Aurora’s Holiday Magic: A Week-by-Week Guide to Festive Fun

The holiday season begins in Aurora with the annual Festival of Wreaths, a holiday fundraiser hosted by the Aurora Museum Foundation and Aurora History Museum. From November 10 through December 11, 2026, visitors can explore a collection of handcrafted holiday wreaths created by local artists and community members in the Aurora History Museum's Community Gallery.

Visitors can vote for their favorite wreaths and participate in an online or in-person silent auction. Proceeds support the Aurora History Museum's exhibits and educational programs. Whether you're looking for seasonal inspiration or a unique way to support Aurora's local arts and history community, the Festival of Wreaths is a festive way to kick off the holidays.

Holiday Wreath Crafting Party

Get creative for a good cause at the Holiday Wreath Crafting Party on Sunday, November 15, at 1 p.m. Participants can enjoy apple cider, cookies, music, and an afternoon of holiday crafting. Each ticket includes two 24-inch blank wreaths, crafting supplies, and decorations to create two festive wreaths: one to take home and another to donate to the Festival of Wreaths fundraiser. It's a fun, hands-on way to celebrate the season while supporting the Aurora History Museum's community programs. Purchase tickets here.

Santa's Grand Arrival and Tree Lighting at Town Center at Aurora

Welcome the holiday season at Town Center at Aurora during Santa's Grand Arrival Celebration on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 5–7 p.m. This free, family-friendly event features Santa photos, Christmas carolers, holiday crafts for kids, festive dance performances, and a reindeer petting zoo. Families can also enjoy activities throughout the evening, including opportunities to create holiday memories together. The celebration marks Santa's return to Town Center at Aurora and kicks off the holiday season with festive entertainment for all ages.

Nick's Holiday Markets

Black Friday Shopping in Aurora

Get a head start on holiday shopping during Black Friday in Aurora on November 27, 2026. Town Center at Aurora will offer extended shopping hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with special promotions and deals from participating retailers. Other popular shopping destinations include Southlands, Aurora City Place, and Gardens on Havana, where visitors can explore a variety of national retailers, local shops, and dining options.

Shop local at the Southlands Holiday Market on Friday, November 27, and Saturday, November 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Browse unique crafts, art, specialty goods, and delicious treats from local vendors while enjoying festive music and a 30-foot holiday tree. It’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list!

Small Business Saturday on November 28 is the perfect opportunity to support Aurora's locally owned businesses while finding unique holiday gifts. At Stanley Marketplace, shoppers can explore more than 50 independently owned businesses during a day of special activities, including free tote bags for early shoppers, gift card giveaways, live screen printing, and a holiday scavenger hunt for kids. Stanley Marketplace is also hosting free Santa visits throughout the weekend. Meet Old St. Nick or Sensory Santa on Saturday, November 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or visit with Vietnamese Santa on Sunday, November 29, during the same hours.

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Town Center at Aurora is also celebrating Small Business Saturday with extended shopping hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., inviting visitors to discover unique gifts and support participating local retailers. Discover more places to shop this holiday season in Aurora with our holiday shopping guide and Small Business Saturday guide.

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Grandview Holiday Market

Get a head start on holiday shopping at the 2026 Grandview Holiday Market on Saturday, December 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grandview High School in Aurora. This longtime community tradition brings together more than 160 local vendors selling handmade gifts, jewelry, artwork, holiday decorations, specialty foods, and seasonal treats. Admission and parking are free, making it an easy way to discover local makers and find unique holiday gifts while supporting the Grandview High School PTCO.

Aurora Symphony Orchestra: A Trans-Siberian Christmas

Celebrate the holidays with live music at the Aurora Symphony Orchestra's A Trans-Siberian Christmas concert on December 5 and 6, 2026. Hosted at Gateway High School Auditorium in Aurora, the performance combines traditional Christmas, Hanukkah, and winter favorites with music from Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller. Saturday's performance begins at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday's concert starts at 4 p.m.

Sensitive Santa at Town Center at Aurora

Families looking for a sensory-friendly holiday experience can visit Sensitive Santa at Town Center at Aurora on Sunday, December 6, from 9 to 10 a.m. This special experience takes place before regular mall hours, providing a quieter, more comfortable environment for children with sensory sensitivities to visit Santa and enjoy a holiday tradition.

Merry Makers Market and Holiday Tree Lighting

Celebrate the season with holiday shopping and festive activities at the City of Aurora’s Merry Makers Market and Holiday Tree Lighting on Tuesday, December 8, 2026. From 4 to 8 p.m., browse locally made gifts and products from local and regional vendors at Aurora Central Library, located at 14949 E. Alameda Parkway. The free market offers a one-stop opportunity to find unique holiday gifts while supporting local makers. After shopping, head to the Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn for the Holiday Tree Lighting from 5 to 7 p.m. The celebration features holiday-themed activities, sweet treats, festive light displays, performances by Aurora Dance Hearts, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Kasama Market

Celebrate Filipino culture and find unique holiday gifts at Kasama Market on Friday, December 11, 2026, from 4 to 9 p.m. The word “kasama” means “together” in Tagalog, and the market brings local Filipino vendors and artists together for an evening of holiday shopping. Browse art, crafts, and food while supporting Aurora’s Filipino creative community. Admission is free, and no registration is required.

Radio Play: A Christmas Carol

Experience Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in a different way with a live radio-play adaptation on December 12, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Four actors bring the classic holiday ghost story to life, playing every character while creating their own music and sound effects. Based on a 1940s radio-show script, this performance offers a lively take on the story of regret, personal growth, and generosity. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased through Aurora's ActiveNet registration page.

Celebrate the Holidays at Stanley Marketplace

Celebrate the holidays at Stanley Marketplace on Saturday, December 19, with festive fun for the whole family! Meet Black Santa and take a free holiday photo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy live Christmas carols from Denver's Ye Wanton Singers, or bring little ones to Tiny Tots: Celebrate the Holidays, an interactive musical experience featuring professional musicians, sing-alongs, and dancers. You can also decorate cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Friends of Friends Art Cafe from noon to 6 p.m.!

Camp Gingerbread with the Gr!nch at Town Center at Aurora

Celebrate the holidays with a little mischief at Camp Gingerbread with the Gr!nch on Sunday, December 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Town Center at Aurora. This family-friendly event features gingerbread cookie decorating, photos with Santa, a Grinch meet-and-greet, local vendors, and other holiday activities.

The 5 Points Nutcracker: A Holiday Jazz Experience

Experience a fresh take on a holiday classic with The 5 Points Nutcracker: A Holiday Jazz Experience, December 18–20, 2026, at The People's Building in Aurora. Inspired by Denver's historic Five Points neighborhood, this performance reimagines The Nutcracker through Black music and culture, blending Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's jazz suite with ballet, swing, breakdance, Afrobeat, live jazz, spoken word, and shadow puppetry. Performances take place at The People's Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. Visit the event page for tickets and performance times.

Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan at Gaylord Rockies

Keep the holiday celebrations going after Christmas with the Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. From December 28–31, 2026, visitors can stop by between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for this complimentary holiday experience. It's another festive reason to visit Gaylord Rockies before the year comes to a close.

Kids' Noon Year's Eve at Stanley Marketplace

Families with young children can ring in the New Year early at Kids' Noon Year's Eve at Stanley Marketplace on Thursday, December 31. Beginning at 11 a.m., the family-friendly celebration features a DJ, party hats, a disco ball, and a countdown to noon. It's a fun way for little ones to celebrate the arrival of 2027 without staying up until midnight.

Noon Year's Eve at Southlands

Celebrate the arrival of 2027 a little early at Southlands' Noon Year's Eve on Thursday, December 31. This family-friendly celebration brings the excitement of New Year's Eve to the daytime, with a noon countdown and activities for kids. Visitors can also enjoy winter activities and outdoor ice skating at The Pond in Town Square.

All Season Long: Chill, Laugh, and Make Memories

All month long, discover countless ways to relax, laugh, and make lasting memories! From festive displays and cozy gatherings to beloved traditions and unexpected moments of joy.

• Santa Photo Experience at Southlands: Continue your family's holiday tradition with a visit to Santa at The Southlands Pole, located inside Guest Services at the Clock Tower. Photo sessions are available November 21–December 24 by reservation only.
• Photos with Santa at Town Center at Aurora: Capture holiday memories with Santa at Town Center at Aurora from November 20–December 24. Find Santa on the lower level in Center Court and reserve your photo session in advance.
• The Pond Ice Rink: The Pond at Southlands is a cherished winter tradition in Aurora, inviting friends and families to lace up their skates and glide beneath sparkling lights. Open daily starting November 7th, this outdoor ice rink offers a magical setting for laughter, connection, and timeless winter fun! Whether you’re an experienced skater or hitting the ice for the first time. Skates are available for rent, allowing everyone to join in on the joy.

• ice! at Gaylord Rockies: Step into a frosty wonderland at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, where more than 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice bring Disney's Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas to life. Running November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027, Christmas at Gaylord Rockies also features indoor snow tubing, gingerbread decorating, photos with Santa, elf activities, and more. Attraction tickets may be sold separately.
• Holiday Shopping in Aurora: Find gifts for everyone on your list at Aurora's shopping destinations, from locally owned boutiques and specialty shops to major retailers and unique marketplaces. Make a day of shopping, dining, and discovering Aurora's diverse local businesses.