Denver, Colorado is a fun city to visit anytime during the year, but I had the opportunity to make my way to the Mile High city during winter. From Christmas markets to snow-filled hikes, there are so many great things to do in Denver during winter!
During late November 2019, I was invited by my friend Kristy of Ventre’s Adventures to do a road trip throughout some of the most beautiful areas in Colorado. Kristy, Hannah of Hannah Liz Weaver and myself started and ended in Denver and then made our way to Alamosa, Cañon City, Colorado Springs and Estes Park.
Some fun facts about Colorado’s capital is that Denver is actually not in the Rocky Mountains, it’s in the Great Plains.
Denver, Colorado has 300 days of sunshine a year. It is one of the most active cities in America (along with San Diego) and half of the people on my flight to Colorado walked on with a yoga mat. In addition, Denver is also one of the eco-friendliest cities in the country!
In this article, discover the top things to do in Denver, Colorado during the winter months.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in Denver, Colorado, Hotel Teatro hosted me for two nights.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
Traveling to Denver in Winter and Getting around Colorado:
If you are traveling to Colorado, it is best to fly into Denver since you could find flights at an affordable cost
. (I flew from Newark Airport in New Jersey straight to Denver International Airport within 3 hours!) The best way to get from the airport to your accommodation is via a taxi or ride sharing app like Uber or Lyft as well as Go Airport Shuttle!
If you are looking to fly into Aspen, Telluride, Steamboat Springs or anywhere else in the state, it is going to be much more expensive. So I recommend flying into Denver and renting a car from there.
Getting around the city of Denver could easily be done by walking or using a ride sharing app. It is easy to drive in Denver as compared to bigger cities like New York, but it could be difficult to find parking.
If you are planning on doing a road trip through the state or even looking to get out of the city in general (which you should if you visit Colorado), I highly recommend renting a car; especially an SUV with 4-wheel drive.
(Click here if you are planning to road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.)
Where to Stay in Denver in the Winter:
One of my top experiences during my time in Denver, Colorado was staying at Hotel Teatro, located in the LoDo area of the city.
I was impressed and loved how spacious, clean and beautiful my Deluxe Corner King Room was. I had views of the city and nearby Rocky Mountains. Plus, I received the best night’s rest during my entire trip in their cozy Simmons Beautyrest Black™ mattress (of course after watching Hallmark Christmas movies).
The building that Hotel Teatro is located in goes back to 1863 when Denver’s Governor Evans built a brick cottage for his family in the downtown area.
The Evans family continued their quest to build up Denver in the years following that. In 1911, two architects set out to design an 8-story office tower for the Denver Tramway Company. The design combined modern construction and a traditional Renaissance Revival-style architecture of glazed red brick and white terra cotta.
The first-floor lobby led to the offices of the Treasurer and Train Master, while physicians and a legal department occupied the second floor. The eighth floor was inhabited by the president, whose boardroom was lined with oak and marble.
The Denver Tramway trolleys were in service until 1950 and were later used by the University of Colorado at Denver. The Tramway Building was purchased by the Tramway Hotel, LLC in 1994 and in 1999 it became the 110-room Hotel Teatro.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2019, Hotel Teatro was voted the No. 3 Best Hotel in Colorado in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Hotel Teatro – Denver’s original boutique hotel, is located in a modern Renaissance Revival building and it provides its guests with a memorable experience in the Mile High City.
Inside of my Deluxe Corner King Room was a king-sized bed, pull-out couch, coffee table with two chairs, desk, 50” LCD television, Keurig in-room coffee maker, safe, plush terry robes and more.
In addition to the Deluxe Corner King Room, Hotel Teatro also has a Superior Queen Room, Superior King Room, Superior Queen Room with a Balcony, Deluxe Two Queen Room, Petite Queen Room, Petite King Room, Petite Manhattan Room, Junior Suite and the Chancellor’s Suite.
Another reason why I loved staying at Hotel Teatro was that it was located in a prime spot.
It is easily walkable to city hotspots such as the Denver Center for Performing Arts, the Colorado Convention Center, Union Station, Larimer Square and professional sports and entertainment venues such as Coors Field (where the Colorado Rockies play) as well as the Pepsi Center (where the Denver Nuggets play).
You also do not need to leave the hotel to have a wonderful experience in the Mile High City! Visiting this lovely spot is one of the best things to do in Denver during winter.
Hotel Teatro has a lovely restaurant called The Nickel, which offers exquisite dining and there is also a wonderful bar too called The Barrel Bar. The reason why Hotel Teatro’s restaurant is called The Nickel is because in the early 1900s, people in Denver would take the streetcars for just a nickel per ride.
The restaurant offers a seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients, house barrel-aged spirits, a coffee roasting program and the original vault that once collected the nickel fare from streetcar passengers.
In 2019, The Nickel was named Best Hotel Restaurant in Colorado. After a beautiful day in the mountains, it was nice to come back to Hotel Teatro and grab a drink at The Nickel! (Plus, it was beautifully decorated for Christmas.)
In addition to The Nickel, Hotel Teatro also has The Study, which is a warm and cozy gathering space that hosts breakfasts on Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 11:00am.
It is a beautiful space with stunning decorations, a fireplace, comfortable couches and chairs, plus more. I enjoyed breakfast in The Study on my last morning in Denver and it was the icing on top of the cake with the snow softly falling outside.
Other great amenities that Hotel Teatro offers is complimentary WiFi throughout the entire property; same day laundry and dry cleaning services on Monday through Saturday; it is pet friendly; offers a 24-hour fitness center for those looking to work out on their trip; cruiser bicycles that you can ride around Denver on a first come, first serve basis; valet car service; courtesy transportation service within a 2.5-mile radius (this is super convenient when you want to go out at night or even in the cold); 24-hour in-room dining service; in-room spa and massage services and EVBox Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
Overall, I had a wonderful stay at Hotel Teatro and recommend it as the leading boutique hotel in Denver, Colorado! It is extra special staying here during a Denver winter.
Fun Things to do in Denver During Winter:
10 Things to do in Denver, Colorado:
Whether you are traveling to Denver in November, December, January or February, here are the top 10 things to do in Denver during winter. Not only is this city close to a lot of great National Parks and hiking trails, it also boasts incredible eateries, landmarks and museums.
Visit Union Station during a Denver Winter:
The first place we visited when we got to Denver was the historic Union Station. Not only is Union Station Denver’s primary train station, it is also known as Denver’s “Living Room” for dining, drinking and shopping.
When you visit Denver, Colorado in December, you can admire a beautiful Christmas tree with festive decorations surrounding the Great Hall.
This wonderful space is perfect if you are looking to grab a coffee and catch up with a friend, get work done and relax. This station also pays homage to a pioneer spirit while embracing modernity.
During our time at Union Station, we grabbed breakfast at Snooze an A.M. Eatery. I had a breakfast burrito and enjoyed a candy cane boozy hot chocolate on the side. Overall, Snooze is a chain restaurant that is based in Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and Missouri.
Stroll through Larimer Square during Winter in Denver:
You can’t visit Denver and not stroll through the city’s oldest and dreamiest street – Larimer Square. Located a few blocks from Hotel Teatro is the lit-up block that consists of independent shops, high-end restaurants, cozy bars as well as wellness and beauty services.
Not only is Larimer Square lit up during the holidays, it also has its stringed lights hanging all year round. I visited Larimer Square both during the day and also at night and it was beautiful. This spot is extra special during a Denver, Colorado winter.
Enjoy Local Food and Drinks in Denver:
There is no surprise that I love exploring the foodie scene when I travel. I also like going out for drinks at trendy bars where I could enjoy the ambiance as well.
Below are a list of places I ate and drank at during my time in Denver:
The Kitchen American Bistro: Located right off of Larimer Square in LoDo is The Kitchen, a locally sourced restaurant that provides sustainable meals for guests.
Kristy, Hannah and I came here for some wine during our first day walking around Denver. It was a trendy and cozy spot that was decorated beautifully for Christmas. It’s one of the best places to go in Denver in December.
Beatrice and Woodsley: If you are looking for a Tulum vibe in Denver, Beatrice and Woodsley is the place to go near Washington Park!
We had a tapas dinner at this dreamy spot on our first night and I will have to admit that the drinks are better than the food, but I loved the vibe!
During our time at Beatrice and Woodsley, I enjoyed a glass of wine with gnocchi and fried escargot.
Linger: For those who love Asian food, I recommend going to Linger when you are in Denver! It was one of the top restaurants we visited during our time in Colorado!
Located in an old mortuary in the Highland neighborhood, Linger is a chic lounge that also has a rooftop. During our time here, I enjoyed wine with pad Thai and a Korean fried chicken bao bun. It was delicious!
Little Man Ice Cream: Also located in the Highland neighborhood of Denver is Little Man Ice Cream.
Now, I knew about this ice cream shop way before I came to Denver, thanks to Instagram, so I was excited that we showed up there since it was near Linger.
Inspired by vintage Coney Island hot dog-shaped stands, Little Man Ice Cream is conducted within a 28-foot tall, 14,000 lb. ice cream can. Here, you could enjoy numerous flavors of homemade ice cream, plus more!
In addition, during Denver’s winter, Little Man Ice Cream also has a mini Christmas tree stand right next to it. I loved enjoying my hot chocolate-flavored cone with all of the pretty trees surrounding me.
Avanti Food and Beverage: One of the best places to have fun in Denver is Avanti, also located in Highland.
With two large bars, a lounge and dining area as well as a rooftop deck, Avanti offers something for everyone. There is even a Christmas pop-up bar located at Avanti as well! Visiting this location is one of the most fun things to do in Denver, Colorado in December.
During our time here, we just grabbed a beer and enjoyed the rooftop. (Denver is known for great craft beer.) Even though it was colder outside, there were heated lamps surrounding us.
In addition to craft beer, you could also grab French-inspired street food, pizza, Asian food, poke, Venezuelan cuisine, Mexican food, rotisserie and more at Avanti.
Rioja: The BEST restaurant we visited during our time in Denver was Rioja – an award-winning Mediterranean restaurant located on Larimer Street.
We visited Rioja on our last night, which just so happened to be during a snowstorm. It was a short walk from Hotel Teatro, which was super convenient.
From the moment we entered Rioja, we knew we would be in for a great experience! The vibe of Rioja was comforting and swanky, the staff were super energetic and friendly and the food was amazing.
We both got wine and I enjoyed squid ink tagliatelle pasta with clams and sausage in a white wine sauce. It was incredible! After we were done with dinner, they gave us sugar coated mint leaves.
(Denver is also known for its breweries. Even though I didn’t get to visit one during my time in Denver during November 2019, I plan to check out one when I return. Click here to book a brewery walking tour.)
Walk Around the Beauty at the Denver Botanical Gardens:
Whenever I visit a new U.S. city, I always enjoy visiting the botanical gardens. Every city does a wonderful plant display and I never walk away disappointed.
The Denver Botanic Gardens offer living, natural history, library and art collections to admire. During the holiday season, there are also beautiful Christmas light displays as well! It’s one of the most romantic things to do in Denver in winter.
Get into the Holiday Spirit at the Christmas Markets and Ice-Skating Rink:
One thing I did not expect to see in Denver was a German Christkindlmarket. Now, it may not be like the Christmas markets in Europe, but it is one of the best things to do in Denver in December.
This annual Christkindlmarkt brings German holiday traditions to Denver and it allows locals and visitors to enjoy glühwein (mulled wine), Bavarian-style biers and food, European coffee or hot chocolate. There are charming wooden huts with Christmas lights that sell artisan gifts, holiday treats and even CBD. (When in Colorado right?)
In addition to the Christmas markets, Denver also has a downtown ice skating rink. It is one of the best Denver winter activities!
Admire the Talent at Denver Art Museum:
If you are someone who appreciates art and enjoys going to museums, then you have to visit the Denver Art Museum, which is located in the Civic Center. For those wondering what to do in Denver in winter on a rainy day, museums are the way to go!
Known as one of the largest art museums out west, you could walk through the Georgia O’Keefe exhibit, the Asian Art Galleries, Gio Ponti exhibit and Indigenous galleries to name a few.
Stroll through Denver’s Dairy Block
Another one of the best things to do in Denver during winter is to stroll around the new and trendy Dairy Block! This fun urban complex is the best place to go Christmas shopping during a trip to Denver, Colorado in December or November.
Not only does Denver’s Dairy Block offer upscale boutiques, swanky restaurants and bars like For[a]ged, which is a sushi restaurant, and Run for the Roses, which is a speakeasy, there are also plenty of “Instagrammable” spots and cool street art to admire in this area of Colorado’s capital city!
Watch a Denver Ball Game:
Just like many other U.S. cities, Denver also has renowned sports teams. Depending on when you visit during the winter, you could catch the Denver Broncos playing football at Sports Authority Field at Mile High; the Colorado Rockies play baseball at Coors Field; NBA’s Denver Nuggets play basketball at the Pepsi Center and the Colorado Avalanche hockey team in the Magness Arena and many more!
See a Concert at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater:
One of the top things to do in Denver winter 2022 is visit the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater located a little outside of the heart of the city.
This open-air amphitheater is built into a rock structure where you could catch a concert, watch the stars, attend a fitness workshop, do yoga, bike and so much more! Seeing snow on the red rocks during Denver’s winter is extra special.
Do a Day Trip during Denver’s Winter:
There are unlimited day trips you could take from Denver during the winter. Below are some top recommendations:
- Rocky Mountain National Park/Estes Park
- Boulder
- Fort Collins
- Mount Evans Scenic Byway
- Blackhawk/Central City
- White River National Forest
- Colorado Springs/Garden of the Gods
- Pikes Peak
- Georgetown Loop Railroad
- Glenwood Springs/Hanging Lake Trail
- Bear Creek Canyon
- Evergreen
- Golden/Coors Brewery
- Winter Park
- Vail (Skiing)
Looking for other great winter destinations, check out the below articles:
Winter Ski Trip to Tamarack Resort in Idaho
Vancouver to Whistler Winter Trip
Lake Placid Winter Weekend Activities
Planning a memorable USA trip? Find more USA travel tips here.
I hope you all enjoyed reading about my time in Denver, Colorado. If you have any questions about my time in the Mile High City, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Basic Facts of the United States:
Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., CO State Capital: Denver, Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
Shop my Denver Look:
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Denver, Colorado is a fun city to visit anytime during the year, but I had the opportunity to make my way to the Mile High city during winter. From Christmas markets to snow-filled hikes, there are so many great things to do in Denver during winter!
During late November 2019, I was invited by my friend Kristy of Ventre’s Adventures to do a road trip throughout some of the most beautiful areas in Colorado. Kristy, Hannah of Hannah Liz Weaver and myself started and ended in Denver and then made our way to Alamosa, Cañon City, Colorado Springs and Estes Park.
Some fun facts about Colorado’s capital is that Denver is actually not in the Rocky Mountains, it’s in the Great Plains.
Denver, Colorado has 300 days of sunshine a year. It is one of the most active cities in America (along with San Diego) and half of the people on my flight to Colorado walked on with a yoga mat. In addition, Denver is also one of the eco-friendliest cities in the country!
In this article, discover the top things to do in Denver, Colorado during the winter months.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in Denver, Colorado, Hotel Teatro hosted me for two nights.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
Traveling to Denver in Winter and Getting around Colorado:
If you are traveling to Colorado, it is best to fly into Denver since you could find flights at an affordable cost. (I flew from Newark Airport in New Jersey straight to Denver International Airport within 3 hours!) The best way to get from the airport to your accommodation is via a taxi or ride sharing app like Uber or Lyft as well as Go Airport Shuttle!
If you are looking to fly into Aspen, Telluride, Steamboat Springs or anywhere else in the state, it is going to be much more expensive. So I recommend flying into Denver and renting a car from there.
Getting around the city of Denver could easily be done by walking or using a ride sharing app. It is easy to drive in Denver as compared to bigger cities like New York, but it could be difficult to find parking.
If you are planning on doing a road trip through the state or even looking to get out of the city in general (which you should if you visit Colorado), I highly recommend renting a car; especially an SUV with 4-wheel drive.
(Click here if you are planning to road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.)
Where to Stay in Denver in the Winter:
One of my top experiences during my time in Denver, Colorado was staying at Hotel Teatro, located in the LoDo area of the city.
I was impressed and loved how spacious, clean and beautiful my Deluxe Corner King Room was. I had views of the city and nearby Rocky Mountains. Plus, I received the best night’s rest during my entire trip in their cozy Simmons Beautyrest Black™ mattress (of course after watching Hallmark Christmas movies).
The building that Hotel Teatro is located in goes back to 1863 when Denver’s Governor Evans built a brick cottage for his family in the downtown area.
The Evans family continued their quest to build up Denver in the years following that. In 1911, two architects set out to design an 8-story office tower for the Denver Tramway Company. The design combined modern construction and a traditional Renaissance Revival-style architecture of glazed red brick and white terra cotta.
The first-floor lobby led to the offices of the Treasurer and Train Master, while physicians and a legal department occupied the second floor. The eighth floor was inhabited by the president, whose boardroom was lined with oak and marble.
The Denver Tramway trolleys were in service until 1950 and were later used by the University of Colorado at Denver. The Tramway Building was purchased by the Tramway Hotel, LLC in 1994 and in 1999 it became the 110-room Hotel Teatro.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2019, Hotel Teatro was voted the No. 3 Best Hotel in Colorado in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Hotel Teatro – Denver’s original boutique hotel, is located in a modern Renaissance Revival building and it provides its guests with a memorable experience in the Mile High City.
Inside of my Deluxe Corner King Room was a king-sized bed, pull-out couch, coffee table with two chairs, desk, 50” LCD television, Keurig in-room coffee maker, safe, plush terry robes and more.
In addition to the Deluxe Corner King Room, Hotel Teatro also has a Superior Queen Room, Superior King Room, Superior Queen Room with a Balcony, Deluxe Two Queen Room, Petite Queen Room, Petite King Room, Petite Manhattan Room, Junior Suite and the Chancellor’s Suite.
Another reason why I loved staying at Hotel Teatro was that it was located in a prime spot.
It is easily walkable to city hotspots such as the Denver Center for Performing Arts, the Colorado Convention Center, Union Station, Larimer Square and professional sports and entertainment venues such as Coors Field (where the Colorado Rockies play) as well as the Pepsi Center (where the Denver Nuggets play).
You also do not need to leave the hotel to have a wonderful experience in the Mile High City! Visiting this lovely spot is one of the best things to do in Denver during winter.
Hotel Teatro has a lovely restaurant called The Nickel, which offers exquisite dining and there is also a wonderful bar too called The Barrel Bar. The reason why Hotel Teatro’s restaurant is called The Nickel is because in the early 1900s, people in Denver would take the streetcars for just a nickel per ride.
The restaurant offers a seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients, house barrel-aged spirits, a coffee roasting program and the original vault that once collected the nickel fare from streetcar passengers.
In 2019, The Nickel was named Best Hotel Restaurant in Colorado. After a beautiful day in the mountains, it was nice to come back to Hotel Teatro and grab a drink at The Nickel! (Plus, it was beautifully decorated for Christmas.)
In addition to The Nickel, Hotel Teatro also has The Study, which is a warm and cozy gathering space that hosts breakfasts on Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 11:00am.
It is a beautiful space with stunning decorations, a fireplace, comfortable couches and chairs, plus more. I enjoyed breakfast in The Study on my last morning in Denver and it was the icing on top of the cake with the snow softly falling outside.
Other great amenities that Hotel Teatro offers is complimentary WiFi throughout the entire property; same day laundry and dry cleaning services on Monday through Saturday; it is pet friendly; offers a 24-hour fitness center for those looking to work out on their trip; cruiser bicycles that you can ride around Denver on a first come, first serve basis; valet car service; courtesy transportation service within a 2.5-mile radius (this is super convenient when you want to go out at night or even in the cold); 24-hour in-room dining service; in-room spa and massage services and EVBox Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
Overall, I had a wonderful stay at Hotel Teatro and recommend it as the leading boutique hotel in Denver, Colorado! It is extra special staying here during a Denver winter.
Fun Things to do in Denver During Winter:
10 Things to do in Denver, Colorado:
Whether you are traveling to Denver in November, December, January or February, here are the top 10 things to do in Denver during winter. Not only is this city close to a lot of great National Parks and hiking trails, it also boasts incredible eateries, landmarks and museums.
Visit Union Station during a Denver Winter:
The first place we visited when we got to Denver was the historic Union Station. Not only is Union Station Denver’s primary train station, it is also known as Denver’s “Living Room” for dining, drinking and shopping.
When you visit Denver, Colorado in December, you can admire a beautiful Christmas tree with festive decorations surrounding the Great Hall.
This wonderful space is perfect if you are looking to grab a coffee and catch up with a friend, get work done and relax. This station also pays homage to a pioneer spirit while embracing modernity.
During our time at Union Station, we grabbed breakfast at Snooze an A.M. Eatery. I had a breakfast burrito and enjoyed a candy cane boozy hot chocolate on the side. Overall, Snooze is a chain restaurant that is based in Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and Missouri.
Stroll through Larimer Square during Winter in Denver:
You can’t visit Denver and not stroll through the city’s oldest and dreamiest street – Larimer Square. Located a few blocks from Hotel Teatro is the lit-up block that consists of independent shops, high-end restaurants, cozy bars as well as wellness and beauty services.
Not only is Larimer Square lit up during the holidays, it also has its stringed lights hanging all year round. I visited Larimer Square both during the day and also at night and it was beautiful. This spot is extra special during a Denver, Colorado winter.
Enjoy Local Food and Drinks in Denver:
There is no surprise that I love exploring the foodie scene when I travel. I also like going out for drinks at trendy bars where I could enjoy the ambiance as well.
Below are a list of places I ate and drank at during my time in Denver:
The Kitchen American Bistro: Located right off of Larimer Square in LoDo is The Kitchen, a locally sourced restaurant that provides sustainable meals for guests.
Kristy, Hannah and I came here for some wine during our first day walking around Denver. It was a trendy and cozy spot that was decorated beautifully for Christmas. It’s one of the best places to go in Denver in December.
Beatrice and Woodsley: If you are looking for a Tulum vibe in Denver, Beatrice and Woodsley is the place to go near Washington Park!
We had a tapas dinner at this dreamy spot on our first night and I will have to admit that the drinks are better than the food, but I loved the vibe!
During our time at Beatrice and Woodsley, I enjoyed a glass of wine with gnocchi and fried escargot.
Linger: For those who love Asian food, I recommend going to Linger when you are in Denver! It was one of the top restaurants we visited during our time in Colorado!
Located in an old mortuary in the Highland neighborhood, Linger is a chic lounge that also has a rooftop. During our time here, I enjoyed wine with pad Thai and a Korean fried chicken bao bun. It was delicious!
Little Man Ice Cream: Also located in the Highland neighborhood of Denver is Little Man Ice Cream.
Now, I knew about this ice cream shop way before I came to Denver, thanks to Instagram, so I was excited that we showed up there since it was near Linger.
Inspired by vintage Coney Island hot dog-shaped stands, Little Man Ice Cream is conducted within a 28-foot tall, 14,000 lb. ice cream can. Here, you could enjoy numerous flavors of homemade ice cream, plus more!
In addition, during Denver’s winter, Little Man Ice Cream also has a mini Christmas tree stand right next to it. I loved enjoying my hot chocolate-flavored cone with all of the pretty trees surrounding me.
Avanti Food and Beverage: One of the best places to have fun in Denver is Avanti, also located in Highland.
With two large bars, a lounge and dining area as well as a rooftop deck, Avanti offers something for everyone. There is even a Christmas pop-up bar located at Avanti as well! Visiting this location is one of the most fun things to do in Denver, Colorado in December.
During our time here, we just grabbed a beer and enjoyed the rooftop. (Denver is known for great craft beer.) Even though it was colder outside, there were heated lamps surrounding us.
In addition to craft beer, you could also grab French-inspired street food, pizza, Asian food, poke, Venezuelan cuisine, Mexican food, rotisserie and more at Avanti.
Rioja: The BEST restaurant we visited during our time in Denver was Rioja – an award-winning Mediterranean restaurant located on Larimer Street.
We visited Rioja on our last night, which just so happened to be during a snowstorm. It was a short walk from Hotel Teatro, which was super convenient.
From the moment we entered Rioja, we knew we would be in for a great experience! The vibe of Rioja was comforting and swanky, the staff were super energetic and friendly and the food was amazing.
We both got wine and I enjoyed squid ink tagliatelle pasta with clams and sausage in a white wine sauce. It was incredible! After we were done with dinner, they gave us sugar coated mint leaves.
(Denver is also known for its breweries. Even though I didn’t get to visit one during my time in Denver during November 2019, I plan to check out one when I return. Click here to book a brewery walking tour.)
Walk Around the Beauty at the Denver Botanical Gardens:
Whenever I visit a new U.S. city, I always enjoy visiting the botanical gardens. Every city does a wonderful plant display and I never walk away disappointed.
The Denver Botanic Gardens offer living, natural history, library and art collections to admire. During the holiday season, there are also beautiful Christmas light displays as well! It’s one of the most romantic things to do in Denver in winter.
Get into the Holiday Spirit at the Christmas Markets and Ice-Skating Rink:
One thing I did not expect to see in Denver was a German Christkindlmarket. Now, it may not be like the Christmas markets in Europe, but it is one of the best things to do in Denver in December.
This annual Christkindlmarkt brings German holiday traditions to Denver and it allows locals and visitors to enjoy glühwein (mulled wine), Bavarian-style biers and food, European coffee or hot chocolate. There are charming wooden huts with Christmas lights that sell artisan gifts, holiday treats and even CBD. (When in Colorado right?)
In addition to the Christmas markets, Denver also has a downtown ice skating rink. It is one of the best Denver winter activities!
Admire the Talent at Denver Art Museum:
If you are someone who appreciates art and enjoys going to museums, then you have to visit the Denver Art Museum, which is located in the Civic Center. For those wondering what to do in Denver in winter on a rainy day, museums are the way to go!
Known as one of the largest art museums out west, you could walk through the Georgia O’Keefe exhibit, the Asian Art Galleries, Gio Ponti exhibit and Indigenous galleries to name a few.
Stroll through Denver’s Dairy Block
Another one of the best things to do in Denver during winter is to stroll around the new and trendy Dairy Block! This fun urban complex is the best place to go Christmas shopping during a trip to Denver, Colorado in December or November.
Not only does Denver’s Dairy Block offer upscale boutiques, swanky restaurants and bars like For[a]ged, which is a sushi restaurant, and Run for the Roses, which is a speakeasy, there are also plenty of “Instagrammable” spots and cool street art to admire in this area of Colorado’s capital city!
Watch a Denver Ball Game:
Just like many other U.S. cities, Denver also has renowned sports teams. Depending on when you visit during the winter, you could catch the Denver Broncos playing football at Sports Authority Field at Mile High; the Colorado Rockies play baseball at Coors Field; NBA’s Denver Nuggets play basketball at the Pepsi Center and the Colorado Avalanche hockey team in the Magness Arena and many more!
See a Concert at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater:
One of the top things to do in Denver winter 2022 is visit the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater located a little outside of the heart of the city.
This open-air amphitheater is built into a rock structure where you could catch a concert, watch the stars, attend a fitness workshop, do yoga, bike and so much more! Seeing snow on the red rocks during Denver’s winter is extra special.
Do a Day Trip during Denver’s Winter:
There are unlimited day trips you could take from Denver during the winter. Below are some top recommendations:
- Rocky Mountain National Park/Estes Park
- Boulder
- Fort Collins
- Mount Evans Scenic Byway
- Blackhawk/Central City
- White River National Forest
- Colorado Springs/Garden of the Gods
- Pikes Peak
- Georgetown Loop Railroad
- Glenwood Springs/Hanging Lake Trail
- Bear Creek Canyon
- Evergreen
- Golden/Coors Brewery
- Winter Park
- Vail (Skiing)
Looking for other great winter destinations, check out the below articles:
Winter Ski Trip to Tamarack Resort in Idaho
Vancouver to Whistler Winter Trip
Lake Placid Winter Weekend Activities
Planning a memorable USA trip? Find more USA travel tips here.
I hope you all enjoyed reading about my time in Denver, Colorado. If you have any questions about my time in the Mile High City, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Basic Facts of the United States:
Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., CO State Capital: Denver, Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
Shop my Denver Look:
50 Comments
Denver looks so beautiful in the cold season! And Hotel Teatro looks super charming 🙂 Will definitely keep it in mind for when I finally travel out west!
What a fun trip with a fun group! I’ve been to Denver in the summer but haven’t been in the winter yet. It looks so magical with the blanket of white snow covering everything!
Such a wonderful post, Taylor! Denver looks like such a picturesque winter destination and I love your excitement of staying in Hotel Teatro – I love hotels like this! I must visit! Praying for snow like this in the UK for Christmas1
JazI was just in Denver! This is such a good guide to a great city.
Great post. We love Denver and visit there as often as possible. I’ll have to try some of these places you mentioned!
I love Denver! I only had one day to explore, but definitely will be back. And Little Man is the greatest!
PS gorgeous photos ♥️
The Christmas decoration in the city is amazing and I love the fact the city is so eco-friendly! Lovely photos Taylor 💕
Denver in winter time looks wonderful. We visited Denver in the Summer and did a trip tp Pikes Peak and went on towards Rocky Mountain National Park. I loved the area.
This is such a great list! I live in Denver and you really touched on a ton of great places that I normally suggest to visitors.
Also, I about died when you mentioned people boarding the plane with yoga mats! I originally moved here from Florida and was blown away at first by how normal it is for people for wear pieces of workout gear as a normal attire EVERYWHERE here. Mall; workout clothes, out to dinner; workout clothes, grocery shopping; workout clothes, park day; workout clothes. It’s so funny when you’re not used to it.How beautiful!! I’ve heard Colorado is such an incredible state, especially during winter!! Can’t wait to visit someday!
I’ve never actually been to Denver (YET) but love the idea of so many sunny, clear days there – even in the winter. This post about winter travel to Denver, CO is so informative and detailed. I’d definitely want to explore the capitol building – it looks beautiful.
What a great post! You really got around to see it all in Denver. I’ll have to check out the Teatro, it looks so charming!
Awww, fun post on Denver in the winter! It is a fun city to visit. We used to live in Grand Junction and Breckenridge 🙂
Denver in the winter is the best! It could snow or be 50 and sunny! I love it! Washington Park is a favorite!
Some great ideas. I’ve only been to Denver in the summer months when it’s been hot so this looks like a totally different experience. What a great city, and I love the look of the Hotel Teatro
We lived in Colorado for a few years and I love Denver! Love this list of things to do in the Mile High City. We’ve only visited Rocky Mountain NP in the summer, but I am sure it is amazing in the winter too.
I really like Denver, though I’ve never been in the winter. I’ll have to consider a Denver winter trip now, after seeing this blog. It looks quite magical, and OMG that pasta dish from Rioja looks amazinggggg.
I love Denver! Been a handful of times but I don’t know that I’ve ever been in Winter, so this is a super cute intro into what to expect. 🙂
I need to get back to America as soon as it’s safe to do so. Denver looked stunning in winter, and I love your hiking outfit.
This is such a great guide! I’ve never really thought about visiting Denver but this made me want to go 😀
Denver is very cool.! I was there during the winter, the week before Christmas….passing through to Breckenridge. I did visit a couple of restaurants and the Denver Art Museum. Was very impressed with the city and would love to go back.
Nature always looks stunning in wintertime, but it surprises me when cities also do, and Denver definitely does. Lovely pictures!
I love Denver, especially in the wintertime. I really need to go back and explore more of the areas. I really want to tour the capital and go to Rocky Mountain National Park.
What a complete and detailed guide to Denver! It looks like an enjoyable spot to explore!
Thank you for this amazing piece on things to do in Denver during winter; I love your writing style and feel every line of your writing.
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Denver looks so beautiful in the cold season! And Hotel Teatro looks super charming 🙂 Will definitely keep it in mind for when I finally travel out west!
Yes, you guys should definitely do a trip out west, especially since you and your husband are both very active! 🙂
What a fun trip with a fun group! I’ve been to Denver in the summer but haven’t been in the winter yet. It looks so magical with the blanket of white snow covering everything!
Yes, it was beautiful! I definitely want to go back in the summer now haha
Such a wonderful post, Taylor! Denver looks like such a picturesque winter destination and I love your excitement of staying in Hotel Teatro – I love hotels like this! I must visit! Praying for snow like this in the UK for Christmas1
Jaz
Thank you so much Jaz and I hope you guys get some snow soon 🙂
I was just in Denver! This is such a good guide to a great city.
Thank you so much Riley! 🙂
Great post. We love Denver and visit there as often as possible. I’ll have to try some of these places you mentioned!
Thank you Kiana and that is awesome you travel to Colorado often.
I love Denver! I only had one day to explore, but definitely will be back. And Little Man is the greatest!
PS gorgeous photos ♥️
Yes, Colorado is amazing in general and thank you so much! 🙂
The Christmas decoration in the city is amazing and I love the fact the city is so eco-friendly! Lovely photos Taylor 💕
Thank you Alina and yes, it’s also super active too, which is awesome. 🙂
Denver in winter time looks wonderful. We visited Denver in the Summer and did a trip tp Pikes Peak and went on towards Rocky Mountain National Park. I loved the area.
Colorado is beautiful all year long. I want to go back and go skiing. 🙂
This is such a great list! I live in Denver and you really touched on a ton of great places that I normally suggest to visitors.
Also, I about died when you mentioned people boarding the plane with yoga mats! I originally moved here from Florida and was blown away at first by how normal it is for people for wear pieces of workout gear as a normal attire EVERYWHERE here. Mall; workout clothes, out to dinner; workout clothes, grocery shopping; workout clothes, park day; workout clothes. It’s so funny when you’re not used to it.
Thank you so much Courtney! It was a fun city and I’d love to go back and explore more in the surrounding area. Also yes, I find it awesome how athletic and active people are there. All cities should be like that. 🙂
How beautiful!! I’ve heard Colorado is such an incredible state, especially during winter!! Can’t wait to visit someday!
Yes, it is so stunning! You totally have to go. It’s a great state. 🙂
I’ve never actually been to Denver (YET) but love the idea of so many sunny, clear days there – even in the winter. This post about winter travel to Denver, CO is so informative and detailed. I’d definitely want to explore the capitol building – it looks beautiful.
It’s such a great city! I love anywhere that has a lot of sun. 🙂
What a great post! You really got around to see it all in Denver. I’ll have to check out the Teatro, it looks so charming!
Thank you Megan! Hotel Teatro was a really cool hotel. I definitely enjoyed staying there. 🙂
Awww, fun post on Denver in the winter! It is a fun city to visit. We used to live in Grand Junction and Breckenridge 🙂
Thank you Ashlee! That is awesome. I heard Breckenridge ski resort is a lot of fun. 🙂
Denver in the winter is the best! It could snow or be 50 and sunny! I love it! Washington Park is a favorite!
Yes, I love that! The sunshine is definitely a seller for me. 🙂
Some great ideas. I’ve only been to Denver in the summer months when it’s been hot so this looks like a totally different experience. What a great city, and I love the look of the Hotel Teatro
Thank you Emma! Hotel Teatro was definitely one of the highlights during my time in Denver. 🙂
We lived in Colorado for a few years and I love Denver! Love this list of things to do in the Mile High City. We’ve only visited Rocky Mountain NP in the summer, but I am sure it is amazing in the winter too.
It is a lot of fun and Rocky Mountain National Park really is gorgeous year round. I hope to revisit again soon. 🙂
I really like Denver, though I’ve never been in the winter. I’ll have to consider a Denver winter trip now, after seeing this blog. It looks quite magical, and OMG that pasta dish from Rioja looks amazinggggg.
Yes, Colorado in the winter is so fun! I really want to go back and do a ski trip at some point. 🙂 Also, that meal I had at Rioja was one of the best dishes I’ve had during my travels.
I love Denver! Been a handful of times but I don’t know that I’ve ever been in Winter, so this is a super cute intro into what to expect. 🙂
Yes, there are a lot of fun things to do. Colorado was very beautiful in general in the winter. 🙂
I need to get back to America as soon as it’s safe to do so. Denver looked stunning in winter, and I love your hiking outfit.
Yes, you totally have to. There is so much adventure here. 🙂
This is such a great guide! I’ve never really thought about visiting Denver but this made me want to go 😀
Thank you Charlotte and it was a lot of fun. 🙂
Denver is very cool.! I was there during the winter, the week before Christmas….passing through to Breckenridge. I did visit a couple of restaurants and the Denver Art Museum. Was very impressed with the city and would love to go back.
That sounds awesome! I heard Breckenridge is really cool too! 🙂
Nature always looks stunning in wintertime, but it surprises me when cities also do, and Denver definitely does. Lovely pictures!
Thank you Coni! It really was a nice time. 🙂
I love Denver, especially in the wintertime. I really need to go back and explore more of the areas. I really want to tour the capital and go to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Yes, you totally should. I also would love to go back to that area and actually explore Boulder too. I heard there are a lot of great breweries there. 🙂
What a complete and detailed guide to Denver! It looks like an enjoyable spot to explore!
Thank you Lyne! I had a great time when I visited in 2019. 🙂
Thank you for this amazing piece on things to do in Denver during winter; I love your writing style and feel every line of your writing.
Thank you so much!