Holiday Happenings

Colorado loves its winter holidays and with good reason. From Thanksgiving to New Years, our state’s beauty, decent weather and abundance of great restaurants, arts and culture opportunities call for celebration. We’ve curated an abundant list of things to do to get you in the holiday spirit, from holiday markets to light displays to special menus and more. As always, as we hear of more holiday happenings we find to be In Good Taste in Colorado, we’ll add them so keep checking back!

Colorado Holiday Happenings In Good Taste

ONGOING EVENTS

Editor’s Pick A Christmas Carol is a must for the season with a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel. With beautiful sets and lush costumes, audiences will run the range of emotions but end up filled with holiday joy. The show runs Nov. 25-Dec. 27 at the Wolf Theatre. 

A Holiday Less Ordinary is Cherry Creek North’s multi-faceted holiday activations. Kicking off Nov. 19, there’ll be the Cherry Creek Holiday Market (details below); Mistletoe Lounge: Apres Ski; Holiday “Windows Less Ordinary” and Holiday Cherry Hunt; Light the World Giving Machines; Naughty + Nice Festive Sips; free horse-drawn carriage rides; Small Business Weekend; and a Chanukah Celebration. Click the link for details on each. 

Alpine Village at Rare Bird, at Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek, provides twinkling lights and city skyline views plus festive cocktails like a Peppermint Bark Martini and S’more Please plus festive bites like a gruyere fondue and bison carpaccio. Rent intimate alpine-inspired cabins for $200 for 2.5 hours) with fireplaces, plush seating and cozy blankets. Alpine Village is open 4-10pm Monday-Thursday and 3-10pm Friday and Saturday. Daily happy hour runs until 6pm.

Annie Booth Trio: Charlie Brown Christmas is at Dazzle Dec. 14-24. Hear the pianist and bandleader and her longtime bandmates during a residency of live performances of songs from the classic show. Annie is joined by vocalists Marion Powers Dec. 14-19 and Jenna McLean Dec. 20-24.

Ay Papi’s Papi Noel Holiday Pop-Up transforms the Latin cocktail bar into a tropical holiday escape. There’ll be nostalgic Latin music plus seasonal cocktails like the Gingerbread Coffee Colada, Cranberry-Rosemary Winter F&T plus tropical frozen drinks, warm drinks and zero-proo drinks too. On Friday and Saturday nights, DJ’s will provide live tunes. Reserve a spot in the link. 

Editor’s Pick Ballet Ariel’s The Nutcracker brings the full ballet to two locations in December and January. For its 28th season, see a beautiful and fresh interpretation with original and creative choreography of the beloved classic, all set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. See Clara embark on enchanting adventures with her Nutcracker Prince from a sparkling holiday tea party to western-themed battle and visit from Father Christmas at the Sugar Plum Fairy Castle. The ballet is performed at the Lakewood Cultural Center Dec. 11-13 and at Parsons Theatre at the Northglenn Recreation Center Jan. 2-3.

Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens lets guests wander a mile-long path through immersive light displays that accentuate and highlight the plant collections. It runs Nov. 20-Jan. 10.

Light Displays Bridge of Lights transforms the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, America’s highest suspension bridge, into a drive-thru or walk-thru wonderland of lights. Dates are subject to change at the time of this posting but are said to run from late November through December. Check the website link for updates. 

Charlie Brown Goes to The Nutcracker on Dec. 5, 12 and 18. The annual music tradition at St. Julien Hotel & Spa is performed by Boulder’s own Ron LeGault Trio from 6-9pm. The complimentary performance blends music from “Charlie Brown Christmas,” composed by Vince Guaraldi, with the jazz versions of “The Nutcracker,” written by Duke Ellington. Guests can curl up by the fireplace in the lobby, sip a seasonal cocktail and enjoy the holiday cheer. 

Holiday Markets Cherry Creek Holiday Market in Cherry Creek North has more than 50 local artisan vendors plus live music, festive drinks and decor. It’s available Nov. 19-Dec. 24. 

Christmas at Gaylord Rockies features Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Nov. 20-Jan. 3. Ice artisans from Harbin, China, will have spent five weeks transforming 2 million pounds of ice into a 17,000-square-foot frozen attraction. Characters and iconic scenes from the show will be seen in ice sculpture form.

Christmas Beer and Cookies Tour, from the Denver Microbrew Tour, is back for the 7th season. For $55/person, attendees visit four breweries, having 10+ beer samples along the way, four big cookies from The Flour Shop paired with select beers, a free Santa hat, free souvenir sample glass, unique Denver Christmas stories and an expert beer and cookie guide. The Tour is available various dates Nov. 28-Dec. 27.

Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker runs Nov. 28-Dec. 27. See the timeless tradition with sweet Sugar Plums, dancing mice and swirling snowflakes. 

Holiday Markets Denver Christkindlmarket is the authentic German-style market with wooden vendor huts. Browse handcrafted ornaments, European-inspired gifts, clothing, toys and more. Taste traditional German food and glühwein (hot spiced wine). Hear festive tunes, see holiday lights and ride the Western Carousel, a restored 42-foot Herschell masterpiece with hand-carved horses and vintage detailing. Christkindlmarket runs Nov. 20-Dec. 23. 

Holiday Markets Denver Winter Market at the Sports Castle has more than 100 Colorado makers, two holiday bars and three floors to explore for holiday gifts. The $5 admission benefits local Special Olympics Colorado teams. Fridays are free. The dates are Nov. Nov. 28-29, Dec. 4-6, Dec. 11-13. 

ELF The Musical plays at the Buell Theatre Dec. 22-27. Inspired by the hit film, see the heartwarming story of Buddy, a young orphan child whose life is changed forever when he discovers he’s human and goes looking for his father and the true meaning of Christmas. 

Light Displays Elitch Holidays brings larger-than-life holiday displays featuring millions of lights, a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree, twinkling snowmen, a 300-foot-long candy cane tunnel, giant ornaments, a wall of lights and rides on certain attractions. It runs Nov. 27-Jan. 3. 

Fezziwig’s Christmas Party is a Christmas Carol-inspired holiday pop-up open Tuesday-Through Saturday from 5-9pm at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver. Named for the jolly host of “A Christmas Carol’s” Christmas Eve ball, the pop-up immerses guests into Dickens’ Victorian London. There’ll be candlelit decor, small bites from Panzano and a lineup of holiday cocktails (including an espresso martini flight). Make it a pre-theater stop before going to DCPA’s production of “A Christmas Carol,” a short walk away. There’ll also be archived costumes from the production on display. 

Fight Club Denver launches Holiday in the Highlands starting November 16. Think Scottish Highland-inspired decor with tartans and evergreen accents. On the food and drink side, they’ll have a holiday menu with turkey sliders, smoked salmon blini and Highland steak skewers, plus a Scottish Hearth cocktail made with Glenfiddich, apple brandy and dark cherry. Runs through mid-January.

Fire & Ice Show at Glenwood Caverns includes fire dancers and pyrotechnics against the backdrop of an ice tower glowing with a large bonfire inside. Ride the scenic gondola to a mountaintop wonderland with twinkling lights, festive decor and holiday cheer. Ride the Alpine Coaster and tour mystic caves plus hear live entertainment. 

Gingerbread Mountain Cabin at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is a larger-than-life, edible creation with a stone-inspired foundation, constructed of more than 2,000 pounds of ingredients. It will be on display in the resort’s Grand Lodge Atrium Nov. 20-Jan. 3.

Gift Horse is a month-long holiday pop-up at Semiprecious cocktail bar, from Nov. 27-Dec. 31. There’ll be festive drinks, fun games, après ski nostalgia and a limited-run, evolving collection of wintery merchandise to be gifted, worn and treasured. Step into the vibe of a vintage alpine shallot, shop winter warmers, shot skis and a variety of special cocktails. 

Happy Dollydays from Ski Jorts City at Lady Justice Brewing Company brings the third annual event with themed happenings celebrating the legacy of Dolly Parton. From Nov. 11-Dec. 31, the queer, women-owned brewery is transformed into a ski-lodge-esque winter wonderland with Dolly-themed decor, activations, beer releases and community nonprofit partnerships. 

Holiday Markets Holiday BAZAAR features Colorado makers in five neighborhoods. Dates are Nov. 14 in Cherry Creek, Nov. 28 at Belleview Station, Dec. 5 at Sloan’s Lake, Dec. 12 in LoHi and Dec. 19 in Downtown Littleton. 

Light Displays Holiday Light and Music Show at the City & County of Denver Building in Civic Center Park runs Nov. 20-Jan. 12. See the historic building illuminated every evening with a light and music display. The lighting will be static on Mondays due to city council meetings but the shows will run 5:45-6:45pm Tuesday-Sunday. 

Holiday Teas at Hotel Boulderado happen on the hotel’s historic Mezzanine with a curated selection of premium teas, scones, tea sandwiches, holiday pastries and seasonal desserts. There’ll also be live entertainment, twinkling lights and festive decor. Tickets are available on select dates from Nov. 28-Jan. 2. Tickets are $45 for kids under 12 and $65 for adults. Make reservations in the link.

Light Displays Hudson Holidays, Nov. 27-Jan. 3, happens at Hudson Gardens & Events Center with an enchanted forest, towering trees draped in thousands of colorful lights, a grove of dancing Christmas trees, a forest with giant snowmen, holiday light tunnel and more. There’ll also be festive drinks and visits with Santa.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is performed at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center Nov. 24-Dec. 27. Step inside a 1940s radio studio where an ensemble transforms Frank Capra’s beloved classic into a thrilling live broadcast. See sound effects created, hear period music and experience theatrical magic.

Light Displays Larimer Lights in Larimer Square runs Nov. 27-Dec. 31. Enjoy festive holiday lights and decor, local shopping, dining and seasonal experiences including live entertainment, photo opps and visits from Santa. 

Live Music at the Cherry Creek Mall, produced by Live at Jack’s Entertainment, features the Gayle Leali Jazz Trio Nov. 14, 5-8 during the tree lighting. Then, it’s DOTSERO Trio, Dec. 19 and 23, 1-3pm. 

Light Displays Mile High Drone Shows returns again with 42 nights (Nov. 20-Dec. 31) of amazing light displays. The best viewing is from the Tivoli Quad at the Auraria Campus, the Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex and rooftop bars. The show includes 600 drones reaching 500 feet in the air and spreading 500 feet wide. The scenes are holiday-themed animations, Denver icons, favorite winter moments and mountain activities too. The show happens at 7pm every night. 

Light Displays Mile High Tree presented by Xcel Energy and Xfinity is a seven-story, 110-foot-tall piece of immersive art. Whether standing on the outside or on the inside, the 39-foot diameter conical structure contains 60,000 LED lights choreographed to multicultural holiday music. It’s from 5-10pm nightly at the Tivoli Quad at the Auraria Campus. 

Miracle at The Eddy, at The Eddy Taproom & Hotel in Golden, is a pop-up bar experience with jolly cocktails in cheerful glassware in kitschy holiday decor. It’s happening Nov. 24-Dec. 30. Reservations are suggested.

Holiday Shopping Mistletoe Market at The Dairy Block is a four-day market with more than 40 local vendors. Shop everything from apparel, to toys, art, food, pet gear and outdoor gear). There’ll be family-friendly activities, festive drinks and food all in the heated alley plus holiday lights and live carolers. The event runs Dec. 5-6 and 12-13. 

Magical Winter Nights at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a whimsical winter wonderland. See the museum as never before, turned into a fantastical journey of immersive light, sound and surprises. The event happens Nov. 25-Jan. 2. 

McGregor Skate at McGregor Square Plaza runs Nov. 27-Jan. 25. Bring your own ice skates or rent them on-site. Skating is $6 for those bringing their own skates or $15 for skate rental plus admission for adults or $9 for children. There’ll be an outside bar serving hot chocolate and more.

Holiday Markets Merry Market at McGregor Square provides the opportunity to shop local makers, scout vintage finds, shop small, drink something festive, see the holiday tree and ice skate. Take pictures with Santa Dinger on select dates. The Merry Market runs Nov. 27-29, Dec. 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20. 

Nocturne Holiday Sessions brings the Peter Sommer Septet performing holiday favorites on Dec. 18-20. Then, the David Mesquitic Quintet performs arrangements of holiday classics from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, plus select songs from Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas on Dec. 22 and 23. Each night features two shows at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy the live holiday music with three-course Dinner and a Show reservations or a la carte bar seating, ranging from $42 to $165.

Santa’s Factory is back at Little Man Ice Cream’s Factory location from Nov. 27-Jan. 3. Enjoy seasonal flavors (at all locations) including White Chocolate Candy Cane, Gingerbread and Vegan Frosty Cocoa. The largest of the shops transforms for the season with holiday decor, a gift boutique and full calendar of events. New this year is a Moonlight Market on Dec. 3 and Oiy to the World on Dec. 9.

Señor Bear’s Polar Bear Express Holiday Takeover transforms into a nostalgic, snow-covered holiday escape inspired by the magic of train travel. Guests can expect festive cocktails, chef-driven dishes inspired by Latin America and a special holiday edition of the restaurant’s curated Bear Basket chef’s tasting experience. While the whole experience runs Nov. 25-Dec. 26, there will be holiday brunches on Dec. 6 and 13. Book reservations in the link. 

Snowed Inn at Ace Eat Serve transforms as a space into a cozy alpine lodge in a winter wonderland Nov. 20-Jan. 3. See snow-dusted trees, sparkly snowflakes and apres-ski decor. Themed cocktails include the Chill & Frost, Oaxaca Holiday and the modern Chinese menu favorites like the Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup, Mapo Tofu and more.

Snowmass’ Wintersköl returns to Aspen and Snowmass with four days of local tradition. Festivities include on-mountain activities, snow sculptures, a soup contest, beer festival, live music, a bonfire, a torchlight descent and fireworks (Dec. 12), a Holiday Market (Dec. 11-12) and a special drone show. 

St. Julien Gingerbread Tea lets kids decorate gingerbread cookies, complete with a chef hat and apron, while adults unwind to the sounds of live holiday jazz. Tea service includes fresh-baked scones, tea sandwiches and gourmet teas. Proceeds benefit There With Care, a nonprofit organization that supports children and families facing critical illness, and guests are also invited to bring an unwrapped toy to contribute to the hotel’s holiday toy drive. The event is offered Dec. 6, 13 and 20 with two seatings and costs $59/adult and $39 for kids ages 12 and under. 

The Mile High Yuletide Lodge at The Rally Hotel runs throughout December, transforming one of its elevated Penthouse Condos into a winter wonderland. Book it for families or friends, for intimate or larger gatherings. There’ll be a mini-decorated Christmas tree, hot cocoa bar, collection of holiday movies and cookie decorating assortments. The refrigerator will be stocked with appetizers and seasonal drink mixers. A “Stocking Butler” will surprise guests nightly with a personalized stocking delivery of rotating treats. Guests also get four tickets to McGregor Square’s ice skating rink. A private chef is also available for holiday meals.

The Season at Stanley is a selection of curated events at Stanley Marketplace from Nov. 28-Dec. 31. Events include A Santa for Everyone (Sensory Santa-Nov. 28), (Vietnamese Santa-Nov. 29), (Drag Santa-Dec. 5) and more; Apres on the West Patio with firepits, s’mores stations and more; After Hours Night Market (Dec. 11-12); live music and entertainment and the annual Giving Tree (Nov. 3-Dec. 13) to help fulfill holiday wishes for local families in need. 

Light Displays Trail of Lights happens at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms, select dates between Nov. 21 and Jan. 3. Follow the winding path through the pastoral countryside, with lights illuminating cottonwoods, pine trees and boxelders. The patch is just under a mile or there is a shorter one.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop Pop-Up at Punch Bowl Social occurs through Dec. 27. Look through a wide selection of upcycled and new holiday garb for kids and adults, ranging from $14.99-$39.99. Get in the holiday spirit with their limited-edition holiday cocktail menu including Santa Pants, Baked Apple Old Fashioned, the Ho-Ho-Ho and Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini.

Wassail Days in Frisco returns Nov. 28-Dec. 6. Stroll Main Street, stopping into local businesses to sample their individual recipes for wassail, a warm, spiced apple cider. Complete at “12 Sips of Wassail Card” to receive a commemorative mug. The festivities begin with a tree lighting and fireworks. Throughout the week, get free gift wrapping, sign up for a call from Santa, enjoy caroling performances, Santa visits and breakfast and storytime with Santa.  

Holiday Shopping Western Wonderland at the National Western center is a new holiday event. Stroll through lights, warm up by a fire pit, take a carriage ride and visit the Winter Village, a market of local makers and small businesses. There’ll also be food and drink vendors. The event is Nov. 28-Dec. 27. 

Winter Lodge at Peaks Lounge is located on the 27th floor of the Hyatt Regency Denver. It’s an alpine-inspired retreat with panoramic views of the city skyline and Rockies. Try the seasonal food and drink menu including prost bratwurst, ale onion soup with raclette, a frosted cranberry margarita and N/A Grinch’s Remedy. The decor features antler chandeliers, glowing lanterns and candlelight. Winter Lodge is open daily from 4pm-midnight, Nov. 1-Jan. 2.

Winter on the Rooftop at 54thirty, the rooftop bar on the 20th floor of Le Méridien Denver Downtown offers festive decor and cocktail specials like the Golden Christmas, Holiday Mist and Crimson & Thyme. It’s also a great place to get an unobstructed view of Visit Denver’s Mile High Drone Show, Nov. 20-Dec. 31. There’s a $25 cover charge/person from 6-7:30pm. 

Light Displays Zoo Lights transforms the Denver Zoo into a winter wonderland, with more than a million lights covering 80 acres. It runs Nov. 23-Jan. 3. 

Dated Events

NOVEMBER HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

November 7
Holiday Markets Vibe Artisan Market brings more than 140 makers to The Arch in RiNo on Nov. 7-8. There’ll also be DJ CYN, cocktails and food trucks. Entry is free. 

November 8
Vibe Artisan Market continues. See Nov. 7. 

November 14
Holiday Markets FAB-YULE-US Holiday Market at Aspen Grove runs Nov. 14 and 15 at Aspen Grove. The indoor market features local bakers, makers, artists and boutiques. In addition to shopping, there will be Santa visits, Rescue Puppy Yoga and a lot of cheer. 

Holiday Markets Holiday Makers Market at MCA Denver runs Nov. 14 and 15 at the Holiday Theater. Shop the best local artists, makers and vendors from around Denver. RSVP for free. Admission is a penny. 

Winter Stroll Holiday Market is an afternoon of shopping and community connection along 25th Avenue between Elmira St. and Geneva St. Support local businesses and nonprofits plus enjoy curated cocktails and mocktails, live music, food trucks, drop-off babysitting and a holiday raffle. 

November 15
FAB-YULE-US Holiday Market continues. See Nov. 14.

Holiday Makers Market continues. See Nov. 14.

November 20
Holiday Markets 51st Holiday Art Market at Foothills Art Center has more than 80 Colorado artists selling more than 3,000 unique items.

A Celtic Christmas is at the Rialto Theater Center in Loveland on the 20th and in Denver at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts on Nov. 22. Experience Irish dance, festive toons and heartwarming storytelling. 

Light Displays Light the Lights kicks off the Holiday Light and Music Show at the City & County Building. Major Mike Johnston will kick off the holiday season with brief remarks before flipping the switch to illuminate the building for the first time this season. Residents can attend in person or watch live on Denver 8 TV or the City’s Facebook page.

Light Displays Mile High Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the season of the 7-story tree. See the full description in the Ongoing section above.

November 22
A Celtic Christmas continues. See Nov. 20.

“Eat, Drink and Be Merry” with the Denver Concert Band offers a musical way to kick-off the season. Songs include Food, Glorious Food from the musical Oliver!, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Wassail Dances and a visit from a special guest from the North Pole. The concert is held at the Lone Tree Arts Center.

November 26
Turkey Day 5K in Frisco celebrates its 13th year before the big feast. Participants of all ages are welcome, including those with strollers and leashed dogs. After crossing the finish line, enjoy sweet treats from Butterhorn Bakery and mini pies courtesy of Saved by the Wine, plus hot coffee and cocoa.

November 27
Light Displays Grand Illumination at Denver Union Station includes a performance by the Denver Dolls, a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, a festive photo booth and the official lighting of the outdoor 40-foot-tall Christmas tree with more than 7,000 lights. 

Grinchmas at Orchard Town Center, from noon-4pm is a free family event to meet the grouch, take a unique holiday photo and enjoy some Grinch-style mischief along the way.

Steuben’s Home for the Holidays turns the clock back to bring the magic of Christmas morning to life with a nostalgic holiday pop-up. There’ll be colorful lights, vintage-inspired decorations and festive cocktails.

November 28 – Small Business Saturday
The Ramble Hotel Holiday Bazaar, happening 11am-3pm, showcases handicrafts and goods from local makers like Topo Designs, TI-A Woven Goods, Ordinary Evelyn’s, Permission Poetry and others. Sip Death & Co holiday cocktails while shopping for everything from home goods to jams, to baskets and curiosities. In the lobby, the Hotel unveils its annual ArtistTree, an 18-food holiday tree trimmed by local typewriter poet, Crista Reid, of Permission Poetry. Reid has an artist residency during which she’ll type short, bespoke poems for guests each week in December. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be there for pictures and complimentary hot cocoa.

DECEMBER HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

December 2
Light Displays Lakewood Lights is an annual celebration with a lighting ceremony, stroll among the lights, live music and hot cocoa. Meet Santa or craft an ornament while you’re there. 

Weenie Wednesday: Santa + Dogs Edition at Fox and the Hen is from 4-7pm. Chef-driven takes on glizzies (hot dogs) will be served along with cocktails. There’ll also be holiday tunes performed by Lauren Joy and a chance for four-legged friends and human family to pose for a photo with Santa. 

December 4
A Drag Queen Christmas is the longest-running drag tour in America. See Myki Meeks, Nini Coco, Darlene Mitchell, Juicy Love Dion, Discord Addams, Crystal Methyd and Silky Ganache perform the Paramount Theatre. 

Light Displays RiNo-Ful Life Holiday Market & ArtPark Tree Lighting Festival runs Dec. 4-5 at the RiNo Art Park. There’ll be creative programming, local vendors and interactive installations in an outdoor setting with art, lights, music, food and family-friendly activities. In particular, see a towering tree made of traffic cones, an artist-created menorah and hands-on art activities. 

December 5
1940s Ball: Glenn Miller Orchestra Holiday Spectacular lets attendees step back into the 1940s and ‘40s for a  night of big band music and swing dancing. There’ll be vintage holiday decor and nostalgic movie-inspired sets, vintage cars, themed ballrooms, costumed characters and holiday fun. Tickets start at $158.32.

9NEWS Parade of Lights meanders through the heart of downtown Denver with more than 40 units including marching bands, illuminated floats, helium-filled character balloons, equestrian units and cultural displays. Of course, Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa will be there too.

A Classical Christmas is Dec. 5-6 with the Colorado Symphony performing traditional and holiday arrangements including “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” to music from Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and more. The Colorado Symphony Chorus and vocal soloists will be part of it all.

Light Displays RiNo-Ful Life Holiday Market & ArtPark Tree Lighting Festival continues. See Dec. 4.

Rocky Mountain Stocking Stuffers: Be of Good Cheer brings three performances of seasonal Americana and bluegrass tunes for a festive, roots-inspired holiday event. Performances are at 2pm and 7:30pm on Dec. 5 and 2pm on Dec. 6 at the Lakewood Cultural Center. 

Holiday Market Winter Wonderland Market at Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver happens right before the downtown Parade of Lights. Shop local makers and small businesses. Enjoy holiday treats, hot cocoa and live music plus cocktail specials available at Apple Blossom’s bar. 

December 6
A Classical Christmas continues. See Dec. 5.

Latkes and Lights and Sufganiyot at the JCC Early Learning School is an expansion of the annual event. Enjoy traditions such as the signature latke competition with top-tier Denver restaurants, a bounce house and children’s light room. New this year is sampling a variety of sufganiyot donut holes with votes for the best bites. Tickets are required.

Rocky Mountain Stocking Stuffers: Be of Good Cheer continues. See Dec. 5.

December 10
Holiday Wreath Making at Gattara with Lily & The Bee Floral Design teaches the basics of wreath design. Guests create their own festive arrangements with dried and fresh florals, feathers and ribbons. Each $150 ticket includes wreath materials, complimentary valet parking, a holiday cocktail or mocktail, a festive bruschetta bar and Neapolitan pizza. Purchase tickets in the link.

December 11
A Colorado Christmas with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Chorus and Colorado Children’s Chorale will perform traditional carols, new winter tunes and a sing-along. There are performances Dec. 11-13. 

December 12
A Colorado Christmas continues. See Dec. 11.

Brunch with Father Christmas at Four Mile Historic Park includes a seated meal and time spent with Father Christmas. Capture the moment with a roving photo booth, tractor rides, sugar plum donut station, Victorian Christmas crafts, yule log hunt and house tours. Brunch items include a variety of breakfast breads, cereal bar, citrus arugula salad, cheddar eggs bites, breakfast sausage meatballs, bacon, berries and crispy smashed potatoes with green chile. There are two seatings.

 Holiday Markets Hangin’ N Slangin’ pop-up market will span four blocks of 16th Street between Curtis and Welton, with music, art, clothing, jewelry and activities. 

December 13
A Colorado Christmas continues. See Dec. 11.

December 15
“Love Actually” in Concert has the film playing in its entirety on a full-size screen while the Colorado Symphony Orchestra performs the soundtrack live, featuring music by Craig Armstrong alongside favorites including Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “Love Is All Around.”

December 16
Canadian Brass: Wonderful Time of the Year is a festive evening of classical holiday music by what is widely considered to be the world’s most famous brass group. Hear original arrangements and fresh takes on holiday classics. 

December 18
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis is a 40-year Christmas tradition. Hear holiday classics featuring the distinctive Mannheim sound from 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects. The concert happens Dec. 18 and 19. 

December 19
Breakfast with Santa at St. Julien Hotel & Spa includes an abundant buffet with holiday favorites plus pancakes, egg dishes and pastries. Kids get to meet Santa and share their Christmas wishes. Holiday music will play and the decor will be festive. There are two seatings. Reservations are $65 for adults and $35 for kids ages 12 and under.

Holiday Sing-Along Brunch at Bar Dough offers brunch favorites, featured drink and a soundtrack of holiday hits with lyrics on the screen from 10am-2pm. Singing along is highly encouraged while enjoying items like breakfast pizza, avocado toast and bottomless Aperol spritz or mimosas. 

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis continues. See Dec. 18. 

December 20
Holiday Succulent Bar at Aviano Coffee St. Paul, running 11am-1pm, includes a festive drink menu and DIY succulent bar where you can build a mini arrangement with your choice of succulent, pot, clay charms and crystal. The two pricing tiers are $18 and $22 with payment accepted at the event. RSVPs are encouraged to ensure enough supplies, but not required. 

December 25
Christmas Buffet at Hotel Boulderado includes a seafood station with shrimp and snow crab legs, a chef-attended carving station featuring roasted turkey, prime rib and house-made sauces with one complimentary glass of Prosecco per adult guest. There’ll be a Dessert Room with seasonal pies, cakes, pastries and holiday confections. Tickets are $55 for children ages 5-12 for $99 for adults. Reservations are available on OpenTable. 

December 31
New Year’s Eve: Midnight in the Garden at Warren Station in Keystone has whimsical decor, glowing toadstools, wild florals and live music. Get the Champagne Package or one of the VIP All-Inclusive Packages. Dress like you’ve wandered into an enchanted woodland garden and come ready to dance. 

Torchlight Parade in Snowmass has skiers and snowboarders making wide turns down the mountain with red flares that illuminate the night sky and snow. The parade begins at 6pm and participants must be intermediate or advanced skiers with a valid ski pass or day pass and must sign up in advance.

-Curated by Courtney Drake-McDonough, Publisher & Managing Editor, InGoodTasteDenver.com