Tis the Season for Denver Holiday Activities: Make the Most of Winter with Your Preschooler

If you’re looking for festive Denver holiday activities to enjoy the season with your family, you’ve come to the right place! From illuminating light shows and local attractions to do-it-yourself (DIY) snow globes and at-home crafts, there are endless ways to make this time of year special. Explore our list of Denver holiday activities and events to create magical memories with your preschooler.

Denver 2024 Holiday Lights Displays

Denver holiday light displays are fun ways to celebrate the season’s magic with your family. 

• With more than three million lights aglow across 80 acres, Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo is a favorite for children and adults alike. This special holiday attraction is open through January 5, 2025. The zoo hosts a sensory-friendly Zoo Lights night on December 31 with reduced crowds, quiet rooms, and low volume music throughout the park.
• Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens also offers dazzling light displays, interactive activities, and amusement rides. The park is transformed into a winter wonderland and is open daily through December. 
• Families are also invited to check out Downtown Denver’s Holiday Lights and Sights Tour, a free, self-guided tour to Union Station, Dairy Block, and the brilliantly lit Mile High Tree.

Denver Indoor Holiday Fun for 2024

Take a break from the winter weather and check out one of Denver’s many indoor attractions. 

• Family favorites like the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Denver Art Museum, and Clyfford Still Museum offer free daily admission for children ages 18 and under. Learn more about local attractions with free admission. 
• Families can save on admission by reserving museum passes through the Denver Public Library. Passes are available for popular attractions like the American Museum of Western Art, Butterfly Pavilion, Denver Firefighters Museum, and more. Discover the full list of participating attractions and how to reserve your passes today.
• Celebrate the holidays with singalongs and special musical guests at Inside the Orchestra’s Tiny Tots performances on December 14-15 and 21-23 at various Denver locations. Tiny Tots programs connect young children to music through interactive experiences.
• Indoor trampoline parks and playgrounds like Urban Air Adventure Park, The Bounce Place, and Candeeland Kids provide a fun, active way for your family to stay warm and engaged this winter. Many of these venues offer dedicated jump times and play areas for kids age 4 and under, ensuring that even your youngest family members can enjoy safe, age-appropriate activities.

Explore Holiday Cultures and Traditions through Reading

This season is the perfect time to introduce your child to other holiday customs and traditions from around the world. Books are a great place to start and can help your little one acknowledge and appreciate traditions that are celebrated by others. Check out the list of children’s books about various holidays and traditions to share with your family.

You can also learn more about other holiday traditions by visiting your local Denver Public Library branch. In addition to a variety of children’s books about cultural holidays and celebrations, the library offers storytimes, learning labs, and other family-friendly educational programs. Check out the monthly calendar for upcoming story times and events to join in on the fun.

Create Memories with At-Home Holiday Activities and Crafts

Have some holiday fun without leaving the house! Set up an obstacle course, host a dance party in your living room, or decorate the house with homemade garland using tissue paper, popcorn, or paper cups. These indoor activities can encourage your little one to get creative and have fun while making family memories. 

If your child wants to participate in gift-giving, invite them to make a homemade snow globe using a Mason jar, water, and glitter. Other ideas for DIY gifts include sock snowmen, painted pine cone ornaments, and handprint coasters or magnets. Discover more easy holiday gift ideas for kids. 

If your holiday plans include a meal, invite your little one to join in by preparing a dish, setting the table, or helping to clear up afterward. Involving your child in these activities strengthens their fine motor skills, boosts their confidence, and creates special memories you’ll both cherish.

Demonstrate the Importance of Giving Back

Teaching your little one about giving back is a great way to foster generosity and kindness in your child from a young age. Donating old clothes, toys, and books and sending cards or baked goods to a neighbor in need are meaningful, age-appropriate ways your child can help make a difference for members of the community. Learn more ways your family can give back this holiday season.

No matter how you choose to spend the holiday break with your family, Denver Preschool Program wishes you a joyful holiday season and a happy new year. Whether celebrating at home or exploring together, we hope these special moments bring warmth, happiness, and lasting memories to your family.