Everything You Need to Know About the Denver Christkindlmarket
If you’re looking for a festive, holiday event that will put you in the spirit of Christmas, look no further than the Denver Christkindlmarket.
It’s the perfect family friendly event where you can experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a German inspired gathering.
We’re talking live polka music, German crafted beer, and the smell of freshly roasted pecans that will fill the air.
This is a Denver winter event you’ll want to turn into a tradition.
What is the Denver Christkindlmarket?
The Denver Christkindlmarket is an annual winter event that occurs in Denver, CO through November and December that mimics the holiday markets in Germany.
The market is free and open from Nov. 21 - Dec. 23. (2025)
Monday-Thursday 1pm-9pm
Friday-Sunday 11am-9pm.
You’ll find over 40 German themed food stalls cooking up bratwurst, schnitzel, and sweets like cakes, crepes, and pretzels.
In addition to food, there are a number of shop stalls selling holiday German crafts and products like handcrafted incense smokers, Christmas ornaments, and apparel.
No Christkindlmarket experience is complete without a warm drink in hand. The beer tent serves German beer, wine, and seasonal favorites like Glühwein (hot spiced wine) and hot cocoa for kids.
And yes — you can even purchase a collectible souvenir mug to take home.
View all the vendors on the official website here.
Event Location
Note that the location has changed from Civic Center Park to the University of Colorado Auraria Campus in Denver.
Address: Auraria Campus, Tivoli Quad, 1000 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80204
The 2025 location has changed for several reasons:
Ongoing construction at Civic Center Park
Parking issues in downtown Denver for the event
Guests complained that the previous venue was too crowded
Although it’s a different feel compared to the previous location, I do believe these past issues have been resolved at the new campus location.
And it’s still conveniently located in downtown Denver, near Empower Field at Mile High.
Where to Park
When it comes to Denver Christkindlmarket parking, visitors have several options.
The most convenient and cheapest parking option is to park at the surface-lots Holly Lot, Cherry Lot, or Elm Lot on the Auraria campus for $15. From here it’s a short 2-3 minute walk to the entrance. You must use the park mobile app to get this rate.
You can also park at the on campus garages, but you will be charged a higher rate of $25-$30 for parking.
Another option is to search for hourly or free street parking downtown, but it’s not guaranteed you find a spot nearby.
If you want to avoid parking fees, take the light rail to Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens or Auraria West Campus. This is a great option if you live near a light rail line and don’t mind a 10-15 minute walk to the market. I’ve taken the light rail before to get to downtown Denver and the airport, and it really is an affordable way to get around and avoid the stress of parking.
Things to Do
I would recommend visiting the Denver Christmas market in the evening so you can see the giant tree being lit at 5:00pm and watch the drone show which happens at 7:00pm every night.
Shop for Christmas gifts like handmade ornaments, artisan crafts, and authentic German products that you would traditionally see at markets in Europe.
The best part of this festival, in my opinion, is the food. Here you’ll find traditional German cuisine you can’t find anywhere else and it is delicious!
Once you have your food and beverages, head on over to the beer tent where you can listen to live, upbeat music if you’re looking for a good time.
Looking for a fun activity the kids will enjoy? Take a spin on the Merry-Go-Round for only $5—a great family friendly activity.
There are also yard games like corn hole, jenga, and giant connect four on the lawn if you’re looking for other ways to keep yourself entertained.
My Denver Christkindlmarket Review:
As someone who’s been to Christmas markets in Germany, I think the Denver Christkindl Market does a great job at replicating the experience.
I loved walking around and eating some of my favorite German dishes. Doner was one of my favorite meals when I studies abroad and was delighted to see they were serving it this year.
If you don’t own one already, I would recommend buying a traditional German incense smoker with the incense cones. Every household in Germany brings them out around the holidays and it is one of my favorite holiday decor pieces. They make your home smell amazing!
I’m also so grateful for the beer tent because they keep it nice and toasty inside, so you have a space to warm up in if it’s freezing outside. It’s also just such a good time, with live music, good vibes, and high energy.
Hope you’re able to visit this spectacular holiday market this year before Christmas! And if you can’t make it this year, make sure it’s on your list for next year. You won’t want to miss it.
