This is our largest weekly event update ever! With 42 events to choose from that include Disney on Ice, winter concerts, free days and Santa, this week will be cram-packed with fun. See our event calendar for full listings. See event calendar for details.
Disney On Ice presents Follow Your Heart at the Pepsi Center
Dec 7-10
Just keep swimming with Dory, Nemo, Marlin and new pal Hank from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory as they embark on a life-changing excursion to find her parents and discover the true meaning of family.
Olde Golden Christmas Parades
Dec 2 –16
Saturdays in December, authentic and historic downtown Golden becomes a festive holiday center with traditional decorations and fun family events. The free Olde Golden Christmas Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. with cowboys on horses, floats, marching bands, old cars, elves on unicycles, the Grinch in his corvette, and of course, Santa Claus.
Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Dec 2 – 17
For 25 years, the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble has been blending dance, live music, spoken word, and seasonal celebrations and customs from around the world into a memorable holiday tradition like none other.
Tiny House Holiday Village at Shops of Northfield, Stapleton
Dec 4 – 10
To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, the first tiny house holiday event in the nation will arrive at the Shops of Northfield, Stapleton for what is sure to be one of the Denver Metro Area’s new favorite holiday traditions This temporary village will feature tiny homes, all built by Colorado builders, and festively decorated by Holiday Artisans.
Winter Concert
Dec 7, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Winter Concert of the Broomfield Youth Symphony, with classical through popular music, and featuring selections from Trans-Siberian Orchestra. See website for times.
Third Annual Anheuser-Busch Fort Collins Brewery Lights
Dec 7 – 10
Every Thursday through Sunday until Dec. 30, witness the beauty of the Third Annual Brewery Lights where guests 21+ will receive a wristband good for four 6 oz. beer samples. During the family-friendly event, be dazzled by the Digital Light Show, find your way through the Holiday Tree Maze, explore the newly expanded Family Zone and warm up by the fire while roasting s’mores available for purchase on-site.
Makeup & Margaritas at Lime Cantina at Denver Pavilions
Dec 7, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Join celebrity makeup artist Michael Moore from CW2 & Fox 31 and learn how to apply the latest makeup looks for the Holiday season with products from Denver Pavilions Sephora. SEPHORA will be providing goodie bags of samples and items for raffle giveaways throughout the evening.
Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Dec 8 2017 – Jan 1 2018
‘Tis the season for lights, animals and holiday spirit at America’s only mountain zoo. Take in nearly one million sparkling lights illuminating the crisp winter night, warm up at one of the fires throughout the Zoo, then stop in and see Santa (through Dec. 23).
Holiday Evening at Rock Ledge Ranch
Dec 8 – 9
Rock Ledge House will be decorated with the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Enjoy jingle bell wagon rides, old-time music, guided lantern tours and much more throughout the evening.
Holidays in the Highlands! at Highlands Square
Dec 8 – 10
Highlands Square is ringing in the holidays this year with not one, but two events running the same weekend, December 8 – 10, 2017. The Holiday Boutique Walk will kick off on Friday, December 8 and run through Sunday, December 10. Retailers will offer select holiday-inspired discounts, trunk shows and giveaways throughout the weekend.
Four Mile Free Day at Four Mile Historic Park
Dec 8, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Take a tour of the Four Mile House Museum, check out historic demonstrations, explore our 12-acre grounds, sample a treat from our summer kitchen, and greet our farm animals. We’ll also be offering our Hay Bales & Tall Tales story and activity time from 12:00-1:00 pm.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at Paramount Theatre
Dec 8– 9
Celebrate this Christmas with the experience taking North America by storm! Marking the 25th Anniversary Tour, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker features over-the-top production and world class Russian artists, Larger than life Puppets, Nesting Dolls and gloriously hand-crafted costumes that bring the Christmas spirit to life.
Story Time with Mrs. Claus at Outlets at Castle Rock
Dec 8 – 15
Join Mrs. Claus in the Food Court for fun holiday stories and munch on cookies and milk.
Friday Night Bazaar at Denver Rock Drill
Dec 8, 4:00 – 10:00 pm
Come shop with us at the Friday Night Bazaar to experience a vibrant market filled with outstanding local shops, creative and delicious food, local cider, wine, and spirits with live music that will transport you to another place and time.
Boulder Opera: Cinderella at Nomad Playhouse
Dec 8 – 9
Boulder Opera presents Cinderella, a perfect introduction for children to the spellbinding world of opera. Based on the much loved fairytale, this rare 19th century work will be presented as a specially reduced one hour version. Boulder Opera’s talented artists bring to life the enchanted world of Cendrillon complete with gorgeous costumes and a chamber orchestra led by Sara Parkinson and direction by Thomas Kittle.
Handel’s Messiah at Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Dec 8 – 9, 9:00 pm
Experience the full majesty of Handel’s masterpiece — one of the most revered oratorios of all time — when Brett Mitchell leads the Colorado Symphony and Chorus to exalt Messiah to new heights.
Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair at McNichols Civic Center Building
Dec 9– 10
Get all of your holiday shopping done in one destination this year! Jackalope Arts will be back December 9th-10th for their Holiday fair featuring 150 handmade makers from art and home decor, fashion and accessory design, body products, housewares, food and more! There is something for everyone at this free and family friendly event.
Santa’s Workshop at Colorado Adventure Point
Dec 9, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Come check out the wood shop at Colorado Adventure Point and make a gift for a loved one! There is nothing quite like giving a gift that was made with your very own hands. Projects you can choose from are: jewelry frame hanger, stocking hanger, bottle bag drying rack, wall hanger, neckerchief slide, or a natural wood candle stick holder.
Winter Fest at Fillmore Plaza
Dec 9, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
On Saturday, December 9th, you’re invited to experience the true joy of the holiday season, including winter itself at Winter Fest on Fillmore Plaza and at participating businesses throughout the Cherry Creek North area.
Family Tour at Clyfford Still Museum
Dec 9, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Enjoy a free art adventure for the whole family! Designed for children ages 5 through 10 and their adults, family tours are an interactive way to explore the art on view. Every tour features games, close looking, and an art project to take home. Discover a new and different theme–such as color, line, shape, movement, music, and architecture–in every tour.
Holiday Tea With Santa at The Ritz-Carlton, Denver
Dec 9, 11:00 am
Join us on the newly renovated Plaza Level to experience holiday tea with Santa! Guests attending the event will savor house-made tea sandwiches, shared table pastries, desserts and teas. Children will enjoy a festive holiday workshop setting with a take-home holiday cookie decorating activity for Santa and his reindeer, a build-your-own hot chocolate station, and a card making activity to send to the North Pole. There will also be printed photos with Santa to take home!
St. Nick on the Bricks
Dec 9, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for FREE. Bring your list and a camera to capture priceless holiday memories.
The Nutcracker Circus: A Winter’s Dream
Dec 9, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Whisk away to the Land of the Snow, and Land of the Sweets, and experience the story of Clara and her beloved Nutcracker doll. Set to the music of Tchaikovsky, A Winter’s Dream features acrobats, jugglers, aerialists, and characters bringing this holiday classic to life in a whole new way.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Dec 9 –10
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for more than 30 years. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from his groundbreaking Fresh Aire series, which introduced the distinctive Mannheim sound to all of America. See website for times and prices.
Merry Christmas – Brass Style
Dec 9, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
You’ve never heard holiday music like this before. Enjoy the wonderful sound of brass played in the large group format of a British style brass band. The band will play several hymn tunes and holiday features along with other fun and exciting music.
Snowshoeing for Beginners at Colorado Adventure Point
Dec 10, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
If relaxing outdoor winter activities are more your speed, we have a class for you! Come learn the basics of snowshoeing with our experienced guides. For this class we will be meeting at Colorado Adventure Point, then we will head out to Staunton State Park to complete the course. Transportation to the park will be provided, as well as rental gear for a small additional cost.
$5 DAY at Butterfly Pavilion
Dec 10, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
See bees hard at work in their hive, touch live starfish and crabs, and experience being surrounded by 1,600 free-flying butterflies! This, and much more, await you in our interactive exhibits for only $5.
Breakfast with Santa at Downtown Aquarium
Dec 10, 9:00 – 10:00 am
Join Sharkey and Santa for a delicious breakfast buffet, exhibit discounts and more! (Reservations Required)
Free Day at Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Dec 10, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Enjoy the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for free!
Denver Jungle Bill Run/Walk 5K at Washington Park
Dec 10, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Arthritis Foundation’s original Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get decked out and be festive, while racing to raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Put on your favorite holiday costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces.
Jeff & Paige at Rayback Collective
Dec 10, 2017
Enjoy an indoor, hour-long, science and nature-focused kids’ concert at Boulder’s hippest hub for food, community and music. Expect live, original, nature-inspired music for kids, educational/hilarious skits, quick costume changes and tons of audience participation. Show appropriate for kids ages 3-8.
The Grinch
Dec 10, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
A dance production of the popular story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” See website for times.
Princess Series: Frozen Princess Party
Dec 10, 3:30 – 8:00 pm
Family Film Night is pleased to present a Frozen Princess Party, with a showing of the heartwarming, classic Frozen afterward!
Ongoing Holiday Events
Blossoms of Light, Denver Botanic Gardens
Nov 24 – Jan 1, 2018
This annual holiday lights extravaganza transforms our York Street location into a twinkling winter wonderland.
Santa’s Village at Chatfield Farms
Nov 24 – Dec 24
Santa and his friends are moving to Chatfield Farms in November! Chatfield Farms will be transformed into a magical village. Join us for a new and exciting holiday experience for all ages. Hop on the hayride to catch a short movie at Santa’s cinema and find unique holiday gifts in his workshop.
DEN Ice Skating Rink at Denver International Airport
Nov 24, 2017 – Jan 7, 2018
Once again, the DEN Plaza will be home to a FREE 34’wide X 60’length ice skating rink.
Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park
Nov 21 – Feb. 14, 2018
Ready. Set. Skate. Skyline Park is the place for fun this holiday season. The Downtown Denver Partnership invites you and your family to join us for FREE skating at the Skyline Rink, located at 16th & Arapahoe in Downtown Denver. Ice skating is free! You may bring your own skates or rent a pair for just $2. Through February 14.
A Christmas Carol at Stage Theatre
Nov 24 – Dec 24
Essential to the holiday season in Denver, A Christmas Carol promises to “warm your heart and renew your holiday spirit” according to the Examiner. Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, this joyous and opulent musical adaptation traces money-hoarding skinflint Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption. A Christmas Carol illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.
Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Nov 25 – Dec 24
Recently recognized as the best-loved Nutcracker in the U.S., Colorado Ballet’s holiday classic The Nutcracker features timeless choreography paired with Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary arrangement performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.
Winter Wonderlights at Chapungu Sculpture Park
Nov 18 – Jan 7, 2018
Each night, visitors and locals will revel in holiday string lights, twinkling bulbs, LED mappable snowflakes, illuminated African stone sculptures, the only 20’ LED mappable Christmas Tree in the state and 30-minute music and light shows.
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
