Denver, the capital of Colorado, is a vibrant city situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Furthermore, known as the “Mile-High City” due to its elevation of exactly one mile above sea level, Denver offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. Denver International Airport makes it easy to access this lively hub from pretty much anywhere. Although Denver is a fun place to visit any time of the year, the city lights up like no other around the holidays. A vibrant city with a mountain backdrop, Denver offers plenty of activities for adults and children alike; especially around the holidays. Keep reading for a perfect itinerary to guide you the next time you get to spend a day in Denver.
Brunch
Breakfast is a meal, but brunch is a culture.
– Matt Basile
There is no better way to start off a day in Denver than by grabbing brunch at one of Denver’s numerous restaurants. Our recommendation? Corinne Denver. Corinne is an upscale American eatery & bar with a warm, relaxed vibe at the stylish Le Méridien hotel. In the heart of Denver, Corinne Restaurant serves up the honest food you want with the drinks you crave.
Corinne Denver
1455 California St, Denver, CO 80202
16th Street Mall
After enjoying a delicious brunch at Corinne, walk just one block over to The 16th Street Mall…a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly shopping and entertainment district located in downtown Denver.
The 16th Street Mall is a mile-long pedestrian mall that runs along 16th Street from Union Station to Civic Center Station. It’s a central and bustling part of downtown Denver, known for its lively atmosphere. The Mall is serviced by the Free MallRide shuttle, a complimentary transit service that runs the length of 16th Street. This shuttle makes it easy for visitors to hop on and off, exploring various attractions along the way. The mall is lined with a mix of retail stores, boutiques, and national chains, offering a diverse shopping experience. It’s a great place to find anything from fashion and accessories to unique gifts and souvenirs.
The 16th St Mall: Food + Drink
Numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries dot the 16th Street Mall, offering a wide range of culinary experiences. Additionally, there are outdoor patios and street performers, creating a lively and entertaining environment. The mall often hosts street performers, musicians, and artists, adding to the vibrant street scene. Various events and festivals also take place throughout the year, attracting both locals and tourists. The 16th Street Mall features several pieces of public art, including sculptures and installations. One notable installation is the “Dancers” sculptures at each intersection along the mall, adding an artistic touch to the urban landscape.
The Mall is conveniently located near several attractions, including Larimer Square, Denver Pavilions (a shopping and dining complex), and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Designed by architect I.M. Pei, the 16th Street Mall is characterized by its unique granite pavers, pedestrian-friendly layout, and a vibrant mix of urban amenities. Overall, the 16th Street Mall is a dynamic and central hub in downtown Denver, offering a blend of shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences for both residents and visitors alike.
The Denver Art Museum
A day in Denver wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the world-class Denver Art Museum. Upon reaching the far end of the 16th St Mall, you’ll only be a few minute walk from the Denver Art Museum. The Denver Art Museum (DAM) is a prominent cultural institution located in downtown Denver, Colorado. The museum is known for its distinctive architecture. The Frederic C. Hamilton Building, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, is a striking example of modern architecture, featuring sharp angles and titanium panels. The North Building, designed by Gio Ponti, is another iconic structure.
The Denver Art Museum: An Overview
The Denver Art Museum boasts a vast and diverse collection that spans a wide range of cultures and time periods. The collection includes American Indian, European, Asian, African, Oceanic, and contemporary art. Notable works include pieces by artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet.
The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of American Indian art, showcasing artifacts and artworks from various Native American cultures. The American Indian collection is considered one of the most comprehensive in the world. The DAM has a strong emphasis on Western American art, reflecting the region’s history and cultural heritage. This includes depictions of the American West through paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. The museum has a vibrant contemporary art collection, featuring works by both established and emerging artists. The institution actively engages with modern artistic expressions and hosts temporary exhibitions reflecting contemporary trends.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Denver Art Museum hosts rotating special exhibitions, covering a wide array of artistic genres and styles. These exhibitions often showcase the diversity and dynamism of the art world.
The Denver Art Museum: Other Key Features
- The DAM offers various educational programs, workshops, and events for visitors of all ages. These programs aim to enrich the visitor experience by providing insights into the art world and fostering creativity.
- The museum is family-friendly, with interactive spaces and activities designed for children. The Family Activity Cart and other programs cater to younger audiences, encouraging exploration and engagement with art.
- The DAM includes a café and a gift shop where visitors can take a break, enjoy refreshments, and find unique art-related merchandise.
The Denver Art Museum is a cultural hub that not only showcases a vast collection of art but also serves as a space for community engagement, artistic exploration, and education. Its architectural uniqueness and diverse offerings make it a significant cultural destination in Denver.
The Denver Art Museum is an art museum located in the Civic Center of Denver, Colorado. With encyclopedic collections of more than 70,000 diverse works from across the centuries and world, the DAM is one of the largest art museums between the West Coast and Chicago
100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204
Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park
Visiting during the winter, a day in Denver wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the Downtown Denver Rink. The Downtown Denver Rink returns every wintertime with complimentary ice skating at Skyline Park. This fun activity is available every day from November to February, weather pending. This ice rink got started in 2009, so it’s been a highlight of the Mile High City’s winter for more than a decade. Skate rentals are available for a fee, otherwise skating is free for all. Skyline Park is conveniently located downtown along the 16th St Mall. For more information on hours of operation and rental fees, click here.
1601 Arapahoe St. Denver, CO 80202
Denver Christkindlmarket
A winter wonderland awaits you at the Denver Christkindlmarket. Located at Denver Civic Center Park, this authentic German-style holiday market hosts both local and European, craft & food vendors, entertainers for everyone to enjoy. The Denver Christkindlmarket is a must-see holiday experience that is free and open to the public.
Located at Denver Civic Center Park – 101 W. 14th Ave. Denver, CO 80202, The Christkindlmarket will be open from November 17 – December 23, 2023. For more information about this unique experience as well as operating hours, click here.
The Mile High Tree Presented by Xfinity
The aptly named “The Mile High Tree Presented by Xfinity,” a seven-story 110-foot-tall immersive art, 39-foot diameter conical structure, is 10 feet higher than the tallest Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in history and contains 60,000 LED lights to create its signature programming. The tree features nightly free public light shows choreographed to multi-cultural holiday music and accommodating up to 140 guests at a time for an immersive viewing experience within the tree. The Mile High Tree was created by ILMEX Illumination, a globally renowned decorative lighting production company in Spain. Madrid-based Brut Deluxe handled the lighting design using pixel-mapping technology.
The tree will be lit throughout the season for the public’s enjoyment and will be open for program viewings. During open times, visitors to the tree will enjoy a selection of festive and diverse songs timed to the tree’s exciting light displays. The programs start every 15 minutes. Operating hours: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. (open every day), Nov. 17–Dec. 31, 2023.
Zoo Lights at The Denver Zoo
Wrap up your day in Denver by heading over to the Zoo Lights exhibit. A less-than ten minute drive away, the 80 acres of the property boasts over three million lights! This year, there’s more magic than ever—including new animated light sculptures, returning favorites, nightly ice-carving exhibitions and festive seasonal treats. For more information regarding entry and to get your tickets click here.
Denver Zoo is an 80-acre nonprofit zoological garden located in City Park of Denver, Colorado, United States. Founded in 1896, it is operated by the Denver Zoological Foundation and funded in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District in addition to ticket sales and private donations.
2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205
Getting to Denver
Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the primary airport serving the Denver metropolitan area and is one of the busiest airports in the United States. Situated about 25 miles northeast of downtown Denver, the airport covers a vast area of over 33,000 acres, making it the largest airport in the United States by total land area. Denver International Airport has six runways and two main terminal buildings: Jeppesen Terminal, which houses check-in, baggage claim, and various services, and Concourse A, B, and C, which serve as gate areas for different airlines.
Known for its efficiency, Denver International Airport utilizes advanced technology for security screening and baggage handling. It has consistently received high rankings for its on-time performance and overall passenger satisfaction. Denver International Airport serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights. It offers a wide range of non-stop flights to destinations around the world, connecting travelers to various continents.
The airport provides various ground transportation options, including rental cars, shuttles, taxis, and public transportation. The Denver Airport Rail, part of the city’s commuter rail system, connects the airport to downtown Denver in about 37 minutes. The airport has undergone expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing number of passengers. Future plans include additional expansion projects to enhance capacity and improve the overall passenger experience. Denver International Airport is not only a crucial transportation hub but also a gateway to the region’s natural wonders, business opportunities, and cultural attractions.
