Through Sunday. Kid play. Take a tour through Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory when the Northglenn Youth Theatre presents “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka.” Adapted from the 1971 movie “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” the musical show follows Charlie Bucket and his grandpa as they find a Golden Ticket and gain entrance to Wonka’s factory. A group of bratty little kids join the tour, too, with lots of unexpected — and funny — results. 7 p.m. today and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Northglenn Recreation Center, 11801 Community Center Drive, Northglenn; 303-450-8800. $7.50 adults, $6.50 students and seniors.

Thursday. The whole family can work up a serious Thanksgiving appetite at the Mile High United Way’s 37th annual Turkey Trot. Competitive and casual runners are both welcome for the 4-mile run/walk, including families with strollers and pets. At 11 a.m., families can also join a fun-run along Washington Park’s Grasmere Lake. Catch your breath afterward at a post-race expo. Registration fees benefit the United Way’s local School Readiness, Youth Success and Adult Self Sufficiency initiatives. Race begins at 10:15 a.m. Saturday; family fun run starts at 11 a.m. Washington Park, 1700 E. Louisiana Ave. Registration for each event is $40 for adults, $30 for seniors age $60 and older, $25 for kids ages 12 and younger. Visit unitedwaydenver.org for more details.

Saturday. Boulder lights up for “Switch On the Holidays,” the official start to downtown Boulder’s holiday festivities. Prepare for Santa’s arrival with performances by the Casey Middle School and Boulder High School choirs. Then, Santa makes his appearance, led by the Fairview High School drum corps. He’ll throw the switch on more than 35,000 lightbulbs on Pearl Street, plus the Boulder County Courthouse lights and the star on Flagstaff Mountain. After the lighting ceremony, head to the ice rink at One Boulder Plaza for “Light the Ice,” a special ice show, and free skating until 10 p.m. 5 p.m. Saturday. The 1300 block of Pearl Street, Boulder. Admission is free. Learn more at boulderdowntown.com.

Saturday. Youngsters get a lesson in rockabilly swagger when The Velvet Elvis performs as part of The Music Train’s family concert series at the D-Note. Also known as Jonny Barber, the Velvet Elvis does a pretty convincing imitation of his idol, complete with mutton chops and rockin’ dance moves. Feel free to dance along — blue suede shoes aren’t required. The Music Train is a local organization that offers music classes and concerts for little ones and their families. 4-6 p.m. Saturday. The D Note, 7519 Grandview Ave., Arvada; 303-GO-DNOTE. Tickets are $8 for adults, $2 for children; kids under age 3 are free. Visit dnote.us for more information.

Through Saturday. See some of Denver’s loveliest houses decked out for the holidays at the 34th annual L’Esprit Home Tour. Presented by the Central City Opera Guild, the tour takes guests through seven houses in the Hilltop neighborhood, all professionally decorated for Christmas and Hanukkah. Before and after the tours, visit the L’Esprit Boutique and shop for gifts. Kids are welcome, but keep in mind that strollers aren’t allowed in the homes. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Saturday. Meet at the gymnasium of Graland Country Day School, 30 Birch St., Denver. Advance tickets are $18, available by calling the CCO at 303-292-6700 or at King Soopers locations. Tickets are $20 at the door; admission is free for kids under 12. For more information, visit centralcityopera.org.

Kathleen St. John