CATALYST
DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE ONLINE MAGAZINE
What You Can Expect at Magical Winter Nights
Here’s How to Get the Most Magic Out of your Visit to our Holiday Winter Wonderland
Indoor ice-less skating under disco balls and snowflakes creates a enchanting environment in the Museum's newest holiday tradition, Magical Winter Nights. (Photo/ DMNS)
The stars are sparkling, the cocoa is steaming and the West Atrium and third floor diorama halls of the Museum have undergone a beautiful, holiday makeover. Denver’s newest holiday tradition — Magical Winter Nights — is officially here and we couldn’t be more excited to share this whimsical winter wonderland with you.
Here’s a little guide of what you can expect throughout the experience:
From the moment you walk into the West Atrium, you’ll be greeted by our holiday magic makers in the beautifully lit spacious hall that looks out on the Denver skyline. Take a moment to soak in the city lights. It’s time to cozy up to the fireplace to wait for your group or snap a photo with friends and family in this beautiful holiday setting.
When the crew is all together and everyone is feeling ready, take the elevator up to the third floor and turn left to Botswana. Here be prepared to have your socks blown off (but hold on to them, you’ll need them later) by the starry-night projections over the African savanna. If you haven’t yet, feel free to grab a drink at the bar and sit under the twinkling lights of the baobab tree as you take in the view.
Guest view breathtaking starry-night projections over the African savanna. (Photo/ Rick Wicker)
When you’ve had your fill, keep the journey going as you follow the sounds of music to the ice-less skating rink in the Birds of the Americas Hall. Put your socks back on and hop on the “ice” for a fun slip and slide around the rink. After taking a photo under the snowflakes, the adventure continues into the forest.
Here you can take a quiet moment to wander up to a campfire and take a quick break before continuing. There’s also a lot of opportunities to take photos in handmade postcard frames set against the backdrop of Colorado’s most beautiful, recreated landscapes.
The next room is more meditative where you will be treated to a breathtaking aurora borealis light show on the ceiling and walls. Be sure to check out the reflecting ponds where you can see the star constellations pop on and off when you touch a button. This is the time to take in the colors, take in the magic and find your inner peace, because you’ll need it; the party is about to begin!
Walking out of the northern lights room and into the hallway, you’ll notice a line waiting to get into the club. Don’t worry, you’re a VIP, so cut to the front and walk right in where the DJ is laying down beats to a party with penguins! Bust a move, play with your new friends and have a good time. If you’re like us, this is probably the first penguin dance party you’ve ever been to, so we hope you make it count!
A child plays in the penguin-hosted dance party in Magical Winter Nights. (Photo/ Rick Wicker)
All great parties have to end sometime, so once you’re ready, leave through the Village Shoppe. Here you can pick up holiday science- and nature-themed gifts and stocking stuffing stuffers for the special people on your list. Or get something for yourself; you’ve probably been pretty good this year and deserve it!
Quick Tips and Tricks
To help you make the most of your upcoming visit, we’ve pulled together our best tips to experience the full magic the evening in the Museum has to offer.
Buy Tickets Early
Magical Winter Nights is a limited-capacity, timed-entry experience, and we expect many nights to sell out. To guarantee your preferred date and time, book ahead. Guests may enter only during their timed window, and late arrivals can only be accommodated as space allows.
Guests gather by the fireplace under the beautiful holiday lighting in the Museum's transformed West Atrium. (Photo/ DMNS)
Come Prepared to Take Photos!
We have “postcard-perfect” opportunities to snap pictures, especially family portraits in fun postcard-shaped frames in the diorama halls and while skating around or dancing with the penguins. With colorful holiday decorations and beautiful glowing light installations, Magical Winter Nights is packed with moments worth capturing and sharing with friends and family.
Dress Comfortably and Bring your Favorite Socks
There’s no need to layer up because Magical Winter Nights is an indoor holiday experience. But while you may be able to leave your biggest coat at home, don’t forget to bring your favorite holiday socks! You’ll need them for skating through The Frosted Path, our ice-less, winter wonderland experience. But if you don’t want to take off your shoes, don’t worry; we have booties you can put over any footwear that will allow you to slip around.
Families slip and slide around the ice-less skating experience in Magical Winter Nights. (Photo/ Rick Wicker)
Explore at Your Own Pace
The average visit lasts around 30 minutes, but you’re welcome to spend more time in the experience and even loop back through to revisit your favorite areas. Wander slowly through glowing scenes or hop right to your favorites because your experience is entirely up to you.
Visit on Weeknights
Just like other Denver holiday favorites, weekends and peak-season dates fill quickly. If you’re looking for a calmer, more spacious stroll through the winter worlds, early-season weeknights are your best bet.
Adult-Friendly Tips
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.
A Museum guest looks into the reflecting pools under the dazzling Northern Lights installations in the Rare Birds Hall. (Photo/ Rick Wicker)
Bring Your Pre-Purchased Mug for Discounted Drinks
Warm beverages, cocktails, mocktails and tasty treats are available throughout the experience. If you purchased the ticket-plus-souvenir-mug combo, pick up your mug at check-in and enjoy a $3 discount off all drinks. Mugs are also available onsite for $14.
Park on the Northside
Parking is available in both the main lot and underground garage. Rather than entering through the main guest entrance, you will enter through the Museum’s West entrance along City Park where you will find the holiday experience waiting for you and your crew.
Exit Through the Village Shoppe for Holiday Treasures
Before you head home, swing through the Village Shoppe to pick up curated holiday gifts and Museum-exclusive keepsakes — perfect for stocking stuffers, host gifts or something special for yourself.
See You Under the Northern Lights
Now you know that the magic has arrived, we can’t wait for you to come join us to experience this brand-new holiday tradition and discover the Museum like never before.
