The holiday season in Denver brings more than just snow-capped mountain views and webs of twinkling lights — which, by the way, were invented right here in Denver!
Each holiday season, the Mile High City transforms into a retail wonderland where local artisans, vintage treasures and unique boutiques create a shopping experience that goes far beyond typical mall shopping. If you're looking for anything from handcrafted jewelry to Colorado-made gifts or authentic German holiday treats, Denver's diverse neighborhoods each offer their own distinct shopping personality that is sure to get you what you’re searching for.
From the historic charm of Larimer Square to the artistic energy of RiNo, downtown Denver and its surrounding neighborhoods provide endless opportunities to find that perfect gift while supporting local businesses. Here are some of our favorite holiday shopping destinations near our Lodo Denver apartments and our apartments in RiNo, as well as what makes each area extra special for your seasonal shopping adventures!
Where to go Christmas shopping near Downtown Denver
Downtown Denver shopping centers
16th street mall
The recently renovated 16th Street Mall, now also known as "The Denver Way," serves as the beating heart of downtown Denver's shopping scene. This mile-long pedestrian promenade stretches from Market Street to Civic Center Station, offering over 300 shops and boutiques alongside 42 outdoor cafés that are perfect for taking a shopping break. The free MallRide shuttle also makes it easy to hop between shops without battling the winter weather on foot!
The mall features an impressive mix of national retailers and local treasures. Rockmount Ranch Wear stands out as a true Denver institution, having revolutionized Western wear with their invention of snap buttons. This family-owned business has been outfitting everyone from locals to celebrities like Ralph Lauren and Sting with authentic cowboy couture. Meanwhile, the I Heart Denver Store showcases Colorado-themed merchandise while supporting over 200 local artists and creators, making it an ideal stop for unique, locally-made gifts.
Denver Pavilions
Also part of the 16th Street Mall complex, Denver Pavilions adds a more localized dimension to the mile-long shopping experience with its collection of specialty boutiques, restaurants and entertainment options including a 12-theater movie complex. The entire mall features custom-designed granite paving in an intricate pattern inspired by the western diamondback rattlesnake and Navajo weaving, creating a uniquely Denver atmosphere.
Historic Larimer Square
Shopping at Larimer Square is like stepping back in time here at Denver's oldest commercial block. This single block of distinctive shops housed in beautifully preserved Victorian buildings near Cherry Creek creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the city – rightly so, too, as it was the first main street district back when Denver was first founded! The signature string lights overhead and historic architecture dating back to the 1850s make this place a historical experience as much as it is a shopping destination.
Larimer Square specializes in the unique and upscale. Here you'll find everything from high-end pet products and contemporary home furnishings to handmade fine jewelry and custom hat-making craftsmen. The boutiques cater to shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind items that can't be found in mainstream stores; each shop tells its own story, whether it's a boutique featuring local designers or a store specializing in artisan-crafted home goods.
The area's salvation from demolition in the 1960s preserved not just its buildings, but also the history and heritage present at Denver's founding location, adding an extra historical significance to the district and its offerings. During the holidays, the already charming street becomes even more magical with seasonal decorations complementing the year-round string lights — perfect for leisurely browsing for holiday gifts!
Union Station
Denver Union Station proves that transportation hubs can be shopping destinations in their own right. This beautifully restored 1914 Beaux-Arts train station houses an eclectic mix of boutiques and eateries offering artsy gifts and local crafts beneath the soaring 65-foot ceilings in the Great Hall.
Among the station's shopping highlights, 5 Green Boxes boutique stands out with its collection of artisan gifts and locally-made crafts. The Tattered Cover operates a carefully curated miniature version of Denver's beloved bookstore, perfect for finding that special read for the bookworm in your life, while Pigtrain Coffee Co. combines caffeine fixes with official Denver Union Station merchandise and offers unique souvenirs of this historic landmark.
The Urban Market at Union Station takes the shopping experience further by hosting local artists selling their crafts directly to shoppers. This market features jewelry, furniture and unique treasures alongside live music and entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere that captures the holiday spirit. The combination of architectural grandeur and local artistry makes Union Station an essential stop for holiday shoppers seeking something special.
The station's central location and connection to public transportation makes it easily accessible, while the variety of restaurants and bars means you can make a full day of your shopping expedition. The historic setting adds gravitas to gift-giving, knowing you're shopping in a space that has welcomed travelers for over a century.
Shopping in RiNo Arts District
The River North Art District, known as RiNo, brings an edgy, artistic vibe to holiday shopping. This neighborhood seamlessly blends street art with commerce, featuring vibrant murals as backdrops to smartly curated shops. The area centers around the world-renowned Denver Central Market, with major brands like Burton, Faherty, Arc'teryx and Patagonia coexisting harmoniously with homegrown boutiques.
Shopping in RiNo means discovering unique finds at places like FTF Goods, Point Creative Supplies for art enthusiasts, and LUX FORGE jewelry atelier for custom pieces. Even practical purchases become special here – King Arthur Baking Company offers premium baking supplies while Pendleton provides classic American-made goods perfect for Colorado winters.
The neighborhood really comes alive during the holidays with special events, too. RiNo's Holiday Haul features retailers offering special deals, discounts and festive in-store experiences, and Denver Bazaar's Swirly, Twirly Holiday Market on Walnut Street brings together local vendors and artisans in a festive atmosphere.
RiNo's appeal lies in its authenticity – this is where Denver's creative community lives and works, making every purchase feel like you're supporting local artists and entrepreneurs. The walkable streets and concentration of shops make it easy to explore, while the neighborhood's restaurants and breweries provide perfect pit stops between shopping sessions.
The best part? Our RiNo apartments are in the heart of it all!
Highlands shopping on 32nd Avenue
Highland represents Denver at its most charming, with shops centered around the East-West 32nd Avenue offering Colorado mountain-style vibes in a neighborhood setting. This area specializes in fun, affordable fashion, as well as accessories, gifts and home decor that captures the relaxed Colorado lifestyle and local business charm.
Strut Boutique leads the fashion charge with contemporary women's clothing and an extensive shoe collection that draws shoppers from across the city. Ruby Jane Boutique features unique collections including popular brands like Free People, often with an impressive sale section. For those seeking luxury, Metalmark Fine Jewelry offers designer pieces and custom craftsmanship, perfect for that special holiday gift.
Highland also offers some great specialty shops, offering one-stop shopping for specific gifts in a cozy, intimate neighborhood. St. Kilian's Cheese Shop has been providing Denver with European-style cheeses and gourmet items for over 15 years, and The Perfect Petal combines innovative floral design with jewelry and unique accessories.
Overall, the neighborhood's Victorian-era buildings create a pretty picturesque shopping environment, with tree-lined streets that feel more like a small town than a city neighborhood. It’s definitely a worthwhile trip, whether you buy something or not!
Capitol Hill shopping
Capitol Hill brings a bohemian flavor to holiday shopping with its eclectic mix of vintage stores, record shops and lifestyle boutiques scattered along Colfax Avenue and the surrounding streets. This historic neighborhood attracts shoppers looking for items with character and stories behind them.
Wax Trax Records anchors the neighborhood's alternative shopping scene, offering vinyl and CDs in both used and new condition for the music lovers on your list. Talulah Jones provides a more upscale option as a lifestyle boutique featuring gifts, jewelry, toys and home decor all curated with an artistic eye, and Howard Lorton Furniture & Design has been a 90-year landmark for high-end home furnishings. These established businesses add gravitas to the neighborhood's shopping scene, proving that Capitol Hill still appeals to all kinds of tastes and budgets!
Special holiday markets
Denver Christkindlmarket
The Denver Christkindlmarket brings authentic German holiday traditions to the Mile High City. Hosted on the Tivoli Quad on the Auraria campus, this beloved market runs from the end of November through December, transforming the area into a European-style holiday village with all the trappings of a cozy street festival.
The market features local and European craft and food vendors selling from charming wooden huts. Shoppers can find traditional German fare including bratwurst, soft pretzels and apple strudel, while sipping authentic Glühwein (mulled wine) or German beers. The craft vendors offer everything from handcrafted ornaments and wood carvings to decorative candles and festive decorations that you won't find anywhere else in Denver.
What makes the Christkindlmarket special is its authenticity – this isn't just a holiday market with a German theme, but a genuine cultural experience complete with traditional entertainment, visits from St. Nikolaus and Krampus, and the Christkind herself. The market offers glass ornament-making workshops, adding an interactive element to the shopping experience.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Cherry Creek North hosts its own holiday market at Fillmore Plaza from the end of November through Christmas Eve. It’s a little further out from Downtown Denver — Cherry Creek, if you could have guessed! — but it’s still worth including on the list.
The Cherry Creek Holiday Market excels at showcasing Colorado artisans, making it perfect for finding locally-made gifts made by more than 50 local artisan vendors alongside live music and festive drinks. The free, family and dog-friendly event creates a more intimate shopping experience compared to the larger Christkindlmarket.
The outdoor setting in the heart of Cherry Creek North means shoppers can easily combine market browsing with visits to the neighborhood's many boutiques and galleries. Win-win!
Making the most of your holiday shopping
Each of these Denver neighborhoods offers something unique for holiday shoppers, whether you’re looking for luxury, leisure, food or fashion!
The concentration of local businesses in these neighborhoods means your holiday shopping dollars support Denver's creative community and small business owners. Unlike generic chain stores, these shops offer products with stories, whether it's jewelry crafted by a local artisan, vintage finds with history or Colorado-made goods that capture the spirit of the state.
Whether you're a resident of our luxury Denver apartments looking to shop local or a visitor seeking unique Colorado gifts, these neighborhoods provide everything needed for successful holiday shopping. The combination of local artisans, unique boutiques, special markets and distinctive neighborhood personalities creates a shopping experience that captures the spirit of Denver while celebrating the magic of the season.
Happy shopping!
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Featured photo by freestocks on Unsplash
Second photo by Sam Headland on Unsplash
Third photo by Becca McHaffie on Unsplash
Fourth photo by Ismail Teh on Unsplash
The AMLI Editorial Team consists of a team of writers and editors who work together on blog articles, and may occasionally employ AI tools to assist in developing content.
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