Online and socially distanced events are the name of the game this weekend in Denver.
Thanksgiving weekend traditionally kicks off the holiday season with favorite annual events like the Parade of Lights. Many organizations are pivoting and creatively offering favorite events in a safe and socially distanced manner.
Instead of packing the streets of Downtown Denver for a parade this year, Parade of Lights floats will be staged around the city for people to visit throughout the month of December. The Colorado Ballet is bringing The Nutcracker into homes via Rocky Mountain PBS. Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo will talk about the holiday classic movie Christmas Vacation during a streaming event.
There are also plenty of virtual shopping opportunities as holiday markets have shifted online and many Denver-area museums have transitioned Museum Store Sunday to a virtual format.
*Please note that in-person events may have certain COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions. Visit each event's website for more information prior to attending.*
Things to Do Friday, November 27
Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker
When: November 26–27
Where: Broadcast on Rocky Mountain PBS
Cost: Free
Join Clara and her army of toy soldiers as they battle the Mouse King and journey to the legendary land of Sweets during this special presentation of the Colorado Ballet's The Nutcracker on Rocky Mountain PBS. Learn more here.
Muck Bucket Frisbee Golf
When: November 27
Where: Sky View Farm, 1705 Outer Marker Road, Castle Rock
Cost: $10 per person
Burn off some Thanksgiving calories with muck bucket Frisbee golf featuring horses, sheep, and chickens. Tee times are for groups of six every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. All proceeds benefit Robin's Nest Foundation, a nonprofit helping teens connect with horses and the outdoors.
Parade of Lights
When: November 27–December 31
Where: Throughout Downtown Denver
Cost: Free
The Downtown Denver Partnership is transforming the 9News Parade of Lights into a multi-week, socially safe extravaganza of activities across downtown. The floats you know and love will be displayed throughout downtown for several weeks beginning Friday, November 27.
Things to Do Saturday, November 28
An Evening with Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo
When: November 28
Where: Virtual
Cost: $25–$150
Chevy Chase (Clark) and Beverly D’Angelo (Ellen)—Ellen and Clark Griswold from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation—lead audiences through this live event as they share fan-favorite clips from the movie, reveal their favorite memories from the making of the Vacation franchise, and answer your questions in a live audience Q&A.
Holiday Artist Market
When: November 27–December 1
Where: Online
Cost: Free
CherryArts is hosting a week-long virtual Artist Market and auction during the holiday shopping season. Start your holiday shopping with unique handmade gifts while supporting your favorite 2020 Cherry Creek Arts Festival Artists!
Jackalope Holiday Market
When: November 28–December 18
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Featuring over 100 curated and hand-selected artisans, crafters, and DIY enthusiasts, shoppers can expect to find trendsetting indie goods including original fashion and jewelry design, ceramics and innovative home decor, paper goods, art, body products, family goods and so much more.
Latin Beats
When: November 28–29
Where: Broadcast on Telemundo
Cost: Free
The Colorado Symphony, the Mexican Cultural Center Denver, and Telemundo Denver present Latin Beats: Sonidos de las Américas, a two-part special featuring local Colorado artists including Raquel Garcia, Emilia Zepeda Yanez, Jeanette Trujillo-Lucero, Rumbatea, ArtistiCO, and Mariachi Champaña Nevin from San Diego.
Sunset Comedy Showcase
When: November 28
Where: EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St., Denver
Price: $13–$15
This comedy showcase is moving outside in the alley behind Colorado Sake due to COVID-19 restrictions. Organizers promise a heated, cozy, and socially distanced experience.
Things to Do Sunday, November 29
Museum Store Sunday
When: November 29
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Visit and shop your favorite museum store online, including Denver Museum of Science & Industry, Clyfford Still Museum, History Colorado Center, Molly Brown House Museum, Denver Art Museum, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, and Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art.
The Seasons
When: November 28–December 5
Where: Online
Cost: $15
Parasol Arts has created a truly unique artistic endeavor, combining the mediums of Argentine Tango dance, music, visual arts, and poetry while making this exciting new project available to anyone, anywhere.
A Storybook Holiday in Evergreen
When: Through January 1
Where: Throughout Evergreen
Price: Free
This ice extravaganza brings favorite holiday stories alive through a series of beautiful, life-size ice sculptures staged throughout Evergreen.
What are you doing this weekend in Denver? Any fun things to do that we missed on our list? Comment below.
