Holiday Celebrations This Weekend!
November 30, 2017
From the magical 1940s White Christmas Ball to the Vintage Theatre Gala and performances of The Nutcracker, Clara’s Dream and A Christmas Carol, the weekend is full of fun and fanciful holiday celebrations, a screening of Elf for the kids and free carriage rides through Southlands Mall. These and more festive and fun things to do in Aurora and beyond this weekend!
Thursday-Saturday, November 30-December 2
KYLE KINANE LIVE!
Comedian Kyle Kinane tours internationally and has appeared on TV shows such as @Midnight, The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Workaholics, This Is Not Happening, Not Safe with Nikki Glaser and Comedy Bang! Bang! Most recently, Comedy Central released Kyle’s newest one-hour special, Kyle Kinane: Loose in Chicago. He is a recurring character on Netflix’s Love and is also playing a series regular on Tru TV’s Those Who Can’t.
Comedy Works-Downtown, 1226 15th St., Denver
Thurs., 8:00 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:30 & 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$30
Phone: 303-595-3637
Thursday-Sunday, November 30-December 3
CHICAGO RAZZLE-DAZZLE!
Set in the legendary city during the roaring “jazz hot” 1920s, Chicago tells the story of two rival vaudevillian murderesses locked up in Cook County Jail. Nightclub star Velma is serving time for killing her husband and sister after finding the two in bed together. And ambitious chorus girl Roxie has been tossed in the joint for bumping off her lover. Not one to rest on her laurels, Velma enlists the help of prison matron Mama Morton and slick lawyer Billy Flynn, who turn Velma’s incarceration into a murder-of-the-week media frenzy, thus preparing the world for a splashy showbiz comeback. But Roxie’s got some tricks up her sleeve, too. The dancing is spectacular and the memorable songs, like All That Jazz, Mr. Cellophane and Razzle Dazzle, will stay with you for days!
Buell Theatre, DCPA, 14th and Arapahoe, Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$115
DAZZLING LIGHT DISPLAYS
Every year about this time the York Street Botanic Gardens is transformed into a breath-taking expanse of dazzling illumination and wonder. The gardens are a magical swath of twinkling lights, complete with interactive displays, and animated LED lights that react to sound. Guests can enjoy holiday treats and drinks and a souvenir mug, and since this event is a popular perennial, get your tickets now!
Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
5:00-9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $16-$20
Phone: 720-865-3500
DAVID SEDARIS’ HOLIDAY FAVORITE
You might not expect a short gig as a “Santa’s helper” to be career-altering, but for David Sedaris, impersonating an elf changed his life. The renowned NPR writer and humorist spent a season working at Macy’s as a department store sprite and used his short tenure as Crumpet the Elf to create The Santaland Diaries. His stories about the intersection between Christmas and retail life is hilarious, but for mature audiences, due to language and subject matter.
Stage Theatre/DCPA, Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St., Denver
Fri.-Sun., 7:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$33
THE HELEN KELLER STORY
Helen is a bright, strong, energetic child, born blind, deaf and mute. She is also a feral, frustrated mystery to her exhausted family. Annie Sullivan, a lively and stubborn Yankee girl, barely out of school herself, and cured of childhood blindness, fights to reach Helen and bring light to the darkness of her mind. She battles not just the well-meaning pity of the Kellers but the fearful, furious trickery of Helen herself, and it will take all of Annie’s patience, creativity and resolve to transform Helen’s world.
John Hand Theater, 7653 E. 1st Pl., Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$23
Phone: 303-562-3232
A SHOW-STOPPING PERFORMANCE!
Hattie McDaniel, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Mammy in Gone with the Wind, wanted to be an actress when there were no African American actresses. Hi-Hat Hattie is the story of a woman who broke racial barriers, as she faced triumphs, ironies and indignities in public and private life. The rousing musical is a vivid portrait in words and music of a pioneering artist whose well-developed work ethic and abiding faith earned her a place in show business history. The musical features classic songs like St. Louis Blues, Can’t Help Lovin Dat Man and Amazing Grace.
Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $16-$37
Phone: 303-739-1970
CHARLES DICKENS’ HOLIDAY CLASSIC
A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with a “bah humbug,” until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. Through a restless night, the spirits show him happy memories from his past, cruel realities from the present and the grim future should he continue his cantankerous ways. Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is an enduring favorite that continues a holiday tradition, so bring your friends and family to experience this memorable, live production.
Stage Theatre/DCPA, Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St., Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$85
Friday-Sunday, December 1-December 3
GERMAN HOLIDAY MARKET
For the next few weeks downtown Denver’s Skyline Park will look more like an old German town square filled with sparkling lights, seasonal songs, and holiday cheer at the Denver Christkindl Market. Reminiscent of a traditional German village bazaar with lots of gifts and hand-made ornaments and figurines, toys, lanterns, Alpaca scarves, and European pastries, soups and candy. Sip on authentic Glühwein (mulled spiced wine) or Bavarian-style bier, as you wander through the market and enjoy the opportunity to purchase artisan gifts and holiday treats sold by local and international merchants. The heated Festival Hall provides respite from the cold weather; a place to enjoy warmth and seasonal musical entertainment.
Skyline Park, 16th Street Mall and Arapahoe St., Denver
11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Friday & Sunday, December 1 & 3
RED OPENS THIS WEEKEND!
Set in the 1950s, and based on real events, this taut, visceral play takes a compelling look at world-famous artist Mark Rothko at the pinnacle of his creative powers. As he is struggling through the creation of a series of large paintings, Rothko gets a new assistant and the thin line between teacher and student begins to blur.
Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30
Phone: 303-856-7830
Saturday, December 2
VINTAGE THEATRE GALA
For the much-anticipated Vintage Theatre 2017 Gala, staff is doubling down on the fun with Vintage Goes Vegas! Don’t miss this unforgettable night of celebration and entertainment, Vegas-style, where your ticket admits you to the biggest and best party of the year, along with food and your first round of gaming!
Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
6:00 p.m.
Phone: 303-856-7830
MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
Denver’s finest will be coming out to light up the holiday season with a cocktail tasting event featuring over 20 distillers from Colorado. Start ringing in the holiday season with over 100 spirits and cocktails at the Making Spirits Bright tasting with complimentary samples that will tantalize your taste buds. The party gets even brighter as a live DJ turns up the music, the cash bar opens and the beat goes on! This exclusive tasting is limited so grab a friend, a ticket and some dancing shoes to kick off the winter holidays in Denver.
EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St., Denver
6:00 p.m.
Admission: $50
WHITE CHRISTMAS BALL
Step back in time for an unforgettably magical 40s holiday celebration that will recreate the warmth and nostalgia of yesteryear. Guests will have the opportunity to mix and mingle and dance among vintage vehicles, lights and props from movie sets, sleighs, Christmas trees, and a canopy of glistening lights. With big band sounds and vintage acts, including the Hot Tomatoes, The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, a special appearance by Hollywood’s 1940s tap dancing and singing performance troupe The Satin Dollz, and an incredible Vintage Vegas Show with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. tribute artists. Oh, and don’t miss the reenactments of scenes from the films White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life, the Radio Show! The White Christmas Ball is an annual sell-out event that donates a portion of ticket sales to nonprofits.
Hyatt Regency Downtown, 650 15th St., Denver
5:00 p.m.
Admission: $71.86
GET YOUR BLADES ON!
Enjoy an hour of winter leisure time gliding on the ice at The Pond! The ice skating rink is open every day for anyone who loves or is curious about the sport, and wants to strap on some blades and sashay or scoot around the ice.
The Pond at Southlands Mall, Main St., Aurora
Weekdays, 4:00-9:00 p.m.; Sat., 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sun., 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Admission: $8/Skate Rental: $2.50
Phone: 303-928-7536
Saturday-Sunday, December 2-3
FREE CARRIAGE RIDES!
Complimentary carriage rides around the Southlands shopping center give you a break from walking the perimeter of the mall and a great view of awesome holiday decorations!
Southlands Mall, Aurora
12:00-3:00 p.m.
THE NUTCRACKER
The Nutcracker is a holiday celebration of movement and music featuring timeless choreography and Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary score performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. Who can forget Clara and her broken nutcracker who becomes a handsome warrior Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy? Colorado Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker ballet has delighted sold-out audiences for 60 years with its enchanting blend of music and magic. Don’t miss this holiday celebration that always brings audiences to their feet!
Ellie Caulkins Opera House,1385 Curtis St., Denver
Sat./Sun., 1:00 p.m.; Sat., 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$120
Phone: 303-837-8888
‘Tis the Season in Southshore!
The holiday celebrations are just beginning in the master-planned community of Southshore! Don’t miss the brand new model by Toll Brothers, as well as the stunning homes by Richmond American Homes and Century Communities. Southshore is close to everything you need, but nautical miles away from ordinary! It’s life at the lake in ranch and two-story models, priced from the upper $300s to the $700s.