Holiday shopping is always merrier with a mug of mulled wine or hot cider in hand, and Denver delivers with festive markets where you can browse for unique gifts and stocking stuffers crafted by local artisans and purveyors.
Picture chestnuts roasting, holiday tunes setting the soundtrack, and Christmas lights adding to the scene.
Here’s a starting guide to some of Denver’s best holiday markets that double as festivals.
Christkindlmarket
Dates: Nov. 21-Dec. 23.
Location: Tivoli Quad on the Auraria campus, 1000 Larimer St., Denver
More information: christkindlmarketdenver.com
This year, the Denver Christkindlmarket is moving its holiday magic to a new home: the Tivoli Quad on Auraria Campus. Bonus: While you’re shopping, you can’t miss the Mile High Tree, a seven-story, 110-foot-tall light installation with 60,000 LEDs dancing in sync to holiday music. It’s on display from Nov. 21-Dec. 31, wrapping up with a New Year’s Eve ball-drop-style show.
Hosted by the German American Chamber of Commerce Colorado, the market will transform the Tivoli Quad into a festive village of wooden huts overflowing with gifts, goodies and holiday cheer.
No passport required to the Christkindlmarket, where you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked straight to Europe. Part market, part food festival, the Christkindlmarket serves up glühwein (mulled wine) in collectible mugs (a new design is revealed each year), along with German beers, hot chocolate, roasted nuts, European chocolates, Bavarian pretzels, schnitzel, pierogis, goulash, Polish sausages and more.
Every Sunday is family day at the market, with crafts, sweet treats, storytime and live entertainment in the Festival Hall.
Urban Holiday Market at Union Station
Dates: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 8 and 9; Nov. 15 and 16; Nov. 22 and 23
Location: Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver
More information: denverunionstation.com/experience/event-calendar/
Union Station is another hub of holly jolly holiday happenings. The Beaux-Arts train station is dressed to the nines, basking in red and green lights and with holiday trees and decorations on display, perfect for snapping holiday photos.
This year, the station will also host a series of festive pop-up markets where local vendors will be selling handcrafted gifts and goods alongside live entertainment.
When you’re done browsing, treat yourself at one of Union Station’s eateries. A glass of champagne and a pistachio gâteau from Baumé, the European-inspired pastry shop, makes a sweet finale.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Dates: Nov. 20-Dec. 24
Location: Fillmore Plaza, an outdoor block of Fillmore Street located between First and Second avenues in Cherry Creek.
More information: cherrycreekholidaymarket.com
Back for its sixth year, the Cherry Creek Holiday Market brings vendors, live entertainment and plenty of festive cheer to Cherry Creek North.
The market features nearly 50 vendor booths lining Fillmore Plaza, with a curated selection of Colorado-based brands and artisans. With gifts ranging from puzzles and hand-crafted textiles to fine art and bottled cocktails, shoppers can find something for everyone on their list while supporting local businesses.
The market’s Mistletoe Lounge also returns this year, with a festive drink menu, cozy atmosphere and regular live music.
Plus, Denver’s Giving Machines are back, allowing visitors to give to others during their market visit. These specialized vending machines give users the ability to choose from a menu of donation options that benefit local and national charities.
Holiday Mercado
Dates: Dec. 5 and 6
Location: 861 Santa Fe Drive
More information: museo.org
The Museo de las Americas, a Latin American museum with a collection spanning ancient, folk, and contemporary art, has two festive holiday markets on its calendar.
Shoppers can support small Latinx businesses this holiday season while buying art from local vendors, sampling dishes from food trucks, all while exploring the museum’s exhibition and mingling with fellow art enthusiasts.
The holiday market kicks off on Friday, Dec. 5 (5-9 p.m.), coinciding with First Fridays in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe, when visitors stroll through galleries, studios, and artist co-ops. The market continues during Museo’s regular hours on Saturday, Dec. 6 (12-5 p.m.).
Mile High Holiday Market
Dates: Nov. 14-16
Location: University of Denver Gates Field House, 2201 E. Asbury Ave., Denver
More information: denver.jl.org/mile-high-holiday-mart
The Junior League’s holiday market has been a Denver tradition for more than four decades.
The market is a ticketed event and proceeds from the entry fees support the organization’s mission to empower women in leadership roles and disrupt the cycles of poverty for local women and children.
Get a head start on your holiday shopping: The market showcases more than 100 merchants offering a curated mix of winter wear, gourmet olive oils and aged balsamics, cookbooks, handbags, jewelry, unique homewares, toys and more.