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

More Info

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.

Learn More

Go Behind The Scenes of ICE! featuring Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas at Gaylord Rockies!

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.

Tickets

Festival of Wreaths Event

The Festival of Wreaths is an annual fundraiser organized by the Aurora Museum Foundation and Aurora History Museum and Historic Sites. Beginning on November 10, festive wreaths created by members of the community will be displayed in the AHM Community Gallery. Support the museum by visiting, voting for your favorite wreath, and bidding on wreaths in-person or online while enjoying this annual Aurora tradition.

Aurora History Museum, 15051 E Alameda Pkwy - November 10 - December 11

Learn More

Nick's 5th Annual Holiday Market

Kick off the holiday season at Nick's Garden Center's 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 21, and Saturday, December 12, 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 21st and 22nd, enjoy 20% your entire purchase and support local at Nick's.

Holiday Lineup

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

More Info

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

More Info

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

More Info

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.

Browse Offers

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

More Info

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.

Buy Tickets

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.

More Info

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.

Reserve Now

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 27 | 11am – 4pm
Saturday, November 28 | 11am – 4pm

More Info

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 12th, 5:30pm

Find Tickets

The 5 Points Nutcracker: A Holiday Jazz Experience

Experience a bold reimagining of a holiday classic with The 5 Points Nutcracker: A Holiday Jazz Experience at The People's Building in Aurora. Inspired by Denver's historic Five Points neighborhood, this unique performance blends Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's jazz with ballet, swing, breakdance, Afrobeat, live music, spoken word, and shadow puppetry. It's a celebration of Black music, culture, and the legacy of a neighborhood known as the "Harlem of the West."

December 18th - 20th at the People's Building

Tickets

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.

Sunday December 6th 11am - 2pm

Saturday December 12th 11am - 2pm

Find Tickets

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

Saturday December 5th 11:00am - 2:00pm

Sunday December 13th 11:00am - 2:00pm

Find Tickets

Fletcher Plaza Holiday Hoopla

Celebrate the holidays and shop local at Fletcher Plaza, the outdoor gathering space in front of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library in Downtown Aurora. Hosted by the Aurora Cultural Arts District in partnership with Bonfire Events and the City of Aurora, this community celebration features local food trucks, market vendors, live DJs, play equipment, and more. Stop by on Small Business Saturday or First Friday to support local businesses, enjoy festive activities, and connect with the Aurora community!

Saturday, November 28th, 11am - 3pm

Friday, December 4th, 5pm - 9pm

Learn More

Holidays at Stanley

Stanley Marketplace offers plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday season all winter long! Warm up at Fireside at Stanley, an après-style gathering spot on the West Patio with cozy seating, a fire pit, holiday décor, and seasonal drinks from Cheluna Brewing Co. Explore festive storefront displays and photo spots, relax by the fireplace in The Living Room, or take part in Stanley Bear’s free holiday scavenger hunt with 10 stops throughout the Marketplace. You can also enjoy free gift-wrapping stations, browse the on-site Christmas tree lot, visit the menorah display for Hanukkah, or grab a festive drink to sip while you shop.

Learn More

Meet the Santas at Stanley Marketplace

Meet Santa at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora, where a different Santa visits nearly every weekend throughout the holiday season! Every Saturday and Sunday visit is free and walk-up, with photos included. With a range of Santas, these special experiences celebrate the diverse communities that make up Aurora. Families can choose a visit that feels meaningful to them and share their holiday wishes with Santa.

Old St. Nick: November 28 and December 20
Sensory Santa: November 28
Vietnamese Santa: November 29
Drag Santa: December 5
Santa Paws, for the pups: December 5
Santa en Español (Papa Noel): December 12
ASL Santa: December 13
Black Santa: December 19

Learn More

Small Business Saturday kickoff

Kick off the holiday shopping season at Stanley Marketplace during Small Business Saturday on November 28! Shop local and enjoy free tote bags for early shoppers, a hidden bear hunt with gift card prizes, live screen printing at Abstract, and the start of Stanley Bear’s holiday scavenger hunt. Festivities also include Santa visits, live holiday carolers, the opening of Fireside and the Casita Bar on the West Patio, and a holiday performance by Colorado's vintage vocal trio, the Denver Dolls. It's a full day of shopping, entertainment, and festive fun!

Learn More