Denver and Boulder holiday kickoff weekend road trip 2026

The holiday season starts on the Front Range this weekend: the Denver Christkindlmarket opens on Friday, the Boulder Farmers Market has its final Saturday, and Blossoms of Light opens at Denver Botanic Gardens. On Sunday, Boulder switches on its Pearl Street lights. November 20–22, 2026.

The four stops

1. Friday night · Christmas market

   Denver Christkindlmarket

   Friday, November 20 · Denver, Colorado · event dates: November 20 – December 23, 2026

   A German-style holiday market on the Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus, 1000 Larimer Street, with a 42-foot carousel. November 20 is opening day. Friday through Sunday hours are 11 am to 9 pm, and entry is free.

   Event websiteOur listing

2. Drive about 30 min (about 28 mi) to Boulder.

3. Saturday daytime · Farmers market

   Boulder Farmers Market

   Saturday, November 21 · Boulder, Colorado · event dates: April 4 - November 21, 2026

   November 21 is the last Saturday market of the 2026 season. It runs 8 am to 2 pm at 13th Street and Canyon Boulevard. City of Boulder parking garages are free on Saturdays, and pets aren't allowed.

   Event websiteOur listing

4. Drive about 35 min (about 30 mi) to Denver.

3. Saturday evening · Holiday lights

   Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens

   Saturday, November 21 · Denver, Colorado · event dates: November 20, 2026 – January 10, 2027

   The York Street gardens glow with LED lights from 4:30 pm to 9 pm. Public tickets go on sale Monday, November 9, at 10 am, and prices vary by date and time, so book ahead. The gardens are at 1007 York Street.

   Event websiteOur listing

4. Drive about 35 min (about 30 mi) to Boulder.

5. Sunday on the way home · Lighting celebration

   Switch on the Holidays (Downtown Boulder)

   Sunday, November 22 · Boulder, Colorado · event dates: November 22, 2026

   Downtown Boulder's holiday kickoff on the 1300 block of Pearl Street runs 11 am to 7 pm. There's a cookie crawl from 11 am to 2 pm and TUBACHRISTMAS at 3:30 pm. The lights switch on at 5 pm, and free Santa visits run until 7 pm.

   Event websiteOur listing

Drive home to Denver, CO: about 35 min (about 30 mi). Gas prices near Boulder

Drive times are approximate. Check your route before you leave.

At a glance

Event websites

• Denver Christkindlmarket
• Boulder Farmers Market
• Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
• Switch on the Holidays (Downtown Boulder)

Dates can change, so check the event’s website before you go.

More: All weekend drives · Colorado events