Four legendary locations offer ample activities for the ultimate merrymaking experiences
By Amanda Lacey
With the holidays just around the corner, you’re probably wondering where you can take the kids or out-of-town guests to pack the most holiday punch into one stop. Four metro-area venues offer several activities for one-stop holiday cheer. Head to The Springs for The Broadmoor’s family-friendly traditions that span Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. Denver’s Botanic Gardens sprouts some of the most fantastic light displays in the city at each of its locations. Downtown, The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa hosts classic events that have been popular for decades. And, newest to the metro area, the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center offers a kaleidoscope of holiday activities for kids of all ages. And don’t forget our On The Agenda section on page 59 for even more holiday events around town.
THE BROADMOOR
Broadmoor Hall Brunch
This holiday season, let The Broadmoor be your home for warmth, luxury and celebration. Starting in November, rediscover the magic of the season as the resort transforms into a holiday wonderland, adorned with millions of twinkling lights and captivating festive decor. Give thanks and celebrate with family and friends at the Thanksgiving Day Brunch on November 28. Make note that it is highly advisable to book your stay as an overnight guest from Thursday through Sunday as no one wants to miss the White Lights Ceremony which is exclusive to hotel guests and members. Reservations can be made online now. Can’t make it for Thanksgiving? Christmas Day Brunch is also an option offering a famously extensive menu, this decadently indulgent brunch offers a festive and mouthwatering buffet that is a must for the holiday season.
COLORADO SPRINGS, broadmoor.com
Classic Holiday Show
A cherished Broadmoor tradition, this annual Holiday Show is a family-friendly dinner show filled with seasonal favorites presented in a variety show format, sprinkled with a few surprises. Back by popular demand, singer Debby Boone returns to headline. Joining Boone are Broadway star Marcus Lovett and his daughter, Cathryn Lovett; the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale; and Ken Miller and The Broadmoor Pops Orchestra. The package includes accommodations for one night, dinner show tickets for each person on the package to the Classic Broadmoor Holiday Show and suites available at discounted rates. The show dates are December 13, 14, 20, 21 and 24. Doors will open at 6 p.m., dinner will be served at 7 p.m., and entertainment begins at 8 p.m.
COLORADO SPRINGS, broadmoor.com
New Year’s Eve Bash
Get ready to dance the night away at The Broadmoor’s high-energy New Year’s Eve Bash, hosted in Colorado Hall. This ticketed event promises an unforgettable evening with drinks flowing and a complimentary sparkling champagne toast at midnight to ring in the new year. The dress for this event is resort casual—dressy denim, slacks, collared shirt are required. A sport coat or blazer is suggested. This is a general admission event and is suggested for guests 18 and older. A ticket is required for admittance for any person attending this event. Doors will open at 8:30 p.m., dancing begins at 9:00 p.m.
COLORADO SPRINGS, broadmoor.com
DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS
Trail of Lights
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms takes you along a winding path glistening with lights that illuminate the Colorado countryside. Tucked into the foothills under the dark sky, the glow of lights can be seen for miles. Just under a mile of walking trail, the illumination of cottonwoods, boxelders and pine trees line the pathway past the Green Farm Barn and through the Crossroads Garden, Deer Creek Discovery Children’s Play Area and 1880s Hildebrand Ranch homestead. There is the option of an alternative path for those who want to take a shorter stroll. Tickets will not be available at the door and must be purchased online for a specific time and date to visit. The event runs November 29 – January 1. DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS (CHATFIELD FARMS), botanicgardens.org
Blossoms of Light
Consistently lauded as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation, Blossoms of Light is a spectacular celebration that illuminates the York Street location. Wander a mile-long path through immersive, luminous displays that accentuate and highlight the plant collections. A cherished holiday tradition for nearly four decades, Blossoms of Light is constantly evolving to inspire wonder and delight in even the most seasoned visitors. Tickets will not be available at the door. You must purchase a ticket online for a specific time and date to visit. The event is ongoing through January. BOTANIC GARDENS, botanicgardens.org
THE BROWN PALACE HOTEL AND SPA
Holiday Tea
Experience this sought-after holiday tradition while enjoying Denver’s Grand Dame—The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa—in all her holiday-decorated grandeur, with the Denver Debutante Chandelier being the star of the show. Guests enjoy a pot of properly brewed English tea accompanied by scones served with Devonshire cream and preserves, savory tea sandwiches and a delightful array of classic tea pastries, all while being serenaded by a melodic piano playing seasonal and classic favorites. Dates are available from November through January. Reservations for this experience fill up quickly and can be made on OpenTable, by emailing [email protected] or calling 303.297.3111.
DENVER, brownpalace.com
36th Annual Champagne Cascade
The 36th Annual Champagne Cascade—one of The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa’s most iconic and time-honored traditions—takes place on Sunday, November 10. Celebrating the start of the holiday season in the Mile High City, the hotel’s spectacular multi-leveled atrium transforms into a picture-perfect backdrop for the ensuing festivities. Prepare to witness swordsmen using Napoleonic sabers to sever the bottlenecks of champagne bottles and then pour the bubbly into the uppermost glass of an incredible two-story high, 6,000+ glass pyramid. As the champagne flows, it cascades into the glasses below, creating a dazzling display for hundreds of spectators. The John Kite Quartet will serenade guests with celebratory sounds, adding to the festive ambiance. The event will also feature the lighting of the Grand Chandelier from The Denver Debutantes and other delightful surprises. And be sure to look out for special appearances by Santa Claus and the enchanting Nutcracker Princesses. Don’t miss this iconic event filled with holiday cheer, sparkling champagne and heartwarming entertainment. Tickets are required.
DENVER, brownpalace.com
Breakfast with Santa
Celebrating the magic of the season, The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa invites families to create lasting memories while delighting in festive flavors and special moments with Santa and his cheerful elves. The elevated reception-style buffet includes a spread sure to delight little eaters with classic breakfast fare including bread and pastries, eggs, sausage, yogurt, overnight oats; a pancake bar with a selection of sweet toppings; specialties like gingerbread French toast casserole; a prime rib carving station; macaroni and cheese, and more. Available November 30 and December 7, 14 and 21, the breakfast will take place in Ellyngton’s from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made on OpenTable or calling 303.297.3111. The cost for the breakfast experience starts at $75 per adult, and $48 for children ages 10 and under.
79th Annual Steer Day
Upholding a beloved tradition in the Mile High City, The National Western Stock Show’s 2025 Grand Champion Steer will make a regal entrance and waltz down the red carpet into Denver’s most elegant and iconic room, the nine-story atrium lobby of The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, to preside over the hotel’s age-old institution of Afternoon Tea. This unique Denver tradition is a celebration of the Mile High City’s western heritage. Safe and secure with handlers, the steers will be available to take pictures with, but as a reminder for safety reasons petting the steers is prohibited. The event takes place from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on January 24. General admission & VIP tickets available soon.
DENVER, brownpalace.com
GAYLORD ROCKIES RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER
“ICE! Featuring The Polar Express”
Featured at six resorts nationwide this November, “ICE!,” the 24-year-old holiday tradition created by Gaylord Hotels, will return to Gaylord Rockies Resort from November 22 to January 1. Using more than 2 million pounds of ice, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment, “The Polar Express” will be brought to life in ice sculpture form by a team of 40 world-class ice artisans from Harbin, China. Limited-time, early–bird overnight packages and day-guest tickets for “ICE! Featuring The Polar Express” are on sale now. In celebration of the film’s 20th anniversary, featured scenes include the Polar Express arriving at Hero Boy’s house, passengers enjoying hot chocolate aboard the train, an exhilarating descent through Glacier Gulch and the enchanting arrival at the North Pole. The attraction features five, two-story tall interactive ice slides and will use colored ice, clear ice and LED lights to create a breathtaking display. Get your tickets and book your accommodations today.
AURORA, christmasatgaylordrockies.marriott.com
Additional Gaylord Rockies Holiday Events
With signature events like “ICE!,” classic holiday activities including Photos with Santa, and thrilling experiences like “Cirque: Frost,” there is something for everyone. You can do it all during So. Much. Christmas. at Gaylord Rockies Resort. You don’t have to be a resort guest to attend events but check all the details and ticket info online before going because many events sell out. Explore some of the 2024 season lineup below.
“CIRQUE: FROST”
Embark on a magical journey with the all-new “Cirque: Frost,” where young Jack discovers his destiny as the legendary winter spirit, Jack Frost. Through a 50-minute show of high-flying stunts and breathtaking feats, witness the heartwarming tale of a dreamer who brings enchantment and wonder to the world.
MRS. CLAUS’ CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Join the jolliest hostess of all for a fun-filled celebration of Christmas traditions. Delight in the retelling of the Christmas classic, “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas,” sing along to favorite holiday songs and share a batch of Santa’s favorite snack—warm, freshly baked Christmas cookies and ice-cold milk.
ELF TRAINING ACADEMY
We all envy Santa’s elves: They have a great boss, eat tasty treats and sweets whenever they want, and can make their own Christmas gifts! The opportunity to join Santa’s staff awaits at the Elf Workshop. Kids will learn the secrets of becoming one of Santa’s helpers from his top toymaker and create a keepsake gift or craft for someone special.
