Magical Winter Nights
Step into a magical winter night
Magical Winter Nights returns Nov. 25, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027, with an after-hours winter experience inside select transformed spaces at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Move through a self-guided evening of seasonal surprises, hands-on moments and mythically magical storytelling, designed to take approximately 45 to 60 minutes. One ticket includes Magical Winter Nights and admission to Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids. Museum members save $5 per ticket. Select 21+ nights offer an adult night out with seasonal drinks and a relaxed after-hours Museum atmosphere.
Ready to explore Magical Winter Nights?
Magical Winter Nights Events
Member Preview Night
Thursday, Nov. 19 | Museum Members Only
Be among the first to experience Magical Winter Nights.
Museum members are invited to get an exclusive first look at Magical Winter Nights before it opens to the public. Explore transformed Museum spaces, discover seasonal surprises and immerse yourself in mythically magical storytelling after hours.
Come wander, explore and experience the winter magic before anyone else.
Winter Spirits (& Brews) Ugly Sweater Party
Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026 | 21+ Adults Only
Wear your favorite “ugly” holiday sweater and sip craft Colorado beer or spirits throughout the experience
Après Ski Party
Thursday, Dec. 10, 2026 | 21+ Adults Only
Dress for a magical mountain experience--get ready to ski in jeans or spend the evening cozied up in the lodge. Keep your eyes peeled for a sighting of a Colorado Cryptid favorite, Sasquatch.
Throwback Holiday Flare
Thursday, Dec. 17, 2026 | 21+ Adults Only
Dust off your vintage apparel or something fun from just last year. Enjoy Penguin Karaoke while stepping back in time to the holidays of yesteryear.
Winter Solstice Sparkle Party
Monday, Dec. 21, 2026 | 21+ Adults Only
Show your shine! Bring all the festive flare you’ve got and join us in welcoming back the daylight.
FAQs
Magical Winter Nights is a separate ticketed experience that includes access to Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids. It does not include general Museum admission, access to other exhibitions or Friday evening hours. General Museum admission is required if you would like to explore the Museum before your Magical Winter Nights visit.
Your ticket includes access to Magical Winter Nights and Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids.
Enter through the west side of the building, facing City Park. Follow the signs from the parking lot to the Leprino Family Atrium.
If you're visiting the Museum prior to Magical Winter Nights, you will need to exit through the main north entrance and reenter through the West Atrium entrance. Signs will guide you to check-in.
Parking is free in the main parking lot on the north side of the building and in the underground parking garage. Spaces can fill quickly during the winter season. Please allow extra time to find a spot.
Accessible parking spaces are available in the main parking lot and in the underground parking garage.
Magical Winter Nights takes place indoors, however, we will have coat racks for our guests.
We recommend comfortable shoes for exploring the winter worlds. Be sure to wear or bring socks if you plan to enjoy the iceless skating rink.
The experience is accessible to guests with disabilities. Please note that some activities within the indoor skating rink may not be accessible to all guests.
Warm beverages, festive cocktails and snacks will be available for purchase in select areas. Gifts and souvenirs will be available in our Village Shoppe.
Outside beverages are not permitted.
Most guests spend 45 to 75 minutes exploring Magical Winter Nights and Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids.
Linger in your favorite winter world or leap ahead to the next. You decide how much or how little you want to participate in the activities along the way.
Please plan to enter at your scheduled time. Entry is guaranteed for 30 minutes after your ticketed time. Guests arriving later will be admitted as space allows.
The Grand Lodge in the West Atrium opens at 4:30 p.m. You are welcome to arrive early and enjoy the space, but entry to the ticketed journey begins at your scheduled time.
For the final entry time each evening, either 8 or 9 p.m., guests arriving more than 30 minutes late will not be admitted.