Holiday celebrations will be in full swing this weekend. Our weekly event round-up includes some great festivities to get you in the Christmas spirit!

Friday. Denver lights up for the holidays at tonight’s Grand Illumination in Downtown Denver. The sparkles start at Union Station: Before the lights go on at 6:30, visitors can sample treats, listen to a choir, work on a craft project and visit with Dinger Claus — the Rockies’ mascot will be in special holiday uniform. Shortly after, the switch gets flipped on the City and County Building’s classic light display, followed by a “Glow Walk” down the 16th Street Mall with carolers and glow sticks. The event kicks off Downtown Denver’s “Winter in the City” campaign, two months of holiday activities, entertainment and special deals. Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. tonight. Union Station, 17th Street and Wynkoop Street. The countdown at the City and County Building, Bannock Street and Colfax Avenue, begins at 6:45 p.m. Admission is free. Visit winterinthecity.com for more information.

Friday-Sunday. The classic holiday movie “A Christmas Story” gets the stage treatment at the Aurora Fox Theatre, starting tonight. Just like the movie, Jean Shepherd’s adaptation tells the story of young Ralphie Parker and his Christmas quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. The Fox has treats planned for opening weekend, too: Tonight, roast marshmallows and meet Santa after the show. On Saturday, adoptable greyhounds from Friends of Retired Greyhounds will “act” in the show, with meet-and-greets before and after the performances. Sunday is special for seniors, with reduced admission and free hot beverages. The play runs through Dec. 20. 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. The Aurora Fox Theatre, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.; 303-739-1970. Tickets are $24 for adults, $20 for students and seniors, $12 for children under age 12. Call to buy tickets in advance.

Saturday. The whole family can chill out and be cool at “Jazz for Kids” at the Children’s Museum of Denver. The Saturday Family Showcase features local bass player and composer Michael Friedman. Friedman’s interactive program includes jazzy reworkings of children’s favorites — feel free to snap and hum along. 11 a.m. Saturday. Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive; 303-433-7444. Museum admission is $7.50 for guests age 2 to 59, $5.50 for one-year-olds and seniors age 60 and older. Admission to the concert is an additional $1 per person.

Saturday-Sunday. It’s a slightly strange combination, but it works: The Downtown Aquarium presents its annual “Breakfast with Santa” events starting this weekend. Each breakfast buffet includes visits from Santa Claus and Sharkey, the Aquarium’s mascot. Photos are encouraged, especially if Santa decides to take a dip in the giant fish tank. The event runs Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 13, and every day Dec. 19-24. Seating begins at 8:30 a.m. Downtown Aquarium, 700 Water St.; 303-561-4450. Breakfast is $14.99 for adults and $7.99 for children ages 3 to 12. Children age 2 and younger are free. Call to make reservations.

Friday. Downtown Littleton hosts its own celebration of holiday lights tonight at the 26th annual Candlelight Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Live entertainment and music will line Main Street in preparation for Santa’s arrival. At 6:30, he’ll make his way down the street on his way to light up the town Christmas tree. Be sure to pack a camera — Santa and his reindeer will be posing for photos. Food and toy drives will be set up as well. 6 p.m. tonight. Historic Downtown LIttleton, Main Street. Admission is free. Free parking is available at Arapahoe Community College, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. Visit downtownlittleton.com for more information.

-Kathleen St. John

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