Internet shopping may be the easiest way to buy gifts for loved ones this time of year, but why not embrace the holiday spirit and make a day of shopping locally?
Here are five destination holiday markets near Denver where you can get goodies for everyone on your list and have some fun along the way.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Dates: Nov. 17 to Dec. 24
Location: Fillmore Plaza at Cherry Creek North, 105 Fillmore St., Denver
Take a break from the big box retailers at Cherry Creek Shopping Center and pop over to the Cherry Creek Holiday Market, returning for a third year. You’ll find a rotating cast of vendors selling everything from coffee and clothing to sculptures and spirits. And much like a local farmers market, you’ll likely get to sample a few snacks along the way.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market is free to attend. Find more information at cherrycreekholidaymarket.com.
Denver Christkindlmarket
Dates: Nov. 18 to Dec. 23
Location: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave., Denver
If you’re craving a trip abroad this holiday season, travel no further than Civic Center Park, which will be transformed into a storybook-like European-style market for about a month. Shop for artisan trinkets and treasures in the wooden huts that line the pop-up alleyways with a cup of glühwein (mulled wine) or roasted nuts in hand. In addition to shopping and eating, Denver Christkindlmarket boasts entertainment most nights, including live music, light parades and appearances from St. Nikolaus and Krampus.
Denver Christkindlmarket is free to attend. Find more information at christkindlmarketdenver.com.
WinterFest
Dates: Dec. 9-11
Location: Colorado Chautauqua Association, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder
Carriage rides, scenic group hikes, landmark tours, children’s crafts, live music, a holiday tree lighting and even a s’mores station highlight a weekend of festivities in Boulder’s historic Chautauqua district. Bring your wallet to shop a market at the Chautauqua Community House featuring local artists and vendors. (No ticket necessary.)
Tickets to WinterFest cost $28 per person ages 3 and up. Kids 2 years old and under get in for free. Find tickets and more at chautauqua.com/winterfest-22.
Après Ski Holiday Market
Dates: Weekends from Nov. 25 to Dec. 18
Location: Dairy Block Alley, 1800 Wazee St., Denver
Sipping and shopping go hand in hand at the third annual Après Ski Holiday Market. Local businesses and national brands will be selling their wares on weekends in the Dairy Block Alley near Union Station, where food and drink options abound, including a seasonal pop-up bar called Miracle located inside the train station. The markets coincide with special holiday events, too, such as a tree lighting (Nov. 25) and Merry & Bright Lights, a nightly holiday-themed light show that dances across the outside of Union Station (starting Nov. 25).
Après Ski Holiday Market is free to attend. Find more information at dairyblock.com/events.
Georgetown Christmas Market
Dates: Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 10-11
Location: Historic 6th Street, Georgetown
Surrounded by snow-covered mountains and brimming with small town charm, the annual Georgetown Christmas Market offers an immersive holiday experience complete with horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers in Victorian garb and tours of the many historic museums in town. Buy locally-made crafts, goods and food at two outdoor marketplaces before settling in the alpine biergarten for a craft beer to cap off the day.
Georgetown Christmas Market is free to attend. Find more information at historicgeorgetown.org/christmas-market.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, In The Know, to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox.
Source: Read Full Article