COLORADO, USA — It's the most wonderful time of year in Colorado.
This weekend, Colorado celebrates the coming winter season with holiday festivals, parades, musical performances, craft shows and special attractions.
Winter and Christmas festivals are planned this weekend in Brighton, Longmont, Fort Lupton, Boulder, Thornton, Fruita, Breckenridge and Calhan.
Breckenridge's 60th annual Ullr Fest is back this weekend. The annual party is dedicated to asking the Norse god of snow to provide the town with plentiful flakes. More than 1,000 people will attempt to break the unofficial shot ski world record on Thursday.
Celebrate the holiday season this weekend by experiencing the unique culture, food and geography that makes Colorado so special at one of these fun events.
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Ullr Fest
BRECKENRIDGE — The 60th annual Ullr Fest runs Thursday to Sunday in the streets of Breckenridge. Snow lovers of all ages will enjoy the annual Ullr Parade down Main Street, curling, ice skating, bonfire and more. Breckenridge Distillery and the Breckenridge Mountain Rotary will attempt to break the "unofficial" world record for the largest shot-ski at 4:20 p.m. Thursday.
Thornton WinterFest
THORNTON — The three-day Thornton WinterFest begins with Santa's arrival Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Carpenter Park fields. Santa and his elves will help the Mayor and City Council turn on the lights of Santa's Village. Afterward will be a holiday drone show, ice skating, choir performances, food vendors, a beer garden and more. The festival continues Saturday and Sunday with the Winterfest 5K and Fun Run, a holiday marketplace, ice skating, holiday concert from the Thornton Community Band and fireworks set to holiday music at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
Olde Golden's Holiday Parade
GOLDEN — Olde Golden's Holiday Parade is back for one day with elves, marching bands, floats, Victorian carolers, antique cars, the Grinch, Buffalo Bill and Santa. The parade route runs along Washington Avenue from 10th Street to 13th Street starting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
Festival of Lights Parade
COLORADO SPRINGS — The 40th annual Festival of Lights Parade steps off at 5:50 p.m. Saturday in downtown Colorado Springs. The parade will start at St. Vrain Street and proceed south on Tejon Street to Vermijo Avenue.
Festival of Lights Parade
BRIGHTON — Brighton's annual Festival of Lights Parade is set to step off at 5 p.m. Saturday. The all-ages nighttime parade features more than 65 lighted entries. The parade travels south on North Main Street, turns onto Bridge Street to 10th Avenue to Southern Avenue. The event is free and open to the public.
Longmont Lights
LONGMONT — The City Longmont has a weekend of activities planned for its annual Longmont Lights. Beginning Friday at 5 p.m. the festivities include Santa's workshop, hot cocoa, fire pits, holiday music and laser show at 7:45 p.m. Longmont Lights continues Saturday with the Parade of Lights on Main Street at 5 p.m.
Fruita Parade of Lights
FRUITA — The Fruita Parade of Lights returns Saturday. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Fruita. This year’s theme, "Twas the Nightmare Before Christmas," will showcase the quirky Tim Burton fun of the holiday season.
Calhan Christmas Parade of Lights
CALHAN — Christmas comes early to southern Colorado this weekend. The 7th annual Calhan Christmas Parade of Lights arrives Saturday with live music, floats, vendors, food, light displays, vintage vehicles and Santa Claus. Admission is free at the El Paso County Fairgrounds.
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Freezie Fest
BOULDER — Boulder's annual Freezie Fest takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday on the Pearl Street Mall. The celebration of all things winter offers free train rides on the Snowflake Express, holiday crafts and kids' activities and visits with Santa.
Festival of Lights Celebration
COLORADO SPRINGS — The United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum will host a day filled with programming on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. before the downtown Colorado Springs Festival of Lights Parade. Guests can explore the museum with athlete meet and greets, guided tours, see artifact demonstrations and sport activations. Guests will also be able to get their photo with the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games torch.
Holiday Lane Drive
GREELEY — The Greeley Lights the Night Parade will not be held this year, but the Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce said instead it will host the Holiday Lane Drive experience at Island Grove Regional Park. The experience will take place Saturday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with holiday lights displayed in a drive-through setting. The experience at the park will cost $5 per car or $10 for a car with 10 or more seats.
Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum
DENVER — Performed by the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, "Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum" has been a Colorado multicultural celebration for more than 30 years. The production, which blends dance, live music, spoken word and seasonal celebrations and customs from around the world, is a holiday tradition you'll never forget. The 2023 production runs through Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre. "Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum" tickets are sold at CleoParkerDance.org.
PHOTOS: Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum
A Colorado Christmas
DENVER — The Colorado Symphony will perform its annual Christmas concert for three performances this weekend at Boettcher Concert Hall. The family-friendly concert features traditional Christmas carols, your favorite new winter tunes and some new surprises. "A Colorado Christmas" also features the Colorado Symphony Chorus and Colorado Children's Chorale. Tickets are available at ColoradoSymphony.org.
A Classic Parker Holiday
PARKER — The Parker Chorale and the Parker Symphony Orchestra will hold three performances this weekend of "A Classic Parker Holiday." The holiday spirit-infused concert offers an evening of traditional carols, familiar songs and a few surprises. Performances are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at PACE Center. Tickets are sold at ParkerArts.org.
Holiday Family Fun Day
AURORA — Celebrate the holiday season at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. The Holiday Family Fun Day will have shopping with local vendors, craft activities, a Santa meet-and-greet, petting farm, horse-drawn rides, model train display, train rides, hot chocolate and s’mores, face painting and food trucks.
Jefferson Symphony Holiday Concert
GOLDEN — The Jefferson Symphony Orchestra (JSO) will perform its annual Holiday Concert this Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Green Center at Colorado School of Mines. The festive showcase will feature guest artists Christie Conover and James Baumgardner, as well as JSO’s full ensemble. For tickets, visit JeffSymphony.org.
A Merry Little Christmas
CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE — The Cherry Creek Chorale presents "A Merry Little Christmas" concert this Friday and Saturday at Bethany Lutheran Church. The performance features a selection of familiar holiday music as well as some new arrangements. Tickets are on-sale now at cherrycreekchorale.org or they can be purchased at the door the night of the performance.
Organ tour
DENVER — Historic Denver and the American Guild of Organists will host an organ tour on Saturday. The public is invited to attend the morning of architecture and music that will visit three churches. This year the organ tour takes to the road, for a driving tour in southeast Denver. The tour runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday.
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Colorado Conservatory of Dance's The Nutcracker
DENVER — The Colorado Conservatory of Dance opens its annual production of "The Nutcracker" on Saturday. A Denver tradition since 1993, the production from students and community members also features world-class international guest artists. "The Nutcracker" will be performed Saturday and Sunday and the following weekend at the Performing Arts Complex at Pinnacle Charter School. Tickets are on sale at CCDance.org.
Ballet Ariel's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
LAKEWOOD — Ballet Ariel's welcomes the holidays with a new production of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," a ballet based on the book by C.S. Lewis. The adventure is set to music by Edward Elgar and Arthur Sullivan, with original choreography by Ilena Norton, and battle scenes choreographed by Gregory Gonzales. "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" will be performed Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Lakewood Cultural Center. Additional performances are scheduled Dec. 22 and Dec. 23 at the Parsons Theatre at the Northglenn Recreation Center.
Six
DENVER — The Broadway smash hit musical "Six" has opened at Denver's Buell Theatre for its national tour run. "From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the 'Six' wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power!" said producers. "Six" won 23 awards in the 2021/2022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award for Best Original Score. Denver Center for the Performing Arts said a digital ticket lottery will be held for all of its Denver performances, offering a limited number of tickets for $30 each. The lottery is now open. "Six" plays the Buell Theatre in Denver through Dec. 24. "Six" runs 1 hour, 20 minutes with no intermission.
Yippee Ki Yay – The Die Hard Parody
DENVER — Acclaimed "Die Hard" parody "Yippee Ki Yay" is now playing at Denver's Garner Galleria Theatre. The funny show arrives in Colorado after rave reviews for its premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe and 2023 U.K. tour. When gunmen seize an L.A. skyscraper, off-duty policeman John McClane is the hostages’ only hope. The uplifting action romp, and unauthorized parody, pays affectionate tribute to the '80s favorite. "Yippee Ki Yay" plays through Dec. 23.
Tagawa Gardens
CENTENNIAL — Santa Claus will make an appearance at Centennial garden center Tagawa Gardens on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. each day. Guests can create a special memory with Santa, find a favorite Christmas tree or poinsettia, and enjoy holiday music.
Winter Holiday Art Market
DENVER — The first-ever Winter Holiday Art Market, presented by the Art Students League of Denver, takes place Saturday and Sunday. The event highlights the works of 30 faculty and staff at the Denver nonprofit. Guest can expect to see gifts in fiber arts, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, painting, printmaking and mixed-media arts. The festival runs Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Import Warehouse at 235 N. Broadway.
Boulder Holiday Gift Festival
BOULDER — The annual Boulder Holiday Gift Festival is Boulder’s biggest holiday shopping event. The event runs Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Boulder YMCA. The festival is the perfect spot to find the perfect gift from local exhibitors.
Handcrafted Holiday Market
LONGMONT — Still working to check off people from your holiday shopping list? Over 30 vendors will be selling unique craft items at this weekend's Handcrafted Holiday Market at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. The annual market opens at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Winter Arts Festival
BLACK HAWK — The 20th annual Winter Arts Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday in Black Hawk. The festival features cookie decorating, live music, games for kids, and local booths.
Holiday Maker's Market
DENVER — The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver will host a Holiday Maker’s Market on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. at The Holiday Theater. Visitors will find seasonal cocktails, holiday music and activities, gift wrapping, and handmade goods from local makers.
Kris Kringle Market
VAIL — The Kris Kringle Market takes place Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Vail Village. The market is the perfect place to find a unique holiday gift or souvenir, such as handmade toys, Christmas ornaments and decorations, cookies, chocolate treats, and roasted nuts.
Belleview Station Holiday Bazaar
DENVER — The Holiday Bazaar returns to Belleview Station with more than 70 craft vendors and fashion trucks, holiday-themed pop-up bars and heated beer garden and street food in the Denver Tech Center. Entry is free on Saturday and Sunday.
The North Pole: Santa's Workshop
CASCADE — There are three weekends left to experience Santa's Workshop at the most festive time of year. Colorado's North Pole will be open most days through Dec. 24 before Santa must depart to deliver gifts to the children of the world. Santa's Workshop, an outdoor park outside of Colorado Springs, offers rides, live shows, gift shops, Santa's house and more. Tickets can be found at NorthPoleColorado.com. Reservations are required on Peak Days.
Jingle Bell Run
DENVER — The annual Denver Jingle Bell Run is a festive race that aims to raise funds for The Arthritis Foundation. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their best seasonal outfits with family, friends and co-workers to run or walk while spreading smiles and good cheer. The Jingle Bell Run begins at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at Denver's Washington Park. Registration can be completed at Events.Arthritis.org.
Jingle Jog 5K
FOUNTAIN — The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region holds its 14th annual Jingle Jog 5K and Kids' Reindeer Romp this Saturday. Runners and walkers should come to Fountain-Fort Carson High School with reindeer antlers, ugly sweaters, Santa suits, bells, bows and cheer. Registration and donation information is available online.
Santa Cause Run
GRAND JUNCTION — Grand Junction Parks and Recreation and Kiwanis have teamed up for this weekend's Santa Cause Run. The 5K run/walk takes place Saturday at 10:15 a.m. at Las Colonias Park Amphitheater. A 1K for the will get underway at 10 a.m. Santa Clause 5K registration can be completed online.
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Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets
DENVER — Two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and the world champion Denver Nuggets are back at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday. The Nuggets face the Houston Rockets at 7 p.m. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Jets/Flyers
DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche hockey club is in the middle of a five-game homestand at Ball Arena in Denver. The Avs host the Winnipeg Jets at 7 p.m. Thursday and Philadelphia Flyers at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Colorado Eagles vs. Tuscon Roadrunners
LOVELAND — The Colorado Eagles are back home at Blue Arena this December weekend. The Eagles face off against the Tuscon Roadrunners at 7:05 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Friday's game is Craft Beer Night and a Teddy Bear Toss Night is scheduled for Saturday.
Christmas in Color
FEDERAL HEIGHTS — Denver's biggest drive-through Christmas light displays are open for the season. Christmas in Color will have displays at Water World in Federal Heights, Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, and at Aurora's Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. The displays each feature more than one million LED lights arranged into tunnels, trees, giant candy canes, snowflakes and more, all synchronized to festive holiday music on the FM radio dial. Tickets are on sale at ChristmasinColor.net.
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Blossoms of Light
DENVER — The signature event at Denver Botanic Gardens is back this holiday season. Blossoms of Light transforms the York Street gardens into a twinkling wonderland. More than one million lights are used to highlight the Gardens' winter beauty. The Gardens said treats and warm drinks will be available for purchase at Offshoots Café and the Hive Garden Bistro during Blossoms of Light. Ticket reservation windows can be purchased at BotanicGarden.org through Jan. 7.
Hudson Holidays
LITTLETON — Hudson Gardens & Event Center will host the "Hudson Holidays" light show through Dec. 31. Santa will make an appearance most evenings for free photo opportunity for families. Hudson Gardens said Nixon’s Coffee will be on site during the displays offering coffee and hot cocoa. Adults will also be able to purchase beer, wine and cocktails as well as food concessions. Tickets can be reserved at HudsonGardens.org.
Winter Wonderlights
LOVELAND — Winter Wonderlights — a walkable holiday lighting attraction at Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra — has been lit for the season. Each night, visitors can walk through 200,000 holiday lights including LED mappable snowflakes and illuminated African stone sculptures. There are 30-minute music and light shows every night. The light and music show features nine songs and moving lights on a 23-foot-tall LED Christmas Tree.
Mile High Tree
DENVER — America's tallest digital tree is back in downtown Denver this holiday season. The Mile High Tree — a seven-story tall, 39-foot diameter conical structure — features light shows choreographed to multi-cultural holiday music on the tallest pixel LED technology tree in the country. The Mile High Tree will be lit up nightly through Sunday, Dec. 31, from 5 to 10 p.m. Entry to see the tree is free and open to the public.
Christkindlmarket
DENVER — The 23rd annual Denver Christkindlmarket is now open at Denver's Civic Center Park. The traditional European market is located under the lights of the Denver City and County Building and alongside the Mile High Tree. The Christkindlmarket has local and international merchants selling gifts and food in wooden huts. The market will be open daily through Saturday, Dec. 23.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
DENVER — The Cherry Creek Holiday Market is back for a fourth year with 40+ rotating vendor booths lining both sides of Fillmore Plaza with a focus on Colorado-based companies and artisans. Cherry Creek North's pop-up holiday bar, the Mistletoe Lounge, is also at the Fillmore Plaza.
Mistletoe Market
DENVER — Held in the alley located next to the Dairy Block food market, the Mistletoe Market weekend pop-up market will feature 12 different vendors each weekend. There will also be live carolers, holiday music, photo ops, a screen-printing station, gift wrapping and festive cocktails. The market is free to attend. It will also be held Dec. 16-17.
Camp Christmas
AURORA — The season’s campiest, quirkiest holiday tradition has returned to its original location at Stanley Marketplace. "Camp Christmas" is a 15,000-square-foot, 360-degree immersive experience and kaleidoscope of yuletide cheer. Created by Camp Director Lonnie Hanzon, the experience lets guests wander through a surreal mashup of nostalgic scenes, scratch their heads at playful pun trees, and reconnect with the joy of the season. "Camp Christmas" runs through Dec. 24. Get your tickets at DenverCenter.org.
ICE! at Gaylord Rockies
AURORA — More than two million pounds of ice has been transformed into a winter wonderland at Gaylord Rockies at "ICE!," the Aurora resort's annual holiday exhibition. Forty artisans have been working for weeks to create the 17,000-square-foot frozen attraction which celebrates the 1983 holiday classic "A Christmas Story." Colored ice, clear ice and LED lights create 10 scenes from the movie, including the old man's major award, Aunt Clara's pink nightmare, the ultimate triple dog dare and more.
The environment is kept frozen by a state-of-the-art chilling system that maintains the attraction’s temperature at 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Guests get to wear a blue parka to stay warm inside the exhibition. The exhibition also has two-story-tall ice slides, ice tunnels and arches and a separate area dedicated to a Nativity scene. The resort's Christmas-season events run through Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. For tickets, information, or to book a stay, guests can visit ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com.
A Christmas Carol
DENVER — A Colorado tradition has returned to the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) Theatre Company will stage "A Christmas Carol" through Sunday, Dec. 24, at the Wolf Theatre. Based on Charles Dickens' classic novel, the Denver musical adaptation traces curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge's triumphant overnight journey to redemption. Tickets are on sale now at denvercenter.org starting at $35.
Trail of Lights
LITTLETON — Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms has been transformed into a glistening path of lights. The Trail of Lights holiday experience offers singing Christmas trees, synchronized music in a children's play area, light tunnels, model tractor displays, hot beverages, nuts, kettle corn and more. Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms will be open various evenings through Jan. 1. Tickets are sold at BotanicGardens.org.
Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker
DENVER — Colorado Ballet will perform "The Nutcracker" for a 63nd year this holiday season. Colorado Ballet’s production returns to its home at the Denver Performing Arts Complex for 28 performances. "The Nutcracker" runs through Dec. 24 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Tickets range from $40 to $175 at ColoradoBallet.org. For a third year, "The Nutcracker" will showcase its new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet by designers Thomas Boyd and Holly Hynes. The production will feature five different casts of dancers and live music performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.
Bridge of Lights
CAÑON CITY — The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is ready for its biggest and brightest event. Guests will be able to drive across the Royal Gorge Bridge — 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River — amidst thousands of twinkling lights. Bridge of Lights is a drive-through event and all guests must stay in their vehicles. Driving across the Royal Gorge Bridge is not regularly offered outside of pre-arranged car club groups. The park will also be playing holiday music throughout the drive on the park-wide sound system. Bridge of Lights will run select dates through Dec. 31.
Zoo Lights
DENVER — Denver Zoo is illuminated for its annual season Zoo Lights. The Colorado tradition features over three million lights over the zoo's 80 acres. There will be ice carving artisans, seasonal cocktails and holiday treats. Zoo Lights will be lit through Jan. 7. Most evenings sell out in advance and tickets will not be available at the door. Reserve your tickets at DenverZoo.org.
PHOTOS: Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo
Electric Safari
COLORADO SPRINGS — The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's Electric Safari is back with 85 light sculptures illuminating the zoo's 50 acres. Along with the warming fires throughout the zoo, displays will fill you with warmth and holiday spirit as you gaze out at the sparkling lights of Colorado Springs. Electric Safari is open through Sunday and select nights through Jan. 1. Reserve your passes at CMZoo.org.
ElectriCritters
PUEBLO — ElectriCritters will be delighting kids of all ages for a 30th year at the Pueblo Zoo. The Pueblo Zoo tradition features 150 magical light creations, hot cocoa, tasty treats and holiday shopping. On select dates there will be free photos with Santa Claus. The event continues through Dec. 27. Visit PuebloZoo.org for tickets.
Cirque: Spirit of Christmas
AURORA — Gaylord Hotels is ready for the holiday season with a circus production returning to its Aurora resort. "Cirque: Spirit of Christmas" is back for a second holiday season at the Bubly Theater at Gaylord Rockies. Performances feature high-flying stunts, acrobatic feats, and an original score. Gaylord Rockies said the show features a cast of 25 artists from Germany, Hungary, Portugal, Ethiopia, Czech Republic, Mongolia, Russia, and the United States. "Cirque: Spirit of Christmas" will be open through Jan. 1.
Wild Color
DENVER — The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has opened its newest temporary exhibition: "Wild Color." The exhibition celebrates the vibrant and untamed beauty of the natural world, showcasing a diverse collection of vivid flora and fauna. Wander through rooms, each dedicated to a hue from the rainbow and grasp the profound roles colors play in the natural world. From the mystery of creatures that change color to shades that the human eye can't perceive, "Wild Color" promises to be a transformative experience.
Movies this weekend
Beyoncé ruled the box office last weekend with her concert picture “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.” Beyoncé wrote, directed and produced “Renaissance,” which is focused on the tour for her Grammy-winning album.
Toho International's 33rd Godzilla film "Godzilla Minus One" took third place in North America, the biggest opening for a foreign film in the U.S. this year.
Things should pick up in the final weeks of 2023, with films like “Wonka” and “The Color Purple” yet to come.
New movies this weekend
- Poor Things
Last weekend's box office
- “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” $21 million.
- “The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” $14.5 million.
- “Godzilla Minus One,” $11 million.
- “Trolls Band Together,” $7.6 million.
- “Wish,” $7.4 million.
- “Napoleon,” $7.1 million.
- “Animal,” $6.1 million.
- “The Shift,” $4.4 million.
- “Silent Night,” $3 million.
- “Thanksgiving,” $2.6 million.
Would you like to see you favorite Colorado festival, fair, expo, concert, drama, musical, ballet, run or event listed in 9Things? Send it to alexander.kirk@9news.com.
Have a terrific weekend!
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Colorado holiday season
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