Thanksgiving Weekend in Denver
Thanksgiving in Denver returns with fun (and free) events, blockbuster museum exhibitions, lights displays and plenty of family-friendly activities.
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Thanksgiving in Denver returns with fun (and free) events, blockbuster museum exhibitions, lights displays and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Thanksgiving in Denver returns with fun (and free) events, blockbuster museum exhibitions, lights displays and plenty of family-friendly activities. Don't miss out on great hotel deals. For a delicious deep dive into Denver's culinary scene, check out these Thanksgiving meals for takeout.
We strive to post the most current and accurate event information, but changes and cancellations do occur, so please check the official event website to confirm all details before attending.
Holiday Shopping | Family-Friendly Events | Food & Drink | Music & Performing Arts | Fitness & Sporting Events | Museum & Gallery Exhibitions
WHEN: Thru Dec. 24, 2023
WHERE: Cherry Creek North
Winter Wanderland displays a collection of free holiday offerings and festivities throughout the neighborhood! Festivities include a dazzling display of nearly one million twinkling lights on more than 600 trees spread throughout the walkable neighborhood. Throughout the holiday season, enjoy Saturday Night Lights with complimentary holiday treats and festive entertainment, a Chanukah celebration, and the Cherry Creek North Holiday Market, produced by Fetch Markets.
WHEN: Thru Dec. 24, 2023
WHERE: Stanley Marketplace
Welcome back to Colorado’s campiest, quirkiest holiday tradition! Make merry and immerse yourself in a 15,000-square-foot, 360-degree kaleidoscope of yuletide cheer. It’s fun, it’s fleeting and just the right amount of camp; it’s everything you love about the holidays wrapped into one sparkling experience. Leave your worries behind, discover your holiday superpower, visit Santa, and sample craft cocktails from the Base Camp and Fairy Bars. Wander through a surreal mashup of nostalgic scenes, scratch your head at playful pun trees, and, most importantly, reconnect with the joy of the season.
WHEN: Nov. 17–Dec. 31, 2023
WHERE: Civic Center Park
Join in the free festivities at the Mile High Tree. It’s a brilliantly lit, 110-foot-tall immersive art installation that provides a dazzling lights-and-music show. And, for the first time, you can experience two of Denver's most popular holiday attractions in one place: America’s tallest digital tree and the Denver Christkindlmarket, the city’s only authentic German holiday market.
WHEN: Nov. 17–Dec. 30, 2023
WHERE: Water World (Denver), Arapahoe County Fairground (Aurora), Bandimere Speedway (Morrison)
With not one but three locations, Christmas In Color at Water World, Arapahoe County Fairground and Bandimere Speedway is a can't-miss holiday lights experience! Drive through millions of lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music you’ll hear right through your radio. Drive by giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways and more. Take your time enjoying this lighting extravaganza – we won’t judge you if you join the kids with your face pressed against the window!
WHEN: Nov. 17, 2023–Jan. 7, 2024 (closed Nov. 23 and Dec. 25)
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens
This annual holiday lights extravaganza transforms Denver Botanic Gardens into a twinkling winter wonderland. Sip warm drinks and nibble on tasty treats as you stroll.
WHEN: Nov. 22, 2023–Jan. 21, 2024
WHERE: City & County of Denver Building in Civic Center Park
This festive lights and music show begins with a kick-off celebration at 5:15 p.m. on November 22 hosted by Denver7 anchor Micah Smith and featuring the Colorado Children's Chorale. For the remainder of the season, each night at 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., an eight-minute choreographed light and music holiday show will light up the night. The City and County Building will showcase a festive, static light display before, between and after the two nightly shows until 10:45 p.m. The light and music shows will not play on Mondays because of City Council meetings, but the static light display will still shine. There will be a special light schedule on December 2 to highlight activities as the 9 News Parade of Lights begins in front of the City and County Building. Note: The building will remain completely dark for an annual memorial vigil from 5 to 7 p.m. on December 21, honoring persons experiencing homelessness. The lights will be turned back on after the event is over.
WHEN: Nov. 24–Dec. 29, 2023
WHERE: Denver Union Station
The annual Grand Illumination event on Nov. 24 will feature performances of classic holiday hits by the Denver Dolls and the Dickens Carolers, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, a balloon artist, a caricature artist,
horse-drawn carriage rides and the grand highlight of the evening — the lighting of the station’s outdoor 40-foot-tall Christmas tree that features more than 7,000 holiday lights. Also, the Grand Illumination kicks off the Merry & Bright Lights Show, which will once again transform the exterior façade of Denver’s landmark train station into a spectacular canvas spreading holiday cheer every night Nov. 25–Dec. 26 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can see it each night of the season. Miracle at Union Station, a whimsical pop-up cocktail bar, will be open Nov. 21–Dec. 29. Meanwhile, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making regular appearances at the station from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, 10 and 17.
WHEN: Nov. 24–Dec. 31, 2023
WHERE: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
This family-friend event brings larger-than-life holiday displays and immersive experiences for all to enjoy. It features millions of dazzling lights, a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree, twinkling snowmen who never melt, a 300-foot-long candy cane tunnel, giant presents and ornaments, a wall of lights, rides on Elitch Gardens attractions, interactive activities like a light-up hopscotch, strolling holiday entertainers, Old Saint Nick and his elves, and more.
WHEN: Nov. 24–Dec. 31, 2023
WHERE: Hudson Gardens & Events Center
You'll be enchanted by even more towering trees draped in thousands of colorful lights. A grove of dancing Christmas trees, a multi-colored forest inhabited by giant snowmen, the holiday light tunnel and glowing reindeer will light up Hudson Gardens into an extravaganza of holiday cheer. Purchase a delicious cup of hot cocoa or adult beverage before stopping by for a perfect free family photo opportunity with Santa.
WHEN: Nov. 24, 2023–Jan. 1, 2024; 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (closed December 25)
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, Littleton
Stroll through the Colorado countryside along a winding path glistening with lights. Features this year include singing Christmas trees, three-sided light tunnels, illuminated antique and model tractors, a children's play area with synchronized music, and warm holiday food and drink for purchase. Visit the Holiday Market to purchase holiday gifts Nov. 24–27, Dec.1–3, 8–10 and 15–17.
WHEN: Nov. 25–Dec. 30, 2023
WHERE: Downtown Denver
This holiday season, embark on a fun-filled, 90-minute Denver holiday lights bust tour as you take in all of the magic and cheer of this festive time of year in The Mile High City. Enjoy the unique history, architecture and beauty of Denver’s holiday lights and top sights at night during this limited-run Denver holiday lights experience! This experience was designed to give you views and great photo opportunities of Denver’s most beautiful and famous landmarks, magnificently lit up for this cheery time of year. Besides getting the inside scoop on the famous and incredibly lit-up sights, you'll hear about holiday traditions that got their start right here in Denver.
WHEN: Nov. 26, 2023; 4–5:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Fort Restaurant/Tesoro Cultural Center, Morrison
Welcome the holiday season and honor a member of the community who has enlightened the hearts and minds of others. Feel the warmth and watch as pinecones are tossed into the courtyard fire, sending good thoughts and prayers into the night sky. Sing along to Christmas carols from the 1830s and 1840s with music students from the Colorado School of Mines and other strolling musicians. Enjoy Mexican hot chocolate, hot cider and traditional biscochitos.
WHEN: Nov. 17–Dec. 31, 2023 on select days (closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
WHERE: Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Cañon City
In an experience sure to become a time-honored Christmas tradition, you're invited to drive across the Royal Gorge Bridge, 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River, while it's decked out in thousands of holiday lights. Driving across the Royal Gorge Bridge is not regularly offered outside of pre-arranged car club groups, so this is truly something special! Guests can purchase hot cocoa, coffee or cider in a Bridge of Lights souvenir cup and holiday cookies to enjoy while driving through the light display. Hours: 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
WHEN: Thru Jan. 28, 2024
WHERE: Museo de las Americas
When you think of Costa Rica, do you think of the country’s biodiversity and anti-militarist culture? What you may not know is that beneath the surface, contrasting realities intertwine. Beyond its idyllic image, Costa Rica represents a fresh societal landscape, giving rise to new social groups that voice their opinions and question prevailing national political choices. With this exhibition, the country's rich cultural heritage comes to life as a seamless blend of ancient artifacts and contemporary art illuminates both the country’s intriguing past and vibrant present.
WHEN: Thru Feb. 18, 2024
WHERE: MCA Denver — Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
Cowboy speaks to the museum’s ambition to challenge, revise and reconceive how such a myth originated and might be probed in exciting, courageous and nuanced ways. It brings together loans and new commissions from 27 artists representing a wide range of perspectives, including Asian American, Latinx and Native American/Indigenous.
WHEN: Thru Feb. 18, 2024
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens
Whimsical children’s book illustrations highlight animals and nature as a source of love, wonder and joy. Featuring more than 30 framed illustrations from the Little Golden Books series, vintage books and a reading nook, Golden Legacy showcases works from some of the best-known children’s books of the past 80 years, including "The Poky Little Puppy," illustrated by Gustaf Tenggren, and Chicken Little, illustrated by Richard Scarry.
WHEN: Thru Feb. 19, 2024
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
This is the debut solo exhibition for Ghanaian artist Amoako Boafo. It features more than 30 works the artist created between 2016 and 2022 that tells stories about the beauty and complexity of Black life.
WHEN: Thru March 3, 2024
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
The Phillips Collection showcases some of the best American art from one of the most celebrated collections in the United States. See landmark works by more than 50 artists, including Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jacob Lawrence, Childe Hassam and more!
WHEN: Thru April 7, 2024
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Delve into the color spectrum like never before as you make your way through immersive rooms, each representing a color of the rainbow. Discover some of the brightest and boldest examples from the museum’s collections—alongside experiences designed to awaken your senses. Anywhere you look in nature, color holds meaning. It evokes emotion, signals alarm, and creates disguise and illusion. In this special exhibition, you’ll learn how to decode the hidden messages that different colors can send. Then, explore some of nature’s mysteries that are hidden in plain sight.
WHEN: Thru May 2024
WHERE: History Colorado Center
Transport yourself to the year 2180 at History Colorado Center's new multi-sensory exhibition. Created in partnership with world-renowned artist Virgil Ortiz, a visionary hailing from Cochiti Pueblo, this unprecedented experience brings Indigenous Futurism to The Mile High City through a combination of history, science fiction, art, fashion and fantasy.
WHEN: Thru May 5, 2024
WHERE: Clyfford Still Museum
This unique exhibition highlights how the Clyfford Still Museum stewards and preserves its collections for future generations through careful display; scientific and historical research; and art conservation. The show is organized chronologically, providing visitors with a thorough overview of Clyfford Still’s 60-year career and includes never-before-seen works.
The holiday shopping season kicks off after Thanksgiving! There will be free parking on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday in the Denver Pavilions underground garage while Cherry Creek North celebrates Small Business Weekend.
WHEN: Nov. 10–Dec. 23, 2023
WHERE: Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden
The story of The Polar ExpressTM is theatrically re-created and combined with a magical train ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Children get to meet Santa and experience all the sights and sounds of this classic tale as if happening all around them. This year, a whole host of carefully crafted updates have been made to ensure the health and safety of guests, cast and crew, so put on your pajamas and your most fashionable mask and bring the family to enjoy sharing hot cocoa and cookies together as the "Hot, Hot, Hot—Chocolate" song and dance unfolds before your eyes.
WHEN: Nov. 10, 2023–Feb. 23, 2024
WHERE: Irene Ave. and 4th St., Cripple Creek
Each year, Ice Castles brings fairy tales to life for hundreds of thousands of families across North America. Since 2011, Ice Castles has been dedicated to creating an experience that will live on long after the ice melts. For all who enter through the icicle-adorned archways, time spent at Ice Castles is a source of joy and inspiration.
WHEN: Nov. 16–Dec. 24, 2023
WHERE: Cherry Creek North
The Cherry Creek North Holiday Market at Fillmore Plaza features more than 50 local artisan vendors, live music, and festive drinks and decor. The market is free, open to the public and family- and dog-friendly.
WHEN: Nov. 17–Dec. 22, 2023
WHERE: Civic Center Park
This outdoor event brings the most beloved elements of an authentic German holiday experience to The Mile High City. Stroll through a European village decorated for the holiday season as you shop for finely crafted artisan gifts and treats at charming wooden huts. Fuel your shopping with authentic Glühwein (mulled spiced wine), German Biers and hot chocolate, and nosh on Bavarian-style pretzels, fresh smoked salmon, Knödel, Goulasch, Nürnberger Sausages, pastries, caramels and European chocolates.
WHEN: Nov. 23, 2023
WHERE: FIRE at the ART hotel
You are invited to an all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving feast at FIRE Restaurant, prepared by Executive Chef Ashley Robertson. Enjoy seasonal fall salads, starters, classic sides, a carving station and dessert, plus a mac & cheese bar! There will also be live music from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the dining room, with acoustic tunes from Andy Sydow. Make a reservation on OpenTable.
Thanksgiving Buffet
WHEN: Nov. 23, 2023
WHERE: Downtown Aquarium
The aquarium's buffet will feature traditional Thanksgiving favorites, including carved turkey, cornbread stuffing and house-made cranberry sauce, along with a kid’s buffet and exhibit discounts at the Aquarium! Reservations required.
WHEN: Nov. 25–26, 2023
WHERE:
Welcome to Brick Burger, where the world of food and fun come together in a unique and exciting way! Brick Burger offers a one-of-a-kind pop-up dining experience that allows you to unleash your creativity and build your burger masterpiece from a selection of colorful and delicious bricks made from the freshest and highest quality ingredients, so you can be sure that every bite will be a flavor explosion. Whether you're in the mood for a juicy beef patty, a crispy chicken fillet, or a hearty veggie option, our selection of bricks has something for everyone.
WHEN: Dec. 1–30, 2023
WHERE: Denver Pavilions
It's time to make every day cheery again! Tinseltown is all about celebrating Christmas, so you can expect Santa, elves, presents, tinsel, festive tunes and lots of winter warmer drinks, including a fabulous Christmas cocktail menu! The halls are more than fully decked with baubles, bows, hanging trees, wreaths and just about every festive goodie ever! You'll be left unable to shake the spirit and joy of our favorite season. Tickets include entry to the themed bar and a bespoke cocktail on arrival.
WHEN: Thru Dec. 23, 2023
WHERE: Weeks Conservatory Theatre
This charming, song-infused retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood" finds Little Red at the center of new adventures and new ways of seeing familiar characters. With a wandering wolf, a gardening grandma, singing forest creatures, and characters from other tales joining in, Little Red discovers her own power as a vital doer in her community. Joyous, inspiring and filled with laughs, the musical captures the warmth of Little Red and her family of smart, engaged women while also welcoming a new friendship between Red and Wolf.
WHEN: Nov. 17–Dec. 24, 2023
WHERE: Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ Wolf Theatre
Essential to the holiday season in Denver, "A Christmas Carol" is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation that traces money-hoarding curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption.
WHEN: Nov. 21–26, 2023
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination. And sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production—just as you remember it and just when we need it most.
WHEN: Nov. 23–Dec. 31, 2023
WHERE: Miners Alley Playhouse, Golden
All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family's temperamental exploding furnace; the boys' experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie's father winning a lamp shaped like a woman's leg in a net stocking; Ralphie's fantasy scenarios and more. "A Christmas Story" is destined to become a theatrical holiday tradition!
WHEN: Nov. 24–25, 2023
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Celebrate this modern holiday classic featuring John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live by your Colorado Symphony as the film is screened for your enjoyment! Hilarious and heartwarming, "Home Alone" is holiday fun for the entire family.
WHEN: Nov. 25–Dec. 24, 2023
WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House
The beloved holiday favorite returns in a dazzling production like no one's ever seen, featuring all-new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet. A sellout every year, this magical tale of Clara, the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is going to be dreamier than ever.
WHEN: Nov. 26, 2023
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall
Celebrate the season with marimba, bongos, bass drums, woodblocks, log drums, boo-bams, Chinese cymbals, metal trash cans, darabukkas, talking drums, plastic pipes, acoustic guitars, toy trumpets, tablespoons, Burma gongs, water cans, crow calls, tambourines, gankogui and sleigh bells!
WHEN: Nov. 23, 2023
WHERE: Washington Park
Lace up your sneakers and make the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot a part of your Thanksgiving celebration and help support families in our community!
WHEN: Nov. 23, 2023
WHERE: Douglas County Event Center, Castle Rock
Join Castle Rock’s largest running race, indoor expo and Thanksgiving morning tradition: the 19th Annual Turkey ROCK Trot 5K Family Fun Run/Walk/Stroll. Whether you're a serious runner or a leisurely walker, bring the whole family and start a new tradition.
WHEN: Nov. 26, 2023
WHERE: Empower Field at Mile High
Join the Denver Broncos as they take on the Cleveland Browns!
WHEN: Nov. 26, 2023
WHERE: Ball Arena
Head to Ball Arena to cheer on the Denver Nuggets against the San Antonio Spurs!
WHEN: Thru Dec. 30, 2023
WHERE: Golden History Museum & Park, Golden
Seeking additional income for her family, homemaker-turned-entrepreneur Dorothy Harmsen heard about people making a fortune in Florida selling ice cream from newly invented soft serve machines. In 1949, Harmsen rented a store in downtown Golden and made a down payment on a new machine. Within a few years, she and her husband, Bill, built one of the most iconic confectionery companies in the world.
WHEN: Thru Dec. 30, 2023
WHERE: Golden History Museum & Park, Golden
Epic Events walks you through over three dozen moments that shaped Golden’s past. Those times range from big to small, happy to sad. Some are memorable and some are best forgotten. Step inside this exhibit and feel what it’s like to live through 150 years in Golden.
WHEN: Thru Dec. 30, 2023
WHERE: Golden History Museum & Park, Golden
People are the ingredient that makes Golden a vibrant community. Over the years, so many have called the area home, from nomadic Native Americans, adventurous miners and cunning politicians, to innovative business owners, hard-working students and curious tourists. Their interesting stories make for a rich history. Learn the biographical highlights of some little-known characters, like beloved educator Gertrude Bell, Olympic athlete Lindsey Horan and many more.
WHEN: Thru Dec. 30, 2023
WHERE: Golden History Museum & Park, Golden
Old signs are powerful evidence of the changes Golden has experienced. Simply put, signs are visual graphics we use to communicate information to each other. We’ve used them for thousands of years, and if you stop and look around, they’re everywhere. The permanent City of Golden collection currently cares for more than two dozen commercial and business signs.
WHEN: Thru Dec. 31, 2023
WHERE: History Colorado Center
Presented in English and Spanish, Borderlands explores the shifting geopolitical history of southern Colorado. This area, framed by mountains and rivers, is naturally conducive to unique and resilient forms of cultural connection. An international border crossed over the people in this region, changing their lives forever, when the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo moved a portion of the US–Mexico border from the Arkansas River—which flows through the middle of Colorado—down to the Rio Grande in 1848.
WHEN: Thru Dec. 31, 2023
WHERE: Center for Colorado Women's History
This exhibition illuminates how women and their social movements have impacted Colorado’s History. Focusing on suffragist Ida Clark DePriest, gay rights activist Mary Lopez Dussart, disability rights activist Laura Hershey, civic activist Anne Evans and the women leaders of Casa Verde Mothers of Pueblo, this Vision and Resolve allows visitors to experience their stories along with artifacts from the History Colorado Collection. Highlights include Equal Rights Amendment protest wear from the late 1970s and “Western Women Wild with Joy,” a newly acquired contemporary sculpture celebrating suffrage.
WHEN: Thru Dec. 31, 2023
WHERE: Center for Colorado Women's History
Seeds of a Nation takes visitors through an investigation of the complexities that sprouted with the development of Victory Gardens. Grown out of the necessity of war, Victory Gardens allowed American civilians to contribute to the war effort by planting, harvesting and storing their own food. Even after the war was over, the gardens remained as symbols of resilience, unity and self-sufficiency and contributed to the complex beliefs around what it means “to be American,” especially in turbulent times.
WHEN: Thru Dec. 31, 2023
WHERE: History Colorado Center
This exhibition has 100 stories to tell. Culled from the vast collections of History Colorado, every object on view had a role in shaping our state—from the age of the Paleoindians to Jack Swigert’s Apollo 13 flight suit and beyond. You could never distill Colorado’s rich history into only 100 objects. But the ones we’ve selected, both ordinary and extraordinary, combine into a telling mosaic of the past—and, just maybe, a glimpse into our future.
WHEN: Thru Dec. 31, 2023
WHERE: History Colorado Center
Each of us is on a journey toward making a difference. Explore your superpower and those of Coloradans past, present and future. Find out how they made an impact on our state, whether by fighting school segregation or being a world-class athlete. See how your experience compares to the challenges and opportunities faced by generations of Coloradans before you. Through one-of-a-kind multimedia experiences, you can tell the world what’s important to you, and share it on the big screen for all to see.
WHEN: Thru Dec. 31, 2023
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
A trove of remarkably preserved fossils found at Corral Bluffs near Colorado Springs brings into sharp focus how Earth recovered after the devastating asteroid impact 66 million years ago that wiped out the dinosaurs. This discovery is a watershed scientific moment, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science's bilingual exhibit brings it to life.
WHEN: Thru Jan. 1, 2024
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
A series of thematic installations drawn primarily from the architecture and design collection, this exhibition illustrates the abundance and versatility of approaches to design. How does it come into being? Who creates it and for what purpose? What trends inspire it? And how does it serve society?
WHEN: Thru Jan. 10, 2024
WHERE: History Colorado Center
Over the course of his career, Robert Weinberg captured images of those who left their mark on Denver. Best known for his work with the Intermountain Jewish News, Weinberg focused on portraits of people in the Denver community. Weinberg's photography adds a valuable dimension to the visual record of the Mile High City during the 1980s and 1990s. Now legally blind, Weinberg created braille labels to accompany his work, ensuring that his photographs are accessible to all. He continues to advocate for the visually impaired community by promoting organizations to assist people with low vision to live independently.
WHEN: Thru Feb. 11, 2024
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
This exhibition presents a selection of images by two artists who seek to understand themselves and the places they treasure through photography. Colorado photographer Trent Davis Bailey reflects on his personal history and the relationship between images and memory. Personal Geographies presents work from his series The North Fork, which draws inspiration from childhood memories, small-scale family farms and the landscape of western Colorado. Anchorage-based Iñupiaq photographer Brian Adams has traveled across Alaska and beyond to make pictures that celebrate the Arctic landscape and sensitively share the stories, cultures and perspectives of Inuit people and communities.
WHEN: Thru May 14, 2024
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
This presentation showcases the work of Niki Hastings-McFall, a celebrated contemporary artist of Sāmoan and Pākehā descent who has been credited with shepherding contemporary Pacific art onto an international stage. Known for her large-scale and immersive "lei bombing" installations, she used hundreds of synthetic lei to create the installation. Her work is presented in dialogue with approximately 25 treasures from the DAM's collection that illustrate regional historic arts alongside new innovations. This inaugural exhibition aims to dispel romantic notions of the Pacific Islands as a tourist’s paradise through a nuanced exploration of the area’s vibrant cultural landscape.
WHEN: Thru July 19, 2024
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
Gio Ponti was one of the most inventive Italian architects and designers of his time. For more than 60 years, Ponti’s exuberant approach found expression in public and private commissions from buildings, interiors and furniture to glass, ceramics and flatware, influencing international design for more than 50 years.
WHEN: TBA 2023
WHERE: Brown Palace Hotel & Spa by Marriott
Begin your holiday celebrations by experiencing the 34th Annual Champagne Cascade in the picturesque atrium lobby. This iconic event features master swordsmen using Napoleonic sabers to sever the bottlenecks of Moet & Chandon Champagne. The Champagne is then poured into the uppermost glass of a two-story high, 5,000-plus glass pyramid. As the Champagne is poured, it cascades into the glasses below, creating a stunning display of bubbly liquid as it is cheered on by live holiday tunes and the crowd lining all levels of the holiday-adorned atrium.
WHEN: TBA 2023
WHERE: Civic Center Park
Join in the free festivities at the Mile High Tree. It’s a brilliantly lit, 110-foot-tall immersive art installation that provides a dazzling lights-and-music show. And, for the first time, you can experience two of Denver's most popular holiday attractions in one place: America’s tallest digital tree and the Denver Christkindlmarket, the city’s only authentic German holiday market.
WHEN: TBA 2023
WHERE: Denver Union Station
The annual Grand Illumination event on Nov. ## will feature performances of classic holiday hits by the Denver Dolls, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the grand highlight of the evening — the lighting of the station’s outdoor 40-foot-tall Christmas tree that features more than 7,000 holiday lights. Also, the Grand Illumination kicks off the Merry & Bright Lights Show, which will once again transform the exterior façade of Denver’s landmark train station into a spectacular canvas spreading holiday cheer. You can see it each night of the season. Miracle at Union Station, a whimsical pop-up cocktail bar, will open on Nov. ##. Meanwhile, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making regular appearances at the station from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. #; and Dec. #, ## and ##.
WHEN: TBA 2023
WHERE: Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Cañon City
In an experience sure to become a time-honored Christmas tradition, you're invited to drive across the Royal Gorge Bridge, 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River, while it's decked out in thousands of holiday lights. Driving across the Royal Gorge Bridge is not regularly offered outside of pre-arranged car club groups, so this is truly something special! Guests can purchase hot cocoa, coffee or cider in a Bridge of Lights souvenir cup and holiday cookies to enjoy while driving through the light display.
WHEN: TBA 2023
WHERE: McGregor Square
Pixar Putt is the ultimate pop-up, indoor mini-golf experience made up of 18 fun and interactive holes inspired by the stories, characters and icons from some of Pixar's most beloved films, including "Toy Story," "The Incredibles," "Monsters, Inc.," "Finding Nemo," "Coco," "A Bug's Life," "Wall-E" and "Inside Out." Pixar Putt is set to take guests to infinity… and beyond!
WHEN: TBA 2023
WHERE: Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster
By supporting native monarch populations, we’re not only keeping an important pollinator population healthy but also helping preserve unique cultural traditions. These butterflies hold an especially significant spot as one of the essential symbols in the Mexican tradition of Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Butterfly Pavilion celebrates this cultural tradition by opening their doors and providing a unique, unforgettable and enchanting experience for all.
WHEN: TBA 2023
WHERE: 16th Street Mall - Pedestrian Mall
This highly attended annual curated marketplace features an awesome selection of one of-a-kind seasonal items, high-quality handcrafted goods, fabulous holiday gift ideas, delicious specialty foods, home décor and unique holiday gifts. While you shop, enjoy Christmas carolers, live entertainers and appearances by Santa!
WHEN: TBA 2023
WHERE: Skyline Park
Bundle up for some free ice skating in the heart of downtown and enjoy special events.
WHEN: TBA 2023
WHERE: Dairy Block
Paying homage to the quaint European holiday festivals, the Aprés Ski-themed weekend festival takes place in the heated alleyway between all the Daily Block shops and restaurants. Running every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Aprés Holiday Market gives consumers the opportunity to engage with unique, independently owned and high-quality brands to shop while enjoying a beverage and embracing their inner ski vibes.
WHEN: TBA 2023
WHERE: The Ranch Events Complex, Loveland
The Rocky Mountain Train Show steams into Loveland on Thanksgiving Weekend! The show is appropriate for all ages, with story time, trains that kids can run, face painting and picture with Santa for the kids, and more than 60 vendors selling trains in scales ranging from N to G for hobbyists.
WHEN: TBA 2023
WHERE: Milepost Zero Food Hall
Santa will be available for photos on the following dates/times:
WHEN: TBA 2023
WHERE: Evergreen
See classic Christmas stories depicted in ice! The mountain community of Evergreen is “hiding” ice sculptures around town and Santa is flying in from the North Pole to do some special readings.
WHEN: TBA 2023
WHERE: Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Your little ones can step inside a 22-foot-tall sleigh and experience the magical snowfall. They can also have their photos taken with Santa. Reservations are recommended.
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