28 Of The Best Things To Do In Denver During Winter

Denver, Colorado is a great winter destination. It sees mild weather compared to the Rockies, but still provides a fix for those seeking a winter getaway.

From festivals and day trips to the mountains, to museums and sporting events, there’s no shortage of fun things to do.

I’ve lived in Denver most of my life, and have been lucky enough to enjoy many winters here. Read on for the best things to do in Denver during winter!

Top Things To Do In Denver During Winter

Go Ice Skating

Ice skating is one of the best winter activities in Denver. Luckily, the city has a few pop up rinks to enjoy.

Nestled in Skyline Park among the bustle of the 16th Street Mall is the Downtown Denver Rink. This pop-up rink has been hosted by Southwest Airlines since 2009. Skating is free, if needed, skate rentals are available for a fee.

The rink is centrally located in the heart of downtown, so plan to grab post-skating food or drinks in the area.

McGregor Skate is another popular outdoor rink, located in McGregor Square near Coors Field. This rink is also in a prime location, near some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, and nightlife.

The ice skating rink rentals run about the same price as the previously mentioned Downtown Denver Rink.

Be sure to also check out: The Rink at Evergreen Lake, located about an hour from downtown, it’s one of North America’s largest maintained outdoor rinks.  

Sample Beers At The Denver Winter Brew Fest

The Winter Brew Fest has been a popular beer tasting event in Denver since 2004, and is the state’s largest brew festival behind the Great American Beer Festival.

Enjoy unlimited beer tastings from over 45 local breweries, in addition to food and live music. 

The event is held annually in late-January.

Not able to attend the event? Cozy up at popular local breweries such as Denver Beer Co, Cerebral Brewing, or Black Shirt Brewing Co.  

Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf is an immersive art experience that will keep you entertained for hours.

Get lost (literally) in this incredible 90,000 square foot, 4-story interactive art exhibit created by over 300 diverse artists. 

This has quickly become one the city’s most visited destinations. It’s especially great to visit when it’s snowing or particularly cold.

Meow Wolf is open 7 days a week, prices vary.  

Have Afternoon Tea At The Brown Palace 

There’s something very ethereal about afternoon tea in a grand, historic hotel.

The Brown Palace has been serving high tea since the late 1800’s, when the tea room was for ladies only. 

You’ll feel like royalty among the soaring stained-glass ceiling and ornate, 19th century decor. 

Formal tea service includes handmade pastries, scones, and tea sandwiches. All while a live pianist performs in the 8-story atrium.

Prices vary and advanced reservations are required. 

Snowshoe In Rocky Mountain National Park 

Rocky Mountain National Park has an abundance of snowshoeing routes great for many skill levels.

Check out Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, The Loch, or Lake Haiyaha. You’ll be blown away by how beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park is in winter.

Never snowshoed? Don’t worry, snowshoeing is fairly easy, especially on the well packed trails of RMNP.

If you don’t have snowshoes, rent them in Estes Park from Estes Park Mountain Shop.

Best of all, this activity allows you to enjoy solitude in a park that is typically very crowded.

The cost to enter the park is $30/ vehicle, or use your America The Beautiful Pass. There is no Timed Entry Permit requirement in the winter months. 

For more information, be sure to check out my complete guide: Rocky Mountain National Park: Things To Do In Winter.

Rocky Mountain National Park Tours From Denver

Don’t have a car? Or rather not drive in the snowy mountains? There’s a number of tours available from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Consider this highly rated tour with: Aspire Tours RMNP Tour. This tour is for small groups, be sure to book in advance, especially if traveling with a group.

For more tour ideas, check out The Best Rocky Mountain National Park Tours. This includes RMNP tours from Denver and winter-specific tours.

Looking for something closer to Denver? Consider Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Roxborough State Park, Chautauqua Park, or Garden of the Gods.

These parks are located at lower elevations and may not require snowshoes. Check AllTrails for up to date trail conditions.

Tour The Denver Mint

Ever wonder where money is made? Look no further than the United States Mint.

Since 1906 the Denver Mint has produced coins for circulation, as well as mint sets and commemorative coins.  

Tours cover the present state of coin manufacturing and the history of The Mint.

While The Mint has a handful of locations around the country, they only offer tours at the Denver and Philadelphia facilities.

The tour is free, find more information at The Denver Mint Tours.

Celebrate Black History Month At The Black American West Museum & Heritage Center

The Black American West Museum & Heritage Center is located in a Victorian home in the five points neighborhood.

The museum is filled with artifacts displaying the story of African Americans in the Wild West.

It shows the role that African Americans played in the growth and settlement of the Western U.S. through its exhibits, collections, and educational programs.

The museum is only open select days, and guided tours are available by appointment.

Catch A Denver Comedy Show

Comedy fans rejoice, Denver has an excellent comedy scene. In fact, it’s one of the best in the country.

Between stand-up and improv, locals and mainstream comedians, there’s a good chance of catching a performance any night of the week.  

Best Comedy Clubs In Denver

• Comedy Works
• Denver Comedy Underground
• RISE Comedy
• Bug Theatre
• The Jester’s Palace

Be sure to also check out one of my favorite casual comedy events, Comedy Night at Chain Reaction Brewery.

The special event occurs the second Friday of every month.

Visit Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre 

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of Colorado’s most unique attractions, and one of the best things to do in Denver during winter.

It’s the worlds only naturally-occurring, acoustically-perfect amphitheater and it’s only 30 minutes west of downtown.

This music venue opened in the early 1900’s and has since seen everyone from The Beatles and Johnny Cash, to Stevie Wonder perform on its iconic stage.

Today the venue hosts hundreds of diverse musical performances every year.

During winter, experience Denver’s stunning Red Rocks Park when the big crowds are gone and snow covers the park.

Check out the concert venue or explore the numerous trails snaking through the red rocks.

The park is free as long as there’s no event. 

Tour Red Rocks Amphitheater From Denver

Again, if you don’t have a car or would prefer not to drive in inclement weather, there are tour options available.

Consider this popular half day tour which includes stops at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Lookout Mountain, and Golden.

Find booking information at: Denver & Foothills Mountains Small Group Tour.

Explore The Denver Christkindlmarket

The Denver Christkindlmarket is a favorite among the city’s Christmas attractions.

This outdoor market brings the most loved elements of an authentic German Christmas Market to downtown Denver.

Shop both local goods and European-inspired gifts, and enjoy decadent treats. All while you stroll through the small European-inspired village decorated for the holiday season.

Once you’ve finished shopping, spend your evening indulging, dancing, and drinking among live music in the Festival Hall.

Tip: The Christkindlmarket also offers great views of the holiday lights in Civic Center Park and nearby 16th Street Mall (Christkindlmarket is temporarily on the Auraria Campus while the park undergoes renovations).

For more ideas of what to in Denver during the holidays, checkout Things To Do In Denver during Christmas. 

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a 16,000 acre wildlife refuge located about 10 miles north of downtown, in Commerce City.

This is one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the country.

It’s home to deer, coyotes, migrating birds, and the refuge’s most popular residents — the grand American bison.

There are trails around the park and a Wildlife Drive. Wildlife Drive is perfect for a winter visit, as you can see the animals from the warmth of your car.

Curious how the refuge came to be? This site was once used to create chemical weapons during WWII (yikes). During comprehensive environmental cleanup in the 1980’s, work crews found a pair of roosting bald eagles. With bald eagles being a high-priority endangered species at the time, the area was immediately put under environmental protection. Thus, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge was born.

The refuge is open daily (excluding some holidays) from sunrise to sunset and is always free.

Denver Art Museum

Located in the core of downtown Denver is one of the largest art museums in the US.

This stunning, two-building complex houses nearly 100,000 works, which span centuries from across the world. 

I particularly enjoy their display of Native American Arts, which is one of the largest in the world of this kind.

The museum is open 7 days a week, tickets can be reserved in advance or are available by walk-in. 

Tip: Art lovers, be sure to also check out the Clyfford Still Museum, located just across the street from the Denver Art Museum. This is a minimalist showcase for the large-scale paintings & archives of the abstract artist.

The National Western Stock Show 

Each January Denver hosts the National Western Stock Show.

The city has hosted the event since 1906. Its original purpose was to provide better breeding and feeding techniques to area stockmen.

Today the 16-day event is nationally recognized with one of the world’s largest professional rodeos and the state’s largest agricultural trade show.

Attendees can watch rodeo events, walk around the massive trade show area, say hello to the animals, eat, drink, and more!

All of this makes it one of the top things to do in Denver during winter.

Ticket prices vary by event, and the event is held annually beginning in mid-January. 

Play Arcade Games At 1UP

If classic arcade games and cheap beers are your thing, then 1Up Arcade Bar is for you!

Check out their 90 arcade games, 40+ pinball machines, monthly pinball tournaments, and more. 

The much-loved bar has two downtown locations with Colfax Street being the largest arcade bar in the nation.

Go Skiing Or Snowboarding

Winter is one of the best times to find yourself in the Rocky Mountain region. With some of the world’s best skiing just a few hours from downtown, a day trip from Denver is a no brainer.

Understandably, this one of the most popular things to do during winter.

Below are some of the most popular ski resorts near Denver:

• Keystone
• Winter Park
• Breckenridge
• Vail
• Copper Mountain
• Arapahoe Basin 

Keep in mind, traffic to and from the resorts is very heavy, especially on weekends.

Not A Fan Of Skiing? No problem. The mountains offer many activities for everyone.

From sledding to snowshoeing, or shopping and relaxing at a spa, there’s something for anyone’s taste. Check out Idaho Springs, Estes Park, Winter Park, Breckenridge, Vail, or Silverthorne. These towns offer lots to do besides just skiing.  

You May Also Like: Vail In Winter: Best Things To Do | Aspen In Winter: Top Things To Do | Breckenridge In Winter: Top Things To Do

Catch A Sporting Event

Winter in Denver sees action from its professional hockey, basketball, and football teams.

Check out the Colorado Avalanche or Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena downtown, or the Denver Broncos at Empower Field, just across the highway from downtown.

If you prefer college sports, you may enjoy Metro State University and University of Denver winter athletics.  

If you can’t attend a game, cheer on the local team at popular sports bars such as Stoney’s or The View House.

This is one of the most popular things to do among Denver locals come winter.

Indulge In Denver’s Food Halls 

Denver food halls host local restaurants, modish bars, and specialty shops all under one roof.

Abandoned industrial warehouses, factories, and old airport hangars have created unique settings for food halls to flourish.

Denver is (happily) overflowing with this popular concept which draws in locals and visitors in droves.

Tip: Food halls are especially nice if you’re dining out with a group. The wide variety of food choices makes it easy to satisfy every group member’s dietary need or picky pallet.

The Best Denver Food Halls:

Below are a few of the most popular food halls in Denver:

• Avanti Food & Beverage
• The Stanley Marketplace
• Edgewater Public Market
• Denver Milk Market
• Milepost Zero
• The Source Hotel + Market Hall
• Denver Central Market 
• Zepplin Station

You May Also Like: The Best Food Halls In Denver

Book A Denver Food Tour

Foodies should also consider a Denver Food Tour!

Eat your way through downtown Denver’s ever-evolving restaurant scene on a walking food tour which samples 5 of the best spots in town. 

During the tour you’ll learn about Denver’s history and pass by a few of the city’s famous landmarks.

Book the tour here: Denver Food Tour.

Enjoy Denver’s First Friday Art Walks 

Denver offers a variety of self-guided art walks on the first Friday of each month, six different Art Walks to be exact.

View artwork from hundreds of local artists in galleries, studios, and co-ops.

The monthly event also includes live music, food trucks, drinks, boutique shopping, and of course, breweries. 

The Art District on Santa Fe hosts the largest and most popular art walk, so if you’re only able to attend one, I’d recommend this event.

Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe – First Friday Art Walks

The Santa Fe Art District spans from 13th Avenue to Alameda Avenue and Kalamath Street to Inca Street.

The bulk of their galleries are in a walkable area between 5th and 11th Avenues.

Pop into as many galleries as you wish, and be sure to grab food and drinks from one of the many food trucks. 

The event is free and held from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm on the first Friday of each month — no matter the weather. 

Warm Up With A Whiskey Tasting

While Denver may be known for breweries, it has a significant distillery scene as well, with nearly 100 craft distilleries the state.

Gain unique insight into the Colorado distilling industry by touring one of Denver’s dram makers. 

Popular Denver Distillery Tours: 

Below are popular Denver distilleries offering tours:

• Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery
• The Family Jones Spirit House  
• Tighe Brothers Distillery 
• Laws Whiskey House 
• Denver Distillery 

Also check out the Denver Winter Whisky Tasting held annually at the end of January. 

Fun Fact: Denver was founded over a barrel of whiskey… well, sort of. The story goes that a crowd “persuaded” a town representative with a barrel of whiskey — and threat of a hanging — to surrender his claim to Denver City. He obliged and thus, Denver as we know today was born. 

Take 1,000 Photos At The Denver Selfie Museum

If you find yourself in Denver on a day when outdoor activities are out of the question, visit the Denver Selfie Museum!

This is a fun, interactive museum with an array of quirky and colorful sets designed as selfie backdrops.

It’s easy to spend an afternoon here with friends or family, especially during a snowy or particularly cold winter day in Denver.

Looking for more things to do in the neighborhood? Check out Top Things To Do In LoDo Denver. 

Explore The Ice Castles 

The Ice Castles are a frozen attraction located about an 2 hours from Denver. The popular experience is built using over 100,000 icicles, hand-placed by professional ice artists.

The castles are so fun to explore and include LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice tunnels, slides, and more. 

It’s best to visit the castles at night to get the full experience. Be sure to dress very warm!

Pricing varies, and tickets should be reserved in advance.

Note: This popular event was previously held in Dillon, but is now held in both Cripple Creek and Eagle.

Cozy Up With A Book At The Tattered Cover 

The Tattered Cover is a Denver icon and the largest independent bookstore in Colorado.

Between their various locations, they sell a wide selection of new and used books, offer unique gifts, and host hundreds of events each year.

Spend an afternoon scanning their expansive bookshelves, and see why the store has been loved by Denver since 1971. 

This is one of the best things to do in Denver during winter, especially if you find yourself visiting on a snowy day.

Visit The Denver Museum of Nature & Science

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science provides expansive exhibitions, programs, and activities. All regarding the natural history of Colorado, earth, and the universe. 

This massive Smithsonian Institute Affiliate houses more than one million objects in its collections.

There’s a huge range of exhibits here, from geological materials to full-scale space exploration replicas. 

You can easily spend a full day at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, making it one of the easiest things to do in Denver during winter.

Tip: Also check out their outdoor terraces, which offer sweeping views of City Park and the Denver skyline.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science is open 7 days a week, tickets can be purchased in advance or by walk-in.

 They also have a Planetarium and IMAX theater for an additional fee. 

Have A Fun Game Night This Winter

Looking for fun winter-friendly activities to do with family or friends?

Join trivia night or bingo at a local brewery. Hit up Top Golf, axe throwing, indoor mini-golf, or go bowling.

If you prefer a quieter night out, check out the latest box office hits at Alamo Draft House.

Go Sledding Or Tubing Near Denver 

Nothing screams winter in Colorado like an afternoon spent sledding.

After fresh powder falls, make your way to Ruby Hill, Wallace Park, or Robinson Park in Denver for free sledding. 

If it’s a dry winter, you may need to head away from the city and into the Rockies for fresh snow.

Check out Winter Park, Vail, Copper, and Keystone, all of which have epic tubing hills.   

See A Show At The Denver Center For The Performing Arts

The Denver Center For The Performing Arts provides a showcase for live theater, plays, and Broadway shows. They even offer acting classes and special exhibits.

You’ll find a wide variety of live shows here all winter long.

Tip: If you plan to see a show over the holidays, be sure to book well in advance. 

The Best Things To Do In Denver During The Holidays

Visiting the Mile High City during the holiday season?

Consider some of the following activities:

• Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens for their annual Denver Blossom of Lights.
• Shop and dine at the Denver Christkindlmarket.
• See the holiday lights of The Denver City & County Building (this is one of my favorite things to do over the holidays, and it’s free!).
• Join Hammond’s Candy Factory tour (they offer free tours!).
• Enjoy hot chocolate or cider with the kids at Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo.

For my full list, check out 25 Festive Things To Do In Denver During Christmas!

Winter Weather In Denver

While Denver certainly gets snow, winters here aren’t as extreme as stereotypes depict.

You can expect sunny and 55°F, snow, or anything in between… You might even get it all in one weekend. 

Denver sees significantly more sunny days than it does cloudy. Exactly how many sunny days is up for debate, but we average somewhere between 250 and 300 days of sunshine per year. 

Thanks to an abundance of sunny days, snow doesn’t stick around long in Denver.

It’s not unusual for snow to melt within a few days of it falling. 

Average Winter Temperatures & Snowfall in Denver

Below are the average winter temperatures and snowfall in Denver:

• November 55°F / 26° (Average High / Low F°) — Total average 7.4” inches of snow.
• December 46°F / 18°F — Total average 8” inches of snow.
• January 47°F / 18°F — Total average 6.5” inches of snow.
• February 48°F / 19°F — Total average 7.7” inches of snow.
• March 56°F / 27°F — Total average 11.5” inches of snow.
• April 63°F / 34°F — Total average 8.8” inches of snow.

March and April are typically the snowiest months in Denver.

Spring usually sees 1 or 2 heavy and wet snowstorms, but otherwise mild weather.

Don’t worry, snow melts very quickly here especially during spring.

What To Wear In Denver During Winter

My 2 Day Denver Winter Packing List:

Below is a packing list for a winter weekend in Denver:

• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of leggings
• Warm jacket (warm and waterproof is great)
• 1 fleece jacket 
• 1 lightweight long sleeve (such as a flannel or cardigan)
• 2 tops
• Warm socks
• 2 pairs of shoes (boots, tennis shoes, heels, crocs, whatever… just skip the sandals)

Denver weather can vary widely throughout the day, so layers are well utilized here. 

If there’s snow in the forecast or the high is below 40 degrees, also pack:

• Warm base layers or long underwear 
• Hat or earmuffs 
• Warm pair of gloves
• Scarf 
• Wool socks
• Pair of boots (If snowing you’ll want weather proof boots with sturdy traction. If you don’t have snow boots that’s okay, for example rain boots work fine in a pinch.) 

If heading to the mountains for snow activities, such as snowshoeing or tubing, you will also need:

• Warm base layers or long underwear.
• Warm and waterproof jacket.
• Pair of warm and waterproof pants. 
• Pair of warm and waterproof gloves.
• Warm hat.
• Pair of wool socks. 
• Snow boots. 

If you are headed to the mountains, be sure to also check out What To Wear In Colorado During Winter.

This covers what to wear in the mountain towns, including ski trips and outdoor activities such as snow tubing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling.

As you can see, there’s an abundance of great things to do in Denver during winter.

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media!

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Denver and Colorado guides, or head on over to Visit Denver!

More Information For Your Winter Trip To Denver:

• Winter Weekend Guide: Denver
• Brunch In Denver: The Best Places To Eat
• Top Denver Food Halls
• Day Trips From Denver: Quick Day Trips
• Day Trips From Denver: The Most Popular
• 24 Hours In Denver: What To Do
• All Denver Guides

More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:

• Best Winter Destinations In Colorado
• Cities & Regional Hubs In Colorado (for visitors!)
• Colorado Travel Guide (everything to know for visitors!)
• All Colorado Guides