Can’t-Miss Events
Ongoing
SAINTS, SINNERS, LOVERS AND FOOLS
Don’t miss the U.S. debut of a special series of Flemish artworks, many of which haven’t yet been on display in Belgium or the Netherlands. The exhibit features medieval, Renaissance and baroque paintings and sculptures, by Jacob Jordaens, Peter Paul Rubens, Jan Gossaert and others, on display through Jan. 22. DENVER ART MUSEUM, denverartmuseum.org
Through December 23
DENVER CHRISTKINDL MARKET
Colorado’s only authentic German holiday market re-creates the joy of strolling through a European village square during the holidays. Browse the unique artisan gifts in the cozy wooden huts, sing along to live holiday music and dance to German polka tunes, sip on authentic Glühwein (mulled spiced wine) or German bier, and taste delicious traditional foods from all across Europe. Open daily at CIVIC CENTER PARK, christkindlmarketdenver.com
Through December 23
THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE
All aboard for the Polar Express Train Ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum! This classic holiday event for the whole family includes a cabaret-style show, a train ride, cookies and hot chocolate, and visits with Santa. “First Class” ticket packages are also available; they include commemorative cocoa mugs, a copy of the book and a silver bell. Three shows nightly at COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM, coloradorailroadmuseum.org
Through December 24
WINTER WANDERLAND
Stroll under a canopy of more than 600 trees decorated with nearly a million twinkling lights during Winter Wanderland at Cherry Creek North. The 16 blocks of lights, illuminated 24/7, feature eight special displays choreographed to music. Also check out the Holiday Market with more than 50 vendors, and catch a free carriage ride (5–8 p.m.) through the light display when you need a break from shopping. CHERRY CREEK NORTH, cherrycreeknorth.com
Through December 26
MIRACLE AT UNION STATION
Miracle at Union Station is a pop-up, immersive cocktail experience inside the historic train station. It features over-the-top holiday decor and decadent drinks that the organizers say “will convert even the grouchiest of Grinches.” Reservations required. After your visit, stop for a holiday photo op at the gorgeous, illuminated archway. UNION STATION, unionstationdenver.com
Through January 1
GAYLORD ROCKIES HOLIDAY EVENTS
Head to Gaylord Rockies for their lineup of unique holiday events that can’t be found elsewhere in the area. ICE! features life-size scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” carved from more than two million pounds of ice. “Cirque: Spirit of Christmas” is a dazzling acrobatics show with a holiday theme. There’s also the Merry Snoopy Scavenger Hunt, a “Naughty or Nice” Escape Room, a snow-tubing hill, a skating rink and a snowball play space. You don’t have to be a resort guest to attend these events but check all the details and ticket info online before going, because many events sell out. GAYLORD ROCKIES, christmasatgaylordrockies.marriott.com
Through January 2
CHRISTMAS IN COLOR
Pack the whole family into the car and head to one of three area locations for Christmas in Color, featuring millions of holiday lights, perfectly synchronized to the music coming from your vehicle’s radio. A special add-on package includes fun and festive extras like light-up wands and Rudolph noses. At BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY, WATER WORLD or ARAPAHOE COUNTY FAIRGOUNDS, christmasincolor.net
December 2
HIGHLANDS RANCH HOMETOWN HOLIDAY & WINTER MARKET
Share the spirit of the season at this annual event for the whole family, with a chance to shop for unique food and gift items, plus live music, food and visits with Santa. 4:30–7:30 p.m. at TOWN CENTER SOUTH; hrcaonline.org
December 2–4
LONE TREE ARTS CENTER MERRY DAYS
The city’s holiday tree is lit during a festive ceremony on Friday night, then the holiday fun continues all weekend with family activities like cookie decorating, a hot cocoa bar and visits with Santa. Find updated details online. LONE TREE ARTS CENTER, cityoflonetree.com
December 2–18
CASTLE PINES HOLIDAY EVENTS
Castle Pines has a variety of holiday events on the calendar, including a tree-lighting event on Dec. 2, a brunch and holiday movie on Dec. 10, the Trail of Lights, and carriage rides to see holiday lights on area homes (Dec. 17–18). Reservations are required for some events, so check online. CASTLE PINES, castlepinesco.gov
December 3
CENTENNIAL HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET
Shop for unique holiday gifts at this market; there’s also live music and dance performances, family-friendly activities, food trucks, and free cookies, cocoa and cider. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at CENTENNIAL CENTER PARK, centennialco.gov
December 3
REINDEER GAMES
This winter-themed wonderland in Castle Rock features visits with Santa and his (live) reindeer, plus kid-friendly holiday activities like s’mores, hot chocolate, sleigh rides, train rides, outdoor games and an obstacle course (with prizes waiting at the end). 1–4 p.m. at PHILIP S. MILLER PARK, crgov.com
December 3
HIGHLANDS RANCH MANSION HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
This free, family-friendly holiday event includes tours of the Highlands Ranch Mansion, plus holiday gifts and crafts, live entertainment, games with prizes, and visits with Santa. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at HIGHLANDS RANCH MANSION; highlandsranchmansion.com
December 3
RACE OF THE SANTAS
Breckenridge’s holiday lighting ceremony also includes “Race of the Santas,” with hundreds of Santa look-alikes racing down Main Street to kick off the holiday season. Post-race, there’s a lighting ceremony, a dog race, carolers and visits with Santa. BRECKENRIDGE, gobreck.com
December 10
GREENWOOD VILLAGE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Greenwood Village residents can get into the holiday spirit with games, treats, visits with Santa, interactive activities and more. 5–7 p.m.; get tickets online. GREENWOOD VILLAGE CITY HALL, greenwoodvillage.com
December 10
CERAMIC ORNAMENTS AND MENORAHS CLASS
Ring in the holiday season by learning how to craft gift-worthy ceramic ornaments and a menorah. Class participants will also get to glaze their own pieces. This class for all skill levels is 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at CURTIS CENTER FOR THE ARTS, greenwoodvillage.com
December 10
THE PRINCESS BRIDE: AN EVENING WITH CARY ELWES
After a screening of the iconic movie “The Princess Bride,” Cary Elwes, one of the stars, presents a behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the set. Special VIP packages include a meet and greet with Cary, the best seats in the house, and a signed copy of his book on the same subject. COMEDY WORKS SOUTH, comedyworks.com
December 10–11
BELLEVIEW STATION HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Shop for artisan gifts from more than 70 makers at this outdoor holiday bazaar that also offers live music, street food options and a heated beer garden. (There’s also a holiday bazaar in downtown Lakewood, Dec. 2–4 and 16–18.) BELLEVIEW STATION, denverbazaar.com
December 12
THE SWINGLES
The Swingles, winners of five Grammys, present an a cappella evening of holiday classics that will have the audience tapping their toes and maybe even singing along. 6:30 p.m. at NEWMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, du.edu/events
December 14
DESSERT WITH CHARLES DICKENS
Step back in time to “Christmas Past” with Charles Dickens (aka actor Seth Palmer Harris). He’ll read selections from “A Christmas Carol” and other seasonal works while you enjoy a dessert buffet, cash bar and tours of the castle. There’s also a Breakfast with Santa event on Dec. 4 and 11. See all the details online. CHEROKEE RANCH & CASTLE, cherokeeranch.org
December 15–23
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Celebrate the holidays with this Lone Tree Arts Center favorite, an old-school variety show featuring dancing, singing and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. LONE TREE ARTS CENTER, lonetreeartscenter.org
December 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA
Ring in 2023 in Centennial at this huge gala that includes live music, dancing, catered hors d’oeuvres, party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight. Hotel packages (with breakfast) are also available at the Embassy Suites Tech Center. EVENTS @ PINEY CREEK, eventsatpineycreek.com
