Denver in Winter: How to Spend a Long Weekend (Skiing Optional)

Denver in Winter: Ski by Day, City by Night

Denver in winter isn’t just a stop on the way to the mountains. Stay in the city and you can mix a ski day with holiday events, shopping, restaurants and plenty to do without skis.

Cherry Creek makes a convenient home base, whether you’re heading to the mountains or keeping the whole weekend in Denver.

Things to Do in Denver in Winter

See the Holiday Lights

December in Denver brings several annual holiday traditions. The Denver Christkindlmarket runs November 20 through December 23, 2026, at Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus, with local and European vendors, food and holiday entertainment.

At Denver Botanic Gardens, Blossoms of Light runs November 20 through January 10 at the York Street gardens. Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is another longtime holiday tradition.

Downtown, the Mile High Tree adds another stop to a holiday night out. Check current dates and hours before heading out, since schedules vary by event.

Shop Cherry Creek

Winter is prime shopping season in Cherry Creek, with boutiques, galleries and restaurants throughout Cherry Creek North and Cherry Creek Shopping Center nearby.

At Halcyon, start with coffee at the Kitchen Counter, then head out on foot. Come back for dinner and drinks in the neighborhood when you’re done shopping.

Make It a Ski Day

Loveland Ski Area is 53 miles west of Denver and the closest ski area to the city. Winter Park and Keystone are also options for a day on the mountain.

Leave early and check the forecast and road conditions before heading out. Winter weather and I-70 traffic can add time to the drive, especially on weekends.

Halcyon’s complimentary Gear Garage also carries seasonal equipment, including sleds and snowshoes in winter. Halcyon recommends borrowing snowshoes for a trip around nearby Washington Park.

A Ski Day + City Night Weekend

Friday: Check into Halcyon and spend the afternoon in Cherry Creek. Shop Cherry Creek North, grab dinner nearby and keep the night easy before an early start.

Saturday: Head out for a ski day at Loveland, Winter Park or Keystone. Return to Denver for dinner and drinks in Cherry Creek.

Sunday: Stay local with coffee, a museum or more shopping. During the holidays, add the Denver Christkindlmarket, Blossoms of Light or Zoo Lights before heading home.

What to Do in Denver if You Don’t Ski

There are plenty of things to do in Denver in winter without a lift ticket. Visit the Denver Art Museum, shop Cherry Creek or spend an afternoon over lunch and drinks.

Halcyon’s Destination Amenities add a few more options. Guests have 24-hour access to the fitness center and can request a complimentary Wellness Passport for access to participating neighborhood fitness studios. The heated rooftop pool and hot tub are also open year-round.

If there’s fresh snow, borrow sleds or snowshoes from the Gear Garage. Or stay inside and save the holiday lights for later.

Between Denver’s holiday events, restaurants, shopping and museums, there’s plenty to fill a winter weekend in Denver without skiing.

Stay in Denver, Ski if You Want

Denver in winter gives you easy access to both the city and the mountains. Halcyon puts you in the heart of Cherry Creek, with shopping and dining outside the hotel and ski areas within day-trip range.

Make Halcyon your winter base and plan the weekend from there.