Holiday Activities & Deals
Celebrate in Aurora • Celebrar en Aurora • 축하하다 Aurora
In Aurora, our celebrations shine brightly, reflecting the vibrancy of our community. From colorful festivals that bring the world to our doorstep to local events that unite neighbors, our city is a beacon of joy and unity. Whether it's a grand spectacle or an intimate gathering in Aurora, our celebrations illuminate the beauty of togetherness, showcasing the heart and soul of our remarkable city for all to see and share in the joy! Browse this page to uncover discounts and ideas for planning the best holidays yet!
Discover our go-to holiday shopping guide to ensure your seasonal gift hunting is fun and exactly what you’re looking for.
Santa’s Grand Arrival & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Kick off the Holiday Season in style at the Town Center at Aurora with Santa’s Grand Arrival & Tree Lighting Ceremony! Bring the whole family to welcome Santa Claus to town and experience an evening full of festive fun, including:
- Children’s Entrepreneurs Holiday Market – Find the perfect holiday gifts from 30 young local vendors.
- Christmas Carolers – Enjoy the sounds of the season as live carolers spread holiday cheer.
- Build your own Stuffed Animal
- Custom Holiday Poems by Amy, Santa's Poet
- Christmas Crafts – Let the kids’ creativity soar with holiday crafts at our Elf Workshop
- Photos with Santa – Don’t forget to grab a memorable photo with Santa! Book your photo reservations HERE!
Friday, November 15th, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Town Center at Aurora
Camp Christmas Takeover at Stanley Marketplace
This holiday season, Stanley Marketplace transforms into a festive wonderland with Camp Christmas, an immersive celebration full of joy, magic, and holiday cheer. Wander through dazzling décor, sip themed cocktails, meet Santa, and explore playful experiences for all ages, including the all-new Camp Christmas Express with interactive installations. With surprises around every corner, it’s the ultimate way to get into the holiday spirit. Don’t miss the fun, it's happening November 21st through December 28th!
GAYLORD ROCKIES presents ICE! How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
This holiday season, Gaylord Rockies Resort transforms into a frosty wonderland as 2 million pounds of ice get hand carved into stunning sculptures for ICE!. Families can explore 17,000 square feet of colorful ice displays, two-story slides, and magical moments. Beyond ICE!, the resort offers a full lineup of festive fun, including snow tubing, dining with the Grinch, a giant gingerbread cabin, cookie decorating, elf training, and more. With indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, Christmas at Gaylord Rockies is the ultimate holiday getaway.
ICE SKATE AT THE POND SOUTHLANDS
Lace up your skates and visit your favorite place to ice skate all winter long! Enjoy ice skating on The Pond at Southlands! Skating is open to the public daily. Special pricing for Group Events is available. The Pond permits visitors to bring their own skates, but if you’re new to the winter sport, rentals are available. Tickets are $15.
NICK'S 5th ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET
Kick off the holiday season at Nick's Garden Center's 5th Annual Holiday Market! This festive event invites locals and visitors to experience a variety of holiday-inspired offerings, including food, drink, unique crafts, and health and wellness products. Held on Saturday, November 22, and Saturday, December 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and located at 2001 S Chambers Rd in Aurora, Nick's Garden Center transforms into a winter wonderland, offering something for everyone to enjoy!
Plus, on November 22nd and 23rd, enjoy 20% your entire purchase and support local at Nick's.
Sensitive Santa at Town Center
Experience a peaceful, sensory-friendly visit with Santa for children with special needs. Enjoy a quiet atmosphere before the mall opens, ensuring a calm and comfortable experience. This special time with Santa is created with your child’s needs in mind.
Sunday December 7th, from 8:00am - 10:00am
Paws & Claws
Bring your furry friends for a festive pet photo with Santa! Our Paws & Claus event is perfect for capturing adorable holiday memories with your pet by your side.
Monday December 15th, from 8:00am - 10:00am
HOLIDAY MARKET AT SOUTHLANDS
Kick off your holiday shopping with Southlands holiday craft and food market! Explore local vendors featuring unique crafts, art, specialty goods, delicious treats, and more! Find the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for someone while enjoying the 30-foot holiday tree and festive music.
Friday, November 28 | 11am – 4pm
Saturday, November 29 | 11am – 4pm
GAYLORD ROCKIES CUSTOM ROOM PACKAGES
With dozens of exciting activities, shows, and events, enjoy So. Much. Christmas. with savings for everyone when you book a holiday getaway at Gaylord Rockies.
Eligible overnight guests also will have a “Chill Pass” which includes special privileges to ICE!, offering front-of-line access and shorter wait times. “Chill Pass” is free for eligible guests. Attraction tickets are required and sold separately, in advance.
20% off ICE at Gaylord Rockies
The Gaylord Rockies brings back ICE! Their signature holiday attraction featuring favorite scenes from Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" brought to life in magnificent sculptures hand-carved from more than 2 million pounds of ice. Ride down frozen slides, wander through tunnels, and capture cool pictures.
Save 20% on tickets when you use the code RESIDENT25
Aurora Symphony Orchestra
Join your Aurora Symphony for a symphonic celebration of the holidays featuring music from The Nutcracker, including “Dance of the Flowers,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies,” and “Russian Dance” including other holiday favorites such as Sleigh Ride and a Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long. December 6th & 7th.
HOLIDAY HOMETOWN PARADE
Kick off the holiday season at our Annual Holiday Hometown Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. You may even catch a glimpse of some special guests—including Santa himself!
Saturday, November 22 at 6 the Town Square at Southlands
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AND MERRY MAKERS MARKET
Aurora Public Library is hosting its Merry Makers Market at Aurora Central Library. It is a one-stop shopping event with local and regional vendors. It is also in conjunction with Holiday Tree Lighting taking place Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Aurora Municipal Center. Witness the illumination of thousands of strands of lights presented by the city of Aurora! This free event will feature holiday-themed activities, sweet treats, magical light displays, performances by Aurora Dance Hearts, and the one and only, Santa Claus.
Tuesday, December 2nd, from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at the Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway, and Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway.
SANTA'S BIG RED SACK
After over twenty years of outrageous holiday fun, Denver’s beloved and irreverent Christmas tradition, Santa’s Big Red Sack, returns for its final season, delivering one last round of sketches, musical mayhem, and wicked holiday cheer that have made it a must-see since 2002. For this farewell, the original cast reunites to bring their sharp wit, wild characters, and signature chaos to the stage, promising belly laughs and a twisted take on all things festive. Don’t miss this final chance to experience the hilarity as Santa’s Big Red Sack goes out with a bang, leaving audiences entertained and forever changed!
December 2nd - 23rd at the People's Building
Santa Photo Experience at Southlands
The annual tradition continues! Bring the kids & the family to The Southlands Pole for a special visit with Santa and cherish the memories forever with a photo for you to take home. Find The Southlands Pole inside Guest Services At The Clock Tower. Santa Photos opens from November 28 - December 24. Be sure to book in advance; photos will be taken by reservation only.
VISIT THE VILLAGE
A holiday-themed family fun day at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Event Center. We welcome all to come by to spend the day strolling through our local vendor village, making crafts, enjoying various children's activities, food, beverages, and more!
Event is from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on December 13th. Ticket details coming soon.
Festival of Wreaths Event
Join us to see the Festival of Wreaths exhibit and celebrate with festive treats and holiday fun. Bid on wreaths and help us raise money for museum internships while enjoying this annual Aurora tradition.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E Alameda Pkwy - Thursday, Nov. 13, 6 to 8 p.m.
PAWS AND CLAUS
Your furry friends love Santa just as much as we do, so we’re letting them in on the Santa action! Dogs and cats only please. Paws and Claus Night takes place at the Southlands Clock Tower (located on Main Street) and Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Wednesday, Nov. 26 | 4pm – 7pm
Wednesday, Dec. 3 | 4pm – 7pm
Wednesday, Dec. 10 | 4pm – 7pm
Centennial House Holiday Open Days
Centennial House is a Queen Anne style home. It is the oldest of the nine remaining houses Donald Fletcher built for his speculative community east of Denver. Tour the house while it’s decorated for the holidays and enjoy a festive snack while learning about Aurora's Past.
Centennial House, 1671 Galena St.
Saturday December 6th 11am - 2pm
Saturday December 14th 11am - 2pm
DeLaney Historic District Holiday Open Days
Tour the DeLaney Historic District to learn about early Aurora’s farming history and get in the holiday spirit. Join us for crafts, scavenger hunts, holiday treats and visit the historic buildings.
DeLaney Historic District, 170 S. Chambers Rd
Sunday December 7th 11:00am - 2:00pm
Saturday December 13th 11:00am - 2:00pm
It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Play
Join us for this special rendition of a holiday favorite about sacrifice, community and the difference one person can make in the world. Four actors take on all the roles, create sound effects and perform musical interludes, just as if you were watching a live radio broadcast.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E Alameda Pkwy
Sunday December 13th, 5:30pm
