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DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE ONLINE MAGAZINE
Things to Do at the Museum Over the 2025 Holiday Season
Discover Denver’s Newest Holiday Tradition with Magical Winter Nights
Exterior view of the west side of Denver Museum of Nature & Science in the wintertime dusk. (Photo/ Rick Wicker)
The holiday season is an especially magical time at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Here are some highlights to add to your holiday to-do list at the Museum this year:
Magical Winter Nights
Denver's newest holiday tradition Magical Winter Nights opens at the Museum on Nov. 20. (Photo/ DMNS)
Stars are sparkling, cocoa is steaming and the West Atrium and Third Floor diorama halls have undergone a beautiful, holiday makeover. Until Jan. 4, a part of the Museum has become a whimsical winter holiday adventure filled with lights, sounds and surprises. This special after-hours experience lets visitors of all ages explore immersive seasonal scenes after dark.
Highlights of the Magical Winter Nights experience include:
- The Lodge: Warm up and set the tone for your adventure with cozy fireside vibes and hot cocoa and cocktails for purchase. Don't forget to take a picture by the hearth!
- A Wild Winterland: Purchase a cocktail or a snack to enjoy in this moonlit savanna scene while you take in a 10-minute kaleidoscope of changing lights.
- Festive Fun: Enjoy holiday crafting with the whole family under twinkling holiday lights.
- The Frosted Path: Take off your shoes, tuck them in a cubby and then show off those holiday socks while you skate around an “ice-less” indoor skating rink (no skates required).
- Colorado Hideaway: Take a moment to grab a drink, relax in front of a campfire and snap a selfie in a handmade postcard frame set against the backdrop of a beautifully recreated Colorado scene before continuing.
- Celestial Canopy: It’s the perfect time to sit down and take in the colors of a breathtaking aurora borealis light show then wander over to a reflecting pool where you can see constellations appear with the switch of a button.
- Glacier Groove: As you move from the northern lights out into the hallway, get ready to dance to tunes being spun by the coolest DJ in Colorado.
- Village Shoppe: Don't forget to spin through the holiday shop before you head home to pick up a unique gift or souvenir to commemorate your night.
Looking for a night out with a more adult-friendly crowd? Mark your calendar for our 21+ evenings. These nights offer a great opportunity for date nights or festive outings with friends. We have adult nights (21+) nights planned for Dec. 4, 11 & 18. The Dec. 11 and 18 events, however, are very close to selling out already, so get your tickets before they're gone!
Bonus tip: Can’t make it to any of our 21+ nights? Try booking a later time slot. Most of our younger visitors come earlier, and after 7 p.m. you’ll typically find a more relaxed, adult-leaning crowd.
Read more: What You Can Expect at Magical Winter Nights
Holiday Films on the Giant Screen
Get into the spirit with holiday movie magic on the Museum’s giant screen Infinity Theater. (Photo/ Polar Express)
Get into the spirit with holiday movie magic on the Museum’s giant screen Infinity Theater. This larger-than-life experience makes for an unforgettable way to watch your favorite festive films.
This season, "The Polar Express 3D" returns to the big screen – a cherished holiday tradition for many families. All aboard for a thrilling journey to the North Pole with Tom Hanks in stunning 3D, where you can almost feel the rumble of the train and the snowflakes falling around you in the theater.
We will also hold 2D showings of "The Polar Express," designed for all ages and to be sensory friendly. House lighting will be increased and sound levels reduced to create a comfortable experience for all. Guests are welcome to move, dance, clap, talk and laugh during the film. All experiences are welcomed!
Also get ready to embrace your inner Grinch with an evening featuring the holiday classic Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on the giant screen. Come dressed in your best grinchy green and settle in for a night of holiday cheer.
Laser Holiday
The Laser Holiday show is available in the Gates Planetarium. (Photo/ DMNS)
Through the holiday season, you have the chance to experience a new kind of light show! Celebrate the season with festive music, brought to life with dazzling laser lights. Perfect for all ages to get into the holiday spirit.
Cosmic Countdown: A Family New Year’s Celebration
Join us for an out-of-this-world Cosmic Countdown! (Photo/ DMNS)
For an out-of-this-world New Year’s Eve (without keeping the little ones up until midnight!), join the Museum’s Cosmic Countdown – a family-friendly celebration on the morning of December 31. This event is perfect for young space explorers who want to welcome the New Year with science, fun and a big noon-ish countdown.
Activities at the Cosmic Countdown include:
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Seeing and touching objects from outer space up close (real meteorites or maybe moon rocks!).
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Blasting off mini rockets and watching them zoom, demonstrating the physics of propulsion.
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Creating your own space-themed jewelry – design a bracelet or keychain of the solar system, perhaps.
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Dancing to cosmic beats among glowing stars and planets, and enjoying live science demonstrations that are truly out of this world.
As the finale approaches, gather with everyone for an exciting countdown to “midnight” – complete with noise-makers and cheer – so the kiddos get the thrill of a New Year celebration without the late bedtime. Be sure to join us at your ticket time for our big New Year countdown and we invite you to come early and stay after to explore the Museum!
