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 20th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Town Center at Aurora

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GAYLORD ROCKIES presents ICE! Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before 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.

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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.

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 6th, from 9:00am - 10:00am

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Pet Photos with Santa

Bring your furry friends for a festive pet photo with Santa! Dress up your pup, bring your best four-legged friend, and capture a festive holiday memory you’ll treasure for years to come. Treats for dogs will be available at the Santa set to help make their visit extra special!

Monday December 14th, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm

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Camp Gingerbread with the Gr!nch

Camp Gingerbread with the Gr!nch brings holiday fun to Town Center at Aurora with gingerbread cookie decorating, photos with Santa, a special Grinch meet-and-greet, local vendors, and festive activities for the whole family. This sweet seasonal celebration is a fun way to make holiday memories and experience the magic of the season!

Sunday, December 20th, from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

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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 may have special privileges to ICE!, offering front-of-line access and shorter wait times. Attraction tickets are required and sold separately, in advance.

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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 21 at 6 the Town Square at Southlands

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Aurora Symphony Orchestra

Join the Aurora Symphony Orchestra for a festive holiday concert in Aurora, Colorado, featuring Christmas, Hanukkah, and winter classics, plus music by Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller. Enjoy “Wizards in Winter,” “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Carol of the Bells,” and more. December 5th & 6th at Gateway High School Auditorium.

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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 the Holiday Tree Lighting. 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 8nd, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at the Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway, and Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway.

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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 21 - December 24. Be sure to book in advance; photos will be taken by reservation only.

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