Holiday Market, Festive Window Displays, Charitable Giving, And Free Carriage Rides Highlight The Neighborhood’s Seasonal Celebration
by Mark Smiley
Holiday Glow: More than one million lights illuminate Cherry Creek North as the district celebrates the holiday season with shopping, dining and special events.
Cherry Creek North is preparing to transform its 16-block shopping and dining district into a winter wonderland this holiday season, illuminating the neighborhood with more than one million twinkling lights and introducing several new attractions designed to bring visitors into the heart of one of Denver’s most popular shopping destinations.
The annual celebration, appropriately titled “A Holiday Less Ordinary,” begins November 19, 2026, with a lighting ceremony at Fillmore Plaza. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Deputy Mayor Adrina Gibson, and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to participate in the 4:30 p.m. ceremony that will officially usher in the holiday season.
The festivities extend well beyond the lights, with the return of the Cherry Creek Holiday Market, charitable giving opportunities, festive cocktails, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and a new neighborhood-wide scavenger hunt.
Holiday Market Returns For Seventh Year
One of the season’s biggest attractions is the seventh annual Cherry Creek Holiday Market, which will operate daily from November 19 through Christmas Eve at 105 Fillmore Street.
The outdoor market will feature more than 50 local makers, designers, and artisans selling handcrafted gifts, specialty merchandise, and other holiday offerings. Produced by Fetch Concepts, the market has become a popular seasonal destination for shoppers seeking alternatives to traditional retail stores.
Holiday Spirits: The Mistletoe Lounge brings an après-ski atmosphere to the Cherry Creek Holiday Market, complete with seasonal drinks and live entertainment.
Visitors can also enjoy holiday music, food, and beverages while exploring the market’s collection of vendors. The popular Mistletoe Lounge returns with an après-ski theme, offering festive cocktails, seasonal mocktails, and hot chocolate in a cozy setting.
New this year, the lounge will feature live performances by local musicians Thursday through Sunday evenings, with musical styles ranging from bluegrass and folk to rock and soul. Select Sundays will include special screenings and brunch offerings, while Wednesdays will feature family-oriented movie nights.
The market will generally be open from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Extended hours are planned for December 18–23, with abbreviated hours on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
New Attractions Encourage Neighborhood Exploration
Cherry Creek North is introducing two new interactive attractions designed to encourage visitors to explore the neighborhood’s shops and restaurants.
The first, “Windows Less Ordinary,” invites participating businesses to create elaborate holiday window displays. Hidden within the decorations will be signature Cherry Creek cherries that visitors can search for as part of the new Holiday Cherry Hunt.
Using a mobile map available through the Cherry Creek North website, participants can explore the neighborhood and search for the hidden cherries. Those who locate 10 cherries will qualify for special offers and prizes, including discounted hot chocolate and gift cards.
Participants will also be entered into a drawing for a Cherry Creek North Escape package featuring an overnight hotel stay, dinner, and other neighborhood experiences.
The scavenger hunt and decorated window displays will run from November 19 through December 24.
Giving Back During The Holidays
The Light the World Giving Machines will return to Fillmore Plaza, providing visitors with an opportunity to support charitable organizations through an unusual twist on the traditional vending machine.
Instead of purchasing snacks or beverages, donors can select charitable gifts that benefit individuals and families in need.
This year’s machines will offer 30 donation options supporting seven charitable organizations, including five Denver-area nonprofits and two international organizations. The Giving Machines will be available from November 19 through January 4, 2027.
The initiative provides an opportunity for families to incorporate charitable giving into their holiday outings while learning about organizations serving communities locally and around the world.
Carriage Rides And Holiday Cheer
For visitors seeking a more traditional holiday experience, Cherry Creek North will again offer free horse-drawn carriage rides through its illuminated streets.
The rides will depart from Second Avenue just east of Fillmore Street and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Carriage rides are scheduled for November 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. and December 5, 12 and 19 from 5 to 8 p.m.
The neighborhood’s restaurants, bars and cafés will also participate in “Naughty + Nice Festive Sips,” offering seasonal cocktails, mocktails, hot chocolate, cider and other holiday beverages. An online map will guide visitors to participating establishments, including a special holiday speakeasy at the Halcyon hotel.
Cherry Creek North will also celebrate Small Business Weekend from November 28-30, encouraging shoppers to support locally owned retailers and restaurants during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
On Sunday, December 6, Chabad of Cherry Creek will host its annual Chanukah Celebration, featuring family-friendly activities, traditional foods, and a menorah lighting.
A Holiday Destination In The Heart Of Denver
With more than 220 retailers and service businesses, over 50 restaurants, bars and cafés, and a substantial collection of locally owned boutiques, Cherry Creek North is positioning itself as a destination for holiday shopping and entertainment.
The combination of seasonal attractions, charitable activities, and neighborhood-wide decorations is intended to encourage visitors to spend more time exploring the district rather than making a single shopping stop.
Whether visitors come for the Holiday Market, an evening beneath the lights, or a carriage ride through the neighborhood, Cherry Creek North is offering numerous ways to celebrate the season without leaving the city.
For additional information, event schedules, and participating businesses, visit CherryCreekNorth.com
