15 Cool Things to Do in Denver This Winter
From snowboarding to making candles, these activities are your winter must-dos.
Denver is one of those cities that’s equally as fun in the winter as it is in the summer. Trading flip flops for snow boots and paddleboards for snowboards, it’s just a matter of bundling up before having a great time. Whether you want to have your fun outside or cozy up somewhere indoors (preferably with a beverage), the following activities are perfect for solo merriment, a date night adventure, or something the whole group can enjoy. Get crafty and make your own candles, play giant cornhole, sip a festive drink created just for the holidays, or soak away that seasonal stress; it’s wintertime in Denver and the fun just doesn’t stop.
Play big games at Bierstadt Lagerhaus
RiNo
If you haven’t yet visited this sprawling space shared by both a brewery and a winery, now is as good a time as ever. Bierstadt is known for its thirst-quenching brews and menu of German bites, but the giant Jenga, giant pong, and array of classic pinball machines are part of the draw. Let your competitive side shine while you sip lagers under a myriad of string lights, listen to live music play, and feel utter joy at discovering your new favorite watering hole.
Hit up a holiday pop-up bar while they’re still here
Various locations
‘Tis the season for being merry and bright, and where better to do that than a holiday pop-up bar? Once the cold weather hits, Denver becomes chock-full of themed bars decked out in holiday decor that are serving up fun and unique drinks. Union Station’s Miracle Bar is a recurring favorite, Milepost Zero’s Sleigh Bar is where you’ll find some deliciously boozy hot cocoa, and Zeppelin Station’s Tinseltown is sure to be a jolly good time.
Lincoln Park
The newest, coolest concept to hit Denver is a sensory experience like no other. ESP HiFi is a Japanese-style listening bar that’s main focus is audio: playing curated music and sounds at optimized levels in a way that hits you in just the right way. This is the place to go to relax, work, or have quality conversations without feeling the need to shout over speakers. Come in the morning for coffee and tea, stay through the evening for a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.
Grab a friend and make a candle or three
RiNo
For the crafter or the homebody or a delightful combination of the two, grabbing a few close friends and heading to Paddywax Candle Bar might be the perfect winter hang. You get to choose your own candle vessel and scent, and then the fun of hand-pouring your own take-home trinket begins; talk about cozy.
Keep your muscles warm with a Denver pole class
Multiple locations
Sure, we’ve plugged hot and aerial yoga on here and a few other physical activities, but pole dancing classes truly provide a workout like no other. If you’re looking to tone up, keep warm, or simply learn something new, taking an intro class at Xpression Studio,Tease Studio, or Studio3sixT is the ticket.
Indulge in a 10-course omakase tasting at Uchi
RiNo
The weather outside is frightful and you’re craving high-quality sushi; where is one to go? Take off your coat and stay awhile at Uchi, one of Denver’s best Japanese restaurants. Make the most of your stay by indulging in its chef’s tasting, 10-course omakase menu—you’ll be swept away by delectably fresh fish, impeccable marriage of flavors, and unparalleled service and presentation. Enough so that you’ll forget all about your winter blues.
Escape the winter blues by way of virtual reality
LoDo
Fancy a bit of a reality check? Head over to VR Arcade, where you can explore, game, and totally alter reality for a small fee. Do it solo, with friends, or even have a VR set delivered to your office for a wild holiday party. And being on Market Street, you can have your fun and take your pick of the food and drink you’ll reward yourself with after.
Throw on the skates
Multiple locations
In addition to its recent resurgence among the masses, roller skating (or blading) is a great way to be active and have a good time whether solo or with friends. Downtown Denver’s outdoor skate park is always a classic, and checking out ReelWorks and Tracks’ monthly, themed roller skating party, Roll, makes for a perfect blend of singing, dancing, and skating. But since it is winter, we encourage you to check out where to ice skate in Denver this winter, especially because the 2022-2023 season has a ton of options for free (looking at you, DIA).
Sip at a local cidery
Multiple locations
We all know Denver’s reputation when it comes to craft beer, but it’s also sneakily got several really great cideries beckoning you to try them out. RiNo’s Stem Ciders is always a fun time, especially if some of the local fare is involved. Other cideries and cider mills boasting the sweet, tart, and naturally gluten-free adult beverage include Colorado Cider Company, Haykin Family Cider, and Waldschänke Ciders.
Whittier
Beer? Check. The ultimate relaxation? Double check. Welcome to The Beer Spa, where you can soak away your worries, have them massaged out in zero gravity chairs, and sample a wide variety of Colorado’s craft brews all in one visit. Fully immerse yourself in your love of beer with hydrotherapy baths and an infrared sauna, then check out the monthly rotation of what’s on tap. View the full service menu and prepare for your solo spa day, date night, or private party—no matter the occasion, it’ll be a hopping good time.
Glendale
Transport yourself to the ways of the Old American West with a visit to Four Mile Historic Park, where you’ll find a fully working farm, expansive (seasonal) garden, and historically accurate replicas representing life from the mid-1800s and beyond. It’s also where you’ll find Denver’s oldest standing structure, the Four Mile House Museum. Take a trip for yourself or bring the whole fam along to check out the various (and very cute) farm animals and learn a thing or two about Denver’s history and, dare we say, the good ol’ days.
Golden Triangle
Let us preface this listing by saying that any trip to the Denver Art Museum is worth your time. But if you’re itching to pick up a new hobby or trying to have some fun on a budget, consider DAM’s drop-in classes. Every month, the museum extends the invitation to adults to come in, view impressive works, and use the inspiration to draw or write and then share their creations. DAM also offers a number of other budget-friendly programs, including online and in-person talks and lectures.
Immerse yourself in art
Various locations
Absolute fan-favorite, interactive exhibit Meow Wolf is still alive and well at Convergence Station, and you’re encouraged to go if you haven’t yet (or revisit if you have). But now on the scene is the Immersive Nutcracker exhibit (among other fantastic ones, too) at Lighthouse Artspace. Wander through wall-to-wall light, color, and sound, and be dazzled by the story and enchanted by the magic as if it were the very first time.
Central Business District
This Downtown icon Brown Palace is over 125 years old and a traditional afternoon tea here is still one of the classiest experiences you can have in Denver. It’s the perfect excuse to don your favorite Bridgerton-inspired outfit and sit in the atrium’s regal atmosphere, sipping tea. Options range from a $40 per person tea, scones, and finger sandwich-filled experience to the $250 option for four that includes a bottle of Moët.
Morrison
A true Western atmosphere and menu await at The Fort, where you can try everything from Bison Eggs and Rocky Mountain Oysters to elk, trout, and quail. Take your seasonal cocktail to the outdoor patio and warm yourself by a fire pit while stargazing, tour the adobe building and learn all about its long history.