From holiday markets to craft fairs to concerts, 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.

Courtesy of Facebook

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.

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.

Drunk Christmas

When: Dec. 21-22
Where: Grandma's House

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.

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.

Courtesy of Facebook

Conscious Alliance Holiday Party

When: Dec. 21
Where: Fillmore Auditorium

This holiday concert, featuring headliner Boombox, will also feature a toy drive. Donate a toy in exchange for a limited-edition poster. 

Snowga

When: Nov. 24 – Feb. 22
Where: Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park

Come ready to stretch on the ice at this seasonal event led by Yoga High.

Black Sheep Friday XXX-Mas Craft Fair

When: Dec. 21
Where: MCA Denver Cafe

Come participate in the "sophisticated nonsense" of this Christmas craft fair. 

Saturday, December 22

Breakfast with Santa

When: Dec. 22-24
Where: Downtown Denver Aquarium

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

Urban Air Adventure Park Grand Opening

When: Dec. 22
Where: Urban Air Adventure Park Westminster

Attend the grand opening of this kids' trampoline and adventure park to get a chance to win free basic access for a year. 

Sunday, December 23

Family-Friendly Holiday Party

When: Dec. 23
Where: Boulder Theater

This family-friendly holiday concert features the music of Phish for kids. 

Which events do you plan to check 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.
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