One holiday market here sits beside a 110-foot LED tree that puts on a free light and music show every 15 minutes. I didn’t know a tree could have a showtime schedule, but I’m completely into it.
The surprises keep stacking up. One market fills three floors of a historic Art Deco building with more than 100 makers.
Another series rolls out a little train ride and more than 10 fire pits for s’mores.
Colorado’s holiday market season starts early, and the timing really matters. Some of these events run for just one Saturday, so blinking means missing them.
Others stretch across several weeks, which feels much kinder to procrastinators like me.
I love the idea of crossing off a gift list with hot chocolate in hand instead of wrestling a shopping cart down a crowded aisle. So which one gets your first free weekend?
1. Denver Christkindlmarket
Few markets come with a neighbor as flashy as a 110-foot LED tree. The Mile High Tree runs free light and music shows every 15 minutes from 5 pm to 10 pm, right near this German-style market.
For 2026, the market sits on the Tivoli Quad at the Auraria Campus. It moved there in 2025 while Civic Center Park gets renovated.
The heart of the place is a row of charming wooden huts. More than 40 local and European vendors fill them with handmade gifts, so your stocking stuffers can have a passport.
Hungry? You’ll find bratwurst, pretzels, European coffee, and hot chocolate to keep your hands busy between purchases.
Kids and grown-ups can both hop on a 42-foot carousel. Glass ornament and glassblowing workshops add a hands-on twist if you’d rather make a gift than buy one.
Cold toes need a plan, too. The heated Festival Hall stays open until 10 pm, an hour after the vendor huts close, and you can reserve tables.
Mark your calendar for November 20 through December 23, 2026. Weekday hours run 1 pm to 9 pm, while Friday through Sunday opens earlier at 11 am.
Admission is free, which leaves more room in your budget for ornaments. The German American Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Chapter, organizes the event, so the old-world details come from people who know them.
Thanksgiving Day brings short hours from 11 am to 4 pm. During the final week, from December 17 to 23, the gates open at 11 am daily.
Address: 1000 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80204
2. Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Over a million lights across 16 blocks make a pretty strong opening act. That glow comes from Cherry Creek North’s Winter Wanderland, and this market sits right in the middle of it on Fillmore Plaza.
The 2026 season marks the market’s seventh year. Its theme is Après Ski, with alpine decor and little vendor pods that feel like a mountain lodge dropped into the city.
More than 50 curated local makers, artisans, and entrepreneurs set up shop here. The lineup rotates, so a second visit could bring brand new finds.
Snack lovers get real choices. Sunflower Foods, Tom’s Waffles, Gochilandia, and Casa Crobu are on the 2026 food roster.
Bring the family, and bring the dog. The market welcomes both, and admission is free.
A live concert series, daily programming, and themed nights keep things lively. You’ll also spot Giving Machines on the plaza, which are vending machines where your purchase goes to charity.
Dates run from November 19 through December 24, 2026. Thursday through Saturday hours stretch from 11 am to 9 pm, which is handy after work.
Small Business Weekend lands November 27 to 30 across Cherry Creek North. On December 12, Saturday Night Lights brings music and entertainment to Civica Plaza from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve both have short noon to 3 pm windows. The market closes on Christmas Day, so don’t leave that last gift for the twenty-fifth.
Address: Fillmore Plaza, between 1st and 2nd Avenues, Denver, CO 80206
3. Denver Winter Market
Shopping inside a four-story Art Deco landmark beats a mall parking lot any day. The historic Denver Sports Castle hosts this market, complete with its original stained glass.
Here’s the bittersweet part. Organizers call 2026 one final holiday season inside the Sports Castle, so this could be your last chance to see it this way.
More than 100 Colorado makers and artists spread across three floors. Festive lights fill the space, and the focus stays on unique handmade craft items.
You’ll want comfy shoes for the stairs. Local food trucks help refuel you between floors.
Fridays get a special name: Holiday Date Night. Entry is free that evening, and a live DJ sets the mood.
Saturdays and Sundays carry a small entry fee. The proceeds support local Special Olympics teams through Denver Parks and Recreation, which makes the ticket feel like a gift too.
Planning to come back more than once? A VIP option includes a commemorative 2026 tote and free entry for the three weekends.
The market runs November 28 to 29, December 4 to 6, and December 11 to 13. Friday hours go from 3 pm to 9 pm, while weekends run 11 am to 5 pm.
Main Street Events organizes the whole thing. With such a short window and a farewell vibe, you might want to circle a date in Colorado-sized marker.
Address: 1000 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
4. Mistletoe Market
Gift wrapping is the chore nobody puts on a wish list. Luckily, this market has a gift-wrapping station, so your presents can leave looking finished.
The action happens in the heated Alley at Dairy Block in LoDo. A heated alley in a Colorado December sounds like a small miracle, honestly.
Fireside at Five curates the vendors. Expect over a dozen local businesses and artisans each weekend.
The gift categories cover a lot of ground. Think apparel, toys, art, snacks, sweets, pet goodies, and outdoor gear.
Live holiday music and carolers add a soundtrack while you browse. Festive bites in the alley help keep your energy up.
Kids get their own fun with Who-ligan Holiday Shenanigans. Cindy Lou and The Mean One host story time and photos in the Crumpit Cave, which sounds delightfully grumpy.
You’ll find plenty of photo spots, too. Admission is free, so you can wander without pressure.
Timing is tight here. The market runs December 5–6 and December 12–13, 2026, from 11 am to 4 pm.
It’s part of Dairy Block’s bigger Holiday on the Block series. The market is part of Dairy Block’s wider holiday celebrations, which include festive activities beyond the market itself.
With only four days on the calendar, this one rewards planners. Pick a weekend, grab your list, and let someone else handle the tape.
Address: 1800 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202
5. Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
Sixteen categories of handmade goods in one parking lot is a strong argument for skipping online shopping. Firefly Handmade brings this creatively curated market to the Denver Design District.
Look for it outdoors in the lot in front of Rebel Bread. It’s also near Mother Other restaurant.
Over 100 artists, makers, and designers show their work here. Categories include jewelry, visual art, ceramics, home goods, apparel, and artisanal food.
That variety makes it a smart stop for tricky people on your list. The aunt who has everything might not have a handmade mug yet.
Colorado musicians play live while you shop. Food trucks keep hunger from cutting your trip short.
The market is family friendly and pup friendly. Admission is free, so the only thing you’ll spend is what you choose.
Getting there is easy. The spot is visible from South Broadway, close to I-25, and a five-minute walk from two light rail stations.
Driving instead? Ample free on-site parking makes life simpler.
This is a two-day event, so plan ahead. It runs December 12 and 13, 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Firefly also hosts other seasonal markets in Denver and Boulder. That includes a November holiday market on Old South Gaylord Street if you want an early warm-up round.
Address: 675 South Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
6. Cherry Creek Holiday BAZAAR
Santa and a tree lighting on the same day as a maker market? That’s an efficient Saturday.
The Cherry Creek Holiday BAZAAR lines up with the annual Cherry Creek tree lighting and Santa’s appearance. It works as a kickoff for the whole season.
Mark Saturday, November 14, 2026, on your calendar. Hours run from 2 pm to 7 pm, so you can shop into the evening glow.
This market opens the Holiday BAZAAR 2026 series. Denver BAZAAR, also known as Gum Pop Presents, runs five free outdoor markets in that lineup.
Up to 80 Colorado makers are expected. As of late October 2026, 36 had already confirmed.
Food carts and hot chocolate keep shoppers fueled. A paper cup of cocoa doubles as a hand warmer, which is a nice bonus in November.
Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome. Your pup can help judge which booth smells best.
The event is open to all ages, and admission is free. An RSVP is encouraged if you want reminders and updates.
Shopping in mid-November also gives you a serious head start. You could finish a chunk of your list before the turkey is even thawed.
Address: 3000 East 1st Avenue, Denver, CO 80206
7. Belleview Station Holiday BAZAAR
Dogs in a reindeer parade might be the cutest thing on this list. The second annual Reindeer-in-Training Dog Parade happens right here.
This ski chalet themed market lands on Small Business Saturday. That’s November 28, 2026, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, from 11 am to 5 pm.
Instead of fighting crowds at big stores, you can shop 50 to 80 or more local makers. The focus is on giftable Colorado brands, carefully curated.
Chilly fingers get plenty of help. More than 10 fire pits are ready for s’mores, plus warming stations around the space.
Families can ride the Holiday BAZAAR Express train. It runs from 1 pm to 4 pm, so time your visit if little ones are coming.
School of Rock is scheduled to perform. Live music makes browsing feel a lot more like a party.
Food trucks and street food vendors handle the eats. Hot beverages are on hand too.
Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome, which makes sense with a parade on the schedule. Entry is free, and an RSVP is encouraged for updates.
Photo spots dot the market, so expect some festive snapshots. It’s a fun way to use leftover holiday energy after Thanksgiving.
Address: 6791 East Chenango Avenue, Denver, CO 80237
8. Sloan’s Lake Holiday BAZAAR
When organizers call a spot their most popular location, you pay attention. The Denver BAZAAR crew says exactly that about Sloan’s Lake.
For 2026, they added a December market here. It runs Saturday, December 5, from 11 am to 5 pm.
That date marks the first December Saturday in the Holiday BAZAAR series. It’s a sweet spot when gift lists feel real but not yet scary.
Local vendors bring unique holiday gifts. Early planning showed 61 makers already confirmed, so the booth count looks healthy.
The outdoor setting near the lake gives this one a neighborhood feel. Bundle up, because Colorado weather keeps its own schedule.
More than 10 fire pits help with that. Grab a s’more and toast your hands while you decide on purchases.
Warming stations offer more relief from the cold. Hot beverages are available too.
Families can hop aboard the Holiday BAZAAR Express train from 1 pm to 4 pm. Kids tend to remember a train ride longer than a receipt.
Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome here. Admission is free, and an RSVP is encouraged so you get updates.
Photo opportunities round things out. A lakeside holiday picture beats another selfie in a checkout line.
Address: 1611 North Raleigh Street, Denver, CO 80204
9. LoHi Holiday BAZAAR
First times can be exciting, and LoHi gets one in 2026. This is the first holiday season the BAZAAR sets up in this neighborhood.
The date is Saturday, December 12, from 11 am to 5 pm. It falls on the second Saturday of December.
Shopping is the main event here. Organizers designed it around a curated mix of Colorado makers, artists, small businesses, and food vendors.
Early planning showed 66 makers confirmed. That’s a lot of booths to explore in one afternoon.
The categories go wide. Look for handmade goods, art, jewelry, accessories, apparel, home goods, packaged food, beauty, wellness items, and specialty products.
Vendors are encouraged to bring gift sets and stocking stuffers. That’s great news if your stockings tend to stay sadly flat.
Need a break from browsing? More than 10 fire pits are ready for s’mores, and warming stations help too.
The Holiday BAZAAR Express train runs from 1 pm to 4 pm. Hot beverages help everyone stay toasty in line.
Leashed, friendly dogs can come along. Admission is free, and an RSVP gets you updates.
The event is open to all ages, with photo spots throughout. A brand new market in a fun neighborhood feels like a gift itself.
Address: 2138 West 32nd Avenue, Denver, CO 80211
10. Littleton Holiday BAZAAR
Procrastinators, this one’s for you. The Littleton Holiday BAZAAR lands on the last Saturday before Christmas.
That’s Saturday, December 19, 2026, in downtown Littleton. It’s also the final date of the 2026 Holiday BAZAAR series.
Watch the clock on this one. Hours run from 11 am to 4 pm, which is an hour earlier than the other December dates.
The goal is simple. It’s built to help you finish your holiday shopping locally.
Colorado makers fill the booths. Early planning showed 59 confirmed, so you’ll have solid options for those last few names.
Shopping in the cold is easier with breaks. More than 10 fire pits offer s’mores, and warming stations help thaw your fingers.
Families can ride the Holiday BAZAAR Express train from 1 pm to 4 pm. Since the market closes at 4, plan train time early.
Hot beverages are available while you browse. Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome to tag along.
Admission is free, and the event is open to all ages. An RSVP is encouraged for reminders, which might be helpful for anyone who forgets dates.
Photo spots give you one more holiday picture before the big day. Finishing your list here feels much better than a panicked late-night order.
Address: 5663 South Prince Street, Littleton, CO 80120