Thornton Winterfest 2024 in Denver

Every December, the City of Thornton, 15 miles (24 km) north of Denver, hosts a wonderful Winterfest at Carpenter Fields. The three days of the festival are jam-packed with holiday-themed events and attractions. The highlights include a Holiday Marketplace with food booths, arts, and crafts, Santa's Village, a much-loved ice skating rink, some live entertainment, and a grand finale–firework display. Thus, Thornton Winterfest promises the whole family a safe and merry weekend.

Festival Events & Entertainment

Ice-carving demonstrations are among the main attractions of the festival. Professional ice artists from "Dazzling Ice" entertain the public throughout the whole weekend and work on a frozen surprise, which will serve as a perfect photo op for families. Entertainment also includes the concert by Thornton Community Band. Children can stop by Santa's house to visit him and tell him all about their wishes and what they'd like for Christmas. Village Ice-Skating Pond is open throughout the entire festival, inviting everyone to show off their skills on the ice. Carnival games are available for children of all ages.

Holiday Marketplace

If you're looking for some last-minute stocking stuffers and gifts for your loved ones, you just might find the perfect one at the Thornton Winterfest. The Holiday Marketplace is only open on Saturday and features hundreds of vendors selling everything from hand-made souvenirs to festive decorations. The North Pole Nibbles food vendors will be present during all three days of the festival with a rich menu of mouthwatering food. Kettle corn, pizza, delicious sandwiches, hot chocolate, and hot cider are just some of the options available at Thornton Winterfest.

Christmas Lights

Thornton Winterfest offers several Christmas light displays, both standalone events and attractions, which can be visited throughout the day. Explore the tunnels of the Lighted Maze and immerse yourself in the charm of a thousand lights. The Holiday Drone Show is a one-time spectacle, taking place at 8 pm on Friday, which creates a magical show of drone lights dancing in the air to festive music. The Holiday Fireworks are launched at 8:30 pm on Saturday. Additionally, the entire festival grounds are adorned with a myriad of Christmas lights in various colors, illuminating the walkaways and vendor booths.

WinterFest 5K & Fun Run in Carpenter Park (December 14, 2024)

To welcome Christmas with an active and healthy mindset, consider taking part in the annual run, taking place in the picturesque Carpenter Park. Runners will receive a complimentary WinterFest mug as a prize for finishing the festival. Registration for the 5K Run costs $28,50 with price increase after November 20th. The Fun Run/Walk, which is approximately 0.75 miles (1.2 km) long, costs $18.50 to participate, with price increase after November 20th. The Fun Run kicks off at 10:10 am, followed by the 5K run at 10:15 am.

Schedule & Admission

The hours of Thornton Winterfest differ by day: the gates open at 6:30 pm on Friday, 10 am on Saturday, and 5 pm on Sunday. The merriment continues through 9 pm daily. You can visit Santa from 6:45 pm until 9 pm on Friday, from 10 am-1 pm, 2-5 pm, and 6-8:30 pm on Saturday, and from 5 to 8:30 pm on Sunday. Ice skating is available until 8:30 pm every day. Another pleasant thing about the festival is free admission.