Holiday fun is in full swing! The Holiday Flea kicks off at Denver Union Station, 9News Parade of Lights, Golden’s Annual Candlelight Walk and much more. See our event calendar for more information.
The Nutcracker Ballet (Ballet Melange)
Nov 28– 29
Ballet Melange presents The Nutcracker Ballet, a holiday classic, in collaboration with Classical Ballet Academy. The Nutcracker Ballet transports us to a land of magic and dreams that come true.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Pittsburgh Penguins at the Pepsi Center
Nov 28, 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Colorado Avalanche vs. Pittsburgh Penguins at Pepsi Center.
Holiday Flea at Denver Union Station
Nov 29 – Dec 2
Gather your family and friends for the Union Station Holiday Market by Denver Flea, four weekends of shopping, festivities and winter fun, all at the historic Denver Union Station! Hundreds of Colorado’s best makers and artisan brands will pack the Plaza of Union Station each weekend, starting Friday, Nov. 23, for a holiday shopping wonderland in the heart of the Mile High, paired with music, eats, drinks and more.
Stapleton Holiday BAZAAR
Nov 29, 4:00 – 6:30 pm
Shop, Sip, and Mingle with Colorado’s finest craft, fashion, and art makers at Stapleton Holiday BAZAAR. The Stapleton Holiday BAZAAR is popping up for one night only on Thursday, November 29th, indoors at The Shops at Northfield, featuring over 45 innovative craft vendors sharing their creations just in time for the holiday shopping season.
A Christmas Carol – The Radio Show
Nov 30 – Dec 23
It’s Christmas Eve, and with the actors snowed in and unable to make it to the studios of WXMS for the live radio performance of A Christmas Carol, the sound effects person decides to take the audience through the classic tale himself.
Free night at Clyfford Still Museum
Nov 30, 5:00 – 8:00 pm
In appreciation of the citizens who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), and in the spirit of community engagement, the Clyfford Still Museum offers free admission on select days throughout the year.
Lakewood Lights
Nov 30 – Dec 1
Lakewood Heritage Center will be lit up in a display of holiday cheer. All of our buildings will be open and decorated for the occasion. Warm up with a holiday favorite snack of hot cocoa and cookies. Get your family photo taken for free with Santa! Listen to timeless holiday tunes and enjoy a hay wagon pulled by our 1940 McCormick Farmall “H” tractor.
9News Parade of Lights
Nov 30 – Dec 1
The Downtown Denver Partnership is pleased to produce the 44th Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights. The two-mile parade route in Downtown Denver is the stage for Colorado’s brightest holiday tradition. The FREE holiday spectacular features marching bands, ornate floats, and, of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa! Grab your hot chocolate and ear-muffs, this year is going to be better than ever.
Golden’s Annual Candlelight Walk
Nov 30, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Experience the beauty of the holiday season while walking down Washington Avenue, candle in hand, singing holiday carols during Golden’s hometown Candlelight Walk, which offers an authentic way to open the season of lights.
Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues at Pepsi Center
Nov 30, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues at Pepsi Center!
A Winter’s Night
Nov 30, 7:30 – 10:00 pm
Kantorei once again is pleased to join the Meistersingers of Cherry Creek High School for our annual joint concert. We are always pleased to join this excellent group of young singers, encouraging them to pursue the gift of singing beyond their high school experience.
The Nutcracker International Ballet School
Nov 30 – Dec 1
The International Youth Ballet presents a magical production with award winning young dancers, beautiful sets and costumes in a family friendly atmosphere at the elegant Gates Concert Hall of tThe Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts.
CU Wizards “There’s Something in the Air!” at University of Colorado
Dec 1, 9:30 – 11:30 am
CU Professor Steven Brown travels the world to study the amazing, invisible, ethereal stuff that blankets our amazing planet and makes life on Earth possible… Join us for an educational morning in early December to learn about air! Have you wondered…Why is the Sky Blue!? Why are sunrises orange? What is air made of exactly? Did you know the Earth wears sunglasses!? And what’s the story about the greenhouse gases that are slowly but steadily warming the Earth?
Free day at the Denver Art Museum
Dec 1, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
General admission is free on the first Saturday of the month thanks to Your 6 Hometown Toyota Stores and the citizens who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Explore fun things for families (including bilingual programs for the whole family), visit exhibitions throughout the museum, hear storytelling, and more!
Holiday Mountain Market
Dec 1 – 2
Sixty Artisans/Crafters display handmade unique items. Activities include a huge Silent Auction with hundreds of items benefits nonprofit Nederland Area Seniors, Live Music, Choral, Dance Performances all day, both days, photos and Stories with Santa, festive hot foods and more.
Pikemasters Model Railroad Club Open House
Dec 1 – 2
The Pikemasters Model Railroad club is happy to present our annual December Open house. We’ve been working hard to finish up our layout rebuild and have made many changes to the layout. If you haven’t seen us in some time, you’ll be in for a treat.
Holiday Tea with Santa at Ritz Carlton Denver
Dec 1, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
The second annual Holiday Tea with Santa returns December 1, 2018, taking place on the luxury hotel’s re-imagined Plaza Level. Inspired by traditional afternoon tea, guests of all ages may enjoy tea sandwiches, petite pastries and cozy teas. Ritz Kids will enjoy a cookie decorating station for Santa, a card making activity to send to the North Pole plus printed photos with Santa to take home!
Holiday Celebration
Dec 1, 3:00 – 6:30 pm
Join Localworks in collaboration with the City of Wheat Ridge for the official holiday tree lighting. This event features Santa, crafts for the kids, free hot cocoa and cookies, free horse drawn carriage rides, live reindeer, food vendors, live holiday performances, carolers and more.
1940’s White Christmas Ball at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center
Dec 1, 4:00 – 11:45 pm
Now in its ninth year, the 1940’s White Christmas Ball returns to the heart of the city for one of the Denver area’s most festive and glamorous events! Step back in time this holiday season for an unforgettably magical 40’s and 50’s holiday party that will bring back all the warmth and nostalgia of a simpler era. Set in a beautiful ballroom in downtown Denver, guests will have the opportunity to mix and mingle and dance among vintage vehicles, movie set lights and props, re-enactors, sleighs, Christmas trees, and a canopy of glistening lights.
Boulder Ballet’s Nutcracker Ballet
Dec 1 – 2
This December, the curtain rises for America’s favorite ballet, brought to life by the Boulder Ballet and the Longmont Symphony. Make your plans now for this thrilling and heart-warming spectacle, all performed to Tchaikovsky’s masterful score.
Lights of December Parade at Downtown Boulder Partnership
Dec 1, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Spectators are invited to join us in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the parade and enjoy floats created and decorated by local businesses, churches, schools, and civic groups. Includes marching bands, lit fire engines, holiday carolers, and much more. The grand finale includes an appearance by the jolly old man himself – Santa Claus!
Colorado Mammoth vs. Calgary Roughnecks at the Pepsi Center
Dec 1, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Colorado Mammoth takes on the Calgary Roughnecks
Family Discovery Series: Parker Symphony Orchestra – Sounds of the Season
Dec 1, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Introduce your kids to the symphony with the PSO’s family-friendly, shortened version of their holiday program. Sing along to seasonal songs you all know and love. Proceeds benefit the Parker Task Force.
Handel’s Messiah at Mountain View United Methodist Church
Dec 1 – Dec 2
Pro Musica Colorado is teaming up with the Boulder Chamber Chorale and four, local favorite soloists for Handel’s Messiah on Saturday, December 1 (7:30 pm) and Sunday, December 2 (3 pm), both performances at Mountain View United Methodist Church in Boulder.
Santa Cares for Kids with Special Needs at Outlets at Castle Rock
Dec 2, 10:00 – 11:00 am
On Sundays, Dec. 2 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Outlets at Castle Rock will host two “Santa Cares” events, providing children with special needs a warm, quiet environment and sensory activities to help reduce behavioral triggers associated with this bustling time of year for a perfect picture with Santa.
Doll’s Tea Party at The Oxford Hotel
Dec 2, 10:45 am – 2:00 pm
Experience one of Denver’s favorite family traditions this holiday season with The Oxford Hotel’s Doll’s Tea Party on Sunday, Dec. 2nd. Held for more than 50 years at LoDo’s most historic boutique hotel, The Oxford Doll’s Tea is a classic tea party featuring tea, tea sandwiches, hot cocoa and treats. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite doll along to enjoy the festivities.
Jefferson Symphony Holiday Concerts
Dec 2, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Cinderella Overture by Gioachino Rossini. Selections from Peer Gynt Suites No. 1 and 2 by Edvard Grieg. Holiday classics featuring our special guests, vocalists La Tanya Hall and Steven Taylor
Jeff and Paige Chanukah Concert
Dec 2, 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Please join us for an interactive musical celebration to kick off the 1st night of Chanukah with Jeff and Paige. Costumes, songs, and storytelling will be incorporated to explore Chanukah and celebrate its many traditions. This is a family friendly event, all ages are welcome.
Santa Paws at Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Dec 2, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Bring your fur babies to pose for a special photo with Santa! Dogs and cats large and small are invited to get their photo take with Santa in Grand Court.
The Doo Wop Project Christmas at Lone Tree Arts Center
Dec 2, 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Three parts Jersey Boys, two parts Motown: The Musical and “not your grandma’s doo wop,” these five charismatic, handsome, triple threat Broadway stars—with their hot five-piece band—tear it up, with musicality, dancing, and showmanship not found with any other group in the world!
Ongoing Holiday Events and Exhibits
Denver Union Station Holiday Fun
Denver Union Station will officially launch the holiday season on Friday, Nov. 23rd with Denver’s grandest Grand Illumination celebration yet. Held from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., this festive annual Grand Illumination event will feature a performance of classic holiday hits by the Denver Dolls, a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, Christmas carolers and the lighting of the landmark train station’s NEW outdoor Christmas tree, a 40 foot tall tree that will feature more than 7,000 holiday lights. Other festive events this holiday season include the Union Station Holiday Market by Denver Flea (Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9 and 16), free visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus (Nov. 25th, Dec. 2nd, Dec. 9th, Dec. 16th and Dec. 23rd) and Sundaes with Santa on Sunday afternoons (2-4 p.m.) features a make-your-own-Sundae Bar featuring including a variety of sauces & toppings for $5 per person.www.unionstationindenver.com
Winter Wonderlights
November 16-January 1
This walkable lighting attraction situated in the award-winning Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra will mesmerize guests as they stroll through the sculpture park, which has been transformed for this joyful time of year. Each night, visitors will revel in more than 60,000 holiday string lights, twinkling bulbs, LED mappable snowflakes, illuminated African stone sculptures, a 20’ LED mappable Christmas tree and a six-song music and light show each evening starting at 5 p.m. In addition to nightly lighting attractions, special weekend programming will run Friday and Saturday evenings from Nov. 16 – Dec. 15 featuring Colorado’s largest inflatable igloo, weekend food and retail vendors, prize giveaways and exceptional performances from dance and musical acts from across northern Colorado. winterwonderlightsloveland.com
Christkindl Market
Nov 16, 2018 – Dec 23, 2018
This annual event brings authentic German and European holiday traditions to Denver. This market opens every year on the Friday before Thanksgiving, and lasts through the 23rd of December. Guests can find delicious cuisine, festive German drinks, handmade jewelry, toys, clothing, gifts and much more. Live entertainment is featured inside the festival tent every evening, and dancing is highly encouraged! https://www.christkindlmarketdenver.com/
A Hudson Christmas
November 23 – December 31
A Hudson Christmas is an extravaganza of outdoor Christmas lights that will keep the holiday spirit burning bright. Don your warm apparel and get ready to create lifelong memories while you explore this unique display of holiday light artistry. Walk arm-in-arm with loved ones and old friends. See how this woodsy terrain transforms into a winter wonderland where brightly-lit trees weave neon colors into the night sky, reflect off bodies of water, and illuminate happy faces. Share your holiday wishes with Santa Claus, take a family photo on Santa’s sleigh, warm up in the yuletide yurts, sip a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and stop for priceless photo opportunities along the way. hudsongardens.org/concerts-events/a-hudson-christmas
Blossoms of Light
Nov 23, 2018 – Jan 1, 2019
This annual holiday lights extravaganza transforms our York Street location into a twinkling winter wonderland. Don’t miss: The interactive light display, featuring a large field of sound-reactive, animated LED lights. Seasonal entertainment available on select evenings.
https://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/blossoms-light
Denver Zoo Lights
November 30 – January 6, 2019
Always a memory-making sell-out, be sure to get your Zoo Lights tickets early. Zoo Lights, now in its 28th year and presented by your Hometown Toyota Stores, is Denver’s premier light show spread across 60 acres with over a million bright lights, animated animal sculptures, Santa and Mrs. Claus visits, animal encounters, exciting entertainment, and treats for kids of all ages. https://www.denverzoo.org/events
Holiday Flea at Denver Union Station
November 23 – December 16, 2018
Gather your family and friends for the Union Station Holiday Market by Denver Flea, four weekends of shopping, festivities and winter fun, all at the historic Denver Union Station! Hundreds of Colorado’s best makers and artisan brands will pack the Plaza of Union Station each weekend, starting Friday, Nov. 23, for a holiday shopping wonderland in the heart of the Mile High, paired with music, eats, drinks and more. Tickets are $5 per person, and are good for entry/re-entry for the specific weekend for which they are purchased. Children 12 and under are free. http://www.denverflea.com/
Christmas in Color at Water World
November 23 – December 31
Load up your friends and family into the van (or car, or truck) and experience Christmas like never before. Drive through acres of more than 1.5 million lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music you’ll hear right through your radio. You’ll drive by giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways and more. It’s like being immersed in another world. In fact, we won’t judge you if you join the kids with your face pressed against the window. https://christmasincolor.net/
Santa’s Flight Academy at Cherry Creek
Nov 10, 2018 – Dec 24, 2018
Santa is looking for cadets to help him prepare his sleigh for the big day! Create memorable moments with a magical snow and light show inside Santa’s sleigh, the Flight Suit Visualizer, and of course, a visit with Santa Claus. Don’t miss this one-of-kind interactive experience! www.shopcherrycreek.com
Santa’s Village at Chatfield Farms
Nov 23, 2018 – Dec 23, 2018
Santa and his friends move to Chatfield Farms in November! Chatfield Farms is transformed into a magical village. Join us for an 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. Admission includes: Santa’s live reindeer, kids get pictures with Santa, Snow Man and the reindeer, craft with Mrs. Claus, holiday lights, hayrides, Santa’s Cinema on Elf Boulevard, and Santa’s Workshop will include craft vendors.
https://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/santas-village-chatfield-farms
St. Nick on the Bricks at Pearl Street Mall
November 23-24; December 1, 8, 15, 22
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.
https://www.boulderdowntown.com/light-up-the-holidays/events/st-nick-on-the-bricks
Olde Golden Christmas
Dec 1, 2018 – Dec 31, 2018
At the closing of each year, Golden celebrates tradition back to a simpler time of strong family traditions and small-town holiday celebrations. The authentic and historic main street of Golden becomes the central festive location for Olde Golden Christmas, a city-wide, December-long celebration, including a traditional candlelight walk, Victorian carolers, holiday art market, live theater, a dazzling light display along Clear Creek, Santa encounters, free Newfoundland dog pulled cart rides, shopping, dining, three parades down Washington Avenue, and so much more! http://goldenchamber.org/olde-golden-christmas/
The Polar Express
November 10- December 23, 2018
2018 Polar Express Train Ride performances run select dates November through December. Show Times: 5:00PM, 6:30PM & 8:00PM. Each performance will last approximately 75 minutes. coloradorailroadmuseum.org
Ice Skating Rink at Denver International Airport
November 23, 2018 – January 6, 2019
Returning in 2018 for it’s 3rd year, the FREE Ice skating on the DEN Plaza. There truly is Snow Place Like DEN for the Holidays!
2018 Holiday Preview Exhibition
Nov 1 -30, 2018
Before you know it, the winter holidays will be upon us and the festivities will begin. Be prepared this season, if you aren’t already, and finish your gift shopping now to avoid that last-minute hectic rush. Artists on Santa Fe Gallery + Studios has a huge variety of specialty items that will be perfect for your family and friends – paintings, ceramics, photography, jewelry, sculpture and more! Stop in and have a leisurely look at our fantastic array of functional and decorative art. artistsonsantafe.com
Free Skating at Skyline Park
November 20-February 3
Now in its 9th season, the Downtown Denver Rink offers free ice skating seven days a week. Plus, check out the amazing programming–from Snoga to Broomball. Entry is free but skate rentals are $6 for kids 12 & under and $8 for adults 13 & older. downtowndenver.com
Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker
November 24-December 23
Just in time for the holidays, Colorado Ballet’s acclaimed production of The Nutcracker returns for its 58th year. In addition to being the largest production of The Nutcracker in the state, Colorado Ballet’s 2016 production was named the best-loved Nutcracker in the U.S. in the 10th Annual Goldstar National Nutcracker Award Contest. Live music will be performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. Last season’s performance of The Nutcracker sold out, so be sure to get your tickets early! https://www.coloradoballet.org
Seussical at the Arvada Center
Oct 10 – Dec 29, 2018
Enter the fantastic world of Dr. Seuss in the musical, Seussical! Music and dance bring characters like Horton, the Cat in the Hat, and Gertrude McFuzz together on stage. Don’t miss out on all the fun and all the “thinks you can think.” arvadacenter.org/seussical-2
Holiday Carousel
December 15 – January 2
Conveniently located at Denver Pavilions (500 16th Street), the Holiday Carousel returns to Downtown Denver to enhance your holiday experience and create memories for years to come. Free rides will be given from Denver Pavilions restaurants, retailers and entertainment venues with purchase, and from select Downtown hotel partners. Partial proceeds will benefit Food Bank of the Rockies. denverpavilions.com
A Christmas Carol
November 21 – December 24, 2018
Essential to the holiday season in Denver, A Christmas Carol is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation that traces money-hoarding skinflint Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption. denvercenter.org
Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
December 7, 2018 – January 1, 2019
Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the only one place in Colorado Springs where you can see over 85 one-of-a-kind light sculptures and enjoy a full Zoo experience! For all the details, visit: http://www.cmzoo.org/electricsafari
Santa on the Square
November 23 -December 24, 2018
Kicking off the day after Thanksgiving and continuing throughout the weekends in December with extended hours, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting Larimer Square. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus are free but please bring your own camera. https://www.larimersquare.com/event/santa-on-the-square-3/
Ongoing General Events
Play Ball!at the History Colorado Center
Apr 7, 2018 – Jan 6, 2019
Treasured memorabilia and iconic photographs bring the past to life through stories that begin on the ball field and echo through American history. Size up your hand against Babe Ruth’s. Find the nails Ty Cobb used to hold his favorite bat together, and admire the glove flashed by Willie Mays to make some of the game’s most memorable catches. See the uniform Joe DiMaggio wore in his final World Series and a receipt for roses he sent to Marilyn Monroe. And much, much more—these are just a few of the one-of-a-kind items on view in Play Ball!
historycolorado.org/exhibit/play-ball
TreeHouses: Look Who’s Living in the Trees! Hands-on exhibit
Jun 2, 2018 – Jan 6, 2019
Explore the forest canopy – indoors! In the Longmont Museum’s newest hands-on exhibition, visitors roam from tree to tree as they discover the many habitats that trees provide for animals large and small, and people too. Climb through large treehouses, become an animal tracker, get face-to-face with wildlife of all sizes, move your feet on the forest-sound dance floor, and more. This exhibition makes learning fun, as visitors explore responsible forestation, wildlife ecology, and local epidemics such as the ash borer beetle. longmontmuseum.org
Mindbender Mansion
July 20 – January 6, 2019
Love brainteasers? Enter “Mindbender Mansion,” a quirky place full of puzzles, brainteasers and interactive challenges that put minds of all ages to the test. This unique, high-energy experience opened at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on July 20.
Denver Art Museum
There are several family-friendly exhibits at the DAM including Stampede: Animals in Art on view at the museum through May 19, 2019. A Walk in the Woods is still on view, which coincides with Stampede, and includes animal-themed artmaking activities and after their summer break, Foxy & Shmoxy: Art Detectives, are back. Children have been really loving the gallery games and book in the exhibition Ganesha: The Playful Protector. Their Learning & Engagment department created a children’s book specially to be used while visiting this exhibition with children, and don’t miss the fun new interactive installation by local artist Nicole Banowetz, The Incubation Effect. Go to https://denverartmuseum.org/ for more information.