservations to see Brilliant in early January and will write a full post about it then. Please note that you must buy tickets in advance for this popular show.

Do the Denver Christkindl Market

Don’t miss the Denver Christkindl Market at 16^th and Araphoe in Skyline Park. It runs through December 23, and it isn’t only a place to do Christmas shopping; you can also enjoy the sights and sounds of a Christmas under the Holiday Tent. Sip on beer, gluhwein or schnapps and sit back and enjoy live music and dancers.

An Art & Culture Weekend

This upcoming weekend (December 19-21) is official the Mile High Holidays Art & Culture Weekend. There’s an array of things to do from a Children’s Christmas Tour & Tea at the Byers-Evans House Museum to the Annual TUBACHRISTMAS at Skyline Park. See the entire lineup of events HERE.

And don’t forget that New Year’s Eve is a fantastic time to be in the Mile High City. See what’s in store by clicking here.

Do you have a Denver holiday tradition in your family? Tell us about it in the comment section!