Twinkling Lights & Hot Cocoa Nights: Your Perfect Denver Weekend✨

Find the best ice skating spots, cozy up with hot cocoa, and explore Denver’s top holiday events this weekend. Let’s make it magical!

Twinkling Lights & Hot Cocoa Nights: Your Perfect Denver Weekend

Hey there, Denverites! 🎄

The holidays are in full swing, and the city is brimming with festive vibes. Whether you’re skating under the stars, sipping on steamy hot cocoa, or jamming to live music, this weekend is packed with all the holiday magic you could ask for. Ready to dive into Denver’s winter wonderland? Let’s go!

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Hit reply and let us know—or suggest your own winter favorite! 🌟

Denver’s Winter Wonderland: Ice Skating and Hot Cocoa Spots

There’s nothing quite like gliding under twinkling lights and warming up with a mug of creamy hot cocoa. Here’s a roundup of Denver’s best ice skating experiences and nearby spots to cozy up afterward:

📍 16th & Arapahoe Streets

The heart of downtown transforms into a festive wonderland with free skating (skate rentals: $12 adults, $9 kids). Expect broomball games, hot drinks, and a vibrant city vibe. After skating, grab a seat at nearby Union Lodge No. 1 for decadent hot cocoa served with a vintage twist.

📍 7939 E. Arapahoe Rd.

This Greenwood Village rooftop rink brings a Western flair to skating with performances, curling, giveaways, and even a mechanical bull. Free skating and a cowboy hat are highly recommended! Warm up with a hot drink at Mad Hatter Coffee, just a short drive away, for unique brews and cozy vibes.

📍 Main Street & Pine Drive, Parker

A truly unique experience, this winding ice trail mimics skating on a frozen river. Skating is $10 for adults, $8 for kids, and rentals are just $4. Post-skate, head to Fika Coffee House to enjoy a European-inspired cocoa and homemade treats.

📍 Halcyon Hotel, Cherry Creek

This intimate mini-rink is perched on the hotel’s 8th floor, offering stunning views of Denver and the Rockies. Skating is free, with $5 skate rentals. Pair your adventure with an indulgent hot cocoa or spikedhttps://takemoreadventures.com/things-to-do-in-denver/ cider at  Rare Bird Denver for the ultimate après-skate treat.

Pro Tip: Bundle up and keep an eye on rink schedules for special events like themed skate nights or lessons. Nothing says winter magic like sipping cocoa after a spin around the ice!

Mile High Happenings: What’s On This Weekend

Friday, December 20, 2024

📍 Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St., Boulder, CO

🕗 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

🎸 A must-see for Phish fans! Enjoy an unforgettable tribute performance. Tickets are just $16.

📍 The Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO

🕗 8:00 PM

🎶 Electronic music fans, don’t miss KREAM live with Kamino and RC3. Ages 16 and up.

📍 Grizzly Rose, 5450 N. Valley Hwy., Denver, CO

🕗 8:00 PM

🎤 Country music at its best! Tickets start at $20+.

Saturday, December 21, 2024

📍 254 Linden St., Fort Collins, CO

🕖 7:00 PM – Midnight

🎤 Quirky surfy pop-punk and local music vibes! Tickets are $13.

📍 The Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO

🕗 8:00 PM

🎵 A high-energy show featuring Xotix, NIMDA, and AlienPark. Ages 16+. Tickets start at $19.95.

📍 Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St., Boulder, CO

🕗 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

🎶 Enjoy a night of soulful music for just $20.

Sunday, December 22, 2024

📍 Buffalo Rose, 1119 Washington Ave., Golden, CO

🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

🎷 Spend a festive evening with Colorado’s own Dotsero for $28.

📍 Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree, CO

🕖 7:00 PM

🎭 Laugh along with this holiday-themed improv comedy performance.

📍 Dairy Block, 1800 Wazee St., Denver, CO

🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

🎵 Enjoy classic holiday carols for free in a cozy, festive setting.

Denver Weather This Week

Friday (Dec 20): Partly cloudy, 51°/31°. Perfect weather to sip cocoa while skating under the stars. ❄️☕

Saturday (Dec 21): Mostly sunny, 54°/35°. Great day to hit the Parker Ice Trail or stroll a holiday market. 🌞🎄

Sunday (Dec 22): Mostly sunny, 55°/33°. A little sunshine and crisp air—ideal for brunch and live carolers at Dairy Block. 🎶🍴

Monday (Dec 23): Partly cloudy, 53°/33°. Cozy up with hot cocoa or tackle that last-minute holiday shopping. 🛍️

Tuesday (Dec 24): Partly cloudy, 53°/32°. Santa’s sleigh-friendly skies as Denver gears up for Christmas! 🎅🎁

Local Soundtrack

Warm up your spirits with this soulful rendition of the holiday classic by Denver’s beloved Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats. Featuring Julie Davis, this track blends timeless charm with a modern, jazzy twist—perfect for sipping hot cocoa by the fire or gliding across the ice. Add it to your holiday playlist and let Denver’s musical magic fill the air. 🎶✨

Denver Doodles

That’s a wrap for this week, friends! Whether you’re twirling on the ice, belting out holiday tunes, or savoring a hot cup of cocoa, we hope your weekend is filled with joy and cheer. Got a favorite holiday tradition or a must-see event? Hit reply and let us know!

Until next time, stay merry, stay bright, and stay Denver. 🏔️

-What’s Happenin’ Denver Team