Exciting Holiday Things to Do!
December 14, 2017
Salvation Army volunteers are making sounds of the season at shopping malls while talented singers, musicians and entertainers are about to grace stages with holiday cheer! Plan your weekend from this list of seasonal things for the whole family to see and do in Aurora and Denver this weekend!
Thursday-Saturday, December 14-16
NICK GUERRA LIVE!
Nick Guerra is one of the most exciting breakthrough comedians quickly making an impact on television and winning over audiences with his high energy and hilarious show. Most recently, Nick made his late-night stand-up debut on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon and released his first comedy album, Love: The Nick’s Tape. He is an audience favorite from NBC’s Last Comic Standing, won the 2015 NBC Stand Up Showcase, and made his Comedy Central debut on Gabriel Iglesias’ Stand Up Revolution.
Comedy Works-Downtown, 1226 15th St., Denver
Thurs., 8:00; Fri./Sat., 7:30 & 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $17-$27
Phone: 303-595-3637
Thursday-Sunday, December 14-17
ELF THE MUSICAL!
ELF the Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, the orphaned child, who crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is accidentally transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making ability prompt him to embark on a journey to New York City to discover his true identity and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This delightful, modern-day Christmas classic is suitable for all ages in a limited engagement.
Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St., Denver
Sat., 4:00 & 8:00 p.m.; Sun., 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $44-$100
Phone: 303-893-4100
THRILLING BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT!
The Botanic Gardens, transformed with more than a million twinkling lights plus interactive displays and animated LEDs keyed to sound, make for awe-inspiring seasonal entertainment. The Blossoms of Light spectacular is a popular event with timed tickets, issued on the hour. Holiday treats and drinks are available for purchase to enjoy with the dazzling display which opens after dark.
Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
5:00-9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $16-$20
Phone: 720-865-3500
LIGHTS AT THE ZOO!
The Denver Zoo has been busy hanging innumerable lights throughout its 60 acres of animal habitat for your viewing pleasure! Zoo Lights features nightly entertainment, animal encounters, Santa photo ops and animal sculptures outlined in glowing and twinkling lights. These illuminated creatures swing through trees, bound across lawns, hide in bushes and pop up in places where they’re least expected! Zoo Lights is one of Denver’s most anticipated seasonal events and a great way to enjoy the holidays with family and friends.
Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., Denver
5:30-9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $7-$13
Phone: 720-337-1400
HOLIDAY BALLET SENSATION!
Colorado Ballet’s Nutcracker is the enduring story of a young German girl whose dream about her beloved toy becomes a dramatic magical reality with a handsome Nutcracker prince in a fierce fight against the mouse king. This performance by the Colorado Ballet, is in its 57th year and treasured event of the season. Tchaikovsky’s memorable score (played live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra) enhances the not-to-be-missed holiday experience.
Ellie Caulkins Opera House,1385 Curtis St., Denver
Thurs./Fri., 7:30 p.m., Sat./Sun., 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$120
Phone: 303-837-8888
Friday, December 15
THE LAST JEDI!
Rey, the latest tough little scavenger of the in the Star Wars™ saga, continues her epic journey with Finn, Poe and Luke Skywalker in the much-anticipated next chapter. Sign up with friends and family for a private screening of the new film Star Wars™: The Last Jedi for the opportunity to interact and take pictures with Star Wars™ characters, including Luke, Leia, Kylo Ren and more! Arrive on time to hear Jim Shima from Corellian Droidworks: Colorado Chapter as he demonstrates the fully functional R2D2 and BB-8 droids that he built from scratch. All proceeds from the event benefit Wings Over the Rockies, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Regal Continental Stadium 10, 3635 S. Monaco Pkwy., Denver
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20
Friday-Sunday, December 15-17
SANTALAND…FOR ADULTS!
When NPR regular David Sedaris became a “Santa’s helper” at Macy’s one holiday season, impersonating an elf changed his life. The well-known writer and humorist used his short tenure as Crumpet the Elf to create The Santaland Diaries. His snarky stories about the intersection between Christmas and retail life is hilarious, but for mature ears only, due to language and subject matter. For an audio sample, listen to David reading his work on Morning Edition a few years back.
Stage Theatre/DCPA, Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St., Denver
Fri.-Sun., 7:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$33
A COLORADO CHRISTMAS
The warm sounds of the holidays fill Boettcher Concert Hall with your favorite songs this December. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, narrated live from stage, will put a smile on your face and set a festive tone for this treasured holiday program. Other favorites like Sleigh Ride, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker and more! This family-friendly evening features traditional Christmas carols, highlights from the symphony’s popular production of Too Hot to Handel and a chance to sing along to a few of your favorite Frozen winter tunes. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to see who’s naughty and who’s nice, and you may want to come an hour early for Half Notes, pre-concert activities, too.
Colorado Symphony/Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St., Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$94
Phone: 303-MAESTRO
Friday-Sunday, December 15-17
SCROOGE’S SCARIEST NIGHT!
A Christmas Carol is a charming holiday favorite that engages both children and adults in the spirit of the season. Ebenezer Scrooge is the ultimate misanthrope, a miserable miser who hates his fellow man, woman and child. But on a pivotal Christmas Eve the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future make a nocturnal visit and show him who was, is and what his horrifying destiny will be. Don’t miss the satisfying conclusion of A Christmas Carol – fun for the whole family!
Stage Theatre/DCPA, Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St., Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$85
Saturday, December 16
YOUNG EAGLES TAKE FLIGHT
Join Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum in partnership with EAA’s Young Eagles Program as they offer free flights to kids aged 8 to 17. Every third Saturday of the month kids can experience their first flight with a registered and certified Colorado pilot at our Centennial Airport location. The purpose of Young Eagles at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum is to introduce and inspire kids about the world of aviation. An RSVP is required and a parent or guardian 18 years or older must accompany children and sign waiver documentation.
Denver Jet Center East /Centennial Airport, E. County Line Rd. / Isbill Dr., Centennial
8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
RSVP
SKI BUSES TO BRECKENRIDGE
Denver Joyrides provides buses to and from ski resorts and this weekend they’re headed to the Dew Tour at Breckinridge. Buses leave Whisky Tango Foxtrot (WTF) at 9:00 a.m. sharp, so arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of time to check in and load gear. Join the crowd for complimentary breakfast burritos with parking available behind WTF (in Union Station North). The cost per person includes free beer, snacks, swag and discounts.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2907 Huron St., Denver
8:00 a.m.
Cost: $50
SATURDAY SHOP AND DROP
Southlands Shopping Center and the Aurora YMCA are here to help you shop! Drop the kids off at the YMCA Youth Center where kids can participate in activities and crafts as you finish your shopping! For ages potty-trained to 10 years. Please provide a small snack for your child.
YMCA Youth Center/Southlands Mall, 6205 S. Main St. #D-112, Aurora
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Fee: $7 per child
Phone: 720-274-5759
BEER FESTIVUS
Speaking of beer, December brings with it the best craft-beer-themed holiday party this side of the Mississippi! Named one of America’s top beer cities, Denver has become a mecca for brewers and beer fans alike – turning breweries into community hubs and gathering spots. The Denver [only] Beer Festivus brings the city’s breweries together for one fantastic evening to allow locals and visitors the opportunity to taste all of these top-notch beers under one roof.
Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver
4:00-7:00 p.m.
Admission: $40-$65
CHRISTMAS 1948
It’s Christmas 1948! A musical romp through the post-war years, featuring holiday classics, chart-topping hits of the era, and beloved songs from days gone by. Expect the unexpected, from the ridiculous to the sublime. Join C.J. Nicolai, Larry Wegner, Gonzalo Teppa, Tony Black and special guest Jake Schroeder for a night of retro magic with a twist, performing songs from Bing, Ella, Irving Berlin and more! The perfect holiday gift for someone with a heart for tuneful holiday nostalgia.
The Clocktower Cabaret, 1601 Arapahoe St., Denver
8:00-10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$40
Sunday, December 17
LETTERS TO SANTA
If your kids have penned a letter to Santa with a list of gifts they’re hoping to open on Christmas morning, deliver those letters in person to the man himself! Join Santa and Mrs. Clause for a visit with face time and photo ops!
Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver
12:00-5:00 p.m.
Free
Phone: 303-360-5360
Wednesday, December 20
PAWS AND CLAWS PHOTO OP!
Bring your fur babies to Paws and Claws Night and the Santa Photo Experience located on Main Street next to Savory Spice Shop.
Southlands Shopping Center, Main Street (next to Savory Spice Shop), Aurora
4:00-7:00 p.m.
COLORADO BRASS
Holiday Brass returns to Boettcher Concert Hall this holiday season as the Colorado Symphony Brass delivers a resounding program of seasonal faves. Whether from the vitality of the Renaissance, the glory of the Baroque or the nostalgic music of Hollywood’s most popular Christmas flicks, boost your enjoyment of holiday season by joining the Colorado Symphony Brass this week!
Colorado Symphony/Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St., Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$94
Phone: 303-MAESTRO
Holiday Cheer in Southshore
The master-planned community of Southshore is resplendent with outdoor holiday displays and spectacular models to touch and tour. Explore Toll Brothers’ new model – by appointment — in Vista Point, plus the Richmond American Homes and Century Communities models in The Hills at Southshore (where you can enter to win tickets to Blossoms of Light!). These ranch and two-story homes are priced from the upper $300s to the $700s.