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Step into a magical winter night

Magical Winter Nights returns Nov. 25, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027, with an after-hours winter experience inside select transformed spaces at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Move through a self-guided evening of seasonal surprises and enchanting displays. Plan to spend 45 to 75 minutes exploring. One ticket includes Magical Winter Nights and admission to Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids. Museum members save $5 per ticket. Select 21+ nights offer an adult night out with seasonal drinks and a relaxed atmosphere.

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Guests at Magical Winter Nights

Your Magical Winter Nights Experience

Under sparkling stars and through a series of immersive scenes, it’s an adventure designed to delight all ages.

Grand Lodge

Time to cozy up before you set off on your Magical Winter Nights adventure! Meet your crew, grab a specialty hot cocoa, snap a few IG-worthy photos and warm up by the hearth.

The Hideaway

Tucked within the Grand Lodge, this comfy spot offers games, activities and a place to soak in the lights, sounds and views. It’s also home to movies during our special MWN 21+ nights.

Crystal Corridor

Pick up your printed map to plan for your journey ahead, take in sights from the magical winter gazebo, and pause for a festive photo.

Savanna Skating

Step into the savanna to take a spin on the iceless rink, sit for a spell under the glowing baobab tree and be transported by an array of colorful lighting in the dioramas all around you.

Cryptid Carnival

Things get wonderfully weird at Cryptid Carnival where you can meet creatures both curious and elusive, test your skills at unusual carnival games, take a pic with Sasquatch and follow the portal into Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids.

Snowfall Summit

Pull up a log by the fire, catch a dazzling disco “snowstorm” or strike a pose from the cabin porch in your own version of après-ski attire. Along the way, peek into Colorado’s forests and meet some of the neighbors who call them home.

Celestial Skies

Slow things down beneath the northern lights as music, shimmering lights and sweeping projections transform the room into an ethereal Arctic escape. On 21+ nights, a specialty cocktail offers the perfect accompaniment.

Gifts and souvenirs will be available in our Village Shoppe.

Mythic Creatures exhibition

One ticket. Two magical experiences.

Your Magical Winter Nights ticket also includes admission to Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids.

In this fantastical and educational exhibition, guests will encounter models, cultural objects, fossils and hands-on experiences that reveal the often surprising connections between nature, science and myth. Come face-to-face with a 17-foot-long dragon, walk among the tentacles of an enormous kraken, meet a unicorn and griffin, examine a replica of the infamous “Feejee mermaid” made famous by P. T. Barnum and look at the cast skull of a Gigantopithecus, a now-extinct ape connected to legends of humanlike creatures.

Guests of all ages can discover the real-world science, cultural stories and wild imagination behind the legends we love as they explore creatures of water, land and air, compare dragon traditions from around the world and create their own mythic creature through interactive activities.

magical winter nights mug

Eat, drink & make a night of it

Make your Magical Winter Nights experience even more festive with light snacks and seasonal drinks available for purchase throughout the evening. Choose from alcoholic and non-alcoholic options as you explore, and settle in for a little extra holiday cheer.

Make it a keepsake. Magical Winter Nights souvenir mugs are available for purchase and come with discounted drinks throughout your visit.

Guests at Magical Winter Nights

21+ Nights

Magical Winter Nights gets a little more spirited on select 21+ nights, with festive themes, seasonal drinks and plenty of reasons to dress up and stay awhile. Choose your night, pick your look and join us after dark for a grown-up twist on the magic of the season.

Winter Spirits & Brews: Ugly Sweater Party | Thursday, Dec. 3 

Your sweater may be questionable but we know your drink choice won’t be. Break out your loudest holiday gear and join us to sip samples of Colorado craft beer and spirits as you explore Magical Winter Nights in undeniable style.

Après Ski | Thursday, Dec. 10 

No lift ticket required. Come dressed for your version of après ski whether that’s cozy cabin chic, full on mountain glam, stylishly suited for the slopes or somewhere in between. Keep watch along the way as you never know if Sasquatch is waiting in the lift line.

Throwback Thursday: Holiday Flair Edition | Thursday, Dec. 17 

Dig deep into the holiday archives and wear your favorite festive look from another era. Think vintage velvet, ‘70’s sequins, ‘80’s dazzle or maybe the outfit you bought last year that deserves another dance. Then head to Glacier Groove, where the penguins are hosting a karaoke party you won’t forget.

Winter Solstice Sparkle Party | Monday, Dec. 21 

It’s the longest night of the year, so naturally we’re making it shine. Wear your brightest, most sparkly festive fit and join us for a shimmering celebration in honor of the return of longer days. Raise your glass of prosecco for a bubbly burst of bright.

Holiday Pajama Party | Friday, Jan. 1 

Kick off your coziest year yet! Stay in your pajamas as we kick of 2027 with vintage films and a New Year’s Day menu that knows what you need, including breakfast burritos, mimosas and Bloody Marys.

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Guest at Magical Winter Nights
Guests at Magical Winter Nights
Guest at Magical Winter Nights
Guest at Magical Winter Nights
Guests at Magical Winter Nights
Guest at Magical Winter Nights

Plan Your Visit

Ready for a little winter magic? Magical Winter Nights returns Nov. 25, 2026–Jan. 2, 2027.

Gather your favorite people and step into an after-hours winter experience filled with seasonal surprises, hands-on moments and mythically magical storytelling. Your ticket also includes access to Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids.

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FAQs

No. Magical Winter Nights is a separate ticketed experience that includes access to Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids. It does not include general Museum admission, access to other exhibitions or Friday evening hours. General Museum admission is required if you would like to explore the Museum before your Magical Winter Nights visit.

Your ticket includes access to Magical Winter Nights, the Magical Winter Nights Village Shoppe, Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids and the Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids gift shop.

Enter through the west side of the building, facing City Park. Follow the signs from the parking lot to the Leprino Family Atrium. 

If you're visiting the Museum prior to Magical Winter Nights, you will need to exit through the main north entrance and reenter through the West Atrium entrance. Signs will guide you to check-in.  

Parking is free in the main parking lot on the north side of the building and in the underground parking garage. Spaces can fill quickly during the winter season. Please allow extra time to find a spot.

Accessible parking spaces are available in the main parking lot and in the underground parking garage. 

Magical Winter Nights takes place indoors, however, we will have coat racks for our guests.   

We recommend comfortable shoes for exploring the winter worlds. Be sure to wear or bring socks if you plan to enjoy the iceless skating rink. 

The experience is designed to be accessible for guests with disabilities. However, some activities within the iceless skating rink may not be accessible for all guests.

It's important to use your discretion when exploring different areas of an experience if you have sensory issues. Tailor your choices to what feels comfortable and manageable for you.

Warm beverages, festive cocktails and snacks will be available for purchase in select areas. Gifts and souvenirs will be available in our Village Shoppe. 

Outside beverages are not permitted.

Magical Winter Nights souvenir mugs are available for purchase and come with discounted drinks throughout your visit.

Most guests spend 45 to 75 minutes exploring Magical Winter Nights and Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids.  

Linger in your favorite winter world or leap ahead to the next. You decide how much or how little you want to participate in the activities along the way.

Please plan to enter at your scheduled time. Entry is guaranteed for 30 minutes after your ticketed time. Guests arriving later will be admitted as space allows.  

The Grand Lodge in the West Atrium opens at 4:30 p.m. You are welcome to arrive early and enjoy the space, but entry to the ticketed journey begins at your scheduled time.  

For the final entry time each evening, either 8 or 9 p.m., guests arriving more than 30 minutes late will not be admitted.