Illustration of a Christmas market with a small Ferris wheel and a reindeer carousel surrounded by glowing stalls (Denver Christkindlmarket)
Christmas Markets

Denver Christkindlmarket

Visitors can wander through wooden huts filled with local and European artisan crafts, holiday gifts, and specialty food vendors. Guests can sip hot Glühwein, enjoy warm Bavarian pretzels and bratwursts, and gather inside the Festival Hall. The event also features a live music dance floor in front of the stage, sweet treats, and appearances by the Christkind and St. Nikolaus.

Nov 20 – Dec 23, 2026 All ages Free and open to the public.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Monday–Thursday 1:00 pm–9:00 pm; Friday–Sunday and the last week (Dec. 17–23) 11:00 am–9:00 pm; Thanksgiving Day 11 am–4 pm. Festival Hall is open until 10:00 pm, with vendors closing at 9 pm.

Neighborhood

Auraria Campus

Food & Drink

Vendors offer hot Glühwein, warm Bavarian pretzels, bratwursts, roasted nuts, sweets, hot chocolate, and pastries.

Parking

Parking is available near and on Auraria Campus; there are no designated lots specifically for the Christkindlmarket. The page recommends several lots and garages, and says campus parking is paid through the ParkMobile app.

Accessibility

The market is wheelchair accessible with ramps and ADA-accessible portable restrooms.

Pets

Dogs are welcome but must be leashed, and owners must clean up after them. Dogs are not recommended during the Parade of Lights or on weekends.

Location

Auraria Campus, Tivoli Quad · 1000 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80204 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and holiday-market shoppers

Vibe

Festive and cozy

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Park in the Holly Lot, 7th Street Garage, Elm Lot, Cherry Lot or 5th Street Garage, which are less used during Ball Arena events. Pay through ParkMobile.
  • Take bus line 43 or 6, which stop right in front of the market, or walk about ten minutes from the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens light rail station.
  • If you're bringing a dog or using a wheelchair, plan a weekday afternoon visit, because weekends and evenings get extremely crowded.
  • Shop the huts first, then head into the Festival Hall, which stays open an hour after the vendors close.
  • If you lose something, ask the Bar Manager on duty at the Festival Hall bar, which handles the market's lost and found.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Family Sundays bring extra entertainment for children.
  • Meet the Christkind and St. Nikolaus on specific dates.
  • Glass ornament workshops are part of the market.
  • During the last week, December 17–23, the market keeps its longer weekend hours every day.
  • Festival Hall table reservations return in November 2026.

Links & Contact

Run by German American Chamber of Commerce - Colorado Chapter

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the market good for kids?

Yes. There's plenty of children's entertainment, especially on Family Sundays. There's also a live music dance floor in front of the stage, plus sweets, hot chocolate and pastry vendors. The Christkind and St. Nikolaus visit on specific dates.

What is there to eat and drink?

Glühwein, warm Bavarian pretzels, bratwursts off the grill, roasted nuts, and hot chocolate, sweets and pastries from local and European vendors. The Festival Hall has a bar and stays open after the vendors close.

Where should I park, or can I take transit?

There's no dedicated market lot. Campus parking includes the Holly Lot, 7th Street Garage, Elm Lot, Cherry Lot and 5th Street Garage, all paid through ParkMobile. Bus lines 43 and 6 stop right in front, and the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens light rail station is about a 10-minute walk.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, on a leash, and you need to clean up after them. Dogs aren't recommended during the Parade of Lights or on weekends because of the crowds.

Is the market wheelchair accessible?

Yes. There are ramps and ADA-accessible restrooms. Weekends and evenings get extremely busy and can be hard to get around in a wheelchair, and wheelchairs aren't rented or sold at the market.

Browse Christmas in Denver

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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