Holiday celebrations are fast approaching, which means you might be on a time crunch to purchase gifts for everyone on your list.
Don’t fret: The Denver region is home to many holiday markets that include festive fun so shoppers can simultaneously knock out their to-do lists, get in the giving spirit and sip some spirits.
Here are six seasonal shopping opportunities not to miss.
Mile High Holiday Mart
Dates: Nov. 10-12
Location: Gates Field House at the University of Denver, 2201 E. Asbury Ave., Denver
The Junior League of Denver’s 44th annual holiday market celebrates the season with a fundraiser where locals can shop for their loved ones and support a good cause. Proceeds from tickets support the organization’s mission to empower women in leadership roles and disrupt the cycles of poverty for local women and children. The price also affords access to an array of local and national artisans selling housewares, specialty food items, jewelry, apparel, pet products, and more.
Tickets to the Mile High Holiday Mart cost $10 for general admission or $40 for VIP access on Friday, Nov. 10. Patrons can gain free entry if they bring a new, unwrapped toy for the league’s toy drive. Find more information at jld.org/fundraisers/mile-high-holiday-mart.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Dates: Nov. 16 to Dec. 24 (closed on select Mondays)
Location: Fillmore Plaza at Cherry Creek North, 105 Fillmore St., Denver
Returning for a fourth year, the Cherry Creek Holiday Market brings 40-plus pop-up vendors to the Cherry Creek North shopping center, so you can buy artisan gifts and hit traditional retailers in one trip. In addition to shopping, patrons can take a load off at a new holiday pop-up bar and enjoy festive light displays on Saturday nights in December.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market is free to attend. Find more information at cherrycreekholidaymarket.com.
Denver Christkindlmarket
Dates: Nov. 17 to Dec. 23
Location: Civic Center park, 101 W. 14th Ave., Denver
The seasonal smells of glühwein (mulled wine) and roasted nuts are signatures of Denver Christkindlmarket, which brings an authentic European shopping experience to the heart of the Mile High City. Vendors range from local outfits selling home goods, honey, spices and clothing to internationally coveted products like German steins, glass-forged ornaments and wares made with alpaca wool. With firepits, live music and visits from St. Nikolaus and Krampus, there’s also plenty of fun to be had along the way.
Denver Christkindlmarket is free to attend. Find more information at christkindlmarketdenver.com.
Horseshoe Holiday Market
Dates: Nov. 25-26 and Dec. 2-3
Locations: Highlands Masonic Temple (November), 3550 Federal Blvd., Denver; and Breckenridge Brewery (December), 2920 Brewery Ln., Littleton
This year, locals have two chances to hit the Horseshoe Holiday Market on back-to-back weekends following Thanksgiving. The first will be in Denver, where more than 100 makers will be peddling ceramic goods, candles, clothing, vintage items and more. That event includes mobile boutiques, food trucks and live music to enhance the experience. The second market comes to Littleton, bringing with it about 60 vendors selling festive gifts and goods. Come thirsty – the first market at Highlands Masonic Temple includes a pop-up cocktail bar, while the second takes place at Breckenridge Brewery.
Horseshoe Holiday Markets are free to attend, though a $5 donation to benefit Project I See You is encouraged at the door. Find more information at horseshoemarket.com.
Dairy Block Mistletoe Market
Dates: Nov. 25-26, Dec. 2-3, Dec. 9-10, Dec. 16-17
Location: Alleyway at the Dairy Block, 1800 Wazee St., Denver
Weekends near Denver’s Union Station will be overflowing with festivities through the holidays, and what better excuse to enjoy them than also being able to check off your shopping list? The Dairy Block Mistletoe Market pops up on Saturdays and Sundays, featuring more than a dozen vendors selling clothing, outdoor gear, wellness products, and more. Entertainment includes appearances by the Grinch, live Christmas caroling, holiday lights and food.
The Dairy Block Mistletoe Market is free to attend. Find more information at dairyblock.com/events.
Home for the Holidays Winter Market
Dates: Dec. 2
Location: DCSD Legacy Campus, 10035 S. Peoria St., Parker
Here’s another market with a mission. Nonprofit Covered Colorado seeks to empower survivors of sex trafficking by offering tools and resources that promote healing and self-sufficiency. Your dollars support that mission when you attend the Home for the Holidays Winter Market, which features 50 vendors and festive, family-friendly fun.
Tickets to Home for the Holidays Winter Market cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Find more information at coveredcolorado.org/events.
