Things to do in Denver in January invites you to go on an exploration trip in the scenes covered in snow. Denver is an engaging heaven with a cluster of activities for both local people and visitors in the cool winter air of January. It is Mile Tall City, with its particular combination of natural magnificence and urban charm.
Colorado in January
Travel to Colorado in January conveys experiences that offer a wide extend of interests, from exciting open-air adventures to cultural outings. This lively city has something for everybody to appreciate during the winter, whether you’re drawn to the excitement of winter sports, the coziness of warm art exhibitions, or the charming fragrance of regional nourishment.
Here we highlight some things to do in Denver in January. Accept the season and find the captivating attractions that Denver has to offer to form a warm and energizing travel goal, particularly in the chilly winter months.
Read Also: Things to do In February in Colorado
Here are things to do in Denver in January
1. Denver Dining Delights
Denver, Colorado, is a heaven for food lovers, offering a thriving culinary scene with an assortment of recreational opportunities. Everything you’ll need is available in the Mile-High City, including innovative fusion cuisine, sourced farm-to-table dishes, and a setting that’s both memorable and advanced.
Denver’s nourishment scene is in the spotlight in January, with a divine choice of options to suit a wide extend of tastes. January in Denver offers a special chance to enjoy the city’s culinary jewels, from creative meals prepared by skilled chefs to warm, comforting comfort foods.
Wintertime in Denver could be a dazzling time to explore and experience new cuisines, whether it’s through seasonal treats, exotic cuisines, or healthy mountain meals. Denver’s food scene is always thriving.
2. Exploring the Rio Frio Ice Fest in Alamosa
This winter, visit Rio Frio Ice Fest in Alamosa, Colorado in January to enjoy the stunning scenery of the San Luis Valley. It is one of the best things to do in Denver in January. Everything that defines winter, well, winter is jammed into one entire weekend. There is something for everyone to enjoy, including ice sculptures and carvings, an icy bonfire, the Polar Plunge, and an ice carousel.
The Rio Frio 5K is the festival’s most well-liked event, though. Running almost three miles on snow and ice, participants take to the frozen Rio Grande River. The event happens early on Saturday.
Where: Alamosa, Colorado
When: Friday-Sunday, January 26-28, 2024
3. Discover The Ouray Ice Festival Experience
The Ouray Ice Festival, which will celebrate its 29th year in 2024, is one of the most well-liked things to do in Denver in January. The town of Ouray comes alive with a chilly, friendly competition every January.
The Ouray Ice Park hosts events from Thursday through Sunday, January 18th to 21st, 2024. The park’s “ice farmers” have built beautiful ice features that can be found all over the place.
Ouray Ice Fest Events
- Wright Opera House Kick-Off Party
- Outdoor Gear Expos
- Interactive Clinics
- Mic’d Demonstrations
- Silent & Live auctions
- Friday Night Fashion Show
- Ice Climbing Competitions
- Kids Climbing College
- Ice Axe throwing contest
- “Saturday Night Party”
- Awards ceremony
4. Free Entrance Day to National Parks
Several days of free admission to the state’s National Parks are provided by the USFS and BLM. Enjoy free entry to any of Colorado’s four national parks on Monday, January 16, 2024, Martin Luther King Day: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde.
In 2023, there are five days on which entry to a National Park is free:
- January 16th to celebrate the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- April 22nd to celebrate the first day of National Park Week
- August 4th to celebrate the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- September 23rd to celebrate National Public Lands Day
- November 11th to celebrate Veterans Day
5. National Western Stock Show
A popular Colorado tradition since 1906, the National Western Stock Show, scheduled for January 6th to 21st, 2024, honors Denver’s rich Cowtown heritage. The world’s best livestock, rodeo, and horse show, it’s hosted in January at the National Western Complex and serves farmers and customers nationwide.
Savor auctions, horse exhibitions, livestock competitions, and rodeos with elite bull riders. Don’t miss the largest Western trade exhibition in Colorado in January, which offers acres of shopping. Spend the entire evening there! Enjoy fantastic hotel offers.
6. Breckenridge Snow Sculptures
Also to have some of the greatest ski areas in the state during the winter, Breckenridge is home to one of the most fascinating winter festivals, the International Snow Sculpture Championships. In this much-awaited week-long competition, twelve teams from across the globe compete to be named the best snow sculptors.
This is no average competition. Each four-person team is required to cut 25-ton slabs of snow into enormous sculptures using only hand tools—power instruments are not permitted!—to create their works of art.
Every team realizes their concept during carving week to be ready for viewing week. Now is the time for guests to take in the finished sculpture exhibits. But, the artwork is removed on the final day of the event, so it isn’t up for long.
Where: Riverwalk Center in downtown Breckenridge
When: Monday—Wednesday, January 22—January 31, 2024
7. Winter Sports Wonderland at Winter Park
Take an adventure in the stunning parks of Colorado in January to start the new year. Many state parks organize First Day Hikes on January 1st of every year to encourage the public to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.
For the sake of the occasion, about 25 state parks in Colorado will host scheduled hikes. Everyone can take part in the guided activity for free, but to enter any park, you need a valid pass.
The weather and route conditions will determine how long and how challenging the treks are. For your exciting day of exploring, remember to pack layers of clothing, supportive shoes, water, and some snacks.
8. Travel to the hot springs
Travel to the hot springs is one of the best things to do in Denver in January. Visit one of Colorado’s many hot springs at any time of year, but January is an ideal month to take advantage of Mother Earth’s hottest geothermal pools and feel the chilliest part of winter.
There are various commercial, non-recreational, and even historic hot springs in the Centennial State. Mount Princeton Hot Springs, Glenwood Hot Springs, and Strawberry Park Hot Springs are a few of the well-known locations.
Go to a primitive hot spring and you might even get the natural pools to yourself if you’re searching for a free pastime and don’t mind hiking a little. Whether you choose developed or underdeveloped, don’t forget to pack a towel, extra water to rehydrate after your dip, your swimwear, and warm clothes.
9. Denver Art Museum Exploration:
With many significant openings and reopening, Denver’s art community is thriving more than before. The reopening of the Martin Building was recently honored by the Denver Art Museum.
One of the few locations left where you may still view the works of this renowned American painter is the Clyfford Still Museum. It is the only museum in the nation devoted only to his works.
Head inside on a snowy afternoon to take in his moving modern artworks. To find out more about the current exhibits, hours, and entry costs, go to the museum’s website. Denver Art Museum Exploration is one of the best things to do in Denver in January.
10. Winter X Games
The Winter X Games in Aspen are one of the most well-liked winter sports in Colorado in January, both for competitors and spectators, while not quite being the Olympics. At the 22nd Winter X Games, watch as some of the top athletes in the world compete in their respective sports (snowmobile, snowboarding, or skiing)
Watch as athletes perform these heart-stopping feats in an attempt to win some of the most renowned action sports trophies. But the fun doesn’t end there—live music will be played all weekend long for attendees!
Conclusion
Denver attracts visitors in January with a dynamic blend of winter activities. With everything from the warmth of art exhibitions to mouthwatering cuisine, the city features a lot to offer those seeking a colorful winter getaway. Experience the dynamic blend of winter adventures and cultural delights with a myriad of things to do in Denver in January.
