Denver Traditions for the Holidays
The city of Denver has much to explore, and especially during the Holidays. We are lucky to live in such a beautiful city and fortunate to have the accessories of the snow and the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains to help get us in the holiday spirit. The city of Denver does a great job of organizing holiday events and spreading the holiday cheer. Here are a list of fun, family-friendly events to attend this season that Denver.org has listed on their website.
THE POLAR EXPRESSTM TRAIN RIDE
WHEN: Nov. 10–Dec. 23, 2018WHERE: Colorado Railroad MuseumThe story of The Polar ExpressTM is theatrically re-created and combined with a magical train ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Children get to meet Santa and experience all the sights and sounds of this classic tale as if happening all around them.
PICTURES WITH SANTA AT SANTA'S WORKSHOP
WHEN: Nov. 9–Dec. 24, 2018WHERE: Park Meadows Retail ResortColorado's largest enclosed shopping center will offer plenty of time with Santa this holiday season. With events from Pet Nights to Family Portraits, Park Meadows offers a Santa experience for the entire family.
SANTA'S FLIGHT ACADEMY
WHEN: Nov. 10–Dec. 24, 2018WHERE: Cherry Creek Shopping CenterSanta's Flight Academy is a wholly interactive and magical hero's journey that transforms children into key members of Santa's Flight Crew. Create memorable and sharable moments for families, including the Flight Suit Visualizer and the Flight Navigation Station. Experience a magical snow and light show inside Santa's sleigh and, of course, a visit with Santa Claus.
DENVER CHRISTKINDL MARKET
WHEN: Nov. 16–Dec. 23, 2018WHERE: Skyline ParkThe Christkindl Market includes vendors from Germany and other countries, as well as local artisans, offering high-quality, handcrafted gifts such as traditional hand-carved wooden figurines, handmade candles and ornaments. Traditional German food will tempt your taste buds. Sip on warm Glühwein (hot spiced wine) as you listen to traditional Christmas carols and live German music. Entry is free and the entire family is invited to enjoy this great tradition!
SANTA'S VILLAGE AT CHATFIELD FARMS
WHEN: Nov. 23–Dec. 23, 2018WHERE: Chatfield Farms Botanic GardensExplore Chatfield Farms as it is transformed into a magical village. Santa's Village is a family-friendly holiday event including hayrides, holiday gifts, Santa’s Workshop and so much more.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
WHEN: Dec. 8–9, 15–16 and 22–24, 2018WHERE: Downtown AquariumJoin Sharkey and Santa for a delicious breakfast buffet at Denver's Downtown Aquarium! After breakfast, explore the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit with more than one million gallons of extraordinary marine life.
A HUDSON CHRISTMAS
WHEN: Dec. 7–9, 14–24 and 26–31, 2018WHERE: Hudson Gardens & Events CenterBundle up for a visit with Santa at Hudson Gardens in Littleton. After sharing your list with Ol' Saint Nick, sip hot chocolate as you stroll the outdoor paths lined with trees decked with more than a million twinkling lights.
SANTA ON THE SQUARE
WHEN: Dec. 8–9, 15–16, 22–24WHERE: Larimer SquareIt's the happiest season of all at Larimer Square, where historic charm meets holiday cheer. With festive dining options and boutiques filled with treasures for everyone on your 'Nice' list, Larimer Square help you celebrate in style. There are also carolers, carriage rides and Santa on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season. Visits with Santa are free and open to the public.
DOWNTOWN DENVER RINK AT SKYLINE PARK
WHEN: Nov. 20, 2018–Feb. 3, 2019WHERE: Skyline Park, the corner of 16th and ArapahoeOne of the most popular holiday events in Denver, the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park in downtown Denver provides ice skating and family fun. The rink is free and open to the public with the option to bring your own skates or rent a pair at a minimal cost.
'A CHRISTMAS CAROL'
WHEN: Nov. 21–Dec. 24, 2018WHERE: Stage Theatre, Denver Performing Arts ComplexBased on Charles Dickens' classic novel, this joyous and opulent musical adaptation traces money-hoarding skinflint Ebenezer Scrooge's triumphant overnight journey to redemption. "A Christmas Carol" illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.
COLORADO BALLET'S 'THE NUTCRACKER'
WHEN: Nov. 24–Dec. 23, 2018WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera HouseIt's not the holidays until you see visions of sugar-plum fairies dancing before your eyes. Colorado Ballet's "The Nutcracker" is a cherished family holiday tradition and the largest production of the holiday favorite in Colorado.
OLDE GOLDEN CHRISTMAS
WHEN: Dec. 1–Dec. 31, 2018WHERE: 1010 Washington Ave., GoldenOlde Golden Christmas includes a community candlelight walk, Victorian carolers, free Newfoundland dog-pulled cart rides, holiday art market, parades, shopping, music and theater productions, Santa Claus, holiday lights, art and more!
MOVIE & MARTINIS: NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION
WHEN: Dec. 2–Dec. 16, 2018WHERE: CU South DenverTake a break from the hectic holiday season to enjoy a chaotic Christmas classic! This all-inclusive night out includes two holiday-themed cocktails, wine or beer; a Griswald Christmas dinner with food stations, passed hors d'oeuvres and dessert; and gourmet movie popcorn.
FAMILY WORKSHOP: WARM WINTER COCOA
WHEN: Dec. 9, 2018WHERE: Denver Botanic GardensLearn about the journey of the cacao bean and discover how chocolate is made, then make your own hot chocolate mix to take home! This hands-on workshop is designed for families and children ages 5–10.
DENVER PAVILIONS HOLIDAY CAROUSEL
WHEN: Dec. 15, 2018–Jan. 2, 2019WHERE: Denver PavilionsCreate Memories for years to come at the Denver Pavilions beautiful downtown Holiday Carousel. Throughout December, families can enjoy the magic of the holidays from the perch of a horse on a beautiful carousel. $3 per ride.
ANNUAL TUBACHRISTMAS
WHEN: Dec. 16, 2018WHERE: DPAC/Denver Performing Arts ComplexTired of the same old holiday soundtrack? Revive your holiday spirit at the Annual TubaChristmas concert! Tap your toes to your favorite holiday tunes being played by 300 tuba players from all over the region.
NOON YEAR'S EVE
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2018WHERE: Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico CampusEnjoy the sights, sounds. and excitement of Times Square, all before bedtime! Each hour, count down to a glittering ball drop and pop bubble wrap fireworks as fountains of confetti flutter all around for Noon Year's Eve!
NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW & RODEO
WHEN: Jan. 12–27, 2019WHERE: National Western ComplexHeld every January, the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo is the world's largest stock show, involving more than 15,000 animals. Enjoy rodeos featuring top-notch bull riders, horse shows, livestock competitions and auctions.Learn more by going to the City of Denver's website.