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DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE ONLINE MAGAZINE
How To Make the Most of Magical Winter Nights as an Adult
Your New Year’s Day Reset Awaits at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Adults guests at Magical Winter Nights grab a drink at the baobab-tree-themed bar in the transformed Third Floor Botswana diorama hall. (Photo/ Rick Wicker)
Soon the countdown will be over, and the ball dropped. But this new year, why not try something different by hitting reset before you dig into those resolutions?
Magical Winter Nights has added a final 21+ night with D.J. Tosh of 104.7 The Drop spinning tracks from 6-8 p.m., giving you one last chance to dance a little, laugh a little and linger under the northern lights before real life kicks back in. Sip cocktails under a kaleidoscope of lights with a few wild friends, warm up in front of a “campfire" with a mug of hot cocoa, glide across an iceless rink or sink into a beanbag chair and watch the constellations overhead. It's a great way to connect with friends and family after the rush of the holidays.
After you’ve busted your last move, don’t forget to grab your final slice of magic by stopping into “Brick Planet: A Magical Journey Made with LEGO® Bricks,” and marvel at the incredible nature-themed sculptures made with LEGO® bricks that will be available at no additional charge!
Make the Most of Magical Winter Nights as an Adult
For those who can’t make the adults-only night, here are a few easy tips for visiting Magical Winter Nights and enjoying it as an adults’ adventure on any night you choose to come.
Arrive Later for a More Relaxed Pace
If you’re looking for a calmer, more atmospheric experience, plan to arrive later in the evening. The crowds thin out, the lighting feels more intimate, and it’s easier to settle into the night with a drink in hand and nowhere to rush.
Guests share a conversation in front of the fireplace at Magical Winter Nights. (Photo/ Rick Wicker)
Turn It into a Date Night
Magical Winter Nights lends itself naturally to winter date nights. Start with cocktails, stroll through softly illuminated galleries, snap a few photos, then tuck into quieter corners where you can actually hear each other talk. It’s cozy, romantic and refreshingly low-pressure.
Make It a Friends’ Night Out
Whether you’re celebrating the new year or just catching up after the holidays, Magical Winter Nights is easy to enjoy as a group. Meet at the fireplace downstairs, grab a drink and then wander off to explore different spaces before regrouping under the lights. Before you leave, make sure you bust a move to tracks being spun by the coolest DJ in Colorado.
Seek Out the Quiet Corners
Not every magical moment happens on the dance floor. Look for cozy nooks, lounge seating, and transformed Museum spaces where the energy softens and the conversation flows. These spots are perfect spots for catching up with friends, people-watching or simply soaking it all in.
The West Atrium and Third Floor Wildlife Halls have undergone a beautiful transformation for the holidays at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science for Magical Winter Nights. (Photo/ Rick Wicker)
Try to Make it for our +21 Event on Jan. 1
The Jan. 1 adults night is the perfect time to ease into the year with a chill, low-pressure activity. Come ready to relax, dance if you still have energy left over from the night before and enjoy the Museum in a way that feels celebratory but unhurried — a reset that actually feels refreshing!
Happy New Years! We can’t wait to welcome you to the Museum all year long in 2026.
