Denverites, with the holidays in full swing, there are so many festivities and activities to share in and around one of the city’s favorite destinations: LoDo. Even though the new year is steadily creeping upon us, there is still much holiday joy and fun to be had. Union Station and the beloved shops and eateries surrounding it, invite locals and visitors to celebrate in spectacular fashion.

Need more? Read more: Gather, feast and explore at Denver’s Milk Market in LoDo

‘Tis the season to visit Union Station 

The station itself is decorated in spectacular fashion, with gorgeous interior holiday décor and a festive lighting display that spans the building’s whole façade. It’s worth grabbing a drink and a bite from The Cooper Lounge; to see the Great Hall from above; or at Terminal Bar, where you can snap the perfect pic next to the indoor Christmas tree. 

For the families or non-drinkers, PigTrain Coffee or MilkBox Ice Cream are good options, too!

• Buddy’s Bar: an elf-themed, immersive holiday wonderland pop-up at Miracle Bar — daily from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Santa at the Station: Families can make the most of holiday cheer by getting photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus by the iconic Great Hall tree, plus appearances from Buddy the Elf — Sundays throughout the season.
• In addition to everything listed above, there will be Dickens-era carolers, musical performances, holiday character (Grinch, Buddy the Elf, etc.) appearances and more every Friday and Saturday throughout the season as part of Dashing Thru LoDo (see below).

Dashing Thru LoDo

Dashing Thru LoDo is a holiday collaboration on the part of Union Station, Dairy Block and McGregor Square teaming together to offer festive events and activities, extravagant holiday decor and lighting displays, pop-up markets, holiday menus and more among the neighborhood’s hundreds of local boutiques and restaurants. 

Need a last-minute gift? It’s not too late to find the perfect present or pick up a festive party outfit (our BOSW team loves The Vintage Label).

Dashing Thru LoDo is designed to bring holiday joy to everyone throughout the neighborhood, all season long. All the details and events can be found at dashingthrulodo.com, highlighting special events, dates and times at each spot, including the following:

• Dairy Block: Mistletoe Market —  an artisan market in the alley where you can shop local and sip festive beverages and storytime with Cindy Lou Who, complete with green hot cocoa, and visits to Crumpit Cave for photos with the Mean One himself!
• McGregor Square: McGregor Skate takes over the square, letting visitors take to the ice in the twinkle of the 33-foot Christmas tree. Sleigh Bar at Milepost Zero will sling cups of holiday cheer all season long, including Ho-Ho Happy Hour all day on Mondays.

LoDo hotel packages and festive experiences

With so much merriment to choose from, visitors can make a stay of it and enjoy one of these festive LoDo hotel packages:

• The Rally Hotel’s Skate Away at McGregor Square: This festive package includes free ice skating for a family of four and tumblers to keep your complimentary cocoa warm. 
• Multiple offers at The Maven, including Snowflakes in the Cit: Visitors receive a third night free when booking two consecutive nights; and Mistletoe Movie Magic, a cozy holiday movie night, comes with in-room snacks and holiday cocktails for resting your shopped-out self.
• S’more Holiday Fun: The Oxford Hotel provides guests with a s’mores kit delivered directly to your room complete with ciders and hot chocolate — treat yourself after buying treats for everyone else. 
• The Sweet Escape at The Curtis Hotel: This irresistibly sweet deal includes 50% off parking plus a signature DoubleTree Tin of Cookies and two drink vouchers for The Corner Office.
• Hotel Indigo Chalet in the City: Guests delight in espresso martini kits and a charcuterie board. 

To learn more, visit lodo.org/events.