Parade of Lights Weekend!
November 29, 2018
It’s that magical time of year again! The annual Parade of Lights in downtown Denver is a delight to behold! Carry on a beloved tradition or make this the year you start a new one by watching the holiday season march into town. For two nights, the 16th Street Mall and two miles leading up to it, take on an enchanting glow as the festive parade winds through the city. Don’t miss out on the celebration!
TODAY/TONIGHT, November 29
STAPLETON HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Cross off every item on your Christmas list at this innovative shopping opportunity! Artisans and craft vendors will be displaying one-of-a-kind gifts indoors at The Shops at Northfield Stapleton. Browse over 45 unique booths to find the perfect holiday gifts. Shop & Sip Packages offer the best pricing on drink tokens, drink glasses and shopping tote bags.
The Shops at Northfield Stapleton, 8340 Northfield Blvd., Denver
4:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Thursday-Saturday, November 29-December 1
GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES
Brad Williams is one of the funniest comedians in the country, and he’s the first to admit that “pound for pound” he’s the most in-demand comedian working today. He’s known for his inspiring and humorous observations on disability, relationships, sex, and race, and he’s proof that anyone can overcome their shortcomings.
You may know him from one of his many stand-up television appearances, including Live at Gotham, The Tonight Show, Dave Attell’s Comedy Underground, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. His first one-hour special, Fun Size, was the highest-rated on Showtime, and a year later, he followed that up with his second special, Daddy Issues, which was even more successful than the first. Don’t miss your chance to see this uproarious and talented comedian in person!
Comedy Works-Downtown, 1226 15th St., Denver
Thurs., 8:00 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:30 and 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$25
Phone: 720-274-6800
Thursday-Sunday, November 29-December 2
TAKE A SPIN ON THE ICE AT SOUTHLANDS!
Need a break from holiday shopping? Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Southlands’ The Pond ice skating rink is the answer! For a great workout and tons of fun, nothing beats lacing up the skates and taking a spin on the ice. Even if you’ve never skated before, there are rentals and lessons to let you in on the fun!
The Pond Ice Rink at Southlands, 6155 S. Main St., Aurora
Thurs., 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.
Cost: $3.50 – $8.50
Phone: 303-627-5000
SANTALAND DIARIES
Crumpet the Elf is the remedy for any jaded holiday humbugger! David Sedaris puts it all into perspective with his hilarious recounting of life as an elf at the Macy’s Santaland display.
If you have never heard this cynical take on the holidays, you are in for a treat! This adult Christmas story will become YOUR holiday favorite!
Jones Theatre, Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St., Denver
Thurs./Fri., 7:00 p.m.; Sat., 12:00 and 5:00 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$45
Phone: 303-571-4401
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future all make a live appearance in Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. A family favorite, this heartwarming play returns to Denver spreading good cheer! No matter how many times you’ve heard the story, A Christmas Carol is worth seeing again and again! Scrooge proves it’s never too late to embrace the spirit of giving with all your heart!
The Stage Theatre, Speer Blvd. &, Arapahoe St., Denver
Thurs./Fri., 6:30 p.m.; Sat., 12:00 and 5:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$95
Phone: 303-571-4401
Friday, November 30
WHAT’S ALL THE BUZZ ABOUT?
Jerry Seinfeld is hilarious as the cerebral Barry the Bee who finds his work with honey rather uninspiring. You may be tempted to stay and watch Bee Movie, but this Kids Night Out is for kids only!
This safe and fun event, sponsored by the YMCA Southshore’s Lakehouse, provides dinner, arts and crafts, and games, in addition to the movie screening. It will be a fun-filled evening for potty-trained children through the age of 12! Registration is required.
The Lakehouse, YMCA Southshore, 27151 E. Lakeview Dr., Aurora
6:00-10:00 p.m.
Cost: $15-$17
Phone: 720-870-2221
Friday-Saturday, November 30–December 1
DENVER PARADE OF LIGHTS
The brightest of Colorado holiday traditions, Denver’s Parade of Lights officially ushers the holidays into downtown Denver! Bring the entire family out to celebrate along this two-mile-long parade spectacular, featuring extravagant floats, festive marching bands, and of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa! Don’t forget to bring your mittens and hot chocolate so you can stay warm for the entire parade!
If you prefer to get the best views and watch the parade in high style, you can purchase Grandstand Seating in front of the spectacularly lit City & County Building. No matter how you see it, the Parade of Lights is sure to make you smile!
Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave., Denver
Fri., 8:00 p.m.; Sat., 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE to $25 (Grandstand Seating)
Phone: 303-627-5000
Friday-Sunday, November 30-December 2
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO SOUTHLANDS
The jolly old elf may live at the North Pole, but his favorite destination is the Southlands Pole! Bring the kids out to meet Santa and pose for a picture. There will be plenty of holiday crafts and activities for them to participate in and complimentary hot chocolate. Parents, you can bring something to donate to Aurora Warms the Night and set an example that Santa would be proud of!
Southlands, 6155 S. Main St., Aurora
Fri./Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sun., 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
Phone: 303-627-5000
MARY POPPINS – THE MUSICAL
The Banks family is in desperate need of a nanny for their two naughty children, Jane and Michael. But when Mary Poppins floats into town on the East Wind, they get much more than they bargained for!
This delightful stage version of the beloved Disney movie has all of your favorite songs and characters. You will be singing along to Chim Chim Cher-ee and Let’s Go Fly A Kite long after the curtain closes! Treat the entire family to this enchanting classic tale—it’s Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Vintage Theatre Productions, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $38
Phone: 303-856-7830
ALL BEETHOVEN CONCERT
The concert that classical fans have been waiting for all year—the season’s annual weekend of all-Beethoven performances, highlighting the works of the world’s most revered and recognized composer: Ludwig van Beethoven! In this special concert conducted by Grammy Award-winning Hans Graf, the Colorado Symphony will perform Overture to Egmont, Piano Concerto No. 3, and the great classic, Symphony No. 6: Pastoral. Pastoral will take you on a stroll through the Viennese countryside, as the rich color and texture of one of Beethoven’s most beloved works weaves its magic. In Overture to Egmont, Beethoven is at his most forceful and urgent in this magnificent work of unparalleled power. Don’t miss this weekend celebrating a symphonic legend!
Boettcher Concert Hall/DCPA, Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St., Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$89
Phone: 303-623-7876
Saturday-Sunday, December 1-2
BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT AT THE GARDENS
This twinkling winter wonderland is sure to become a new holiday tradition—there’s something for everyone at the beautiful Blossoms of Light display! Denver Botanic Gardens are transformed into a breathtaking extravaganza that will make you feel like you are walking through a fairytale. The interactive light display will fill you with awe and wonder!
Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
Sat./Sun., 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $13-$16
Phone: 720-865-3500
Sunday, December 2
THE NUTCRACKER
Colorado Ballet puts on the “best-loved” Nutcracker performance in the U.S., according to the 10th Annual Goldstar National Nutcracker Award Contest! Come see why this family-favorite is such a beloved tradition! Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, the Mouse King, and the Sugarplum Fairy will enchant the young and young at heart in this whimsical fairytale-come-to-life. The costumes, music, set, and dancing all work together to create pure holiday magic!
Ellie Caulkins Opera House/DCPA, 1385 Curtis St., Denver
6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$155
Phone: 303-837-8888
Tuesday, December 4
AURORA HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
You don’t need to go far from home to celebrate a neighborhood tree lighting event! The City of Aurora promises a night full of fun, highlighting the sights, sounds and tastes of the holiday season! Snack on seasonal goodies and enjoy live musical and dance performances. Of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus! This family-friendly celebration gives you the first glimpse of the spectacular outdoor light display in Aurora!
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E Alameda Pkwy., Aurora
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Phone: 303-739-7182
Holiday Happenings Near Southshore
Jingle all the way through the neighborhood, Life at the Lake in the master-planned community of Southshore has never looked so good! The beautiful model homes brought to you by Toll Brothers, Richmond American Homes or Century Communities are a sight to behold and available in ranch and two-story designs, priced from the upper $300s.