Turkey Trot, A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker!
November 22, 2018
Catch one of the exciting musical theatre performances sweeping into town this weekend! From holiday favorites A Christmas Carol and David Sedaris’ hilarious Santaland Diaries to family classic Mary Poppins, you’ll find something on stage that raises your spirits!
TODAY/TONIGHT, November 22
HARVESTING HOPE 5K RUN/WALK
This special Turkey Trot offers something for everyone in the family! A professionally-timed 5K Run lets serious runners compete, while a FREE Kids Fun Run gives kids a chance to get some exercise before the big turkey dinner.
This is a USATF-certified and paved course on the Central Park and Westerly Creek Trails in Stapleton’s Central Park. Dogs on leashes, strollers, and wheelchairs are welcome! All proceeds from the race will be donated to charity. There’s even free entertainment to get everyone in the holiday spirit!
Stapleton Central Park, 8801 MLK Jr. Blvd., Denver
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration: $35
Phone: 419-377-7745
Friday, November 23
HOME ALONE AT THE SYMPHONY
Treat the family to a classic holiday movie—with the music to the film played by the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and Chorus! Featuring the delightful score of renowned composer John Williams, the film will be projected on large suspended screens in Boettcher Concert Hall.
Home Alone is the charming story of an 8-year-old boy (Macaulay Culkin) accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation. Don’t miss the laughs as he defends his home against two bungling thieves (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern).
Boettcher Concert Hall/DCPA, Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St., Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$89
Phone: 303-623-7876
Friday-Sunday, November 23-25
SOUTHLANDS POLE
Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus is coming to Southlands Pole! The kids will love the festive atmosphere, with special crafts and activities, complimentary hot chocolate, letters to Santa, gift wrapping, holiday guest services and, of course, photos with Santa himself! And parents will feel warm inside knowing they can contribute to a good cause: Aurora Warms the Night donations will be collected at The Southlands Pole.
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
BEST MUSICAL WINNER
Come From Away is a thought-provoking contemporary Broadway musical not only filled with inspiring music but also based on an unforgettable true story that celebrates the best of the human spirit. It is the day after 9/11, and 7,000 passengers are stranded at a moment when grief and shock has overtaken the world. But the generous spirit of a small town in Newfoundland managed to turn uneasiness into trust, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.
Buell Theatre/DCPA,1350 Curtis St., Denver
Fri./Sat./Sun., 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$125
Phone: 303-571-4401
ICE SKATING AT SOUTHLANDS
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quicker than an invigorating spin on the ice! Everyone in the family will enjoy spending time together at The Pond at Southlands! If you are new to the sport, there are rentals and lessons available! Come on out and work off those Thanksgiving calories!
The Pond Ice Rink at Southlands, 6155 S. Main St., Aurora
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
Grown-ups deserve a little holiday fun, too! With the wickedly funny and cynically candid stage show based on David Sedaris’ hilarious essay about working as an elf at Macy’s, you will be laughing until New Year’s Day!
This twisted tale is the cure for the common Christmas show and the perfect excuse to take a break from it all. For Sedaris fans, this is a MUST-SEE event; for anyone not familiar with the King of Sarcasm, you will be delighted to make his acquaintance!
Jones Theatre, Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St., Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$38
Phone: 303-571-4401
MARY POPPINS LIVE ON STAGE!
The heartwarming Disney movie comes to life on stage in this delightful theatre adaptation! With all the music you know and love (Spoonful of Sugar, Chim Chim Cher-ee, Let’s Go Fly A Kite), you’ll be singing right along!
Mary Poppins is the magical nanny who turns everyone’s lives upside down—all for the better! Jane and Michael find a trusted friend, while Mr. and Mrs. Banks learn how to put their children first. Don’t miss this enchanting classic tale—before the wind changes directions!
Vintage Theatre Productions, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $38
Phone: 303-856-7830
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
The quintessential holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, returns to Denver spreading goodwill and cheer! Dickens’ tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemptive overnight journey never fails to inspire! The three ghosts of Christmas help to transform a cold, hard heart into one that reflects “the true spirit of Christmas.” While the entire family will enjoy seeing this classic story brought to life, the ghost scenes may frighten younger children, so parental discretion is advised.
The Stage Theatre, Speer Blvd. &, Arapahoe St., Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$90
Phone: 303-571-4401
XANADU THE MUSICAL
Where does roller-skating intersect with Ancient Greece? In Xanadu, the hilarious, adventurous musical based on the movie from the 1980s. Kira is a Greek muse who shows up in Venice Beach just in time to inspire an artist to invent the phenomenon of roller-disco! You’ll be singing along to this sunny, feel-good musical!
Garner Galleria Theatre/DCPA, 1101 13th St., Denver
Fri./Sat./Sun., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $46-$49
Phone: 303-571-4401
LAUGHS WITH LOUIS JOHNSON
A comedian for the troops, Louis Johnson has been on over 20 U.S.O. World Comedy Break Tours. His broad appeal transcends racial and economic barriers. You may have seen him on one of his many TV appearances, including on Showtime, Comedy Central, A&E, B.E.T. and his own Showtime Comic of the Month Special. He’s the “owner of the gift that every comic craves: the ability to draw the long hearty laughs from start to finish” (CBSDenver.com).
Comedy Works-Downtown, 1226 15th St., Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:30 and 9:45 p.m.; Sun., 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $16-$24
Phone: 720-274-6800
Saturday, November 24
FREE FALLIN’ – A TRIBUTE TO TOM PETTY
In a heartfelt tribute to the music of the incomparable Tom Petty, the Colorado Symphony pairs up with Jeans ’n Classics, the premier tribute band and vocalists, who are always faithful to the original.
Tom Petty’s career spanned over forty years, bringing with it the iconic American music that made Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers a household name. Don’t miss this faithful interpretation that honors the late great rock ’n roll icon, Tom Petty.
Boettcher Concert Hall/DCPA, Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St., Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$99
Phone: 303-623-7876
Saturday-Sunday, November 24-25
BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT
The Denver Botanic Gardens are transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with their signature holiday event! Come on out for an interactive light display that rivals none, and a holiday extravaganza featuring carolers and family-friendly events for kids of all ages!
Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
Sat./Sun., 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $13-$16
Phone: 720-865-3500
COLORADO BALLET’S NUTCRACKER
It’s the biggest Nutcracker in the state—Colorado Ballet’s acclaimed performance! Named the best-loved Nutcracker in the U.S. in the 10th Annual Goldstar National Nutcracker Award Contest, this family classic returns to Denver for its 58th year. Featuring live music performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra, this charming holiday tradition is sure to become one of your family favorites!
Ellie Caulkins Opera House/DCPA, 1385 Curtis St., Denver
Sat, 6:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$155
Phone: 303-837-8888
Sunday, November 25
DRUMS OF THE WORLD
The Colorado Symphony Percussionists prove that marimbas, bongos, bass drums, woodblocks, log drums, boo-bams, Chinese cymbals, metal trash cans, darabukkas, talking drums, plastic pipe, acoustic guitar, toy trumpet, tablespoons, Burma gongs, water can, crow call, tambourine, gankogui, and sleigh bells are all you need for a concert! You will be spellbound by the virtuoso percussionists of the Colorado Symphony in this dynamic concert that is fun for the entire family!
Boettcher Concert Hall/DCPA, Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St., Denver
2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$27
Phone: 303-623-7876
Thanksgiving Weekend in Southshore
Ideally-located in Aurora near shopping, entertainment venues and the scenic Aurora reservoir, is the beautiful and thoughtfully-designed master-planned community of Southshore. If you’re not a resident yet, explore the amazing options from Toll Brothers, Richmond American Homes or Century Communities. You’ll want to see all the models, in ranch and two-story designs, priced between the upper $300s and the $700s.