The holiday season is just around the corner, and Denver sure knows how to celebrate! One of the most magical events for any family is the first chance to see Santa and kick off the festivities. With dozens of sightings throughout the greater Denver metro area, it can be hard to choose where you’ll meet the magical man in red this year.
We’ve rounded up some of the best options in every corner of the city for families to enjoy this special event — all with a chance to snap a photo, of course! Whether you’re looking for a whole weekend of winter fun or a more laid-back meet and greet, these Santa spots will ring in the festive season with plenty of magic and joy for all ages
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Central
Santa’s Flight Academy
Cherry Creek Shopping Center, 3000 E. 1st Ave., Denver
- When: Nov. 7-Dec. 24; hours vary, so check the full schedule here.
- Cost: Free to register and visit, but you must pay for a photo package; options range from $40-$60
- Santa Photos: Yes! Plus a fun badge with your child’s photo
- Best for: A unique, memorable experience centered around Santa
Santa’s Flight Academy is a visit with the jolly man in red that your children won’t soon forget. This holiday outing is fully focused on Santa and his sleigh. Your kids can get a cadet crew badge showing they’re part of Santa’s flight crew, then dance in an interactive sleigh replica to help the elves guide the sleigh to its destination. The photo packages are pricey, but the experience is worth it.
Santa at the Station
Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop, Denver
- When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 14, and 21
- Cost: Free. You can purchase an Express Pass on site to avoid the line.
- Santa Photos: Yes, with your own camera
- Best for: Families who want to be part of an iconic Denver tradition
Denver’s Union Station is an iconic landmark; just walking through the building is worth a trip on its own, especially for kids who are eager to learn more about the exciting parts of our city’s history. Having your Santa photo and meeting in such a beautiful location means that the final product is frame-worthy. Because Santa’s helpers will take the photo with your camera, you can get the whole family into the picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Northwest
St. Nick on the Bricks
Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center; 1303 Pearl St., Boulder
- When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, and Dec. 13
- Cost: Free, with a suggested donation of $10 per family
- Santa Photos: Yes, with your own camera
- Best for: An impromptu weekend outing with time to stroll and no agenda
There’s a lot to do at the Pearl Street Mall, both holiday-themed and otherwise. Head over to take a photo with Santa one afternoon, then spend time strolling by local shops and enjoying the holiday decorations.
Chautauqua Winterfest
Chautauqua; 900 Baseline Road, Boulder
- When: 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 (with optional tickets for breakfast with Santa at 9 a.m.)
- Cost: Some free activities, but most require a pass: child $27.35; adult $36.59, or a 4-pack for $113.35; Santa breakfast is additional
- Santa Photos: Yes, included with a purchased pass (some photo packages may be extra)
- Best for: Fully embracing a winter wonderland and staying all day
Nestled at the foot of the Flatirons, this Winterfest classic has everything from carriage rides and a petting zoo to a winter fairy forest. While it’s more expensive than other options, you can spend the whole day enjoying holiday treats and adventures. There is plenty to do for all ages and lots of indoor space to rest and warm up in between outings.
Northeast
Photos with Santa in Brighton
Brighton Pavilions, 225 Pavilions Pl., Brighton
- When: 1:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13; light parade begins at 5 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Santa Photos: Yes; one professional photo included
- Best for: A relaxed visit full of cookies and crafts that won’t be overwhelming for the youngest kids
The town of Brighton hosts its annual Parade of Lights beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec. 13. To celebrate beforehand, head to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate office to enjoy free cookies and holiday crafts. Kids can take a photo with Santa and receive a free, professional download. Get your fill of kid-friendly cheer, then stick around for the parade to enjoy the magic of the season.
Thornton Winterfest
Carpenter Park Fields, 11000 Colorado Blvd., Thornton
- When: 6:30-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, and 5-9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14
- Cost: Free! ($2-$3 fee for optional ice skating)
- Santa Photos: Yes, with your own camera at predefined times (see website for details); if your family needs a sensory-friendly option, register here.
- Best for: A vibrant holiday market weekend with a small-town feel
This local festival has everything that a larger event might feature, just with fewer crowds! You can go ice skating, sample local treats, hop on a short train ride, watch ice carving demonstrations, and play carnival games. Check the full schedule of events to make sure you don’t miss your favorite part!
West
Winterfest at Orchard Town Center
Orchard Town Center, 14697 Delaware St., Westminster
- When: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15
- Cost: Free
- Santa Photos: Yes, with your own camera. You can also snag Santa photos throughout November and December in the same spot; check the schedule here.
- Best for: Kids who want to actively participate in all of the holiday fun and adults who love to browse artisanal gifts
Winterfest at The Orchard is a great way to get the whole family excited about the upcoming holiday season. The event begins with a performance of “The Orchard Elf Academy,” where kids are invited on stage to help welcome Santa to town. Stay for the tree lighting, free photos, and plenty of local food and entertainment.
Hudson Holidays
The Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
- When: Kick-off at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, with select dates through Jan. 4, 2026. Check the website for details as tickets open for sale.
- Cost: $10-$20, depending on ticket type
- Santa Photos: Yes, with your own camera
- Best for: Enjoying the holiday season at night among thousands of glittering lights
While heading to meet Santa during the day can be convenient, there’s something magical about experiencing the holiday wonder of twinkling lights on a cold night. The whole family can enjoy strolling through the lit gardens, walking a holiday maze, and exploring “larger-than-life” themed exhibits. Look out for fun theme nights throughout the season, too!
Southeast
Santa’s Grand Arrival in Aurora
Town Center at Aurora, 14200 E. Alameda Ave., Aurora
- When: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15
- Cost: Free (Plenty of goodies to purchase, though!)
- Santa Photos: Yes, and reservations are recommended. See the reservation site for additional photo times after the Grand Arrival event.
- Best for: Supporting local kids and getting a head start on shopping
Santa’s Grand Arrival at Town Center at Aurora has all the typical mall visit stylings, with one big twist: local crafts for sale, all created by kids! Your family can meet Santa, browse custom creations, and even purchase toys to donate to a local giving tree from the dozens of stores in the mall.
Storytellers and S’mores
Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
- When: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
- Cost: Free
- Santa Photos: Probably, if you can catch him after the reading!
- Best for: A cozy night out with extended family and friends
Invite your whole extended crew to this special event in Castle Rock. Santa and his friends will be reading holiday favorites from the giant Storyteller’s Chair while guests roast marshmallows, sip hot chocolate, and write letters to Santa. It’s a laid-back event with plenty of room for chairs and blankets by the fire.