‘TIS THE SEASON: YOUR GUIDE TO HOLIDAY DATE NIGHTS
It’s November. Maybe it’s a controversial opinion, but that means it’s officially the holiday season. If you don’t agree, then we’ll just call you someone who is really good at planning ahead.
To me, the holiday season means cozy nights, magical snowflakes, lights covering everything in sight, spiked hot cocoa, and the joy we left behind in childhood. That being said, I know the holidays can be hard for a lot of us. Feelings around family and rejection can come up this time of year, but there’s never a better time than now to take it back for yourself.
Let’s collectively agree to live our best lives this holiday season. Go on as many fun holiday dates as possible. Go with your partner, go with your friends, hell, even go by yourself! Bake all the cookies, drink all the cocoa, and snuggle as much as possible.
In Denver, the possibilities for holiday date nights are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started.
Drinks:
photo from https://www.westword.com/restaurants/denver-holiday-pop-up-bars-12924934 - Miracle Pop-up Bar
Whether you’re going out for a fancy dinner, or going ice skating downtown, check out one of these bars to get you in the holiday spirit!
Miracle is a pop-up bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. They have locations at Union Station, Pindustry, The Eddy Hotel, and Por Wine House. In addition, they have a pop-up called Sippin’ Santa. Sippin’ Santa is a tiki holiday cocktail bar located at Arvada Tavern. Tiki bars and the holidays go hand in hand if you ask me.
If one tiki bar isn't enough for you, check out Adrift. During the holiday season, it becomes Snowdrift, complete with Awkward Santa Photos every Wednesday night.
If you’re looking to get out of the city and get sophisticated, the Broadmoor is your spot. They get all done up for the holidays, and it’s the perfect spot to watch snowfall and roast whiskey marshmallow smores.
All of the Lights:
photo from https://cbca.org/event/night-at-blossoms-of-light/ - Blossoms of Night at Botanical Gardens
Arguably the best part about the holiday season is the lights that go up everywhere: downtown, in and on people’s homes, and in big parks and attractions. A simple but beautiful tradition that transforms anything into the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Plus, what’s gayer than a rainbow light display?
Going to the zoo at night sounds a little spooky, but prepare to be dazzled! The whole zoo is covered in lights, illuminating the magic of nature. Plus, every night they have fire pits, ice sculptures, and festive food and drink!
At Luminova Holidays, Elitch Gardens’ holiday event, there are over 4 million lights around the park. You can ride the rides, look closely at all 4 million lights, walk through a candy cane tunnel, and even sit on Santa’s lap.
Blossoms of Light is Denver Botanic Gardens light “extravaganza”. At their York St location, they create a winter wonderland through light displays that change color! All of their lights are also LED, aligning with their core value of sustainability.
Winter Wanderland is a collection of events, so there are many things to choose from, but the free light walk is definitely a highlight! Plus, this light walk is accompanied by music. The lights are even choreographed to the music, so you get quite the show as you walk through.
Starting Nov. 23, an 8-minute choreographed light and music show will occur every night (with the exception of Mondays) at Denver’s City and County Building. There will be two shows: one at 5:45 and one at 6:45 through Jan. 22. Also at Civic Center Park will be the Mile High Tree, a 110-foot-tall immersive art installation!
Check out the parade downtown on Dec. 3, with over 40 different floats, balloons and other extravagant displays of light!
Other Activities:
Photo from https://www.thedenverear.com/the-polar-express-train-ride/ - The Polar Express
There’s something so magical about a train ride through the mountains in the winter. You can double that magic when you book a ticket on the Polar Express, a “unique, three-part theatrical extravaganza of Holiday Magic.” Board the train and head to the North Pole for another performance and a gift from Santa. If you’re missing that childhood magic, this is definitely worth the spendy price.
If you’re wishing to get up to the mountains for the day and enjoy the snow (besides skiing), snow tubing is always a good time. There are a few different options of location, but they are all sure to be a blast. Could even be a good option for a first date, so check out the hills with apres options so you can get yourself a hot chocolate and schnapps to get you through those first date jitters.
Everybody loves a hot spring, and a hot spring in the snow is quite romantic. Soak in the warm water while watching snow fall around you, or get the full spa experience and get fully relaxed. Colorado is definitely the spot to be when it comes to hot springs. Hike up to an undeveloped spot or rab a day pass at a resort to have added benefits like drinks and showers.
A date-night classic that is always better during the holidays and my personal favorite for a first date. Denver’s downtown outdoor rink provides a fun and easy way to get to skate outdoors in the heart of your city. But there are also other options up in the mountains that are real ponds and lakes frozen over. Evergreen is a nearby option that is beautiful and super fun!
Every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the heated alleyway behind the Dairy Block will be transformed into a holiday “Apres Ski” market. Shop unique, independently owned brands while enjoying a drink and “embracing your inner ski vibes”.
