Colorado Ballet: The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker returns to the stage for Colorado Ballet’s 65th season to delight audiences of all ages. Through December 28, this timeless tradition and audience favorite captures the festive spirit of the season, replete with mischievous dancing mice, sweet Sugar Plums, a symphony of swirling snowflakes, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver. coloradoballet.org
Disney On Ice presents “Let’s Dance!”
An all-new, high-energy production that turns the rink into the ultimate party, Ball Arena will transform as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy remix fan-favorite Disney tunes into dazzling performances featuring Frozen 2, Wish, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Moana. From December 5–7. Ball Arena, Denver. disneyonice.com
Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light
This dazzling event transforms winter gardens into an illuminated wonderland filled with vibrant displays, immersive installations and the warm glow of cherished memories—old and new. Through January 11. Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver. botanicgardens.org
Disney’s Frozen
Disney’s Frozen is an unforgettable journey packed with lovable characters, thrilling surprises, and soaring music, including the hits “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Let it Go.” Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, Disney’s Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love. Through January 4. Arvada Center, Arvada. arvadacenter.org
Cherry Creek North Pole Holiday Market
The sixth annual Holiday Market includes shopping under dazzling lights, listening to live music, and getting into the seasonal spirit as you discover one-of-a-kind pieces from 50+ local makers, designers, and creators through December 24. Plus, warm up with a drink inside the holiday pop-up bar, Mistletoe Lounge. Cherry Creek North Pole – Fillmore Plaza, Denver. cherrycreekholidaymarket.com
Handel’s Messiah – Awakening
A Chamber Chorus of the Colorado Symphony Chorus will join the soloists on stage to bring more immediacy to the narrative while the full forces of the Symphony Chorus continue to thrill with their exciting and exacting choral sound, presenting Handel’s masterpiece in an enhanced dramatic context that this story-telling composer would have appreciated. Through December 21. Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver. coloradosymphony.org
Elf in Concert
This holiday season, relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in: Elf in Concert on December 22 and 23. Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver. artscomplex.com
Festival of Lights Parade
Colorado Springs starts its holiday season off on December 6 by illuminating the town with the Festival of Lights Parade. Bring the family and enjoy the festivities as Santa and a myriad of floats wander down the road. Tejon Street, Colorado Springs. coloradospringsfestivaloflights.com
Magic of Lights
At Pikes Peak International Raceway, Magic of Lights transforms the track into a dazzling drive-through holiday spectacular featuring over two million lights and Colorado’s longest light tunnel. This family-friendly experience runs nightly through January 3. Pikes Peak International Raceway, Colorado Springs. magicoflights.com
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Delight in the perfect fusion of circus artistry and beloved holiday melodies as Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland delivers a heartwarming celebration like no other on December 23. The Ranch Events Complex, Loveland. cirquemusica.com
To Do Today
1 Monday
Festival of Trees
Through December 6
Festival of Trees features multiple events during the week of Nov 29–Dec 6, including horse and wagon rides around a sparkling tree-lit Lincoln Park, viewing of decked trees by local businesses in the Union Colony Civic Center Lobby, Tointon Gallery Artist Market with gifts from over 25 local artists, and children’s activities in Candy Cane Lane include a visit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus! Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley. greeleyfestivaloftrees.com
Spookadelia: Unspoken
Through December 31
Spectra Art Space is excited to announce an all-new immersive art experience, Spookadelia: Unspoken—awarded Denver’s best seasonal immersive! Spectra Art Space, Denver. spectraartspace.com
Wooden Ornament Art Class
11am-12:30pm
Grace Noel Art’s Wooden Ornament Art Class guides you through wood burning festive and one-of-a-kind artworks on wooden ornaments. Each student will make x2 wooden ornaments. Class will be held in Grace’s studio in the Denver Art Society and all materials are included with admission price. Class creations will be available to take home the same day. Denver Art Society Underground Studios: Grace Noel Art, Denver. https://denversartdistrict.org/events
2 Tuesday
Holiday Chamber Music
6:30 pm
Celebrate the season with the Chamber Music Society of Greater Denver as they present an enchanting holiday concert filled with warmth, elegance, and festive charm. Featuring the delicate interplay of piano, flute, harp, and voice, this chamber ensemble offers a fresh take on timeless holiday classics and wintry favorites. Southridge Recreation Center, Highlands Ranch. chambermusicdenver.org
Parents’ Night Out: Snowman Cookie Decorating with Lucky’s Bakehouse
4:30–7:30pm
Drop your kids off at the Museum for three hours downtown to yourselves! While you’re out, Lucky’s Bakehouse is joining to decorate (and eat) snowman cookies! Your kids will be fed dinner and have fun facilitating building challenges in the Playzeum with Museum staff. Museum of Boulder, Boulder. museumofboulder.org
Wassail Days
Through December 7
Wassail Days is Frisco’s super fun celebration of all things winter and the holidays, celebrated by local businesses offering unique wassail recipes to sample. Wassail Days is also a competition among businesses serving Wassail. Guests are encouraged to taste at least 12 different types of wassail at 12 different locations and fill their “12 Sips of Wassail Card.” Main Street, Frisco. townoffrisco.com
3 Wednesday
A Winter’s Eve with David with David Arkenston and Friends
7–9pm
Multi-GRAMMY Award Nominee David Arkenstone returns to Colorado with his enchanting holiday concert A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone & Friends. Join David Arkenstone and his band of virtuoso musicians for this lively winter celebration of beloved holiday classics “reimagined,” joyfully blending world music, Celtic, cinematic, new age, and neo-classical crossover. David’s concerts captivate audiences each year with seasonal tunes from his treasured holiday albums Celtic Christmas, Christmas Lounge, and Winterlude. SteamPlant Event Center, Salida. salidasteamplant.com
Pancakes and Poinsettias
9:00am-Noon
Join for a festive morning filled with fluffy pancakes, beautiful poinsettias, an auction, brunch, and live music to kick off the holiday season! Rockland Community Church, Golden. rockland.church
Silent Disco
3:30–6:30 pm
Dance and enjoy music to the beat of your own drum! In these outdoor silent disco experiences, switch between different genres/songs when you want and enjoy a beautiful Vail in the winter. Lionshead Village, Vail. discovervail.com
4 Thursday
It’s A Wonderful Life Musical
Through December 6
Musical Community Productions presents It’s A Wonderful Life Musical. Pueblo Memorial Hall, Pueblo. pueblomemorialhall.com
Olivia Meikle – “Tales of Pirates”
6:30pm
Olivia Meikle will speak about and sign her new book, Tales of Pirates: Adventures on the Seven Seas. Boulder Bookstore, Boulder. boulderbookstore.net
The Nutcracker
Through December 7
A beloved holiday tradition returns to the stage as The Nutcracker enchants audiences of all ages with its timeless story, dazzling choreography, and sweeping live music performed by the Fort Collins Symphony. The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins. lctix.com
5 Friday
Noel Northglenn
5–8pm
Join Northglenn for the kick-off to the holiday season. The event will be full of all of the “fan favorites” including: a visit by Santa Claus, free kids crafts and games, NSO Bake Sale, carriage rides, indoor snowball fight, free s’mores over the fire on Festival Lawn. NEW this year: pop up performances, food trucks on Festival Lawn, author activity with Nyasha Williams to celebrate her new book, Once Upon a Kwanzaa! Northglenn Parks and Recreation, Northglenn. www.northglenn.org/rec_and_events/
Parade of Lights
4–8pm
Join Erie’s beloved Parade of Lights — a festive evening of lights, music, and community spirit! Enjoy local school choirs, free carriage rides, Santa & Mrs. Claus visits, open skating, and delicious treats from local vendors. Downtown Historic Erie/Coal Creek Park, Erie. eriechamber.org
Telluride Holiday Art Bazaar
Through December 7
Shop locally made, artisan crafted goods at the annual Holiday Art Bazaar. Established and emerging artists will be showcasing their talents in mediums from organic candles, stained glass, botanical dyed textiles, handmade pottery, silver jewelry, organic body products, gourmet food, clothing and much more. Ah Haa School for the Arts, Telluride. telluride.com/event/holiday-arts-bazaar
6 Saturday
A Charlie Brown Christmas – LIVE!
7:30pm
With live actors, an animated backdrop, and Vince Guaraldi’s timeless music performed live by the Colorado Symphony, this is a beloved holiday performance you won’t want to miss, celebrating the 60th Anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver. artscomplex.com
Krampus Market and Ball
10am
Shop spooky art by day and dance with Queens of Darkness by night. Enjoy 80+ artists, crafters and vendors with spooky, creepy and holiday items. Cosplay, costumes, panels, presentations and make and takes with performances by the Queens of Darkness. Plaza Hotel Denver Central, Denver. www.eventbrite.com
Romanian National Day Celebration
11am–3pm
The Honorary Romanian Consulate of CO presents a celebration of Great Union Day! Bring the whole family to celebrate with songs and folk dances performed by the Romanian Choir and Hora Romaneasca Dancers. You can also sample “cozonac,” a traditional sweet bread and other yummy appetizers! Boulder Public Library, Boulder. boulderlibrary.org
The Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas
2–7pm
Kick off December with the family by participating in this holiday event. Watch the town light up as hundreds of Santas run through the streets and 11.2 miles and 250,000 lights transform Main Street into a glowing winter wonderland. Main Street, Breckenridge. gobreck.com/event/lighting-breckenridge-race-santas
7 Sunday
Latkes and Lights Hanukkah Celebration
10am–1pm
The event includes Hanukkah fun and food including a latke competition where guests can taste and judge latkes to determine who has the best from local Denver restaurants and a separate latke competition from community members’ family recipes. Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center, Denver. jccdenver.org
8 Monday
Yalda Food Demonstration with Persian Cultural Circle
5:30–6:30 pm
Join the Persian Cultural Circle of Colorado at the Museum of Boulder to taste and prepare foods for the Persian Winter Solstice celebrations of Yalda. Families come together on the longest and darkest night of the year and read poetry and eat pomegranate, walnuts, green olives, and more. Museum of Boulder, Boulder. museumofboulder.org
9 Tuesday
ASL (American Sign Language) Conversation Group
5:30–7:30 pm
Practice American Sign Language conversation with others in an informal, conversational setting. Attendees are recommended to have some previous ASL experience to effectively participate, but everyone is welcome! Whiteboards will be available to assist communication. Longmont Public Library, Longmont. longmontcolorado.gov
Brizida Magro & Theresa Howell – “Books on Bikes”
5:30pm
Brizida Magro & Theresa Howell will speak about and sign their new book, Books on Bikes. Boulder Bookstore, Boulder. boulderbookstore.net
10 Wednesday
Aaron Abke – “The Three Beliefs of Ego”
6:30–7:30pm
Aaron Abke will speak about and sign his new book, “The Three Beliefs of Ego,” at Boulder Bookstore. Boulder Bookstore, Boulder. boulderbookstore.net
The Studio (Boulder) Holiday Market Pop & Shop
5:30–8:30pm
Sip, shop, and celebrate the season at The Studio (Boulder) with local artists, artisans, and complimentary drinks from Cocktail Caravan! The Studio, Boulder. thestudioboulder.com
11 Thursday
Read to a Dog
3:45–5:00pm
Students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade can build confidence and fluency in their abilities by reading aloud to trained therapy dogs. Bring your own book or choose a library book and the dogs will listen without correcting or judging. Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library, Broomfield. broomfield.org/276/Library-Home
The Pioneer Woman Live with Tattered Cover Book Store
6–9pm
Join Trinity United Methodist Church as they celebrate Ree Drummond’s new cookbook in a great conversation with her daughter, Paige. Trinity United Methodist Church, Denver. tatteredcover.com
12 Friday
Carolfest
6:30–7:30 pm
Young and old alike enjoy caroling in Old Town Fort Collins with the Choice City Singers. We will carol and perform at the Old Town Square at 6:30 p.m. Old Town Square, Fort Collins. downtownfortcollins.com
Jingle Bell Jam
5–8pm
Savor some holiday magic with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa, and decorate an ornament. Family FunPlex, Greeley. greeleyco.gov
13 Saturday
Chautauqua WinterFest
10am–4pm
Join for a weekend of holiday cheer featuring horse-drawn carriage rides, historic cottage tours, breakfast with Santa, Santa’s Cottage, a petting zoo, fairy forest, tree-lighting, children’s concert with Jeff & Paige, roving choirs, caroling hikes, and so much more. Chautauqua, Boulder. chautauqua.com
Balloon Glow
5:30–6pm
Join at the base of the mountain for a breathtaking Balloon Glow event. Five magnificent hot air balloons will inflate and illuminate the evening sky with their vibrant colors. Guests will have the unique opportunity to walk among the balloons, engage with the pilots, and learn about the fascinating world of hot air ballooning. Steamboat Resort, Steamboat Springs. steamboat.com
Rock and Roll Playhouse – The Music of Taylor Swift for Kids
11am
The Rock and Roll Playhouse plays the music of Taylor Swift and more for kids. Bluebird Theater, Denver. therockandrollplayhouse.com
Wreaths Across America
10–10:45am
Boulder’s Arapahoe Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett invite community members to help honor local veterans by volunteering to place wreaths or sponsoring a wreath of remembrance for every hero laid to rest at Mountain View Memorial Park and Cemetery. Mountain View Memorial Park and Cemetery, Boulder. wreathsacrossamerica.org
14 Sunday
Bells of the Rockies concert
4–5pm
Northern Colorado’s auditioned handbell ensemble presents this year’s holiday concert, “Merrily on High.” Mountain View Presbyterian Church, Loveland. bellsoftherockies.org
15 Monday
Boulder Opera Company: The Elixir of Love by Donizetti
5–7pm
Join for a delightful hour-long adaptation of Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, perfect for young audiences and families! Dairy Arts Center, Boulder. thedairy.org
16 Tuesday
Coffee with a Cop
3–5pm
Meet some of your Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies for free Starbucks coffee and a fun holiday-themed craft for the kids! Eastridge Rec Center, Highlands Ranch. hrcaonline.org
Holiday Brass
7pm
Holiday Brass, one of Colorado’s favorite festive traditions, features the brilliance and power of the Colorado Symphony Brass section in a resounding program of seasonal ballads, carols, and more! Boettcher Concert hall, Denver. artscomplex.com
17 Wednesday
Homeschool Hangout: Snow Globes and Dioramas
1–3pm
Visit inventHQ to meet other homeschool families and try out themed activities during this monthly community meetup. inventHQ Markerspace, Broomfield. broomfield.org
Sensory Friendly Afternoon
3–6pm
During quiet sensory friendly afternoons, experience the exhibits in a unique way that meets the needs of your family! Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster. butterflies.org
18 Thursday
Denver Career Fair
9:30am–12:30 pm
Meet with Denver employers. Denver Tech Center, Denver. careerfairconnection.com
Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket
Through December 23
The Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket will bring the magic of a traditional German Christmas market to Colorado Springs. Bancroft Park, Colorado Springs. occchristkindlmarket.com
19 Friday
Broomfield Community Players presents “A Christmas Carol”
Through December 21
A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who discovers generosity and redemption after encounters with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Broomfield Library and Auditorium, Broomfield. compass.broomfield.org
Friday Fun Day
10:30am-1pm
Join every Friday for Friday Fun Day. Steamboat Climbing Collective, Steamboat Springs. steamboatclimbingcollective.com
It’s a Wonderful Life
1–3:15 pm
Spend Friday afternoon in the Canyon Theater watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946), Rated PG, 2hr 10min. Closed captions displayed when available. Boulder Public Library, Boulder. boulderlibrary.org
20 Saturday
Christmas Symphony
7:30pm
The Philharmonic and the Colorado Springs Chorale join forces once again to fill the holidays with music, joy, and inspiration for every generation. Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs. csphilharmonic.org
Cool Science
10am-4pm
Cool Science is coming to Space Foundation Discovery Center! Get ready for exciting experiments, interactive demos, and hands-on fun for the whole family! Space Foundation Discovery Center, Colorado Springs. discoverspace.org
Holidays around the World – Bilingual
2:30–4pm
Embark on a colorful tour of some of the world’s celebrations through music, dancing, questions and answers, and a craft to take home! Boulder Public Library, Boulder. boulderlibrary.org
Holiday Skate Party
6–7:30pm
Join for a festive Holiday Skate Party at Skeeter’s Rink, located right at the base of the resort. Delight in the sheer exuberance of the season as you skate beneath the stars. Steamboat Resort, Steamboat Springs. steamboat.com
21 Sunday
Aspen for the Holidays: A Wheeler Original
5pm
There’s no better place to gather for the holidays in Aspen than the iconic Wheeler Opera House. From soulful ballads to joyful singalongs, this one-night-only event celebrates the magic of the holidays, the power of live performance, and the warmth of this special community. Wheeler Opera House, Aspen. wheeleroperahouse.com
Charlie Brown Goes to The Nutcracker
6–8:00 pm
Jazz meets holiday magic! Charlie Brown’s Christmas & Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker. Roots Music Project, Boulder. rootsmusicproject.org
Paws and Santa Claus
2–3pm
Your favorite Santa photos are back – this time featuring your true best friends. Bring your pups for their moment in the spotlight – jump in for a family photo, or let them shine solo with Santa. The Collective Snowmass, Snowmass Village. thecollectivesnowmass.com
Winter Wonderland
9–11am
Join the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center for a holiday celebration of festivities including breakfast burritos with the Wolves! Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, Divide. wolfeducation.org
22 Monday
Olaf’s Winter Wonderland Camp
1–4:30 pm
Relish in the season and fill the day with joy, crafts, and plenty of winter-themed games! Airborne Dance, Longmont. airbonecolorado.com
23 Tuesday
Sounds of the Season with The Denver Brass
6:30–8:30 pm
Just days before Christmas, this festive performance fills the air with the bright, powerful sound of brass. Southridge Recreation Center, Littleton. hrcaonline.org
24 Wednesday
Deck the Slopes – Torchlight Parade
5:30pm
Cozy up with a cup of cocoa around the fire and watch as skiers make their way down Hughes — illuminating the night under a brilliant fireworks display. Winter Park Resort, Winter Park. winterparkresort.com
25 Thursday
Christmas in Color
Through December 30
Drive through millions of lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music you’ll hear right through your radio. Drive by giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways and more. Take your time enjoying this lighting extravaganza–we won’t judge you if you join the kids with your face pressed against the window! Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Morrison. christmasincolor.net
Light the Lights
5:45pm and 6:45pm
Visitors who wish to see the lights on the Civic Center in person can visit any evening during the season to enjoy the nightly light and music show. Civic Center Park, Denver. denvergov.org
26 Friday
Marine Biologist for a Day
9am
During this program, 5th through 8th grade children will experience what it takes to work at a zoo or aquarium as a biologist. Downtown Aquarium, Denver. aquariumrestaurants.com
Zoologist for a Day
9am
During this program, 1st through 4th grade children will experience what it takes to work at a zoo or aquarium as a zoologist. Downtown Aquarium, Denver. aquariumrestaurants.com
27 Saturday
Ballet Ariel’s “Little Women” and “Nutcracker Suite”
7pm
Ballet Ariel brings beauty and charm to the holiday season with a duo of ballets. See original productions of Little Women accompanied by live music by Gossamer Winds, and the Nutcracker Suite. Parsons Theatre at the Northglenn Recreation Center, Northglenn. balletariel.org
Dress Up Downtown Costume Crawl
5–10pm
Grab your white beards, red suits, and Santa hats and head downtown! Participating businesses will offer themed food and drink specials, games, challenges, photo ops, and so much more! Downtown, Longmont. downtownlongmont.com
Pop Up Escape Room Puzzles
1–5:00pm
Solve fun and challenging puzzles with your friends and family in the Children’s Room for prizes! For 8–12 year olds. The Tolkien Room, Salida. salidalibrary.org
Virtual: Dungeons and Dragons for Beginners
1pm
Dungeons and Dragons is a tabletop role-playing fantasy game where a dice roll can change your future. If you are a seasoned adventurer, roll initiative with other heroes! Suitable for ages 12–18. jeffcolibrary.bibliocommons.com
28 Sunday
NoCo Winter Wonderland
5:15–8:15 pm
Pack the family into your car — Colorado Youth Outdoors’ annual drive thru light show is a must for families of all ages! Colorado Youth Outdoors, Fort Collins. coloradoyo.org
Winter on the Mountain
5–8pm
Shea Bramer, an accomplished singer-songwriter from Western Colorado. Shea, is a former 2010 American Idol Competitor and State Finalist, delivering a captivating blend of acoustic pop and rock. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs. glenwoodcaverns.com
29 Monday
A Spoon Circus Performance: The Lost Treasure!
1–2:30 pm
Hop aboard this whimsical voyage – a family-friendly circus show presented by Spoon Circus and the Longmont Public Library. Longmont Public Library, Longmont. longmontcolroado.gov
30 Tuesday
Light Up the Night Camp
9am
Join for an exciting adventure into the world of nocturnal critters, where everyone will discover the hidden lives of creatures that come alive after dark! Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster. butterflies.org
31 Wednesday
Colorado Symphony Orchestra – A Night in Vienna
6pm
Start your celebration in style with the Colorado Symphony’s presentation of A Night in Vienna, a rousing selection of polkas, waltzes, and marches. Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver. colordaosymphony.org
Noon Year’s Eve
10am–3pm
This one-of-a-kind family-friendly celebration to ring in the New Year features ball drops at the top of every hour, festive music, New Year’s-themed programming and more. Children’s Museum of Denver, Denver. mychildsmuseum.org
New Year’s Eve Family Celebration
11am & 2pm
Ring in the New Year with their mascot, Sharkey! Celebrate with a delicious buffet, balloon drop, contests & giveaways for the kids! Downtown Aquarium, Denver. aquariumrestaurants.com
New Year’s Eve Light Up Snow Cat Parade and Fireworks
5–6pm
Kick off the evening with a Light Up Snow Cat parade and the Steamboat SnowSports Instructors performing synchronized skiing illuminated only by the light of torches. At the conclusion of the parade, fireworks will light up the sky. Steamboat Resort, Steamboat Springs. steamboat.com
