Denver’s holiday season is in full swing! From twinkling light shows and German-style markets to family parades and cozy pop-ups. If you’re planning to celebrate the holidays with Denver’s Best Christmas Markets this season and planning festive outings between now and December 31, here are the can’t-miss events around town, plus a gentle reminder about finishing window projects now so you can take advantage of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement tax credit before the year ends.
Top holiday happenings in Denver (now through Dec. 31)
- Denver Christkindlmarket (Tivoli Quad, Auraria Campus) — This authentic German-style holiday market returns with wooden huts, artisan gifts, European eats and live entertainment. The market runs through December 23 and is free to visit; it’s a classic stop for unique gifts and seasonal treats. (Christkindlmarket 2025)
- Blossoms of Light — Denver Botanic Gardens — Walk through dazzling light installations at the Botanic Gardens’ annual Blossoms of Light, running through the holidays with ticketed nights that offer immersive displays and seasonal programming. (Blossoms of Light)
- Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland & Holiday Market — Cherry Creek’s “Under a Million Lights” display and holiday pop-ups create a lively shopping and strolling experience, with markets and dining specials that run into late December. (CherryCreekNorth.com)
- Union Station & Downtown Pop-Ups — Union Station hosts holiday shopping, visits with Santa, and family activities throughout December — a great central stop for food, shopping and photos. (Denver Union Station)
- Boulder transforms into a festive winter wonderland – During the holiday season Boulder has with plenty of charming activities for visitors and locals alike. Stroll through the Pearl Street Holiday Market to browse handcrafted gifts and holiday treats, and don’t miss the annual Lights of December Parade for brightly lit floats and a visit from Santa. Kick off the season at Switch on the Holidays, a beloved lighting ceremony along Pearl Street and the courthouse lawn. Wander downtown under thousands of colorful lights with the Snow Much Fun light displays for great photo ops and cozy winter vibes. Beyond holiday markets and lights, Boulder’s outdoor beauty makes winter hikes near the Flatirons and warm café stops all the more delightful.
For more weekend schedules, entertainment calendars and neighborhood pop-ups, Visit Denver keeps an updated roundup of Mile-High holiday events. (Visit Denver)
How to make the most of holiday markets (plus local tips)
- Go early or on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds—markets often get busiest in the evenings and on weekends.
- Bundle up: Denver nights are crisp; comfortable shoes and a warm coat make wandering markets much more enjoyable.
- Look for local makers: Many vendors sell one-of-a-kind gifts — perfect for holiday shopping that supports Colorado artists.
- Parking & transit: Downtown events can change traffic patterns; take RTD or plan extra time for parking.
A helpful year-end reminder (yes — about your windows)
While you’re planning holiday outings and shopping local, now is also a smart time to think about finishing energy-saving home projects before the calendar flips. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covers qualifying exterior doors, windows, skylights and insulation when installed by December 31, 2025 — and other related credits can push total savings even higher. Homeowners can claim a percentage of qualifying costs (subject to limits and product/manufacturer rules), but the work generally needs to be completed and installed before the year-end deadline to qualify. Be sure to check the IRS guidance and product qualification tools for details, and consult your tax advisor. (IRS)
Why consider replacing windows now?
- Maximize tax incentives: Installation completed before Dec. 31, 2025 may make your project eligible for current federal credits for energy-efficient windows. (ENERGY STAR)
- Beat winter rush: Scheduling before heavy winter demand can mean faster installation dates and fewer weather delays.
- Immediate comfort & savings: New, energy-efficient windows help reduce drafts and lower heating bills right away — so the investment pays back over time.
How New Windows for America can help
At New Windows for America we make window replacement simple, factory-direct, and built for Colorado winters. If you’re enjoying the holiday markets and thinking about a year-end window upgrade, our Denver team can provide a no-pressure in-home estimate, walk you through ENERGY STAR and IRS qualification details for eligible products, and help time installation to meet year-end deadlines. (And yes — we’d love to help you get your project ready in time to pursue available tax benefits; always verify eligibility with IRS guidance or a tax professional.) (IRS)
Quick checklist before you head to a Christmas Market — or book a window estimate
- Heading out for a Christmas Market day? Check event calendars and hours.
- Planning a window project to capture tax credits? Save receipts, confirm product eligibility, and schedule installation before Dec. 31.
Celebrate Denver this season, sip cocoa at Christkindlmarket, stroll under Cherry Creek’s lights, and enjoy the Parade of Lights with family and friends. And if a quieter, cozier house with newer, more efficient windows would make your holiday even better, give New Windows for America a call — we’ll help you explore options that may qualify for year-end energy credits.
Happy holidays from our Denver family to yours!
