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Hey Denver,
Hope you’re having a great week, Christmas is around the corner and I hope you have all of your shopping done.
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Now onto the show:
THURSDAY - DECEMBER 11th
Art & About @ Denver Art Museum @ 1PM Art & About tours are designed for visitors with early-stage Alzheimer's or dementia and their care partners.
Hazel Miller and the Collective: Christmas with Soul @ Arvada Center @ 6PM / 8PM Don’t miss this Gospel-inspired jazzy Christmas concert featuring all your favorite holiday songs!
Colorado Hardcore Toy Drive @ Summit @ 6PM Featuring Full Blown Chaos, Primal Fury, Moral Law, Back Lip, & more
GAVN! @ Marquis Theater @ 7PM With Christian Hayes & Brink
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats @ Mission Ballroom @ 8PM With Mavis Staples & Friends
The Swashbuckling Doctors + 12 Cents for Marvin @ Aggie Theatre @ 8PM With All Waffle Trick
The Midnight Soulbirds @ Globe Hall @ 8PM With West of Fennario & Cosmic Beach Resort
FRIDAY - DECEMBER 12th
Second Fridays Holiday Market @ Edgewater Public Market @ 5PM Browse unique handmade gifts, jewelry, art, and holiday treats from Colorado artisans while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of one of the area’s most popular food halls.
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Drag Show @ Paramount Theatre @ 8PM Award-winning comedy icons, writers, actors, and drag queen powerhouses BenDeLaCreme & Jinkx Monsoon are coming back to town with their wildly successful, internationally acclaimed holiday show!
USER SUBMITTED - Singles Holiday Pickleball Party @ 3rd Shot Pickleball – Wheat Ridge @ 7–9PM
Join an open-play singles pickleball night with fun icebreakers across all 13 courts and a crowd of people who actually want to meet each other. Come with friends or solo and leave with new people to play with. All levels welcome, from total beginners to daily players. Tickets are $28 and include one drink ticket.
Friday - Western Institute for Advanced Study – Annual Public Lecture @ Historic Grant Avenue @ 5–6:30PM
A public lecture on the physical basis of consciousness, exploring how we perceive the world, choose our actions, and how neural circuitry differs from artificial neural networks like ChatGPT. Presented by Izi Stoll, Ph.D., Scientific Director of the Western Institute for Advanced Study. Doors open at 4:30PM; program begins at 5PM with discussion to follow.
‘Christmas Floozy’ Show @ The Bug Theatre @ 7PM Christmas floozy is a night of celebrating Santa with stand-up comedy, drag, and original Christmas carols.
Stories On Stage: ‘Making Merry’ Performance @ Arvada Center @ 7:30PM Stories on Stage presents renowned actors performing dynamic and entertaining holiday-themed short stories.
Jeff and Paige’s Holiday Concert @ Chautauqua @ 4PM Join Jeff & Paige for a magical, wintertime concert that blends their original nature and science-based music with beloved holiday songs!
Hear beloved soundtracks from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Game of Thrones.’
Candlelight: The Best Of Joe Hisaishi @ Kirk of Highland @ 8:45PM Experience soundtracks from ‘Spirited Away,’ ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service,’ ‘Princess Mononoke,’ and more performed by a string ensemble.
Friday - Lumonics Immersed @ Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery @ 8PM
A multisensory light art experience featuring evolving projections, music, and sculpture from one of the country’s longest-running light art studios. Settle in for an immersive night of light, sound, and color.
Cattle Decapitation @ Summit @ 6PM With Aborted, Tribal Gaze, & Frozen Soul
Saturnalia @ Marquis Theater @ 7PM Featuring Church Fire & Plasma Canvas
NGHTMRE @ Mission Ballroom @ 9PM With Juelz, Frosttop, & Staysick
Fruition & John Craigie Night 1 @ Ogden Theatre @ 8PM With The Coffis Brothers & Jeb Bows
The Academy Is… Night 1 @ Gothic Theatre @ 8PM With Slowjoy
Anfisa Letyago @ Temple @ 10PM With Lorely Mur, Dark Zone, & more
BrittzHauz @ Temple @ 10PM Featuring Brittz, Mars, Briella, & Breezy
Dealer Takes Four + Ridgeliners @ Bluebird Theater @ 8PM With The Watertower
The Bones of J.R. Jones @ Globe Hall @ 8PM With Noah C. Lekas
SATURDAY - DECEMBER 13th
Olde Golden Holiday Parade @ Washington Avenue Golden @ 10:30AM Enjoy a spectacular day featuring all your favorites, including elves, marching bands, floats, Victorian carolers, antique cars, the Grinch, Buffalo Bill, and of course, Santa.
Cockpit Demo Day @ Wings Museum @ 10AM
Get an up close look inside select aircrafts and learn all about their history, instruments, and controls!
Holiday BAZAAR @ Highlands Square @ 11AM Stroll the historic shopping district, explore local makers, and warm up at nearby restaurants and bars.
Second Saturday Holiday Market @ Western Sky Bar & Taproom @ 2PM Western Sky’s Second Saturday Market takes a festive turn! Shop from local artisans and vendors for all your holiday gift-giving.
Vegan Holiday Market @ Dry Clean Only @ 11AM Visit your favorite vegan vendors, shop small while getting gifts for everyone on your list, grab lunch, seasonal beverages, enjoy live music, and more!
Making the Space Holiday Market @ Flora @ 10AM Shop unique gifts and personal items from local makers, enjoy games and contests, and more!
Holiday Market @ Nurture @ 9AM Enjoy meeting and connecting with local jewelers, artists, vintage curators, herbalists, Tarot Readers, energy healers & more.
Japanese Whisky Holiday Market @ Dairy Block @ 7PM Taste delicious Japanese whiskies and purchase from a selection of bottles to keep for yourself, or give to your favorite whiskey lover.
A Conversation with Alicia Silverstone @ Buell Theatre @ 7PM Following a full screening of the iconic film, join movie lead, Alicia Silverstone, as she shares stories from her life and behind the scenes!
Drag Queen Storytime @ Arvada Center @ 10AM This all-ages event promises a beautiful morning filled with storytelling, sing-alongs, and a flurry of fun.
Ocean Bloom: Immersive Concert Experience @ Boulder Theater @ 6:30PM This one of a kind experience weaves together some of the most stunning underwater cinematography, underwater tales, and astounding live music from award-winning musicians.
Jorma Kaukonen @ Paramount Theatre @ 8PM With David Hidalgo, Jack Casady, Ross Garren, & more
Wax @ Marquis Theater @ 7PM With I In Team & Jay the Rarest
Fruition & John Craigie Night 2 @ Ogden Theatre @ 8PM With Anna Moss
The Academy Is… Night 2 @ Gothic Theatre @ 8PM With Slowjoy
The Glitch Mob @ The Church Nightclub @ 10PM With Jialing
Judah Lourde & Company @ Fox Theatre @ 7:30PM With Mandala & Feverishh
Musketeer Gripweed @ Aggie Theatre @ 8PM With Max Mackey Band
The Music of Taylor Swift for Kids @ Bluebird Theater @ 11AM Presented by The Rock and Roll Playhouse
Hip-Hop for the Holidays @ Moxi Theater @ 8PM Featuring Steelo Bass, JMG, Stew is Endo, Miss Rice, & more
Greg Freeman @ Globe Hall @ 8PM With Jawdropped & Clementine Was Right
SUNDAY - DECEMBER 14th
Santa at The Station @ Denver Union Station @ 11AM Enjoy free photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Ends 12/21.
Bitter Boxer @ Globe Hall @ 5PM With Meghan Foley, Jake Black Band, & Tori Rose
Sunday - Omega 9 Tournament @ The Roxy Theatre
Primos Premier Pro Wrestling presents Omega 9, a must-see show highlighting women’s professional wrestling at The Roxy Theatre.
All Weekend
FRIDAY & SATURDAY - Winterfest @ Chautauqua Featuring festive food and drinks, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a variety of family-friendly activities, Chautauqua’s annual festival has become a must-visit tradition.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY - LAPOMPE: A Very Django Holiday Show @ Dazzle Get ready for a delightful re-interpretation of classic Christmas & Holiday music through the lens of early swing and jazz.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY - Mistletoe Market @ Dairy Block The market features over a dozen unique, local businesses and artisans, live carolers, festive cocktails, hot beverages, photo ops, a gift wrapping station, and more. Ends 12/21.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY - Holiday Makers Market @ MCA Local entrepreneurs will be selling a variety of handmade crafts that will make perfect gifts for the holiday season.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY - Christmas Bazaar @ Washington Park UMC Enjoy over 20 Native American Art vendors and enjoy some great Native American cuisines such as Navajo Tacos, Frybread and other good options!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY - Santa Claus Live @ Mishawaka Amphitheatre The annual Mishawaka holiday tradition returns for more live Santa performances, stories, and sing alongs.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY - Santa in the Hangar @ Wings Museum Enjoy holiday-themed activities including Santa & Mrs. Claus meet-and-greets, games and craft stations, scavenger hunts, magic shows, & more at both Air & Space Museum and Exploration of Flight.
All weekend - Denver Winter Market @ Sports Castle Shop from 100+ local artists and makers, enjoy festive cocktails and bites, and find unique gifts while supporting your local community!
All weekend - ‘Nutcracker’ Ballet @ Ellie Caulkins Opera House Colorado Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ returns to the stage with beloved characters, glittering sets, and dancing that will lift your spirits during this holiday season. Ends 12/28.
All weekend - ‘A Colorado Christmas’ Concert @ Boettcher Concert Hall
This family-friendly concert includes traditional Christmas carols, your new favorite winter tunes, and a chance to sing along to your heart’s content!
All weekend - ‘Frozen’ Musical @ Arvada Center Based on the award-winning animated film, this stage adaptation features all the beloved songs and characters in the awe-inspiring journey of sisterhood and love. Ends 1/4/2026.
All weekend - ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’ Musical @ Vintage Theatre Charles Dickens’ final, unfinished novel becomes a raucous and rollicking musical comedy whodunnit that invites the audience to choose the identity of the murderer leading to a different ending every night! Ends 11/11/2026.
All weekend - ‘Stocking Stuffers’ Musical @ Miners Alley Performing Arts Center This sharp, side-splitting musical is the perfect antidote to the overly sweet holiday fare—packed with heart, a healthy dose of irreverence, and songs you'll be humming all season long. Ends 12/21.
All weekend - ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ Live Radio Play @ Miners Alley Performing Arts Center Set in a 1940s radio station, the show features live sound effects, commercial breaks, and a talented cast bringing the iconic characters of the beloved holiday film. 12/28.
All weekend - ‘Holiday at the Hideaway Hotel’ Musical @ Wonderbound Think Wes Anderson meets the Coen Brothers meets David Lynch in this eclectic black comedy about the holidays run amok. Ends 12/21.
All weekend - ‘A Christmas Carol’ Play @ Wolf Theatre Essential to the holiday season in Denver, ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation of the classic story made for the whole family. Ends 12/28.
All weekend - ‘A Christmas Carol’ Play Aurora Fox Arts Center In a festive mood, the ladies of the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society mount another assault on the classics with their stage version of “A Christmas Carol.” Ends 12/21.
All weekend - ‘Let Nothing You Dismay’ Play @ CFU John Hand Theater Eight actors play twenty-two characters in this lightning-paced holiday farce that celebrates families of all kinds. Ends 12/21.
All weekend - ‘Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors’ Play @ Garner Galleria Theatre Filled with clever wordplay and pop culture references, this 90-minute, gender-bending, quick-changing, laugh-out-loud reimagining of the gothic classic is perfect for audiences of all blood types. Ends 5/8/2026.
All weekend - ‘Goodnight Moon’ Kid-Friendly Play @ Randy Weeks Conservatory Theatre Featuring whimsical music and dance, this captivating adaptation of one of the world’s most popular children’s books is returning to the stage after overwhelming demand. Ends 1/25/2026.
All weekend - ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ Play @ Dairy Arts Center With poignant humor and joy, this immersive theatrical experience takes the audience on a journey through grief, healing, falling in love, and rediscovering all that life has to give. Ends 12/28.
All weekend - ‘A Few Good Men’ Play @ Dairy Arts Center This riveting courtroom drama pits honor against duty in a high-stakes military trial, exploring meaning of power, justice, and courage. Ends 12/14.
Limited-Time Holiday Events and Experiences
Ongoing - Denver Christkindlmarket @ Tivoli Quad
This authentic German-style holiday market hosts both local and European, craft & food vendors, entertainers for everyone to enjoy. Ends 12/23.
Ongoing - Denver’s Swirly, Twirly Market @ RiNo RiNo’s Holiday Market is bursting with handcrafted goods, shots of “syrup”, and more paper snowflakes than seems reasonable. Ends 12/21.
Ongoing - Cherry Creek Holiday Market @ Fillmore Plaza Local makers, designers, and creators present a one-stop-shopping experience for all of your gifting needs this holiday season. Ends 12/24.
Ongoing - Fine Art Market @ Arvada Center Shop thousands of giftable items like jewelry, ceramics, ornaments, paintings, cards, and more from over 100 Colorado artists! Ends 12/14.
Ongoing - Camp Christmas @ Stanley Marketplace Featuring Santa visits, nostalgic Christmas scenes and unique experiences, Camp Christmas is a dazzling dreamscape into the holiday spirit. Ends 12/28.
Ongoing - Santa’s Village Welcome to The North Pole-Santa’s Workshop, an enchanting vintage amusement park nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs. Ends 12/24.
Ongoing - ZooLights @ Denver Zoo Denver Zoo’s 30-year tradition is back for another season of holiday cheer and magic, complete with 80 acres of lights, ice-carving exhibitions, festive treats, and much more! Ends 1/4/2026.
Ongoing - Magical Winter Nights @ DMNS Step into a whimsical winter wonderland where a dazzling holiday adventure comes alive through immersive journey of light, sound and surprise. Ends 1/4/2026.
Ongoing - Luminova Holidays @ Elitch Gardens This family-friend event brings larger-than-life holiday displays and immersive experiences for all to enjoy. Ends 1/6/2026.
Ongoing - Hudson Holidays @ Hudson Gardens & Events Center Thousands of colorful lights and enchanting figures light up Hudson Gardens into an extravaganza of holiday cheer. Ends 1/4/2026.
Ongoing - Christmas in Color Drive-Thru @ Water World Water Park / Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Experience one of the world’s largest animated live show drive-thrus and see millions of lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music. Ends 1/3/2026.
Ongoing - Mile High Holidays Drone Show For 40 magical nights, 600 drones will soar into the sky, creating holiday-themed animations. Ends 12/31.
Ongoing- Blossoms of Light @ Botanic Gardens For three decades this annual holiday light extravaganza has transformed Botanic Garden’s York Street location into a twinkling wonderland. Ends 1/11/2026.
Ongoing - Trail of Lights @ Chatfield Farms @ 5PM Enjoy an illuminated stroll complete with singing Christmas trees, light tunnels, antique tractors, live music, and a holiday market open on select weekends. Ends 1/11/2026.
Ongoing - Larimer Lights @ Larimer Square Stroll the block and enjoy immersive projection mapping, festive decor, visits from Santa, live holiday carolers, seasonal treats from local restaurants and shops, and more to make your season bright. Ends 12/31.
Ongoing - Miracle Pop-Up Bar @ Denver Union Station Step into a winter wonderland filled with festive decor, twinkling lights, and an enchanting holiday spirit. Ends 12/24.
Ongoing - The Polar Express Train Rides @ Colorado Railroad Museum This multi-part holiday experience combines a dramatic re-enactment of ‘The Polar Express’ and a magical train ride. Ends 12/23.
Ongoing - McGregor Skating Rink @ McGregor Square @ 6:30PM Open daily, McGregor Skate is the perfect winter activity for guests of all ages. Ends 1/25/2026.
Ongoing
Ongoing - Nightingale Puzzle Room Experience @ Golden Puzzle Room You and your team will be placed in a themed room where you will search for clues to solve puzzles until you reach a final goal. Ends 1/6/2026.
Ongoing - ‘Shiki Dreams’ Immersive Experience @ Colorado Mills Mall Traditional art and digital technology come together in this magical immersive experience, taking you on a journey of discovery alongside Shiki, a mystical yeti and leader of the Spirits of the Forest. Ends 12/29.
Ongoing - Bounce Empire Experience over 50 thrilling amusement attractions at Bounce Empire, the world's largest inflatable amusement park! Ends 1/6/2026.
Ongoing - ‘Beat The Bomb’ Experience
The World’s Craziest Team Game is coming to Denver! Step into a real life video game and get blasted with paint, foam, and slime if you lose. Ends 8/2026.
Ongoing - ‘BEYOND: Laser Light Experience’ Immersive Exhibition @ International Church of Cannabis Visit this mind-expanding, 360º audio-visual immersive experience, plus enjoy a retro arcade lounge, art gallery, movie theater, and a garden with multiple Instagram picture moments. Ends 30/04/2026.
Ongoing - ‘Dinos Alive’ Immersive Experience @ Art Center Denver
Walk among the giants that once ruled our planet millions of years ago at this immersive Jurassic-themed exhibition featuring life-sized animated dinosaur replicas. Ends 1/25/2026.
Ongoing - ‘Brick Planet: A Magical Journey Made With LEGO Bricks’ Exhibition @ DMNS Explore our planet’s unique ecosystems, brought to life through colorful, playful environments where nature provides the building blocks for creative inspiration and scientific discovery. Ends 5/3/2026.
Ongoing - ‘The Secret World of Elephants’ Exhibition @ DMNS Discover the remarkable science behind nature’s most lovable giants through special hands-on interactions and exhibits. Ends 1/2026.
Ongoing - ‘Discovering Teen Rex’ Exhibition @ DMNS Take an extraordinary journey into our prehistoric past as DMNS unveils a remarkable fossil discovered by a crew of inquisitive young dino hunters in North Dakota.
Ongoing - ‘Roni Horn: Water,Water On the Wall, You’re the Fairest of Them All’ Exhibition @ MCA Presenting works in a range of mediums – including sculpture, photography, drawing, and bookmaking – Roni Horn’s solo exhibition is the first to focus exclusively on the concept of water. Ends 2/15/2026.
Ongoing - ‘Deborah Jack: The Haunting of Estuaries’ Exhibition @ MCA The multi-medium exhibition features tumbling waters and fauna from the shorelines of four places: Maine, Louisiana, Brazil, and the island of St. Maarten, offering an exploration of humanity’s relationship to water. Ends 2/15/2026.
Ongoing - ‘Andrea Carlson: A Constant Sky’ Exhibition @ DAM Utilizing a combination of text and complex visual references, artist Andrea Carlson creates works that challenge the colonial narratives presented by modern artists, museum collections, and cannibal genre horror films. Ends 2/16/2026.
Ongoing - ‘The Honest Eye: Camille Pissarro’s Impressionism’ Exhibition @ DAM Dedicated to ‘the first impressionist,’ this exhibition presents an overview of the artist’s illustrious career and examines his singular role within the Impressionist movement. Ends 2/8/2026.
Ongoing - ‘The Tangled Self’ Exhibition @ DAM Colorado artist Sadie Young invites visitors to step inside enormous mouths of towering monsters, dodge playful tube creatures, and discover hidden surprises in this colorful installation.
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