Denver Entertainment Holiday Guide

It may be winter, but Denver heats up during the holidays. Throughout theMile High Holiday Weekends, enjoy millions of twinkling lights, dazzling parades, outdoor ice skating,plays, horse-drawn carriages and concerts.

Here are 10 reasons to plan a Mile High Holiday weekend getaway in Denver:

1)    Holiday Lights

The Downtown Denver Grand Illumination (Nov. 29) illuminates downtown from Union Station to Civic Center Park with nearly 600,000 lights.

• At Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light (Nov. 29, 2013-Jan. 1, 2014),more than one million colorful lights are draped in elegant designs.
• During Denver Zoo Lights (Dec. 6, 2013-Jan. 5, 2014), see more than 38 acres of lights and 150 animated animal sculptures.

2)    Theatre

• Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Dec. 10-22) – A holiday version of Cirque Du Soleil– costumed artists perform astonishing feats in holidays costumes– from Gingerbread men flipping mid-air and toy soldiers marching on thin wires.
• A Christmas Carol – (Nov. 29-Dec. 29) Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, the production takes stage at the DCPA.
• The Nutcracker (Nov. 30-Dec. 28) – Whether it’s your first time or 20th time, The Nutcracker is always a staple holiday event.

3)    Museum Exhibitions

• Passport To Paris (through Feb. 9, 2014) – Add a little joie de vivre to your winter getaway. The Denver Art Museum’s Passport to Paris brings the rock stars of the art world to The Mile High City: Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and more.
• MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition (through Jan. 5, 2014) – Uncover the truth behind some of science’s popular myths at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Just like the  TV series, the interactive exhibit lets you unravel myths for yourself. 
  

4)    Holiday Concerts

Mile High Holidays are full of seasonal sounds every weekend in December.

• Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (Nov. 30-Dec. 1) – Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Christmas music along with multimedia effects performed in the Buell Theatre.
• Colorado Christmas – (Dec. 20-22) – Join the Colorado Symphony, Chorus, Colorado Children’s Chorale, vocalists and dancers as they play some classic X-mas tunes.
• TubaChristmas (Dec. 22) – Tap your toes to your favorite holiday tunes at the TubaChristmas Concert at Skyline Park, featuring 300 tuba players from all over the region.

 

5)    Southwest Rink at Skyline Park

Located on the 16th St. Mall under the D&F Tower, Denver’s historic landmark, the rink is FREE and open to the public with the option to bring your own skates or rent a pair for $2, from Nov. 29 to Feb. 16.

6)    Front Range Holiday Celebrations

Enjoy a Denver day trip this winter. Here’s a sampling of holiday activities happening during Mile High Holidays:

• During Boulder’s Lights of December Festival (Dec. 7), enjoy marching bands, festively lit fire engines, holiday carolers and much more in downtown.
• In Estes Park, Explore the endless miles of trails on snowshoes or cross country skis or stroll through this authentic mountain town’s many quaint shops and galleries.
• In Fort Collins, visit Santa’s Workshop, check out the Winter Farmers’ Markets and relax with a cup of hot cocoa or a local craft brew.
• Kick off the season in Greeley with the annual holiday parade (Nov. 30) and enjoy The Nutcracker at the Union Colony Civic Center.
• Just 40 minutes from Denver, don’t miss the annual Longmont Lights celebration in Roosevelt Park (Dec. 13-14), with a hands-on Santa’s Workshop offering craft activities for children ages 1-9.
• In Loveland, find the perfect holiday gift or stocking stuffer at one of the many boutiques, national retailers or outlet stores found at The Promenade Shops at Centerra, the Marketplace of Centerra, historic downtown and the Outlets at Loveland.
• Within the foothills of Pikes Peak, the storybook town of Manitou Springs offers a little bit of something for everyone during the holidays, including Miramont Castle’s Victorian Christmas, lights throughout the historic downtown and breakfast with St. Nick at City Hall.

7) New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Ring in the New Year with Denver’s annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks with viewpoints along the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver. The two spectacular fireworks shows will occur at 9 p.m. and Midnight. Head to the 16th Street Mall for optimal viewing spots! Make a night of it – discover a great New Year’s Eve party and take advantage of great downtown hotel deals.