Discover the Best Winter Activities in Littleton, CO: Your Guide to Seasonal Fun and Adventure
Littleton, Colorado, is a winter wonderland waiting to be discovered, full of breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and a warm community. This enchanting town dons the cloak of winter between January and March and offers a combination of outdoor winter adventures, indoor cozy activities, and vibrant local events. Be a resident or a visitor looking for a seasonal retreat; Littleton invites you to its snow-kissed streets, welcoming eateries, and engaging attractions.
Stroll the streets of Downtown, where historic architecture merges with the vibe of a very alive modern community. Iconic destinations include the Littleton Museum—this winter offering a special exhibit on dinosaurs!
From boutique shopping along Main Street to scenic parks perfect for viewing winter wildlife—even trying your hand at birding—Littleton invites you to embrace the season and indulge in the many winter activities waiting to be discovered in this charming location.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
Littleton’s Winter Wildlife: A Nature Lover’s Guide
Littleton turns into a picturesque haven during winter for nature lovers, promising serenity through escapades into the outdoors of Colorado. Trails dusted with snow and quiet parks set the perfect scene to view wildlife that thrives even in cold temperatures.
South Platte Park is a haven for nature lovers, full of serenity along the riverside trails, watching as bald eagles soar overhead or waterfowl make their way across icy waters. This large natural area is great for birdwatching and leisurely walks along the snow-covered paths.
If you’re looking to have a more exciting adventure outdoors, then head down to Chatfield State Park. Its well-developed trail network is ideal for winter hiking and snowshoeing, with views that include the rolling hills and frozen lakes. Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife while making your way through trails blanketed with snow.
These areas boast spectacular views and a connection to nature that is therapeutic for the soul. From brisk winter hikes to snowshoeing down powder trails, simply taking in the quiet of the season, Littleton’s parks and wildlife create an unforgettable winter experience.
Take Flight with Feathered Friends
Elevate your nature appreciation by taking a guided bird walk at Hudson Gardens, where you can enjoy several of the different birds that may call Littleton home—even in winter.
It is a great chance to connect with nature and learn about the beauty of local birds in their natural habitat. Guided by an Audubon Master Birder from the Front Range Birding Company, these walks will provide information about local wildlife, birding techniques, and identification tips. The walks take place on the fourth Saturday of every month at 8:00 am. Make sure you dress for the weather, bring your binoculars, and pre-register because space is limited!
Explore Downtown Littleton
Discover Hidden Gems: Littleton’s Boutique Shopping
Leave the hustle and bustle of big shopping centers behind and give in to the intimate charm of boutique shopping in Littleton. Downtown Littleton has stores ranging from artisan goods, decorator items, and other eclectic boutiques to clothiers and specialty food retailers to explore in style throughout winter.
- Walk down Main Street and feel the glow of boutiques with colorful window displays and warm lighting that invites entry on even the coldest days.
- Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at The Chocolate Therapist, paired with a variety of artisan chocolates and confections that are great for gifting—to others or yourself!
- For rare finds, try EVOO Marketplace for a selection of high-quality olive oils and vinegars, or Willow + Tulaire, which is full of handmade crafts, jewelry, and home décor by local artisans.
- Stop in and take a break at Dirt Coffee, a friendly coffee shop serving excellent coffee with inclusive employment for neurodivergent people, making each visit more meaningful.
Unleash Your Inner Detective
Rally the troops and get ready to be thoroughly entertained at the Mystic Escape Room in Downtown Littleton! With many themed rooms, each equipped with complex puzzles, this will send you into an alternate dimension of trying to escape. This is the kind of winter afternoon or evening activity that pairs perfectly with restaurants and bars nearby for a complete outing.
Indulge in Littleton's Food and Drink Scene
Warm Up with Littleton’s Winter Brews and Spirits
When winter’s chill really starts to set in, the thriving craft beverage scene in Littleton is just the place to hole up. From creative craft beers to warming, expertly crafted spirits, this town has it all in its host of local breweries and distilleries.
Start your venture at Breckenridge Brewery, serving up robust ales in a warm atmosphere with stunning views from the outdoor beauty of its beer garden. Locavore Beer Works and Denver Beer Company present themselves as hotspots that any craft beer enthusiast could ask for, serving seasonal beers like winter ales and spiced stouts that fit perfectly with the cold winter months.
If you’re looking for something a little harder, Rocker Spirits offers handcrafted whiskey, vodka, and rum—each available to taste in flights so you can experience the craftsmanship that goes into their premium spirits. Many offer live music events, food truck pairings, and cozy meetups; each is perfect for a winter evening out.
From the friendly staff to the locals, the sense of community in Littleton’s breweries and distilleries is not to be missed. Whether you sit by the fire and sip on a rich porter or sample some locally distilled whiskey, these venues make for a memorable winter.
Enjoy Entertainment and the Arts
Cultural Highlights: Winter Theater and Music Events
Littleton shines during the winter scene with various performances, music, and artistic showcases.
The Town Hall Arts Center is the crown jewel for Littleton’s cultural world, showcasing an incredibly diverse repertoire of plays and musicals. This winter, experience “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” from January 17 to February 9, or the limited run of “‘Night, Mother” from February 28 to March 9.
Check local listings for concerts and performances at various venues such as Fraco’s Bar, The Alley, and Ned Kelly’s.
Art lovers can enjoy the Depot Art Gallery and other venues in the area for exhibits that change throughout the year. Many of these events focus on seasonal themes, presenting the beauty and starkness of winter through various forms of art. For a more participatory experience, take in one of the myriad art classes at local community centers. Such sessions will help you learn new skills while creating lasting memories with family or friends.
Winter in Littleton isn’t just about appreciating art; it’s diving headfirst into the creative vibe of the town.
Embrace the Cozy Side of Winter
Embrace the Literary Life
Looking for a place to unwind and connect over good books with others? Look no further than the Aspen Grove Book Club! Co-hosted by Aspen Grove and the Tattered Cover, join this book club on every second Sunday of the month inside the Tattered Cover Book Store. It’s completely free and open to everybody, making it a great way to meet people and discuss a diverse variety of books. Check their website for the current reading list! Aspen Grove Book Club.
Indulge in Sweet and Savory Delights
Treat yourself to a decadent Chocolate and Wine Tasting class at Hudson Gardens! Learn how chocolate is made from bean to bar and how to properly taste chocolate while sampling single-origin chocolate. Then, indulge in pairings of four different wines with handcrafted chocolates from The Chocolate Therapist, made specifically to complement the wines. The class takes place on February 15 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, tea can be substituted for the wine. Chocolate and Wine Tasting.
Family Fun
Glide into Winter Fun
Looking for a classic winter activity with a retro vibe? Lace up your skates (or rent a pair!) and head to Skate City! This charming throwback rink features public skating sessions, adult nights, and even disco balls for a truly nostalgic experience. Don’t miss their special events, like the Family Paw Patrol Skate on January 11, where kids can meet Chase and Marshall!
Family Fun at the Rec Center
This winter, keep the kids active and entertained at one of Littleton’s recreation centers! As an example, the Buck Recreation Center offers everything from dance classes, painting, pottery, swim lessons, and even STAR programs for kids of all ages. It’s a great method to teach kids new skills, help them be active, and make new friends during the cold months.
Feed Your Inner Child (and Adult!)
From a life-size skeletal mold of the famous dinosaurs like Triceratops and T-Rex to interacting with exhibits that allow comparing your hand to the footprint of a dinosaur, “Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed” will amaze visitors to the Littleton Museum—both children and adults alike—with an exceptional collection of dinosaur bones and their fossils. It will open on January 17, running to April 6, 2025. Please join the opening reception on January 16 at 5:30 p.m. with a presentation by a paleontologist!
Nightlife and Entertainment
Catch a Flick
For a unique cinematic experience, head to the Alamo Drafthouse! They offer special screenings and events throughout the winter, making it the perfect spot to escape the cold and enjoy a good movie with friends.
Play the Night Away
Looking for a more unique and playful night out? Head to the Colorado Pinball Pub on Santa Fe! It’s a fun and nostalgic way to spend a winter evening with friends, challenging each other to high scores and reliving classic arcade memories.
Cozy Up at Kate’s Wine Bar
For a relaxed and sophisticated evening, head to Kate’s Wine Bar. With a wide selection of wines, a cozy atmosphere, and delicious small plates, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring Littleton.
Enjoy Evening Drinks at The Lazy Greyhound
Step back in time at The Lazy Greyhound, a cocktail lounge inspired by classic British gentlemen’s clubs. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in a sophisticated setting.
Discover Littleton’s Winter Magic
Winter in Littleton is undeniably a perfect mix of charming outdoor adventures and cozy indoor retreats. Nature lovers will serenade their souls on the snowy trails of South Platte Park with its quiet walks and great views, while history buffs discover the rich tales from yesteryear at the Littleton Museum.
From The Chocolate Therapist to Dirt Coffee, the charming options let you warm up with a hot drink after an outdoor adventure in downtown Littleton. The lively energy of local shops create a warm invitation that can make any outing special.
Littleton isn’t a place; it’s an experience. Whether one tours snow-covered trails, boutique shops, craft beverages, or live performances, Littleton invites you to celebrate the season in your own unique way.