Shopping online might be the easiest way to buy gifts for loved ones this time of year, but why not get into the holiday spirit and have a day of local shopping?
Here are five destination vacation markets near Denver where you can get treats for everyone on your list and have fun along the way.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Appointment: Nov. 17 to Dec. 24
Location: Fillmore Plaza at Cherry Creek North, 105 Fillmore St., Denver
Take a break from the big box stores at Cherry Creek Mall and head to Cherry Creek Holiday Market, returning for a third year. You’ll find a rotating cast of vendors selling everything from coffee and clothing to carvings and spirits. And much like a local farmers market, you’ll likely get a chance to sample a few snacks along the way.
The Cherry Creek Holiday Market is free. Find more information at cherrycreekholidaymarket.com.
Denver Christmas Market
Appointment: Nov. 18 to Dec. 23
Location: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Avenue, Denver
If you fancy a trip abroad this holiday season, travel no further than Civic Center Park, which will be transformed into a European-style, storybook-like market for about a month. Shop for trinkets and handcrafted treasures in the wooden shacks that line the pop-up alleys with a cup of glühwein (mulled wine) or hand-roasted nuts. In addition to shopping and dining, Denver Christkindlmarket offers entertainment most nights, including live music, light parades, and appearances by St. Nikolaus and Krampus.
Denver Christkindlmarket is free to attend. Find more information at christkindlmarketdenver.com.
winter party
Appointment: December 9-11
Location: Colorado Chautauqua Association, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder
Horse-drawn carriage rides, scenic group hikes, guided tours, kids’ crafts, live music, holiday tree lighting, and even a s’more station highlight a weekend of festivities in Boulder’s historic Chautauqua district. Bring your wallet to shop at a market at the Chautauqua Community House with local artists and vendors. (No ticket needed.)
Tickets for WinterFest are $28 per person ages 3 and up. Children 2 and under enter free. Find tickets and more at chautauqua.com/winterfest-22.
After-ski holiday market
Appointment: Weekends from Nov. 25 to Dec. 18
Location: Dairy Block Alley, 1800 Wazee St., Denver
Sipping and shopping go hand in hand at the third annual après-ski holiday market. Local businesses and national brands will sell their wares over the weekend in Dairy Block Alley near Union Station, where dining options abound, including a seasonal pop-up bar called Miracle located inside the station. The markets also coincide with special holiday events, such as the Tree Lighting (November 25) and Merry & Bright Lights, a holiday-themed nighttime light show that dances outside Union Station. (from November 25).
The après-ski holiday market is free. For more information, visit milkblock.com/events.
Georgetown Christmas Market
Appointment: 3-4 Dec. and 10-11 Dec.
Location: Historic 6th Street, Georgetown
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and brimming with small-town charm, the annual Georgetown Christmas Market offers an immersive holiday experience with horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers in Victorian attire, and tours of the city’s many historic museums. Shop for locally made crafts, produce and food at two outdoor markets before heading to the Alpine Beer Garden for a craft beer to end the day.
The Georgetown Christmas Market is free. Find more information at historicgeorgetown.org/christmas-market.
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