The North Pole is coming to the West.
Western Wonderland is the start of a new holiday tradition at the National Western Center. Stroll through holiday lights, warm up by a crackling fire pit and take a carriage ride across the plaza. At the heart of it is the Winter Village, a market of Colorado makers and small businesses set up in a row of holiday shops, with food and drink vendors serving from trucks, trailers and tents. Shop for gifts, grab something warm, and stay a while. Visit Santa’s Village and join us for Breakfast with Santa on select dates.
The season opens with the first-ever water tower lighting on November 28.
Dates & Hours
Nov. 28 – Dec. 27, 2026
- Opening weekend
- Regular hours
- Last-Minute Market
- Santa Send-Off
- Closed
November
- MondayNov. 23
- TuesdayNov. 24
- WednesdayNov. 25
- ThursdayNov. 26
- FridayNov. 27
- SaturdayNov. 28Opening weekend11 a.m.–9 p.m.Water tower lighting
- SundayNov. 29Opening weekend11 a.m.–6 p.m.
December
- MondayNov. 30
- TuesdayDec. 1
- WednesdayDec. 2
- ThursdayDec. 34–9 p.m.
- FridayDec. 44–9 p.m.
- SaturdayDec. 511 a.m.–9 p.m.
- SundayDec. 611 a.m.–6 p.m.
- MondayDec. 7
- TuesdayDec. 8
- WednesdayDec. 9
- ThursdayDec. 104–9 p.m.
- FridayDec. 114–9 p.m.
- SaturdayDec. 1211 a.m.–9 p.m.
- SundayDec. 1311 a.m.–6 p.m.
- MondayDec. 14
- TuesdayDec. 15
- WednesdayDec. 16
- ThursdayDec. 174–9 p.m.
- FridayDec. 184–9 p.m.
- SaturdayDec. 1911 a.m.–9 p.m.
- SundayDec. 2011 a.m.–6 p.m.
- MondayDec. 21Last-Minute Market2–9 p.m.
- TuesdayDec. 22Last-Minute Market2–9 p.m.
- WednesdayDec. 23Last-Minute Market2–9 p.m.
- ThursdayDec. 24ClosedChristmas Eve
- FridayDec. 25ClosedChristmas Day
- SaturdayDec. 26Santa Send-Off11 a.m.–9 p.m.
- SundayDec. 27Santa Send-Off11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Closed December 24–25.
Happy holidays from the National Western Center!
Schedule, Highlights and activations
Full schedule coming soon! Western Wonderland kicks off Saturday, Nov. 28, with our first-ever Water Tower Lighting. Weekly schedules, performances, and special activations will be posted here, so check back often and follow @nationalwesterncenter for the latest.
Location and Parking Info
Driving & Parking
$15 on-site, first-come, first-served. Follow signage and parking staff.
I-70: Washington St or Steele/Vasquez exits
I-25: 58th Ave or Brighton Blvd exits
Accessible parking available with a valid ADA placard or plate.
Bikes & Scooters
Bike racks near the main entrance. Don’t forget your lock!
Scooter and e-bike parking near the event entrance.
RTD N-Line
Ride from Union Station to the 48th & Brighton / National Western Center Station.
Schedules: rtd-denver.com
Breakfast with Santa
Santa’s saving a seat for you! Dates, times, and registration links are coming soon.
FAQ
Is Western Wonderland free to attend?
Yes! Western Wonderland is free and open to the public, with no tickets needed to enter. Some activities, like Breakfast with Santa, may require advance registration or tickets. On-site parking is $15.
Is the event indoors or outdoors?
Western Wonderland is mostly outdoors on the Main Campus Plaza, so dress warmly and bring layers! Warm-up spaces such as the Coors Banquet Hall are available indoors. In the event of severe weather, check our website and social channels for updates or schedule changes.
Are dogs allowed at Western Wonderland?
Trained service animals are welcome at the National Western Center per ADA guidelines.
Can I take photos with Santa?
Yes! Santa will be on site at Western Wonderland. Days, times, and photo details are coming soon.
