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

Kicking off with Cheer: November 10-16

The holiday spirit arrives early in Aurora with the Festival of Wreaths, an annual fundraiser hosted by the Aurora Museum Foundation and Aurora History Museum. November 4th through December 5th, the museum’s Community Gallery dazzles with wreaths uniquely crafted by local creatives, fostering both holiday inspiration and community pride. The true magic unfolds on November 13, when visitors are invited to a special celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be sweet holiday treats and the chance to support the museum by voting for their favorite wreath and participating in a silent auction (both in-person and online). Even Santa will make a special appearance at the museum earlier that afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m., offering memorable moments for families. All proceeds benefit museum exhibits and educational programs. It's more than a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of Aurora’s creative spirit and the perfect, heartwarming kickoff to the season.

Just a few days later, the excitement shifts to the Town Center at Aurora for Santa’s Grand Arrival and Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 15th. This joyful evening has something for everyone: families can mingle with Christmas carolers, shop the Children’s Entrepreneurs Holiday Market, and let kids’ creativity shine at the Elf Workshop. There are also opportunities to build your own stuffed animal and take home a custom holiday poem, ensuring lasting memories. The evening culminates with Santa’s much-anticipated arrival and the dazzling tree lighting, officially ushering in the holiday season—with plenty of photo ops to capture the magic.

Aurora’s holiday season blossoms into brilliant color as Camp Christmas opens on November 21st at Stanley Marketplace, inviting families into a festive wonderland of immersive décor, interactive installations, and sparkling surprises around every corner. Designed to delight kids and grown-ups alike, Camp Christmas is a one-of-a-kind journey through dazzling themed rooms, nostalgic displays, and whimsical crafts, all infused with the spirit of the season and running through December 28th.

The second week of the season is all about community and connection! On November 22, Nick’s Garden Center bursts into life for the first round of Nick’s 5th Annual Holiday Market. Here, rows of local artisans await with tables brimming with handmade crafts, unique ornaments, thoughtful gifts, and festive foods, all wrapped in a warm and cozy, hometown atmosphere. Look around Nick's Garden Center and save 20% on your entire purchase on November 22nd and 23rd at their local savings event.

As daylight fades, the excitement shifts to Southlands for the highly anticipated Holiday Hometown Parade & Tree Lighting. Families bundle up in scarves and mittens, waving to costumed characters and marveling as marching bands fill the air with festive music. Glittering floats and dazzling lights bring the parade route to life, while the community gathers together with a sense of unity and joy. The evening culminates in the magical tree lighting ceremony. It’s a heartwarming evening filled with laughter, tradition, and shared wonder beneath a glittering canopy of holiday lights.

Festive Finds and Santa Smiles: November 24 - 30

Starting November 24th, ICE! at Gaylord Rockies transforms the holidays into a wonderland with incredible, larger-than-life ice sculptures and immersive scenes from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Visitors of all ages can stroll through colorful displays, brave the icy slides, and make unforgettable memories in this frosty, festive experience.

Black Friday brings a rush of excitement to Aurora’s biggest retail destinations. Town Center at Aurora anchors the action with major national brands and doorbuster deals, while Southlands combines open-air shopping with festive décor and twinkling lights. Shoppers can also find big-box savings at Aurora City Place, and explore popular retailers and dining options along Gardens on Havana, both convenient stops for checking off your gift list.

Local pride shines on Small Business Saturday, November 29, as independent boutiques and local makers across Aurora roll out Shop Small specials and festive pop-up markets. You can also kick off your holiday shopping at the Southlands Holiday Market on November 28 and 29, where local vendors offer unique crafts, delicious treats, and plenty of seasonal cheer. Discover more places to shop this weekend and all month long on our holiday shopping guide.

Tree Lightings and Symphony Sounds: December 2nd - 7th

The Merry Makers Market & Holiday Tree Lighting at the Aurora Central Library and Municipal Center on December 2nd is the perfect midweek treat! Shop local creations, enjoy musical performances, and watch hundreds of lights illuminate the night alongside Santa.

History buffs, don’t miss the Centennial House Holiday Open Day on December 6th, a unique chance to tour a historic home decked out for the season. Or make a visit to the DeLaney Historic District on December 7th and 13th, where there will be crafts, scavenger hunts, and cozy treats in beautifully preserved historic buildings.

On December 6 & 7, cozy up for the Aurora Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert, where classics from The Nutcracker and festive singalongs fill your heart with cheer.

Families seeking a quieter approach will love Sensitive Santa at Town Center (December 7th), crafted for children with special needs to enjoy time with Santa in a peaceful, sensory-friendly setting.

Holiday Havens and Festive Furry Friends: December 8th - 15th

This holiday weekend offers plenty of choices: on December 13th Nick’s Garden Center kicks off its second weekend of the beloved Holiday Market, and the Visit the Village festival at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds invites guests to browse vendor booths, enjoy crafts, sample local food, and engage in festive kids’ activities, all in a lively, family-focused atmosphere. To end the week on a heartwarming note, the Aurora History Museum’s performance of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (December 13) brings timeless holiday storytelling to life, perfect for anyone craving a little nostalgia and community spirit.

For pet lovers, the fun continues on December 15th with Paws & Claus at Town Center, a tail-wagging opportunity for furry friends to get their own Santa photo and share in the holiday cheer.

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.

• Camp Christmas at Stanley Marketplace: The immersive, family-friendly holiday art installation is open every day through Christmas Eve. Enjoy dazzling décor, themed cocktails, Santa visits, and interactive fun for guests of all ages.

• Santa Photo Experience at Southlands: Continue your family’s tradition by booking your photo session with Santa at The Southlands Pole (inside Guest Services at the Clock Tower), available November 22nd - December 24th by reservation only.
• 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: Visit the frosty wonderland packed with two-story ice slides, walk-through sculptures from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”, and a full slate of festive activities! Starting November 24th, there will be snow tubing, gingerbread decorating, and more. See all the festivities happening here.
• Santa's Big Red Sack: Denver’s wildly irreverent holiday tradition, Santa’s Big Red Sack, is celebrating its final season with the original cast returning to deliver one last round of sharp sketches, musical chaos, and twisted Christmas cheer. Don’t miss your last chance to experience the outrageous fun that’s made this show a must-see since 2002! From December 2nd - 23rd at the People's Building.