Holidays

Cheap or free Valentine’s Day date ideas!

Are you trying to save money, or just not have much but still want to show your valentine a fun night? We have ideas for you that cost very little or nothing. Don’t miss our guide to Denver’s free museums and attractions and Essential Denver: Discovery and Exploration Guide (many attractions are free!) Also, don’t miss this guide to Valentine’s Day in Denver.  1.       Go to the Library. The Library is maybe one of my most favorite inexpensive locations! (Shout out to Douglas County Libraries). There is a treasure trove of fun in nearly every library. Discover a new book. Read poems to each other. Play a game. My library even lets you check out an Oculus, Telescope, Cricut crafting machine or do a virtual online crafting ...

Family-friendly Christmas production ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’

Central City Opera invites you to experience the magic of the holiday season with Gian Carlo Menotti’s family-friendly opera, “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” This heartwarming production will grace the stage at the Central Presbyterian Church in Denver for four captivating performances on December 23 and 24, combining enchanting storytelling, profound music, and a talented ensemble to bring the Christmas tale to life. Tickets are on sale now and start at just $12 for kids.   “Central City Opera warmly welcomes you to immerse yourself in a timeless tradition, brought to life by the exceptional talents of our cast and orchestra,” says director Daniela Guzmán- Égüez. “We promise an experience that will resonate deeply, filling your heart!”   A...

Celebrate Hanukkah’s Eight Days of Lights with Staenberg – Loup Jewish Community Center in Denver

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is a vibrant cultural festival and celebration. The story’s origins date back to 167 B.C.E., when a group called the Maccabees recaptured the Second Temple in Jerusalem from under King Antiochus’ rule and rededicated it. The Maccabees cleaned up the Temple and lit a menorah, which they thought had only enough oil to burn for one day. As the story goes, the oil lasted for eight days and eight nights. That is why we celebrate Hanukkah for eight nights. The dates of Hanukkah vary based on the Jewish lunar calendar; this year, Hanukkah is from December 7-15, 2023.  While traditions and customs vary around the world, Hanukkah is most commonly practiced in the United States by expressing gratitude, sharing in communal joy, and giving back t...

Colorado Gift Guide: 50+ Ideas for Denver Moms

The season is giving is here and we’ve curated the perfect Colorado gift guide for Denver moms. We’ve teamed up with Colorado.com for ideas (plus, we have thrown in some of our favorites). Need more inspiration? See 75 Best Gifts for the Holidays with many Colorado favorites and don’t miss out on our Guide to Denver Holidays: Events, Lights and Fun and scroll down for some experiential fun for mom. Colorado Holiday Gift Ideas Take Them Outside Colorado is, perhaps, best known for its epic mountains, an abundance of state parks, expansive vistas and adventures. Bridgestone Winter Driving School is the most fun you’ll have on ice. Give the gift of exploration, with park passes to a Colorado State Park or a subscription to Colorado Outdoors Magazine. Give ...

10 Tips for Fun & Healthy Gaming During the Holiday Season

With the holiday season comes decorations, treats, a break from school and more downtime. It also means more family time, and for many, more time to spend on devices and gaming. The holiday season is the perfect time to foster positive screen time and gaming habits and ensure your kids are set up for fun and safe playtime. And it can be fun for the whole family! Check out these ten tips to make gaming a positive and balanced part of your child’s holidays. Set clear boundaries: Just like in the real world, boundaries are crucial in the world of gaming. Try establishing specific time limits for gaming sessions to ensure a healthy balance with other activities. Select age-appropriate games: Help your child pick out games suitable for their age and maturity level. There are plenty of options t...

5 fun ways to celebrate Thanksgiving

I am usually the one that is tasked to bring the salad to Thanksgiving dinner. I think my family is a bit suspicious of my cooking skills. I usually take it upon myself to bring a game as well. It is not even a spoken thing – I just do it. Sometimes it is a board game I have picked up or something more like those “minute to win it” types of games. I recently saw something about different ways to celebrate Thanksgiving that may be fun or silly but still give you an opportunity to connect with your friends, family and neighbors. Take it Outside. Some years this may be easier to do than others. The focus on Thanksgiving is often the dinner – yes, I love my brother in law’s smoked turkey. But to work off that heavy meal. I start the day at Turkey Creek. Yes, there really is a hiking trail call...

Where to see Santa in Denver

This time of year is chock-full of tree lightings and Santa arrival events – and KOSI has turned into the “Christmas Station.”  Nearly every shopping center has Santa scenes and photos – and each is just as festive as the next. You may want to try to go all over the city and see them all or just find one in your neighborhood. There are enough choices to do either! We have gathered some of the biggest and best celebrations around town. Also, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Denver Holidays: Events, Lights and Family Fun.  Outlets of Castle Rock. November 11 is the night to be at Outlets of Castle Rock. The festivities begin at 4:00 p.m. with Live performance by Radio Band, Jessie Wilson and Caleb Lee Hutchinson. The Grand Illumination lights up the 55 ft tree with ...

Thanksgiving Dinner in Denver: Where to eat in 2023

Don’t love the hassle of cooking Thanksgiving dinner? We’ve rounded up the top places to eat Thanksgiving dinner in Denver 2023.  And while there are a lot of advantages to a homecooked Thanksgiving meal (i.e. LEFTOVERS), we all know the stress and the mess. So, why not avoid both with our guide to Denver restaurants that are offering traditional and non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner for families with kids of all ages? Be sure to make reservations prior to Thanksgiving and check back to this page often for new restaurants we’ve added to the list.  Several restaurants will offer Denver Thanksgiving dinners to-go that we have included below. Need some table decor? Check out these cute ideas including fall garlands, table pieces, tablecloths and more.  Thank...

Denver’s best holiday markets and craft fairs 2023

Denver’s holiday shopping season is here so be sure to check out our guide to Colorado’s best holiday markets and craft fairs in 2023. From a European-style ski village to an authentic German Christmas market to horse-drawn wagon rides, these Denver holiday markets and craft fairs are sure to charm.  We are especially supportive of our local artisans who will help you find the perfect personalized gift for your loved ones. And don’t forget  Tom local artisans where you will find the perfect personalized gift for those you love. When it comes time to wrap your treasures, be sure to dress up your drifts with this super cute Red and White Baker’s Twin Packaging String coupled with Brown Kraft Paper Roll, perfect for gifts and for all the goodies you’re going to d...

Guide to Denver Holiday Events, Lights and Christmas Fun 2023

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Holidays in Denver are downright magical and we have pulled together Holidays in Denver: Your Guide to Events, Lights and Christmas Fun. Check out the very best holiday lights displays in Denver, holiday performances, family-fun activities for families like bumper cars on ice, dreamy candlelight walks, the Polar Express, a trail of lights and so much more.  MORE FUN IDEAS! If you’re lucky, we’ll have a white Christmas so don’t miss our Ultimate guide to outdoor skating in Colorado and 30 places to go sledding in Colorado. And if you need some inspiration with your shopping, check out our Colorado Holiday Gift Guide with 50+ ideas,  Denver’s best holiday markets and the 7 Best Christmas tree farm...

Solve a Mystery at ‘Boo on the Bluff’ Scavenger Hunt

Spooky season is upon us, and the Bluff Lake Nature Center (BLNC) is once again inviting Denver families to explore its spine-tinglingly delightful outdoor Halloween trail. As visitors to BLNC continue to rise (increasing by 47% since 2019!), Boo on the Bluff is becoming a Fall fixture and firm favorite for nearby neighborhoods (Central Park, Montbello, Northwest Aurora, Park Hill, and Commerce City) and beyond! Taking place between Friday, October 27 and Sunday, October 29, visitors can participate in the spook-tackular self-guided scavenger hunt, including new challenges and upgrades for 2023. Families are encouraged to wear costumes, use the selfie station, explore Bluff Lake’s mysterious woodland paths, be on the lookout for wildlife, and solve clues. As always, lit...

Fun and easy Halloween games for kids

It’s the most wonderful time of the year (well, besides Christmas!) Halloween is a great time for kids to have fun with spooky and entertaining games. Here are some Halloween games suitable for children: Bobbing for Apples: Fill a large tub with water and float apples in it. Kids must try to grab an apple with their teeth, but they can’t use their hands. Pumpkin Bowling: Set up a bowling alley using mini pumpkins as pins and a small ball as the bowling ball. Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin: Similar to “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” blindfolded kids try to pin a paper nose onto a poster of a pumpkin while being spun around. Halloween Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of Halloween-themed items for kids to find around the house or yard. You can also use clues for older kids. Gh...