Holiday Events All Weekend Long!
December 12, 2019
With plenty of Santa sightings scheduled for this weekend, the kids will have ample opportunities to meet the Jolly Old Elf himself! Adults will appreciate some grown-up humor compliments of Nick Offerman, who plays Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation, during his stand up comedy show. Popular events for the entire family include performances of The Nutcracker, a Christmas concert by the Colorado Symphony, and everyone’s favorite—Zoo Lights!
TODAY/TONIGHT, December 12
MACRAMÉ CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
Impress your friends and family with gorgeous tree ornaments that you make yourself! These lovely snowflake decorations are made by tying knots in string—and you’ll learn how in this fun DIY craft class, complete with all the macramé supplies you’ll need for your ornaments.
Makes a perfect gift!
The Craftsman & Apprentice, 1325 E. 22nd Ave., Denver, CO 80205
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Registration: $45
Phone: 720- 515-8611
AN EVENING WITH NICK OFFERMAN
Fans of Parks and Recreation will be delighted to learn that the actor who created the role of Ron Swanson will be in Denver for one night only! Nick Offerman is one of the most versatile and talented comedians who is all over the place right now! From his recent music film, Hearts Beat Loud, to his sell-out stand up comedy show, All Rise, we can’t get enough of this smart and funny guy.
All Rise is an evening of thoughtful talk and playful banter that transports you beyond mere comedy to inspire you to look for a better side of humanity than the one to which we have grown accustomed.
Paramount Theater, 1621 Glenarm Pl., Denver
7:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $49.50 – $65
Phone: 303-623-0106
Thursday-Sunday, December 12-15
NEW CHRISTMAS EVENT
Denver’s most exciting new Christmas celebration is a massive hands-on installation filled with fantastic “what if” scenarios, like Santa at an ancient Roman festival or Marie Antoinette at the helm of a Rococo sled.
Camp Christmas is a mash-up of history and pop culture—all in the name of holiday traditions. Every member of your family will be spellbound by the over-the-top display of decorations, light-shows, and immersive scenarios.
The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
Thurs./Sun., 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 – $15
Phone: 303-893-4100
SKATING AT THE POND
Lace up those skates and head over to the neighborhood skating rink at Southlands: The Pond. Come by for skating lessons on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. ($36 for 45 minutes), or drop in during regular hours and join the fun.
Southlands Mall: The Pond
Mon., 4:00-9:00 p.m.; Fri., 4:00-10:00 p.m.; Sat., 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sun., 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Admission: $8.50; Skate Rental: $2.50
BRIGHTEN THE HOLIDAYS WITH ZOO LIGHTS
Forget about deck the halls, Denver Zoo has been decked with millions of lights, as well as extravagant decorations and festive activities! It’s the most fun holiday party in Denver.
Your whole family will be delighted by the magical transformation at the zoo—even the animal are in the holiday spirit!
Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., Aurora
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$20
Phone: 720-432-9162
ENJOY A HOLIDAY CLASSIC
Whether you’ve made The Nutcracker a yearly tradition or have not yet experienced this must-see holiday event, the Colorado Ballet is ready to transport you to a magical winter wonderland.
Set in the 1800s, a charming Christmas party in the house of a little girl named Clara culminates with a special gift given to her: a nutcracker doll. After the party ends, the doll is magically transformed into a Nutcracker Prince, who takes Clara on a fantastical journey to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy. The uplifting score by Tchaikovsky will enchant everyone in the family!
Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St., Denver
Thurs./Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 1:00 and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$160
Phone: 303-893-4100
A TWIST ON DICKENS
Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmas all make an appearance—but this is not quite the famous Dickens Christmas story you remember! Second City alums have transformed the classic into a wildly funny spoof that’s outrageous and bawdy—for adults only!
So make it a date night or come with a group of friends and lighten up your holidays!
Aurora Arts Fox Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
Thurs./Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $12-$37
Phone: 303-739-1970
Friday, December 13
CHRISTMAS CONCERT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Get into the holiday spirit with a FREE Christmas Concert at The Cube! Located nearby in the Stapleton neighborhood, this festive concert features Denver-area musicians performing the season’s favorite songs.
The Cube, 8371 Northfield Blvd., Denver
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
Friday-Saturday, December 13-14
EARTHLINKS’ HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET
Enjoy a holiday party while doing something good for your community and the environment! Earthlinks annual holiday gift market is a chance to shop for local eco-friendly gifts created by people experiencing homelessness.
Participants will also be showcasing their own artwork! It’s an opportunity to be inspired and to make a difference at the same time.
EarthLinks’ Holiday Gift Market, 2746 W. 13th Ave., Denver
Fri., 12:30 – 6:00 p.m.; Sat., 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
Phone: 303-525-5907
Friday-Sunday, December 13-15
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
A musical for kids by kids! This popular children’s story by Roald Dahl is about a remarkable little girl named Matilda who has special powers, in addition to great intelligence and compassion. When her lovable teacher, Miss Honey, realizes Matilda gets no support from her cruel parents, she takes Matilda under her wing.
Performed by the students at Neighborhood Music Stapleton, the award-winning show comes to life on stage—right in the neighborhood. Treat yourself and your family to an inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.
The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
Fri./Sat., 6:30 p.m.; Sat., 11:00 a.m..; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $8
COLORADO SYMPHONY CHRISTMAS
A classical Christmas concert the entire family will love—Santa and Mrs. Claus will even be in attendance! You’ll get to hear your favorite traditional Christmas carols, as well as new winter tunes and some surprises—all with the chance to sing along! The festivities will include a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, accompanied by the symphony. The length of this performance is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with a 20-minute intermission.
Boettcher Concert Hall/DCPA, Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St., Denver
Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 and 6:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$89
Phone: 303-623-7876
Saturday, December 14
PAINTING SANTA
So much more fun than the usual Santa events—this is a chance to paint a picture of the Jolly Old Elf himself. While Santa poses with his adorable reindeer, the workshop facilitators will walk you through the creation of your own painting on canvas! This is a family-friendly event, but all kids must be accompanied by an adult.
The Paint Cellar at Southlands, 6155 S. Main St., Aurora
9:00 a.m.
Registration: $38
Phone: 303-627-5000
WINTER FEST IN CHERRY CREEK
Winter in Colorado means lovely days outdoors, and Winter Fest at Cherry Creek celebrates this idea by transforming Fillmore Plaza into a winter wonderland! Stroll by live ice-carving demonstrations, ice princesses on stilts, and Yuletide carolers.
Gather around a fire pit with outdoor seating while you enjoy complimentary refreshments.
Cherry Creek North, 2401 E. 2nd Ave., Denver
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
Phone: 303-392-2904
DEAR SANTA
The Air and Space Museum is the perfect place to meet the “Big Guy” who flies all over the world in a sleigh! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the Kids Area all afternoon for a chance to hear what’s on the kids’ Christmas lists. Better yet, they can write their own letters to Santa so he won’t forget!
Wings Over the Rockies, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free with Admission to Museum
Phone: 303-360-5360
DENVER BEER FESTIVUS
Take a break from the holidays to enjoy some beer! With every brewery in Denver’s city limits on hand to share their favorite brews, you’re sure to find your own personal favorite! There will also be unorthodox entertainment and some 90s nostalgia to keep the party fun!
Major Studios, 3881 Steele St., Denver
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $50-$65
Phone: 303-739-1970
Saturday-Sunday, December 14-15
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS
A beloved childhood memory for so many people, A Mannheim Steamroller Christmas has been making holiday magic for 35 years! This is the #1 Christmas music artist in history—and for the first time ever, you can hear the entire album performed live in concert!
Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St., Denver
Sat., 4:00 and 8:00 p.m.; Sun., 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $44-$116
Phone: 303-893-4100
Check Out the Holiday Fun Near Southshore!
There’s always a holiday activity nearby at the family-friendly community of Southshore! Enjoy Life at the Lake with plenty of cultural and entertainment activities in the surrounding area! Check out the beautiful model homes from Richmond American Homes, Toll Brothers, and Century Communities, and picture yourself in your very own dream house! With ranch and two-story models available, new homes are priced from the upper $400s to the $700s.