Denver's Best Events for Kids & Families in December (& Most are Free!)

Get ready to fill up the calendar with loads of free and cheap things to do with your family this December! We’ve got tons of fun, family-friendly events around Denver like places to meet Santa, Christmas light displays, museum days and holiday markets. Scroll through and pick your faves!

photo: Stan Obert/Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau

Celebrate Mile High Holidays

Create a new family tradition and join in the free nightly festivities at Denver’s newest holiday attraction, including a dazzling lights and music show every 30 minutes throughout the evening. Daily through Jan. 31. Event details.

Visit Denver Christkindl Market

This annual event brings authentic German and European holiday traditions to Denver! Guests can find delicious cuisine, festive German drinks, handmade jewelry, toys, clothing, gifts and much more. Daily through Dec. 23. Event details.

photo: iStock

Museums on Us Weekend

Bank of America cardholders can get free admission to many museums the first full weekend of the month, including Denver's Clyfford Still Museum. Event details.

photo: Home Depot

Build a Christmas Countdown Calendar at Home Depot

Create your own countdown to the holidays, and have a blast with your child while doing it. Kids develop hands-on skills with sanding, nailing and applying stickers. With help from parents and store associates, your child will make a merry memory this holiday season. Dec. 7. Event details.

Check Out the Holiday Lights in Golden

Plan to visit Golden during the holiday season for the thousands of lights that decorate the City! The official date for the lighting is during the Candlelight Walk on Dec. 6. Visitors can enjoy the City lights through the end of the Stock Show (around Jan. 26). Event details.

photo: pexels

Santa's Wonderland Comes to Bass Pro

Santa’s Wonderland returns to Bass Pro Shops and families are invited to enjoy this magical Christmas village offering free photos with Santa and free family holiday activities including fun crafts and games. Features include rustic Christmas cabins, holiday characters and live elves set amongst a dazzling backdrop of snow-covered hills and illuminated Christmas trees. The Santa’s Wonderland Christmas village offers remote control trucks, laser/foam toy arcade, Lincoln Logs building area and much more. Kids can also spend time at one of the activity tables where they can write a letter to Santa, color and do fun crafts, all for free. Event details.

Goodnight Moon: the Musical

Featuring whimsical music and dance, this heartwarming adaptation is produced as a part of the DCPA's Theatre for Young Audiences program, which focuses on performances tailored for Pre-K through 2nd grade audiences. Event details.

photo: Farnaz N. via yelp

Free First Tuesday Nights

Families can play for FREE the first Tuesday of every month from 4-8 p.m. at the Children’s Museum Denver Marsico Campus. Create in The Art Studio, power a hot air balloon or make giant bubbles. Dec. 3. Event details.

photo: Denver Parade of Lights

Denver Parade of Lights

The FREE parade features marching bands, ornate floats, and of course a special appearance by Major Waddles and Santa! Grab your hot chocolate and ear-muffs, this year is going to be better than ever. Dec. 6. Event details.

photo: Kelly P. via yelp

Four Mile Free Day

Step back in time and discover a historic oasis in the middle of the city with a tour of the beautiful Four Mile House Museum. Visits are free on the second Friday of the month. Dec. 13. Event details.

Free Denver Museum of Nature & Science Day

Come check out this museum and its hands-on activities for free. Dec. 8. Event details.

—Kate Loweth

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