10 Things to Do in Denver in November

If you're planning to visit Denver in November, you'll find a city that's beginning to bid farewell to autumn and prepare for winter, but not before presenting some of the best cultural options on the annual calendar and alternatives that usher in Christmas Eve in Colorado's capital.

Some of the best things to do in Denver in November include discovering the cultural festivals, visiting the city's museums without paying admission, exploring the surrounding area before the winter snows and attending the inaugural Christmas markets, which are typical of the area.

November welcomes an extraordinary celebration of creativity and artistic expression to the city: Denver Arts Week. This annual festival, which spans the first week of the month, has established itself as a unique event that highlights the richness and diversity of the local and international arts scene. Denver Arts Week is not really an exhibition of artworks, but an immersion into Denver's cultural scene.

Denver, which is recognised as a cultural stronghold and is especially noted for its art scene and the street murals that adorn its streets, is transformed during this event into a living canvas where the walls come alive, telling vibrant stories and capturing the diverse essence of Colorado's capital city. Local artists display their talents, turning urban spaces into open-air galleries.

The Denver Arts Week experience goes beyond static exhibitions to include live events, street performances and opportunities to interact directly with the artists.

Before winter descends on the city, one of the best ways to say goodbye to autumn is to visit the Rocky Mountains. This place offers a visual spectacle not to be missed, with its peaks covered in colourful autumn forests and clear skies. November, which usually features the first snowfall of the year, is the perfect time to venture out on the roads and trails that wind through the rugged landscapes and alpine meadows.

However, it is crucial to take advantage of this window of time before winter sets in. With the arrival of the heaviest snowfalls and icy winds, many roads and trails are closed to the public. The white blanket that covers the region not only adds a new dimension to the beauty of the landscape, but also presents logistical and safety challenges, in some cases creating extreme weather conditions.

That's why exploring the Rocky Mountains in November is an ideal opportunity to discover some of the best scenery around the city on your own or on some of the best tours from Denver.

November is the golden month for music and live entertainment lovers in Denver, marking the last chance of the year to enjoy a live show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This open-air stage nestled among the limestone rock formations offers a unique experience in a venue that, with unparalleled acoustics and panoramic views, has become a cult venue for performers.

However, the arrival of winter means the temporary closure of Red Rocks. November, therefore, marks the last month of the year in which the amphitheatre hosts concerts and live events before adverse weather conditions and snowfall close its doors until March the following year.

The opportunity to enjoy a concert at Red Rocks before the onset of winter in Denver is therefore a unique experience. Whether it's an established artist or an up-and-coming band, this amphitheatre becomes a stage in November that celebrates music under the starry skies before the winter break.

For cultural experiences in Denver, November is the ideal month as it offers art lovers an exceptional opportunity to explore several museums that open their doors for free on specific days of the week. This initiative aims to encourage access to culture, allowing locals and visitors to enjoy the most outstanding museums without worrying about the cost of admission.

Free admission days in November not only offer free access to museums, but also extended hours, typically from 5pm to 8pm each day. Among the most popular museums joining the initiative are the Denver Art Museum, which houses a collection ranging from ancient art to contemporary works, and the Museum of Nature and Science.

From touring exhibitions to permanent collections, participating museums become open spaces for education, inspiration and enjoyment for all who wish to visit.

The arrival of November in Denver brings with it the festive spirit, the anticipation of the end-of-year festivities and the opening of the Cherry Creek Holiday Market, an event that marks the beginning of this special season. The market, then, becomes a must-see destination for anyone looking for handcrafted goods and unique gifts that reflect the holiday spirit.

The Cherry Creek Holiday Market is not only a place to shop, but also a space where the community comes together to celebrate. With local vendors offering everything from decorative items to Colorado food specialties, the market is a place of tradition.

This holiday market is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, providing attendees with a unique shopping and entertainment experience. From festive decorations to handcrafted gifts, the Cherry Creek Holiday Market is the place to find some of the best holiday products. Visiting the market is also one of the top things to do with kids in Denver.

When the autumn temperatures start to drop and the cold gets intense, there's a unique experience that will allow you to take shelter from the chilly weather without losing your entertainment quota and that's Denver's wind tunnel. This indoor activity, which has gained popularity in the region, offers visitors the opportunity to experience the sensation of flying in a controlled and safe environment.

Buying tickets for the DenverWind Tunnel allows you to experience an experience that simulates the free-fall of a parachute jump, allowing participants to enjoy zero gravity without having to jump out of an aeroplane. During the flight, powerful air currents will lift you up and give you the unique sensation of floating through the air in an adrenaline-filled experience.

This flight activity is an exciting option for beginners and experienced skydivers alike, providing a unique perspective of weightlessness in a controlled environment. What's more, this wind tunnel allows you to enjoy this adventure all year round, regardless of the weather conditions outside, and is suitable for children in Denver.

Denver has one of the largest Mexican immigrant communities in the United States and, as a result, the tradition of the Day of the Dead celebration has become a staple event in the city every November 2. This holiday, which honours loved ones who have passed away, fills the city with colour and joy as people gather to remember and celebrate life.

Among the highlights of Denver's Day of the Dead celebrations are the processions and parades that wind through the streets, filling the air with music, folkloric dances and the aromatic fragrance of ofrendas. Events often include community altars, where photographs and symbolic objects are placed in honour of the deceased, and participants can enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine, with food stalls offering traditional dishes.

Denver, then, becomes a vibrant and festive scene during the Day of the Dead, with numerous cultural centres and museums organising special activities to commemorate the occasion that you too can be a part of if you plan to visit the city in November.

Every November, Denver welcomes the holiday season with the opening of the Christkindlmarket, an event that has become an unmissable tradition. This market, which has its roots in German festivities, creates a festive atmosphere in the heart of the city and marks the beginning of the holiday season.

The Christkindlmarket is held annually in Skyline Park, transforming this space into an authentic European Christmas market. Among the stalls decorated with lights and decorations you'll find a wide variety of handmade goods and gifts. There is also an ice skating rink, which later becomes one of Denver's main winter attractions.

In addition, the Christkindlmarket offers a variety of culinary delights, such as pretzels, German sausages and, of course, the classic seasonal hot drink, glühwein, or mulled wine.

If you're a film buff or want to experience something different in Denver in November, you can attend the International Film Festival. This annual event brings together filmmakers, artists and film lovers for a unique cinematic experience. During the festival, a selection of independent films, documentaries and international masterpieces highlighting cultural diversity are screened at various venues around the city.

The Denver International Film Festival is also known for its dedication to showcasing innovative and provocative films that challenge conventions and explore new narrative horizons. Screenings are held in classic cinemas, but also in alternative screening venues, giving attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of cinematic styles and unique perspectives.

This festival, therefore, not only offers an exceptional cinematic experience, but also the opportunity to interact with filmmakers and industry professionals, as the event also includes Q&A sessions, panel discussions and interactive workshops.

Before the cold weather sets in and many marine species enter their hibernation period, buying tickets to visit the Downtown Aquarium in Denver in November will allow you to experience this site at one of its best. This aquarium is home to a great diversity of marine life. However, starting in December, some of these species prepare to hibernate, transforming the way the aquarium operates.

During the months leading up to the hibernation period, visitors have the opportunity to see the full activity of the underwater habitats. The aquarium's tanks include everything from tropical fish to sharks of different sizes. In addition, interactive exhibits offer visitors the chance to walk through acrylic tunnels through the ponds in a kid-friendly experience in Denver.

As December approaches, the Downtown Aquarium undergoes significant changes. Many marine species choose to enter a period of hibernation, adjusting their behaviour and energy. This can result in a quieter environment in the ponds and some areas of the aquarium remaining closed to the public.

November in Denver marks the transition from autumn to winter, and temperatures during this month reflect this seasonal change. As the city bids farewell to the warm days of autumn, temperatures typically range from 8° to 15°, although it starts to cool down towards the end of the month.

It is important to note that although snowfall is not as frequent in November as in the following months, it is still possible for Denver to experience occasional snowfall. This adds a wintry tinge to the city, creating a picturesque landscape and setting the stage for the upcoming ski season in the surrounding mountains.

November in Denver attracts a significant influx of tourists, as the city becomes an attractive destination for those seeking varied experiences ranging from cultural events to previewing the winter season in the Rocky Mountains. In addition, the transition from autumn to winter provides an opportunity to explore Colorado's changing landscapes.

On the other hand, the approach of the holiday season is beginning to be felt in the city, so many planning to visit Denver in December can begin to discover the festive side of the destination from November with the opening of the themed flea markets and Christmas fairs.

Prices in Denver during the month of November tend to experience ups and downs reflecting the seasonal transition and festivities that characterise this period. As winter and Christmas approach , prices rise, especially for excursions and dining options .

In addition, the influx of tourists in Denver in November, especially due to events such as the International Film Festival and the opening of the Christkindlmarket, can affect accommodation prices. That's why I advise you to book your stay in advance and book city tours before you arrive so you can get a rate freeze and more affordable prices.

November is the prelude to winter in Denver, but the weather isn't too cold and the winds are moderate, at least for the first part of the month, so pack the following:

• Hiking shoes
• Mountain coat
• Jacket
• Comfortable shoes
• Wool jumpers
• Lightweight T-shirt
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Lightweight trousers
• Rain jacket
• Waterproof jacket