From holiday markets to sing-alongs to Santa sightings, here's what's happening in Denver this weekend.

Friday, December 14

The Polar Express

When: Nov. 10 – Dec. 23
Where: Colorado Railroad Museum

Experience a theatrical recreation of the classic children’s story. Dancing waiters serve cookies and hot cocoa as the story unfolds. (Read more about winter train experiences.)

Christkindl Market

When: Nov. 16 – Dec. 23
Where: 1515 Arapahoe St.

Experience German and European holiday traditions during this annual Denver event. Eat authentic food and festive drinks, enjoy live entertainment, and shop a wide selection of gifts. Admission is free.

A Christmas Carol

When: Nov. 23 – Dec. 24
Where: Stage Theatre

See this musical interpretation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel come to life on stage.

A Hudson Christmas

When: Nov. 23 – Dec. 31
Where: Hudson Gardens and Event Center

See a winter wonderland of outdoor lights at Hudson Gardens. You can even get a photo in Santa’s sleigh while sipping hot cider or cocoa.

Courtesy of Facebook

Christmas in Color

When: Nov. 23 – Dec. 31
Where: Water World

Drive through this spectacular lights festival synchronized to holiday music on your radio at Water World.

Blossoms of Light

When: Nov. 23 – Jan. 1
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens

See the extravagant annual holiday light show at Denver Botanic Gardens, which features an interactive light display and entertainment on select evenings.

Free Ice Skating Rink

When: Nov. 23 – Jan. 6
Where: Denver International Airport

Looking to kill some time before your flight? Go ice skating at the DEN Plaza, completely for free!

The Nutcracker

When: Nov. 24 – Dec. 24
Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House

See The Colorado Ballet’s 58th performance of the holiday classic The Nutcracker. (Read more about The Nutcracker.)

Zoo Lights

When: Nov. 30 – Jan. 6
Where: Denver Zoo

Back for its 28th year, this lights festival typically sells out on most nights. The light show covers 60 acres and features animated animal sculptures, animal encounters, and entertainment.

Ugly Sweater Party

When: Dec. 14, 7 p.m.
Where: Howl at the Moon

Wear your ugliest holiday sweater for a chance to win $100, plus enjoy live music, drink specials, pictures with Santa, and more.

Drunk Christmas

When: Dec. 14-15
Where: Fiction Beer Company

This version of Charles Dicken's classic is all about the booze. Watch a drunk cast perform as you join them for a beer. Stay late for Christmas karaoke. 

A Colorado Christmas

When: Dec. 14-16
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall

The Colorado Symphony will delight you with your favorite holiday songs. There will be opportunities to sing along, and you'll hear a narration of "'Twas The Night Before Christmas." Santa and Mrs. Claus will also make an appearance at this family-friendly event. 

Saturday, December 15

Breakfast with Santa

When: Dec. 15-16
Where: Downtown Denver Aquarium

If you attend this breakfast buffet, you just might catch Santa swimming with the fishes.

Courtesy of Facebook

Holiday Carousel

When: Dec. 15 – Jan. 2
Where: Denver Pavillions 

Enjoy a nostalgic ride on the annual holiday carousel. Free rides will be available from select restaurants and retailers. 

Denver Indie Games Expo

When: Dec. 15, 12-8 p.m.
Where: Dry Dock North

Check out new video games, tabletop games, and more while socializing with classic game enthusiasts. Bring your console or items to trade to join in the fun. You must RVSP for this event. 

Sunday, December 16

Ho Ho Ho Slapdown

When: Dec. 16, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Bierstadt Lagerhaus 

Sample seven different seasonal beers and vote on the best at this annual holiday event. 

Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga

When: Dec. 16, 9 a.m.
Where: Release Studio

Snuggle up to some baby goats before participating in a yoga class. BYOB!  

Which events do you plan on checking out this weekend? Let us know in the comments. 

Lindsay Frankel
Lindsay is a Denver transplant who loves writing as much as she enjoys hiking, horror movies, jokes, and good food. When she's not out exploring the city (or writing about it), you can find her immersed in a lively game of My Little Pony Monopoly, planted on the couch for a TV binge, or curled up with her rescue puppy, Lucy.
RELATED ARTICLES
Ad Here