Denver is ready for all things festive on the weekend before Christmas.
It's less than a week before Christmas, and Denver has a jolly lineup of events for the weekend. Whether you're late in your Christmas shopping or just looking to watch a holiday movie in theaters, here are some unique things you can do in Denver this weekend.
Friday, December 20
Third Friday Art Night
When: December 20, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Where: Art District on Santa Fe
Price: Free
If you missed the First Friday Artwalk at the beginning of December, you have another chance to explore the art on the Santa Fe Art district on Third Friday Art Night. Wander around the arty neighborhood, meet gallery owners, and even purchase an art piece for your home.
Denver Holiday Lights & Sights Tour
Courtesy of Denver Walking Tours (Website)
When: December 20, 5:30–7 p.m.
Where: Denver City and County Building
Price: $19.95
Get into the holiday season by seeing all the holiday lights around the city. This hour-and-a-half walking tour takes you around the different areas in Denver that are lit up for the season with colorful lights, including Larimer Square, Daniels & Fisher Clock Tower, and Union Station.
The Nutcracker Circus
When: December 20–22
Where: Newman Center for the Performing Arts
Price: $41.50
The Newman Center for the Performing Arts presents The Nutcracker Circus performed by MOTH Poetic Circus. Relive the magic of Tchaikovsky's musical masterpiece and enjoy Clara's journey as her nutcracker doll comes to life, and she is whisked away to the Land of Snow and Land of Sweets.
Midnight Madness: Gremlins
When: December 20, 11:59 p.m.
Where: Landmark's Esquire Theatre
Price: $9.50
The Landmark's Esquire Theater continues its tradition of Midnight Madness, where they present a classic film at midnight, but with a holiday twist. If you were planning to start your Christmas movie list then do it the proper way, with a big screen and a bucket of popcorn.
Jingle Bell Swing Dance
When: December 20, 7–9:30 p.m.
Where: Little Man Ice Cream Factory
Price: Free
Little Man Ice Cream Factory presents Jingle Bell Swin Dance. Get ready to dance the night away in your best Christmas-themed outfits, whether it be an elf costume or an ugly Christmas sweater.
Saturday, December 21
Yes Please Procrastinator's Mini Market
When: December 21, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Craft Boner
Price: Free
We have all been there, that moment when you forgot to buy a present for your relative or coworker. The good news is you can find those last-minute gifts at Yes Please Procrastinator's Mini Market. Shop from local brands and artisanal products that will make the perfect presents for the holiday season.
Parade of Lasers
When: December 21, 7 p.m.–1 a.m.
Where: Fillmore Auditorium
Price: $34.25–$44.25
The Fillmore Auditorium presents the seventh annual Parade of Lasers. Enjoy a unique experience of music and light with live performances from artists like Joyride, Bonnie X Clyde, and JVNA. Experience an exciting laser show while you dance the night away.
Holiday Carousel
Courtesy of Denver Pavilions (Facebook)
When: December 21–January 2
Where: Denver Pavilions
Price: $3
Denver Pavilions brings back the Holiday Carousel for the holiday season. The carousel will run from Saturday through New Year's Eve. Enjoy a ride on the magical carousel, knowing that part of the proceeds will go toward Food Bank for the Rockies to feed those in need.
Sunday, December 22
Menorah Lighting
When: December 21–January 2
Where: Milwaukee Plaza
Price: $3
Milwaukee Plaza celebrates the beginning of Hannukah with a Menorah Lighting. The Chabad of Cherry Creek begins the holiday by lighting a menorah, followed by serving hot latkes and singing Chanukah songs. Visitors can also partake in playing dreidel and snacking on donuts throughout the evening.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
When: December 22, 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Where: Paramount Denver
Price: $29.95–$49.95
Enjoy a holiday classic differently by attending the live stage adaptation of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Revisit the Peanuts characters as they come to life in a stage rendition of the holiday classic. Add a dash of nostalgia to your holiday season with this festive event.
Tuba Christmas Concert
Courtesy of Tuba Christmas Denver (Facebook)
When: December 22, 11:30 a.m.
Where: Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1400 Curtis St., Denver
Price: Free
Denver Performing Arts Complex presents the Tuba Christmas Concert. Experience all the holiday classics in a musical arrangement made completely out of tuba players. The concert will take place between the Bonfils building and the parking garage. Enjoy a casual and free Christmas concert to get into the holiday spirit.
What are your plans for the weekend? Any fun things to do that we missed on our list for December 20-22? Sound off in the comments below.
