Sure, Christmas and Hanukkah have come and gone, but the holiday fun is still in high gear. Indoor tubing, games, crafts, holiday lights in the trees and way up in the air are still part of the metro Aurora fun scene. Scroll down for ideas.
Indoor Snow Tubing at Gaylord Rockies
For those who want mountain thrills without the long drive, this four-lane indoor hill offers unlimited runs on real snow. The attraction is housed within a massive tent at the resort, allowing kids and adults to race each other down the slippery slopes in a controlled, festive environment. Experience our four-lane indoor snow tubing hill, covered in real snow and designed to bring thrilling fun for all ages. Zoom down the lanes, race to the bottom, and enjoy unlimited runs.
IF YOU GO: Daily through Jan. 2 at Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, 6700 Gaylord Rockies Blvd. Tickets from $37. Details at christmasatgaylordrockies.com.
Mindcraft Makerspace Maker Camps
This high-tech winter camp encourages kids to explore modern artistic tools. Participants spend their break engaging in hands-on creativity, using everything from 3D printers and laser cutters to traditional glass-fusing techniques to build complex art pieces. Maker Camps offering hands-on creativity for kids through fused glass art, 3D printing, laser-cut projects, & more.
IF YOU GO: Dec. 22–Jan. 2 at Stanley Marketplace, 2nd floor. Details at www.stanleymarketplace.com.
Dirty Santa Party at Aurora Cultural Arts District
A lively social gathering that brings a bit of edge to the holiday season. This event features a “white elephant” style gift exchange with a humorous twist at Vanishing West Ciders, set within the vibrant backdrop of Aurora’s historic Colfax corridor.
IF YOU GO: Dec. 27, 2025. 4 PM – 6 PM. at Vanishing West Ciders, 9735 E. Colfax Ave. Details at www.vanishingwestciders.com
Noon Year’s Eve at Southlands
This “early bird” celebration is designed for families with children who can’t quite make it to midnight. The event features music, dancing, and a celebratory countdown at mid-day, complete with a festive balloon drop and holiday treats.
IF YOU GO: Dec. 31 beginning at noon at Southlands Town Center. Free. Details at www.shopsouthlands.com.
The Secret World of Elephants
This world-class exhibition at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science uses interactive displays and fossil specimens to show the deep history of these giants. Visitors can learn about how elephants communicate through low-frequency vibrations and see how their ancestors adapted to ancient environments.
Through hands-on interactions, you will feel the low-frequency rumbles elephants use to communicate, explore how they reshape their environments and come face-to-face with some of their ancestors.
IF YOU GO: Daily through Jan. 25 at The Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Details at dmns.org.
Noon Year’s Eve at the Children’s Museum
The perfect celebration for little ones who won’t stay awake until midnight. The museum hosts hourly ball drops and glittery celebrations throughout the day, ensuring every child gets a chance to “ring in” the new year with confetti and music. It’s a daytime celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., an all-day dance party, and outdoor sledding.
IF YOU GO: Dec. 31, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., at 2121 Children’s Museum Dr. Details at mychildsmuseum.org.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Downtown
The 16th Street Mall serves as the primary viewing area for two massive firework displays. Whether you choose the family-friendly 9 p.m. show or the grand midnight finale, the pyrotechnics provide a dramatic conclusion to the year over the Denver skyline.
IF YOU GO: Dec. 31, at 9 p.m. and midnight, 16th Street Mall. Free. Details at visitdenver.com.
’Magical Winter Nights’ at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is launching a new holiday tradition with ‘Magical Winter Nights,’ an immersive after-hours experience transforming familiar museum spaces into a world of light, sound and seasonal wonder. Running nightly through Jan. 4, the event invites guests to wander through glowing environments at their own pace, from moonlit savannas to indoor auroras, while enjoying hot cocoa, festive cocktails and plenty of photo-ready moments.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and wear their favorite holiday socks, which come in handy along the museum’s “Frosted Path,” an indoor “sock skating” lane illuminated by swirling light projections. Additional installations include The Lodge, offering cozy fireside vibes with warm drinks available for purchase; the Evergreen Hideaway, a Colorado-inspired forest filled with postcard-worthy scenes; and the Celestial Canopy, where an indoor Northern Lights display washes the room in shifting color.
Families can also join a penguin-hosted dance party at the Glacier Groove and browse curated gifts at the Village Shop, rounding out an evening designed to spark awe and celebrate the season.
IF YOU GO: Nightly through Jan. 4, at 4 p.m.– 9 p.m. at Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Details and staggered time tickets for $14.95-$34.95 at dmns.org
Mile High Holidays Drone Show
A nightly spectacle of 600 drones choreographed to form holiday-themed animations above the Denver skyline. The show’s scale and creativity make it a magical, communal event.
IF YOU GO: Through Dec. 31, nightly at 7 p.m., best viewed from Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus, Sculpture Park, or other downtown vantage points. Free. Details at visitdenver.com/milehighholidays/drone-shows/
Meow Wolf Denver – Immersive Art Experience
Explore “Convergence Station,” a multi-level, immersive art installation where rooms, portals, and interactive environments collide. Live performance, visual storytelling, and audio surprises await.
IF YOU GO: Nightly at Meow Wolf, 1338 First St. Tickets $48–$58 at meowwolf.com.
The Pond Ice Rink opening celebration
Bundle up and glide into the winter season as The Pond Ice Rink opens for another year of outdoor skating in Aurora. Families and friends can enjoy public sessions under the lights, complete with music, hot chocolate and cozy fire pits. The seasonal rink has become a favorite local hangout, offering lessons, hockey sessions and themed skate nights throughout the season. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s the perfect place to celebrate winter fun.
IF YOU GO: 6155 S. Main St. $15 admission includes skates and rink time. Details at thepondicerink.com
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
The annual holiday tradition transforms the Denver Botanic Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Visitors can wander a mile-long path through ever-changing, immersive displays of light and color that highlight the garden’s collections.
IF YOU GO: Through Jan. 11. 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. Tickets $10-$20. Details at botanicgardens.org