Make the most of the last weekend before Christmas by experiencing virtual music and theater classics.
Denver's arts outlets are bringing holiday favorite theater productions, including The Nutcracker Suite and A Christmas Carol, directly to your living room as Christmas grows near. There are also opportunities to finish your last-minute shopping for gifts and have them wrapped by the Original Dickens Carolers. For a break from the holiday hustle and bustle, catch a virtual magic show or celebrate Beethoven's 250th birthday.
*Please note that in-person events below may have certain COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions. Visit each event's website for more information prior to attending.*
Things to do in Denver on Friday, December 18
When: December 18-20
Where: 16th Street Mall, Denver
Cost: Free
This curated holiday shopping marketplace boasts an enormous array of fine arts, handmade crafts, delectable food, home decor, and unique holiday gifts.
When: Through January 3
Where: Virtual
Cost: $50
This must-watch streaming event conjures the powerful spirits of Christmas and brings all the magic of live theatre home for the holidays.
Ballet Ariel's The Nutcracker Suite
When: December 18
Where: Virtual
Cost: $20-$30
Ballet Ariel presents this Christmas classic performance in a virtual format. Included is access to the live stream performance and a special gift basic of holiday surprises.
Manual Cinema's Christmas Carol
When: December 18-19
Where: Virtual
Cost: $15-$20
A world-premiere online streaming event for all ages. Manual Cinema takes on Dickens' holiday classic with an inventive adaptation made especially for 2020.
Things to do in Denver on Saturday, December 19
When: December 19
Where: Virtual
Cost: $10-$25
With its mystical Medieval texts, Benjamin Britten's beloved "Ceremony of Carols" for voices and harp will be the centerpiece of a concert featuring the best of "Olde English" yuletide cheer.
When: December 19
Where: Game Train USA, 2690 E. County Line Road, Highlands Ranch
Cost: $9 per person
Experience the magic of The Polar Express in the warmth of your car. Everyone gets a punch on their Golden Ticket and a plate of cookies per car. Kids will receive a gift from Santa.
Magic for Humans (at Home) with Justin Willman
When: December 19-20
Where: Virtual
Cost: $25
An interactive hour of magic, comedy, and unexpected surprises delivered directly to your living room presented by Comedy Works and featuring Justin Willman, a regular on the Tonight Show, Ellen and Comedy Central, and the star of the Netflix series Magic for Humans.
Moonlight Sonata: Deafness in Three Movements
When: December 19
Where: Virtual
Cost: Free
Celebrate Beethoven's 250th birthday with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and the Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival screening of this HBO documentary.
Victorian Stories with Santa & Mrs. Claus
When: December 19
Where: Virtual
Cost: $24 per family
Hosted by the Molly Brown House Museum, this virtual event explores holiday traditions and beloved stories such as "A Visit from St. Nicholas" and "Susie's Letter from Santa," read by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Things to do in Denver on Sunday, December 20
Gift Wrapping with the Original Dickens Carolers
When: December 20
Where: Number Thirty-Eight, 3560 Chestnut Place, Denver
Cost: Free
Bring your unwrapped gifts and enjoy food, drinks, and carols while you finish prepping for the holidays!
Holiday Warmth Around the Hearth
When: Through January 5
Where: Virtual
Cost: Free
The Upstart Crow presents a collection of Christmas-themed readings by company members including "The Gift of the Magi," "A Visit From St. Nicholas," and "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus." Watch them one by one or settle in with some hot chocolate and make an evening of it.
Holidaze Harmony – Starring Terron Brooks & Kamilah Marshall
When: December 18-20
Where: Virtual
Cost: $29-$35
A soulful season's greeting starring Broadway veterans and acclaimed recording artists Terron Brooks and Kamilah Marshall. Part variety show, part dynamite vocals, banter, bloopers and soul-stirring harmonies.
