Parade of Lights Weekend 2022

Dec. 3, 2022

The 9NEWS Parade of Lights is the signature event of the holiday season in downtown Denver, taking place at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3, 2022. In addition to the parade, there are many other ways to get into the holiday spirit. Check out elaborate lights displays, blockbuster museum exhibitions and much more. Stay for the weekend and take advantage of great hotel deals.

We strive to post the most current and accurate event information, but changes and cancellations do occur, so please check the official event website to confirm all details before attending.

Holiday Lights | Family-Friendly Events | Music & Performing Arts | Museum Exhibitions

Parade Details

The 9NEWS Parade of Lights is free and will make a circuit through the heart of downtown beginning at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3, 2022, featuring more than 40 units, including extravagantly illuminated floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, magnificent marching bands, traditional equestrian units and vibrant cultural displays. And of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa!

Parade Route

The parade begins at 14th and Bannock Streets where you can purchase grandstand seating in front of the City and County Building. Spectators can view the parade for free along the two-mile route on Tremont Street between 14th and 17th Streets, on 17th Street from Tremont to Arapahoe Street, on Arapahoe between 17th and 15th Streets, and on 15th Street from Arapahoe to Glenarm. For more information, see the 9NEWS Parade of Lights web page.

Jingle Jog Fun Run

New this year is a fun run that follows the parade route. Before the run at 4:15 p.m., there will be a costume contest. The winner wearing the best festive gear will get to ride on a parade float later in the evening. The run starts at 4 p.m. Tickets for the Jingle Jog Fun Run can be purchased at jinglejogdenver.eventbrite.com. Proceeds from the event will benefit Downtown Denver Events, Inc.

Holiday Lights

Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland Light Walk

WHEN: Nov. 17–Dec. 24, 2022
WHERE: Cherry Creek North
At Cherry Creek North, savor the season with a musical light walk under a million twinkling lights. Children of all ages will enjoy searching for eight sparkling trees that are choreographed to winter melodies in a beautifully timed show. Scan the QR code at each tree for a chance to win a $1,000 Cherry Creek North shopping spree.

The Mile High Tree presented by XCEL Energy & Xfinity

WHEN: Nov. 18–Dec. 31, 2022
WHERE: Civic Center Park
Join in the free festivities at the Mile High Tree. It’s a brilliantly lit, 110-foot-tall immersive art installation that provides a dazzling lights-and-music show. And, for the first time, you can experience two of Denver's most popular holiday attractions in one place: America’s tallest digital tree and the Denver Christkindlmarket, the city’s only authentic German holiday market.

Bridge of Lights

WHEN: Nov. 18–27, Dec. 1–4, Dec. 8–11 and Dec. 15–31, 2022 (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas)
WHERE: Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Cañon City
In an experience sure to become a time-honored Christmas tradition, you're invited to drive across the Royal Gorge Bridge, 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River, while it's decked out in thousands of holiday lights. Driving across the Royal Gorge Bridge is not regularly offered outside of pre-arranged car club groups, so this is truly something special! Guests can purchase hot cocoa, coffee or cider in a Bridge of Lights souvenir cup and holiday cookies to enjoy while driving through the light display.

Blossoms of Light

WHEN: Nov. 18, 2022–Jan. 7, 2023
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens
This annual holiday lights extravaganza transforms Denver Botanic Gardens into a twinkling winter wonderland. Sip warm drinks and nibble on tasty treats as you stroll.

Light the Lights

WHEN: Nov. 23, 2022–Jan. 22, 2023
WHERE: City & County of Denver Building in Civic Center Park
Each night, at 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., an eight-minute choreographed light and music holiday show will light up the night. It then goes to a festive, static holiday display until 10:45 p.m. The light and music shows will not play on Mondays because of City Council meetings, but the static light display will still shine. There will be a special light schedule on December 3 to highlight activities as the 9 News Parade of Lights begins in front of the City and County Building. Note: The building will remain completely dark for an annual memorial vigil from 5 to 7 p.m. on December 21, honoring persons experiencing homelessness. The lights will be turned back on after the event is over.

Trail of Lights

WHEN: Nov. 25, 2022–Jan. 1, 2023; 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (closed December 25)
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, Littleton
Stroll through the Colorado countryside along a winding path glistening with lights. Features this year include singing Christmas trees, two three-sided light tunnels, illuminated antique and model tractors, a children's play area with synchronized music, and warm holiday food and drink for purchase.

Grand Illumination — Merry & Bright Lights Show — Miracle at Union Station Cocktail Bar — Santa Visits

WHEN: Nov. 26–Dec. 27, 2022
WHERE: Denver Union Station
The annual Grand Illumination event on Nov. 26 will feature performances of classic holiday hits by the Denver Dolls, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the grand highlight of the evening — the lighting of the station’s outdoor 40-foot-tall Christmas tree that features more than 7,000 holiday lights. Also, the Grand Illumination kicks off the Merry & Bright Lights show, which will once again transform the exterior façade of Denver’s landmark train station into a spectacular canvas spreading holiday cheer. You can see it each night of the season. Miracle at Union Station , a whimsical pop-up cocktail bar, will open on Nov. 25. Meanwhile, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making regular appearances at the station from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 28; and Dec. 5, 12 and 19.

Blockbuster Exhibitions

Planet Pioneers

Through Jan. 8, 2023
At the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, young astronauts and space explorers are challenged to source their own food, shelter and solve problems in order to colonize a new world. There are 17 hands-on exhibits.

Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and Fools: 300 Years of Flemish Masterworks

Through Jan. 22, 2023
This unique presentation of medieval, renaissance and baroque paintings, sculptures, and other objects from the Southern Netherlands includes masterpieces by, among many others, Hans Memling, Jan Gossaert, Jan and Catharina van Hemessen, Peter Paul Rubens, Jacob Jordaens and Anthony van Dyck.

Apollo: When We Went to the Moon

Through Jan. 22, 2023
With objects and artifacts, the exhibition explores the causes and forces that sparked the space race, a decades-long rivalry between the United States and the former Soviet Union. See the exhibition at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Sammy Seung-min Lee: Taking Root

Through Feb. 5, 2023
Sammy Seung-min Lee explores the immigrant experience through paper sculptures. Using traditional Korean paper-making techniques, she transforms mulberry paper into trees, fungi and table settings. See it at Denver Botanic Gardens.

Luis Barragán: A Legacy. New Works Undressing the Mexican Soul

Through Feb. 18, 2023
This exhibition at Museo de las Americas will celebrate the legacy of one of the most iconic and well-known Mexican architects of the 20th century.

Who Tells a Tale Adds a Tail: Latin America and Contemporary Art

Through March 5, 2023
At Denver Art Museum, see the work of 19 contemporary artists connected to Latin America and the ways in which their work reflects and interacts with modern themes.

Unseen Oceans

Thru April 9, 2023
With modern robotics and satellite monitoring, scientists are revealing the unseen habitats of the most mysterious animals in the oceans and mapping remote areas in unprecedented detail. See the exhibition at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Zoo Lights

WHEN: Dec. 3, 2022–Jan. 15, 2023; 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Denver Zoo
It's official: Zoo Lights has been making magic, memories and even marriages for more than 30 amazing years! This illuminating annual event transforms Denver Zoo into Colorado's WILDEST winter wonderland. Don't miss this year's historic celebration, with more than a million lights sparkling over 60 acres — animated animal sculptures, Santa and Mrs. Claus visits, animal encounters, exciting entertainment and treats for kids of all ages.

Luminova Holidays

WHEN: Nov. 25, 2022–Jan. 1, 2023
WHERE: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Making its Colorado debut, this family-friend event brings larger-than-life holiday displays and immersive experiences for all to enjoy. It features more than 3 million dazzling lights, a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree, a 25-foot-tall snowman that never melts, a 200-foot-long candy cane tunnel, giant ornaments, a wall of lights, rides on limited Elitch Gardens attractions, train rides for the kids (and the kids at heart), interactive activities like a light-up hopscotch, strolling holiday entertainers, Old Saint Nick and his elves, and more.

Family-Friendly Events & Activities

The Polar Express^TM Train Ride

WHEN: Thru Dec. 23, 2022
WHERE: Colorado Railroad Museum
The story of The Polar Express^TM 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. This year, a whole host of carefully crafted updates have been made in order to ensure the health and safety of guests, cast and crew, so put on your pajamas and your most fashionable mask and bring the family to enjoy sharing hot cocoa and cookies together as the "Hot, Hot, Hot—Chocolate" song and dance unfolds before your eyes.

Santa's Flight Academy

WHEN: Thru Dec. 24, 2022
WHERE: Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Your little ones can step inside a 22-foot-tall sleigh and experience the magical snowfall. They can also have their photos taken with Santa. Reservations are recommended.

Cherry Creek Holiday Market

WHEN: Nov. 17–Dec. 24, 2022
WHERE: Cherry Creek North
The free Cherry Creek North Holiday Market at Fillmore Plaza features 30 local artisan vendors, live music, and festive drinks and decor.

'Camp Christmas'

WHEN: Nov. 17–Dec. 24, 2022
WHERE: Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park
An over-the-top, outdoor/indoor extravaganza as big as the season it celebrates! Leave your worries behind and immerse yourself in Denver Center for the Performing Arts' (DCPA's) biggest holiday experience ever! Journey through artist Lonnie Hanzon’s fantastical wonderland of lights, dazzling decorations, music and memorabilia as you explore mesmerizing yuletide scenes spread across a six-acre landscape. Most importantly, "Camp Christmas" is an opportunity to rediscover (and reimagine!) the holiday spirit and connect with people you love.

Denver Christkindlmarket

WHEN: Nov. 18–Dec. 23, 2022
WHERE: Civic Center Park
This outdoor event brings the most beloved elements of an authentic German holiday experience to The Mile High City. Stroll through a European village decorated for the holiday season as you shop for finely crafted artisan gifts and treats at charming wooden huts. Fuel your shopping with authentic Glühwein (mulled spiced wine), German Biers and hot chocolate, and nosh on Bavarian-style pretzels, fresh smoked salmon, Knödel, Goulasch, Nürnberger Sausages, pastries, caramels and European chocolates.

Downtown Denver Rink

WHEN: Nov. 21, 2022–Feb. 14, 2023
WHERE: Skyline Park
Bundle up for some free ice skating in the heart of downtown and enjoy special events.

A Hudson Christmas: Extravaganza of Lights

WHEN: Nov. 26–Dec. 31, 2022 (on select days)
WHERE: Hudson Gardens & Events Center
Hudson Christmas is back after two long years. You'll be enchanted by even more towering trees draped in thousands of colorful lights. A grove of dancing Christmas trees, a multi-colored forest inhabited by giant snowmen, the holiday light tunnel and glowing reindeer will light up Hudson Gardens into an extravaganza of holiday cheer.

McGregor Skate

WHEN: Dec. 2–31, 2022; 12–9 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday–Saturday, 12–6 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: McGregor Square plaza
The magic of winter has made its way to LoDo with McGregor Skate, an ice skating rink for all ages. Skates are available to rent at an on-site skate shop. Enjoy hot beverages from the upcoming holiday pop-up bar: Sleigh Bar at Milepost Zero. Note: The rink is closed on Dec. 24 and 25 and closes early at 4 p.m. on Dec. 31 for The Drop New Year's Eve event. There are special themed dates on Fridays from 6–8 p.m. with a live DJ. Dress up and head out on the ice:

Dec. 2: Santa Theme
Dec. 9: Ugly Sweater Theme
Dec. 16: Santa Theme
Dec. 23: Ugly Sweater Theme
Dec. 30: 80's Apres Ski Theme

Snow Days

WHEN: Dec. 3, 2022–Feb. 17, 2023
WHERE: Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Spend your day gliding around the rink, sledding on REAL snow, warming up by a toasty fire and much, much more.

Music & Performing Arts

'Zotto'

WHEN: Nov. 18–Dec. 11, 2022
WHERE: Sakura Square
"Zotto" is an immersive and multi-sensory supernatural Japanese folktale and theatrical journey. Audiences explore three generations of Japanese American women and their relationship to Denver’s rich yet sordid history as they encounter yokai and obake (Japanese spirits and demons) and other unexpected characters, discover hidden secrets within forgotten spaces, and engage with interactive elements that ask them to consider the relationship between intention and impact.

'Sisters in Law'

WHEN: Nov. 26–Dec. 11, 2022
WHERE: Newman Center for the Performing Arts
Based on the book of the same name by Linda Hirshman, this is the story of how two different women, Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, changed the world! "Sisters in Law" tells the true story of a friendship that transcended political party, religion, region and culture. Strengthened by each other’s presence, these ground-breaking Supreme Court Justices transformed the Constitution and America itself, making it a more equal place for all women.

Momma McCracken: A Comedy Variety Show

WHEN: Thru Dec. 17, 2022
WHERE: RISE Comedy
Every third Saturday of the month, Momma McCracken cooks up a batch of hilarity in her closet comedy variety show at Denver's RISE Comedy! The outlandish comedy show takes place in her closet. The secret sauce to her comedy? Momma processes outlandish life stories, converses with the audience and offers unconventional candid wisdom. And she packs the show with the talents of a variety of guest comedians. Sketch, Standup, Improv and unique comedy acts are regulars in the closet. Music and comedy by Colin Tilleman is always performed in the closet to give the show an edgy sound.

'Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly'

WHEN: Nov. 19–Dec. 17, 2022
WHERE: The John Hand Theater
A sequel to Jane Austen’s "Pride and Prejudice" set two years after the novel ends, Miss Bennet continues the story, only this time with bookish middle-sister Mary as its unlikely heroine. Mary is growing tired of her role as a dutiful middle sister in the face of her siblings’ romantic escapades. When the family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley, an unexpected guest sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match and possibly even love.

'The Queen's Ball - A Bridgerton Experience'

WHEN: Thru Dec. 18, 2022
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
The Queen herself invites you to a once-in-a-lifetime evening of music and dance complete with acrobatic performances, interactive experiences, a stunning dance show and plenty of surprises. As guests at this delightful soirée, you will be transported to 1813 London to take part in the most coveted ball of the season. Prepare to mingle with other members of the Ton as you enjoy a beautiful ballroom decorated in the Regency-era style, interact with actors dressed in exquisite period costumes, savor delicious cocktails and listen to live music inspired by the iconic "Bridgerton" soundtrack. Note: There are two family-friendly sessions on Nov. 19 and Dec. 3 where they welcome children ages 8-15.

'Little Red'

WHEN: Thru Dec. 18, 2022
WHERE: Weeks Conservatory Theatre
This charming, song-infused retelling of 'Little Red Riding Hood' finds Little Red at the center of new adventures and new ways of seeing familiar characters. With a wandering wolf, a gardening grandma, a forest at risk, and characters from other tales joining in, Little Red discovers her own power as a vital doer in her community. Joyous and inspiring, the musical captures the warmth of Little Red and her family of smart, engaged females while also welcoming a new friendship between Red and Wolf.

'Theater of the Mind'

WHEN: Thru Jan. 22, 2023
WHERE: York Street Yards
"Theater of the Mind" from Denver Center for the Performing Arts will take audience members through an immersive journey in a 15,000-square-foot historic warehouse within the adaptive reuse campus of York Street Yards in the Clayton neighborhood. Audiences will explore how they perceive the world through sensory experiments that reveal the inner mysteries of the brain as they are led by a Guide whose stories are inspired by the creators' lives. It's a journey of self-reflection, discovery and imagination, inspired by and grounded in neuroscience, co-created by Talking Heads frontman David Byrne and writer Mala Gaonkar.

'The Jedi Handbook'

WHEN: Nov. 25–Dec. 18, 2022
WHERE: Aurora Fox Arts Center, Aurora
A not-so-long time ago, in this very galaxy, a certain sci-fi film rocked the world and changed both cinema and schoolyards forever. Join us this holiday season to experience the epic adventures of "Star Wars" anew, through the eyes of two young best friends facing something scarier than Darth Vader and uglier than Jabba the Hut: getting older!

The Polar Express^TM Train Ride

WHEN: Nov. 11–Dec. 23, 2022
WHERE: Colorado Railroad Museum
The story of The Polar Express^TM 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. This year, a whole host of carefully crafted updates have been made in order to ensure the health and safety of guests, cast and crew, so put on your pajamas and your most fashionable mask and bring the family to enjoy sharing hot cocoa and cookies together as the "Hot, Hot, Hot—Chocolate" song and dance unfolds before your eyes.

'A Christmas Story'

WHEN: Nov. 25–Dec. 23, 2022
WHERE: Miners Alley Playhouse, Golden
All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family's temperamental exploding furnace; the boys' experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie's father winning a lamp shaped like a woman's leg in a net stocking; Ralphie's fantasy scenarios and more. "A Christmas Story" is destined to become a theatrical holiday tradition!

'Camp Christmas'

'A Christmas Carol'

WHEN: Nov. 18–Dec. 24, 2022
WHERE: Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ Wolf Theatre
Essential to the holiday season in Denver, "A Christmas Carol" is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation that traces money-hoarding curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption.

Colorado Ballet: 'The Nutcracker'

WHEN: Nov. 26–Dec. 24, 2022
WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House
The beloved holiday favorite returns in a dazzling production like no one's ever seen, featuring all-new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet. A sellout every year, this magical tale of Clara, the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is going to be dreamier than ever.

'A Christmas Carol'

'Newsies'

WHEN: Nov. 18–Dec. 30, 2022
WHERE: Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton
Jack Kelly and his newsboy pals dream of a better life than the hard streets of New York City, earning 26 cents a day for their grueling physical labor. Selling “papes” has been a challenge since the end of the Spanish-American War. When wealthy industrialists raise the price of paper bundles, cutting further into the Newsies’ meager profits, they decide to stand up for themselves; through song and dance, of course! This uplifting stage musical is based off the movie of the same name and is a fictionalized account of the real newsboy strike of 1899.

Disney’s 'Beauty and the Beast'

WHEN: Nov. 25–Dec. 31, 2022
WHERE: Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities, Arvada
Be our guest this holiday season with a tale as old as time! When a prince is transformed into a Beast by a spell that can only be broken by true love, it’s up to the bookworm Belle to not only accept his love — but truly love him in return. Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast" brings together talking teapots, dancing candlesticks and beloved original songs from the movie classic for an enchanting night the whole family will enjoy.

'A Made for TV Holiday Homicide'

WHEN: Nov. 25, 2022–Jan. 7, 2023
WHERE: Adams Mystery Playhouse
Don your favorite ugly holiday sweater and join the Adams Mystery Playhouse crew for the filming of the made-for-TV movie "Let The Snow Fall Where It May." However, not everyone on the set is in a festive mood as tempers flare. Will the winter jubilee be ruined by a dastardly murder?

Brrr!esque

WHEN: Dec. 8–18, 2022 (Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday)
WHERE: Wonderbound (new temporary space at 3865 Grape St, Unit #2)
Spice up your holiday season with this new wintry delight. Journey through chilly landscapes, quirky vignettes and sultry escapades. Who’s been naughty and who’s been nice?

'Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story'

WHEN: Thru Jan. 28, 2023
WHERE: Boulder's Dinner Theatre, Boulder
In just three short years, Buddy Holly set the music world on fire and forever changed the face and sound of rock and roll. Armed with a Fender Stratocaster guitar, his signature specs and a charismatic blend of rockabilly swagger, Buddy explodes onto the stage in this jukebox musical fully loaded with classics “Peggy Sue,” “Oh Boy,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Well…All Right,” “Not Fade Away” and many more with an encore that will have you on your feet and dancing in the aisles.

Top Secret Comedy Show at Denver Comedy Underground

WHEN: Thru March 25, 2023
WHERE: Denver Comedy Underground
Denver's best comedy club brings you the best comedy, stand up and hilarious events every weekend, including special secret guests. These lineups are so good we legally can't tell you who they are!

'Until the Flood'

WHEN: Thru Aug. 11, 2023
WHERE: Virtual/Online
After the death of Michael Brown, The Ferguson Unrest shook the nation to its core and put a spotlight on police brutality and discrimination. Using extensive interviews she conducted herself, Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie Award winner Dael Orlandersmith created eight fictional characters to represent the broad spectrum of perspectives that continue to define and divide our country at large.

'Hit & Run: Musical Improv'

WHEN: Thru Aug. 25, 2023 (Fridays)
WHERE: RISE Comedy
Enjoy Colorado’s premier improvised musical comedy team and Denver’s longest-running improv comedy show! Hit and Run: Musical Improv® creates an hour-long, fully improvised, Broadway-style musical with live musical accompaniment, based on suggestions from the audience. You’ll see a brand new musical every week!

Museum & Gallery Exhibitions

Design & Build: Curiosities

WHEN: Thru Dec. 15, 2022
WHERE: Marjorie Park, Greenwood Village
Eight emerging artist interns came together over the summer to collaboratively create several unique, site-specific installations with the theme "curiosities" for the Museum of Outdoor Art’s Marjorie Park in just eight weeks.

Margaret Kasahara: Notable

WHEN: Thru Dec. 18, 2022
WHERE: McNichols Civic Center Building, Denver Arts & Venues
This is an exhibition of interdisciplinary work inspired by everyday experiences and observations – from familiar routine to extraordinary events. The pieces were created in the spirit of sharing personal perspectives and seeing familiar objects in unexpected ways. This exhibition celebrates the beauty and symbolic strength of individual grains of rice, relaying thoughts on loss and healing through broken branches, and expressing our connected humanity and everyday wonder with humble pencil. The artist, Margaret Kasahara, is drawn to the relatability and honesty of commonplace things and delights in revealing their expressive potential.

Nizhóní Way: New Works by Melanie Yazzie

WHEN: Thru Dec. 18, 2022
WHERE: McNichols Civic Center Building, Denver Arts & Venues
As a printmaker, painter and sculptor, Melanie Yazzie’s work draws upon her rich Diné (Navajo) cultural heritage. The exhibit title, Nizhóní, means beautiful in Navajo, but it also means living and existing in the world in a beautiful way. Nizhóní touches on being at peace and in balance with your surroundings. This exhibition is a collection of mixed media works with various levels of printmaking layered with painting and drawing.

The Center on Colfax Open Art Studio’s Exhibition

WHEN: Thru Dec. 24, 2022
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
The Center on Colfax opened in 1976 and has grown to become the largest LGBTQ community center in the Rocky Mountain region. The Open Art Studio launched in 2010, providing a safe space for individuals to come together to connect and create. This exhibit is a product of the Center's participants, talents, hopes, dreams, pain, tears, fears, love and more.

By Design: Stories and Ideas Behind Objects

WHEN: Thru Dec. 30, 2022
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
A series of thematic installations drawn primarily from the architecture and design collection, this exhibition illustrates the abundance and versatility of approaches to design. How does it come into being? Who creates it and for what purpose? What trends inspire it? And how does it serve society?

Fantastic Brush: Twentieth-Century Chinese Ink Art from the Robert and Lisa Kessler Collection

WHEN: Thru Dec. 30, 2022
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
The 23 ink paintings featured in this exhibit showcase some of the most important artists in twentieth-century China, including Zhang Daqian, Qi Baishi, Xu Beihong, Wu Changshuo and Wu Guanzhong. The collection includes examples by teachers and students, friends and colleagues. The artists come from very different backgrounds: some traveled to Europe to study Western art, some went to Japan to study Japanese art and Western art as filtered through Japanese experience, and others never went abroad. Nevertheless, all were well-versed in traditional Chinese ink art.

At the Heart of The Flames

WHEN: Thru Dec. 31, 2022
WHERE: Denver Firefighters Museum
At the Heart of the Flames is made entirely of art created by active and retired Denver firefighters to showcase their creativity.

Gio Ponti: Designer of a Thousand Talents

WHEN: Thru Jan. 1, 2023
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
Gio Ponti was one of the most inventive Italian architects and designers of his time. For more than 60 years, Ponti’s exuberant approach found expression in public and private commissions from buildings, interiors and furniture to glass, ceramics and flatware, influencing international design for more than 50 years.

Seeing Red: Botanical Art & Illustration

WHEN: Thru Jan. 1, 2023
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens
Featuring work by students and faculty of Denver Botanic Gardens’ School of Botanical Art & Illustration, Seeing Red spotlights the vibrant shades of red found in plants and fungi. From peppers to hibiscus and apples to poinsettias, red is found throughout the natural world. Works in a variety of media feature red flowers, foliage, fungi, fruits and vegetables.

Frank Lloyd Wright: Inside the Walls

WHEN: Thru Jan. 8, 2023
WHERE: Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
The exhibition will explore the relationship between Wright’s architecture and decorative art. Wright believed in the concept of “a total work of art,” with the accessories and furnishings of a building complementing the architecture to create a unified whole.

Planet Pioneers

WHEN: Thru Jan. 8, 2023
WHERE: Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Composed of 17 hands-on exhibits, Planet Pioneers puts budding astronauts and space explorers to the test as they attempt to source their own food, shelter and solve problems in an unknown world. Colonizing the planet is no trivial task, and visitors should prepare for full-body challenges, including driving a 4-D Surface Exploration Vehicle, flying a virtual drone to solve environmental issues and experiencing G-Force in a spinning capsule.

Front Range Contemporary Quilters - Complements to the Chef

WHEN: Thru Jan. 14, 2023
WHERE: Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, Golden
Front Range Contemporary Quilters were invited to explore any food-related topic for this unique exhibition: food is grown, harvested, transported, purchased, prepared, cooked, served and eaten. Example include a backyard herb garden, a baby’s face after eating blueberries, a field of corn, a stunning supermarket display, a fancy restaurant setting, a family meal and a simple cup of tea.

Abundant Future: Cultivating Diversity in Garden, Farm and Field

WHEN: Thru Jan. 15, 2023
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens
Featuring 40 original botanical illustrations, this exhibition highlights the history and importance of biological diversity in cultivated plants grown for clothing, healing and — most of all — for food. The subjects of these works were discovered on international travels, picked up at the farmer’s market or harvested from the artists’ gardens. The works illustrate the artistry of plant breeding, the challenges of maintaining genetic diversity in domesticated crops, and the potential for rejuvenation found in heirloom and ancient plant revival.

Disruption

WHEN: Thru Jan. 23, 2023
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
Works from the Vicki and Kent Logan Collection presents about 50 artworks including paintings, sculptures, photographs, mixed-media works, and several artworks never before displayed at the museum. This outstanding collection features many works by noted North American and international contemporary artists including Kent Monkman, Yang Shaobin, Zhang Dali, Elmgreen and Dragset, Agustina Woodgate, Glenn Ligon, and Jenny Saville.

DALÍ ALIVE

WHEN: Thru Jan. 29, 2023
WHERE: Stanley Marketplace, Aurora
Experience DALÍ ALIVE, an immersive look into Salvador Dalí's life from Grande Experiences, world leaders in multi-sensory art and culture experiences, in cooperation with The Dalí Museum. The exhibit will further redefine the way audiences connect with art and culture, engaging and inspiring guests to explore the life, art and triumphant accomplishments of Salvador Dalí. A powerful and vibrant symphony of light, color, captivating imagery, stirring soundscapes and evocative aromas take you out of your world and immerse you inside the surreal visions synonymous with the renowned artist.

The Dirty South: Contemporary Art, Material Culture, and the Sonic Impulse

WHEN: Thru Feb. 5, 2023
WHERE: MCA DENVER — Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
This exhibition explores the aesthetic legacies and traditions of Black Culture in the African American South as seen through the lens of contemporary Black musical expression. Lauded by critics, it argues for the importance of the American South and Black culture as critical to our understanding of America’s past, present and future.

You Select: A Community-Curated Exhibition

WHEN: Thru Feb. 12, 2023
WHERE: Clyfford Still Museum
In the culminating exhibition of the Clyfford Still Museum's tenth anniversary year, You Select: A Community-Curated Exhibition hands the curatorial reins to art lovers from the surrounding Denver community and beyond. This exhibit is designed to foster far-reaching engagement and appreciation of Clyfford Still’s art and artistic legacy.

Luis Barragán: A Legacy. New Works Undressing the Mexican Soul

WHEN: Thru Feb. 18, 2023
WHERE: Museo de las Americas
Museo de las Americas presents a new collective exhibition, Luis Barragán: a Legacy. New Works Undressing the Mexican Soul. Curated by Artemio García Uribe from Guadalajara, MX, this exhibition celebrates the legacy of one of the most iconic and well-known Mexican architects of the 20th century. With this exhibit, Museo de las Americas will explore how his influence has manifested in the work of five Mexican artists who will create a mosaic of interpretations of what Barragán and his works mean to them.

Other People's Pictures

WHEN: Thru Feb. 26, 2023
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
This exhibition of more than 70 photographic works from a collection donated to the DAM in 2018 by Robert and Kerstin Adams explores the reciprocal relationships among artists and their creative exchange of objects. It also examines the themes of collecting, the pleasure of looking, and how diverse points of view interact to shape perspectives.

Memory Mirror

WHEN: Thru March 5, 2023
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
Lares Feliciano's Memory Mirror is an immersive installation that invites visitors to explore their relationship with memory through animation, dioramas and interactive storytelling. Designed to evoke the memory of a relative's living room, this exhibition will transform the museum's Precourt Family Discovery Hall into a surreal domestic den that is both familiar and fantastic.

Return of the Corn Mothers

WHEN: Thru Sept. 30, 2023
WHERE: History Colorado Center
Return of the Corn Mothers marks a three-year effort to honor 22 new Corn Mothers in 2022. What began in 2007 with a small grant from the Rocky Mountain Women’s Institute and eight local women has now expanded to include more than 70 women. Join in the rich tradition of honoring Southwest women through this revitalized exhibit.

All Hallows Art Show

WHEN: Nov. 1–30, 2022
WHERE: Bar Nun
Halloween may be over, but Sean P. Tracey's All Hallows Art Show is just beginning!

Darrell Anderson Mediums

WHEN: Nov. 4–26, 2022
WHERE: Magpie Arts Gallery on Larimer Square
Head to Denver’s historic Larimer Square to experience Darrell Anderson Mediums, the first solo show featuring internationally acclaimed local artist Darrell Anderson. A Denver native, Anderson’s work is rooted in his desire to unite the world through art. His diversity of experience — Anderson served as a U.S. Army race relations instructor during the Vietnam war and spent more than a decade as Frontier Airlines’ first male flight attendant — is reflected in the richness of his body of artwork. Celebrated works include a serigraph commissioned by the Colorado Rockies and major public art pieces at Denver International Airport and the U.S. Customs House in Denver.

Collected Perspective

WHEN: Nov. 5–26, 2022
WHERE: PlatteForum
Jennifer explores map-making through a social justice lens Maravillas-Bell. She has been creating a map of the area around PlatteForum’s Annex Gallery, walking the streets surrounding it, collecting debris from the street, and then impressing those found objects into concrete in the shape of each block. The result will be a large concrete map with each block creating a beautiful mosaic of the inhabitants of this area.

American Roulette

WHEN: Nov. 10–Dec. 22, 2022
WHERE: Hatton Gallery, Visual Arts Building, CSU, Fort Collins
American Roulette examines gun violence in the United States. The installation features the work of Michelle Graves, CJ Hungerman, Cesar Conde, Dominic Sansone, Anthony Guntren, Yousif Del Valle and Folleh Shar Francis Tamb and explores our current state of affairs, our gun culture and our kneeling at the altar of hate and intolerance.

Fall 2022 MSU Denver BFA Thesis Exhibition

WHEN: Nov. 11–Dec. 9, 2022
WHERE: Metropolitan State University of Denver - Center for Visual Art
The Fall 2022 BFA Thesis Exhibition is the pinnacle of MSU Denver’s Studio Art and Communication Design students’ education. Graduating students will present their thesis in a gallery exhibition at Center for Visual Art – Metropolitan State University of Denver (CVA). Works include themes of exploration, communication, advocacy, identity, sexuality, autonomy, connection and hybridity. Visitors can expect to experience an evocative collection that incorporates installation, design, video, performance, drawing, painting, ceramics and sculpture.

Her Brush: Japanese Women Artists from the Fong-Johnstone Collection

WHEN: Nov. 13, 2022–May 13, 2023
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
This exhibition takes a nuanced approach to questions of artistic voice, gender and agency through more than 100 works of painting, calligraphy and ceramics from 1600s to 1900s Japan. Many of these artworks will be on view for the first time to the public.

Quintessence

WHEN: Nov. 17–Dec. 11, 2022
WHERE: SYNC Gallery
This exhibition is about how artists Lisa Calzavara and Joy Redstone explore different ways in which abstract work can depict the core essence of life and how we explore its beauty.

LAPS: A Journey Through Time

WHEN: Nov. 17–Dec. 24, 2022
WHERE: Cherry Creek North
In a world that seems to move at an increasingly rapid pace, this interactive art installation offers a moment to slow down and really enjoy the season. LAPS features six giant musical hourglasses that entice visitors to bend time and then sit back and watch as bursting light and dancing color fill the air.

Core Members Solo Exhibits

WHEN: Nov. 18–Dec. 4, 2022
WHERE: Lakewood
Explore exhibits by artists Michelle Lamb, Christine O'Dea and Chris Hudson. Re:Defined by assemblage artist Michelle Lamb uses re-purposed, re-used, re-assembled and re-animated found objects to deconstruct, modify and "recontextualize" her subjects. Transmute by Christine O’Dea demonstrates our ability to change wounds into our greatest gifts, pain into freedom, mistakes into magic, defeat into empowerment and loss into creation. And Mañana by Chris Hudson explores what the concept of "tomorrow" really means.

Mettle Martyr Volume 2

WHEN: Nov. 18–Dec. 8, 2022
WHERE: Bitfactory Gallery
Mettle Martyr Volume 2 is much more than an art exhibit. The goal of this show is to call attention to the existence and frequency of gender-based discrimination and abuse, educate about advocacy, and make a lasting impact on the viewer. The artwork features female models, some chosen for their survival stories, and some posed in ironic mid-century modern postures to reclaim their humor, beauty, mettle and most importantly, their sense of self. A portion of proceeds from the show will be donated to The PorchLight Family Justice Center.

Immersive Monet & The Impressionists

WHEN: Nov. 18, 2022–Jan. 2, 2023
WHERE: Lighthouse Art Space
From the creators and producers of the original Immersive Van Gogh exhibit, Immersive Monet & The Impressionists showcases more than 500 iconic paintings, brought to life! From Monet’s celebrated water lilies to Degas’s graceful dancers, step inside living art that strives to capture the transient nature of beauty and the timeless beauty of nature.

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition

WHEN: Nov. 18, 2022–Jan. 15, 2023
WHERE: Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Rome comes to Denver! Skip the long lines at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and view the world-renowned work of Michelangelo close enough to touch God's finger in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition. This special collection of the artist’s renowned ceiling frescoes is reproduced in a format that allows viewers to get face-to-face with the masterpieces through 34 artfully displayed reproductions paired with an audio narrative.

Sometimes I Think It's a Painting

WHEN: Nov. 19–Dec. 17, 2022
WHERE: Blue Tile Gallery, Englewood
Many artists relate to the fact that the creative process can be an isolating journey, so actively seeking meaningful connections and community is an important endeavor — one that artist Courtney Cotton found through taking classes and participating in group exhibits. She noticed the shared intuitive nature in the work of a particular group of artists she befriended and was inspired to curate an exhibit of their work. The result is the group show Sometimes I Think It’s a Painting, which features non-objective paintings by Cotton, and Boulder-based artists Jane Oniki, Tracey Russell, Alissa Davies and Alli Gerrish.

Immersive Nutcracker

WHEN: Nov. 19–Dec. 31, 2022
WHERE: Lighthouse Art Space
This festive season, treat your family to The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle — an unforgettable holiday extravaganza! For nearly 130 years, "The Nutcracker" has enchanted children around the world. Now your family can experience the timeless holiday tale like never before, brought to life on a majestic scale! You will be enchanted by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s sweeping music, including iconic selections like “The March of the Toys” and “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” as they are immersed in holiday wonder.