HOLIDAY EVENTS IN DENVER: 2012 GUIDE
Denver comes to life during the holiday season, with millions of twinkling lights, festive parades, special events and much more. Come to the Mile High City and make a night of it, taking advantage of dozens of incredible Mile High Holiday hotel deals. Learn more at www.MileHighHolidays.com.
Santa Comes to Denver
Santa Claus Special Colorado Railroad Museum
December 8, 15, 16, & 22
Trains have been in the backdrop of the holidays for generations…but this year, Santa has decided to replace his sleigh and reindeer with Colorado Railroad Museum’s locomotive and a team of historic passenger cars all decked out for the holidays. Children will want to bring their wish list to share with Santa and Mrs. Claus and then enjoy hot chocolate by the Depot General Store—where they’ll find a generous supply of railroad toys and a huge selection of Thomas the Tank Engine gifts. Santa Claus Special rides, free with admission, depart every 20 minutes.
Photos with Santa Claus at Cherry Creek
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Nov. 8 – Dec. 24
Santa will be available for visits during all mall hours. Cherry Creek's photography sponsor this year will be Snapfish. There will be a wide range of photo packages available including options with a CD and a free photo book offer from Snapfish.
Sign Language Santa
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Dec. 6, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Cherry Creek is proud to continue the tradition of providing hearing-impaired children with a very special visit with Sign Language Santa. Cherry Creek provides transportation for children with hearing impairments from area schools around the metro area for this special holiday experience.
Santa Claws & Paws
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Sunday, December 9, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
All creatures great and small are invited to get their photo taken with Santa. And this year, Cherry Creek has teamed up with the Colorado Avalanche for a special visit from Bernie, their loveable Saint Bernard mascot. Bring Spot and Whiskers and don’t miss this annual treasured event for pet lovers alike.
Magical Lighting Displays and Events
Grand Illumination of Downtown November 23
This year's Grand Illumination of Downtown Denver features beautiful lighting displays at the City and County Building, Larimer Square, Denver Pavilions, Union Station, Skyline Park, the 16th Street Mall and the historic D&F Tower. Beginning at 6 pm, there will be special events at Denver Union Station presented by RTD and LoDo District, Inc. including a holiday-themed choir, a Children’s Museum craft table, delicious treats provided by LoDo restaurants, a visit from Dinger Claus (the Colorado Rockies Mascot decked out in holiday uniform), and much more! Following a countdown shortly after 6:30 p.m, Denver Union Station will be ablaze with brightly colored floodlights illuminating the historic structure in the heart of Lower Downtown and its lighted tree in front. A special viewing of the model railroad will take place after the lighting in the basement of Denver Union Station.
LoDo Aglow November 23-Dec. 31
The LoDo District Inc.’s LoDo Aglow window design contest sees local business owners, designers and art students letting their imaginations run wild in creating holiday themed window art in Lower Downtown. A panel of guest judges will choose the winners based on the originality and presentation of the design.
City & County Building Holiday Lights Nov. 23, 2012 – Jan. 2013
The largest lighting display in Denver comes on nightly at 6 p.m. at the City & County Building, where 600,000 lights deck the neo-classical building. The bell tower plays carols nightly as well.
16th Street Mall Holiday Lights Nov. 23, 2012 - Jan. 2013
Denver’s mile-long pedestrian promenade, the 16th Street Mall, is decorated with more than one million white lights. Skyline Park, located at 16th and Arapahoe, will feature nearly 26,000 lights and a 22 foot tall Christmas tree complete with LED lights choreographed to a variety of holiday songs. Denver’s historic D & F Tower, at the center of the park, will also be adorned with holiday lights. More than 400,000 energy efficient LED lights will turn the 16th Street Mall and Curtis Streets between 14th and 16th into an enchanting holiday promenade. Giant holiday snowflakes will also be hung along California and Curtis Streets. Two of Downtown Denver’s major retail destinations, Larimer Square and the Denver Pavilions, will also be illuminated with festive décor on this night and throughout the holiday season. Unique holiday entertainment and special events will take place separately at each destination. Horse drawn carriages ride up and down the mall nightly beginning at 6 p.m., creating a special way to view the display.
Blossoms of Light Denver Botanic Gardens
November 30, 2012– January 1, 2013
Embrace the holiday season at Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens (York St. location). More than one million colorful lights draped in elegant designs highlight the Gardens winter beauty. Romantic and popular kissing spots will return, as well as the always anticipated HoloSpex glasses, which magically transform the lights into shimmering 3-D shapes. Warm drinks and tasty treats will also be available. Seasonal entertainment will be available on select evenings.
9NEWS Parade of Lights Downtown Denver
Nov. 30 - Dec. 1
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights is the signature event of the Downtown Denver holiday season. The countless sparkling lights, marching bands, giant balloons, majestic floats and delightful characters will once again wow hundreds of thousands. Viewing along the parade route is free, and grandstand tickets are sold for seating in front of the beautifully illuminated City & County building.
Trails of Light Denver Botanic Gardens, Chatfield
November 30, 2012– January 1, 2013
With the foothills as a stunning backdrop, more than one million twinkling lights illuminate a winding path through the Colorado countryside. Spread throughout Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, Trail of Lights offers visitors a choice of paths; a shorter route takes visitors directly to the children’s play area, while an extended path allows visitors to explore the Green Farm Barn and silo before continuing onto the children’s area and 1880s homestead. Fun features this year include illuminated antique and model tractors on display, tours of the Hildebrand ranch house, a 1880s homestead decorated in a Colorado Christmas motif, and hayrides highlighting Chatfield’s natural beauty. Warm drinks are available for purchase and seasonal entertainment is provided.
Living Lights Butterfly Pavilion
5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on December 14-16, 21-23, & 28-31, 2012 and January 1-6, 2013
Holiday lights are even more festive when they fly, flutter, and crawl! Join us this holiday season at the Butterfly Pavilion for Living Lights event. Experience a journey of indoor and outdoor light displays featuring some of the world’s smallest wonders - invertebrates. You'll see scorpions glow, watch the rainforest come alive with firefly lights, and marvel as the gardens sparkle with thousands of holiday lights.
Zoo Lights Denver Zoo
December 3, 2012 – January 2, 2013
Come and experience a holiday light safari with more than 38 brilliantly-illuminated acres of lights, featuring more than 150 animated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they’re least expected.
Holiday Performing Arts, Theatre & Dance
The Nutcracker Denver Performing Arts Complex
November 24 – December 24
When a ballet has been performed for more than 100 years and still gives audiences of all ages goose bumps, you know that it’s worth seeing. Whether it’s your first time or 20th time, captivating costumes and scenery, unforgettable characters, and Tchaikovsky's treasured music make Colorado Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker the ultimate holiday event.
White Christmas Buell Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex
November 24 – December 24
Two WWII vets are determined to rescue their beloved commanding officer’s country inn imperiled for lack of snow. This stage adaptation of the Bing Crosby/Danny Kaye movie musical delivers gorgeous songs, nostalgia – and a plan to save Christmas.
A Christmas Carol Aurora Fox Theatre
November 23 – December 16
The heart-warming holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, returns. Original songs, ghostly chills, laughter, and warmth deck the halls, as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is haunted by the spirits of his past, present, and likely future. This evergreen tale of generosity, kindness, and true Christmas spirit comes to joyous life with splendid period sets and costumes.
Stories On Stage: Making Merry Seawell Ballroom, Denver Performing Arts Complex
December 15-16
A variety of holiday stories read live on stage at the Denver Performing Arts Complex have made Making Merry a new Denver holiday tradition.
Special Holiday Events
Southwest Rink at Skyline Park Skyline Park (Arapahoe and 16th, next to the D&F Clocktower)
Opening Nov. 23
The Southwest Rink at Skyline Park (Arapahoe & 16th St., Downtown Denver) returns in 2011 with 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.
Ice Palace Experience November 8-December 24
The one-of-a-kind Ice Palace experience returns to Cherry Creek Shopping Center this holiday season, featuring a magical snow and light show inside a soaring 30’ dome. New this year, the Ice Palace and the encircling series of arches and snow globes with include the beloved prehistoric herd from the family film ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT debuting December 11 on DVD and BLU_RAY™. The high-seas adventure with then culminate with a visit with Santa and a special Ice Age gift.
Denver Christkindl Market
Skyline Park, Downtown Denver
Nov. 23 – Dec. 22
Relive a centuries old German tradition when the 11th annual Denver Christkindl Market kicks off on Friday, November 23, 2012, in connection with Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination and the Parade of Lights. The sights, sounds and flavors of the holiday season with a German flair arrive on the 16th Street Mall. Music, holiday lights and typical vendor cabins will dot Skyline Park area across from the Daniels & Fisher Clock Tower.
A Colorado Christmas Four Mile Historic Park
Dec. 2
Experience Four Mile House decked out for the holidays, play Victorian games with Father Christmas, make your own gingerbread fantasy, snack on sugarplums, create popcorn and cranberries ornaments for the Four Mile Tree and much more! Free admission.
52nd Annual Georgetown Christmas Market Downtown Georgetown, CO (6th and Rose St.)
December 1, 2, 8 & 9, 10am to 6pm
Visit Georgetown on the first two weekends of December for an old world Christmas in quaint Georgetown. For the last 52 years, Georgetown has been hosting this unique outdoor European-inspired Market in the Rocky Mountains. The Market features handcrafted gifts & holiday shopping opportunities, horse-drawn wagon rides, free entertainment and admission, carolers, roasted chestnuts, appearances by St. Nicholas in his traditional robes, Christmas tours of the Hamill House & Hotel de Paris Museums, and the Santa Lucia Children’s Procession.
Under the Mistletoe Candlelight Christmas Tour Molly Brown House Museum
December 14 – 15
Enjoy the holiday traditions of Molly’s time gone by with a special Christmas tour of the Museum along with special holiday performances and treats. Don’t forget to sneak a kiss under the mistletoe!
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Downtown Denver
Dec. 31
Ring in the New Year with Denver’s annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks with viewpoints along the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver. The two spectacular fireworks shows will occur at 9 p.m. and Midnight, taking place simultaneously at two undisclosed sites along the 16th Street Mall. It is recommended that viewers stand along the 16th Street Mall for optimal viewing. New to the festivities will be six live DJs performing along the 16th Street Mall. Each will play Top 40 music from 8pm to midnight, and will do a live countdown at the 9 p.m. fireworks show. The music and fun will also continue at the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park, where Denver's popular DJ Chonz will perform live at the rink from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. The rink will open at 10 a.m. on New Year's Eve and remain open until 11:00pm. It will reopen on New Year's Day at 10 a.m.
National Western Stock Show National Western Complex
January 12-27, 2013
The holiday season keeps right on going into Jan. when the National Western Stock Show gallops back into town with exciting rodeo action, horse shows, Old West shows and more.
Holiday Concerts
Christmas with the Children’s Chorale
Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex
December 15– 16
Bring the entire family and join us for what has become a fun-filled, uplifting holiday tradition, featuring all the choirs of the Colorado Children’s Chorale. Enjoy traditional holiday carols from around the world, including a special musical commission written for the Chorale by local musician and composer Deborah Schmit-Lobis. The December 3 show is a special matinee 2 p.m. performance, while the December 4 show begins at 7 p.m.
Colorado Christmas
Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex
December 7– 9
Now in its 27th year, Colorado Christmas continues to ring in the Holiday spirit in grand orchestral style. Join the Colorado Symphony, Chorus, Colorado Children’s Chorale, vocalists and dancers in a program of your favorite traditional Christmas carols and songs. Special mood lighting and a few magical guests from the North Pole make this Holiday classic the perfect way to celebrate the season.
Holiday Brass Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex
December 14
The Colorado Symphony debuts a new concert in its Holiday series line-up. Audiences will literally be surrounded by the celebratory and powerful sounds of brass and percussion. This new event is destined to become the premier holiday brass tradition in Colorado.
TubaChristmas
Skyline Park (Arapahoe and 16th)
Dec. 23
Tap your toes to your favorite holiday tunes at the Annual TubaChristmas Concert at Skyline Park, featuring 300 tuba players from all over the region. 1 p.m.-2 p.m.
Rocky Mountain Christmas
Newman Center
December 23
All along the Rockies you can feel it in the air, a Colorado Christmas resounding everywhere.Cozy up with The Denver Brass and guest artists Dave LeMieux and House of Soul for an evening of inspiring seasonal harmonies, warmth and good cheer. It’s the premier brass event of the season!
Messiah by Candlelight
Montview Presbyterian Church
December 11, 12 & 16
Handel’s revered oratorio was a sold out sensation last year. Due to popular demand, another performance has been added of this most recognizable of masterpieces, set to the warm glow of candlelight at one of Denver’s most lovely sacred spaces. It’s a romantic holiday experience you’ll never forget.
Too Hot To Handel
Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex
December 21-22
This R&B, jazz, and gospel reworking of Handel’s “Messiah” has audiences rocking in the aisles. Join Marin Alsop, the Colorado Symphony, mass chorus and special guest vocalists for the 14th annual jazzy retelling of Handel’s great classic.
Pink Martini for the Holidays
Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex
December 12
Influenced by Latin music, jazz, cabaret, cinema scores, and more, Pink Martini creates a fabulously eclectic, modern sound. This special multi-denominational holiday concert features songs from the band’s best-selling album, Joy to the World.
Hansel & Gretel Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex
December 29-30
Experience this timeless fairy tale conducted by Andrew Litton in his premiere appearance as the Colorado Symphony’s Artistic Advisor. Humperdinck’s exquisite music draws audiences through touching universal themes of greed, grace and redemption. The staged performance features the towering Heart of the Beast Puppets to help tell the tale.
A Night In Vienna
Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex
December 31
Start New Year’s Eve off early with a Viennese style concert of Polkas, Waltzes and Marches with the Colorado Symphony. Afterwards, stroll down to the 16th Street Mall for fireworks and still get home long before the clock strikes midnight.