‘Tis the season: 5 holiday markets happening in Colorado this weekend and beyond
As the chill of winter arrives, so do the warmth of hot cocoa and the scent of pine. The holidays are on the horizon, and local artisans are ready to help with gift giving.
This weekend, the Front Range will host plenty of holiday markets, including some with long histories and others that intend to start traditions.
Here’s a roundup of holiday markets coming this weekend and beyond:
Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show
(10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; Colorado Springs Event Center)
Find children’s toys, holiday treats, seasonal decor and handcrafted goods. In addition to the vendors, the event will showcase a miniature village display from the Pikes Peak ‘N’Gineers Model Railroad Club, as well as local entertainment on stage including Free Time Quartet and Barbara Ellis Studio of Dance. Santa Claus will make an appearance from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to meet with kiddos. Tickets are $10 online and $12 at the door. Free admission for ages 13 and younger. coloradogiftshow.com
Skate in the Park, other holiday festivities in downtown Colorado Springs kick off this weekend
Mile High Holiday Mart
(1-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; Gates Field House, University of Denver)
The University of Denver will play host to this 45th annual event, presented by Junior League of Denver. Local vendors will sell holiday gifts, food and drinks. Attendees can receive free admission if they bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Together For Colorado Toy Drive, which benefits Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. Since starting more than four decades ago, the market has helped raise more than $6 million for community projects. Proceeds support the League’s mission of helping women end systemic cycles of poverty. Tickets are $10. Kids 12 and younger get in free. jld.org/fundraisers/mile-high-holiday-mart
Winterfest
(4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday; Orchard Town Center, Westminster)
Enjoy a tree lighting, a visit from Santa Claus and more holiday traditions. The fest spotlights local artisans. Kodiak Ranch also will be on-site offering complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides. This celebration is free to attend. theorchardtowncenter.com/event/winterfest
Fall into Winter Market
(10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; Edith Wolford Elementary School)
This Backyard Market in Black Forest includes live music, holiday treats and more than 50 local vendors. If weather permits, it will be an indoor/outdoor market, so be sure to bring a coat. Expect many of the Backyard Market’s summer vendors as well as specialty holiday artisans. There will be five food trucks and a photo booth. Entry is free. thebackyardmarkets.com/holiday-markets
Denver Christkindlmarket
(Nov. 22-Dec. 23; Civic Center Park)
This authentic, German-style holiday market features local and European craft and food vendors as well as loads of entertainment. This year’s market opens with special festivities in the Greek Amphitheater. Throughout the run of the market, there will be special appearances by Santa Claus, happy hours and — in true Bavarian tradition — visits from Krampus. Admission is free. christkindlmarketdenver.com