by Jessica Hughes
Denver Union Station puts on quite the show every holiday with a variety of events, festive decorations, and classic holiday cheer for the entire family to enjoy. Don’t miss the quintessential holiday celebration at Denver’s iconic landmark with these events and activities that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Grand Illumination
Friday, November 29, 5-8 p.m.
The holidays officially kick off with the Denver Union Station Grand Illumination event. Join in the merriment of the season with the ceremonious lighting of the Union Station building and the 40-foot Plaza Christmas tree. Entertainment is taken to the next level with a vintage holiday performance by the Denver Dolls, holiday jingles by the Denver Bronze, and a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Open to the public and free to everyone, with the lighting taking place around 6:15 p.m.
Union Station’s Holiday On The Plaza
November 30-December 31, 2019
Monday through Friday, 3-10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Join the first ever Union Station’s Holiday on the Plaza event as the Terminal Bar’s Patio will be transformed into a holiday winter wonderland! Throughout December, join Union Station for themed family-friendly DIY crafts, Christmas trivia, live carolers, and more!
Santa At The Station
Sunday December 1, 8, 15, and 22
Photo courtesy of Denver Union Station
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Kris Kringle will make his annual trip from the North Pole to Union Station the first four Sundays in December. Check-in when you arrive with Union Station’s new text-to-wait system and enjoy all the station has to offer. Visits with Santa are free and open to the public, but they are also offering a paid option called the St. Nick Express Family Pass. For only $50, you can reserve a time slot and go directly to the front of the line at the time designated. The pass will also include a commemorative Union Station Christmas ornament.
Breakfast With Santa
Saturday, December 14, 8-11 a.m.
Visit Santa himself at breakfast with Santa. Bring the kids and enjoy a curated breakfast buffet, story time, and of course photo opportunities. For adults, Christmas cocktails will be provided alongside breakfast. To help remember the event, attendees will receive a commemorative Union Station ornament.
Shop & Dine
Get your Christmas shopping done early with a visit to Union Station. With several shops located inside, you are bound to find something for all those on your wish list. For the bookworm in your life, stop in at a slightly smaller version of Tattered Cover Bookstore or pay a visit at the 5 Green Boxes and walk away with a locally made craft, jewelry, and gifts for those on your list. After you’ve crossed everyone off your list, be sure to stop in at one of the many gastronomic choices that call Union Station home. From breakfast at Snooze to an elegant dinner at Stoic and Genuine and drinks at the Terminal Bar, there isn’t a reason to go anywhere else!
Grab A Drink At The Cooper Lounge
Add a little flare and a bit of decadence this holiday season with Denver’s most glamorous lounge, The Cooper Lounge. Enjoy views of downtown and Union Station’s Grand Hall Christmas tree, all while sipping on one of their holiday drinks. Indulge in high-end, hand-crafted cocktails, an extensive wine list, and food to pair it all with, for the perfect night out this holiday season.
New Year’s Eve Party
Tuesday, December 31, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Start the New Year off right with Denver Union Station’s New Year’s Eve party. Enjoy one evening, with three different dazzling experiences.
The Great Hall Silent Disco & Light Show brings an epic light show to Union Station’s Great Hall all while dancing to your choice of three live silent disco DJs, using provided wireless headphones.
The VIP Speakeasy is a great way to start 2020 with the new “Roaring Twenties” and an exclusive VIP speakeasy in the historic lower level of Union Station. VIP tickets include unlimited complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, a musical piano performance, and access to the Great Hall Silent Disco and Light Show.
Or enjoy table service at The Cooper Lounge. Partake in a selection of passed canapes and a complimentary midnight toast with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne. Plus, patrons will enjoy access to the Great Hall Silent Disco and Light Show.
Tickets and additional information for all holiday events can be found at www.unionstationdenver.com.