While you’re scheduling your Small Business Saturday route, be sure to include these three stops that have a little something for everyone. If you’re putting off the inevitable shopping spree, relax with some holiday comedy or theatre. And for those of you who still have politics wracking your brain, check out a Colorado politics discussion that might just help make sense of it. It’s all happening this week in Denver.

Making Sense of Colorado’s Purple Politics

Photo courtesy of History Colorado on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of History Colorado on Facebook.

When: November 21, 1-2 p.m. and 7-8 p.m.

Where: History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway, Denver

Cost: $8-$12

Tickets: Available here

The Lowdown: Colorado is one of the most federally subsidized states in the Union, but has arguably one of the most polarized electorates. Join Dr. Thomas Cronin of Colorado College to analyze the politics of Colorado and how, in many ways, the state is a template of the national political system.

Blossoms of Light— Opening Weekend

Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens on Facebook.

When: November 25, 5:30-9 p.m.

Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver

Cost: Up to $13

Tickets: Available here

The Lowdown: The beauty of light meets the beauty of nature during the Blossoms of Light display at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a warm drink or tasty treat as you wander through the gardens. If you can’t make it opening weekend, the display will be available through January 1.

Downtown Denver Grand Illumination

Photo courtesy of Denver's Union Station on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Denver’s Union Station on Facebook.

When: November 25, 6 p.m.

Where: Between Union Station and the City and County Building, Downtown Denver

Cost: Free

The Lowdown: Swing downtown after work, grab a seat or some prime standing room and witness the city of Denver celebrate the holiday season with its annual Grand Illumination. A countdown shortly after 6:30 p.m. will end in the brilliance of Union Station dazzling with multi-colored flood lights.

Black Sheep Friday: Thai One On

Photo courtesy of MCA Denver on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of MCA Denver on Facebook.

When: November 25, 5-7 p.m.

Where: MCA Denver, 1485 Delgany St, Denver

Cost: $5

The Lowdown: Knots and curry pair well in this knot-tying workshop and curry tasting at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. Visitors are encouraged to drop by at any time and participate.

“Revenge Of The Misfit Toys,” An Improvised Christmas Musical Comedy

Photo courtesy of Queerbots Comedy Improv on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Queerbots Comedy Improv on Facebook.

When: November 25, 8 p.m.

Where: “The Clocktower Cabaret,”  1601 Arapahoe St., Denver

Cost: $25

Tickets: Available here

The Lowdown: The Queerbots use only audience suggestions to recreate the holiday characters from your childhood. Jack Frost, Scrooge and Rudolph are all fair game. This night of unscripted entertainment is sure to keep you laughing and make you think twice about the characters you thought you knew.

Denver Zoo Lights Preview Weekend

zoo-lights

Photo courtesy of Denver Zoo on Facebook.

When: November 25-26, 5:30-9 p.m.

Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, Denver

Cost: $12-$17, Online Discount $2

Tickets: Available here

The Lowdown: Unwind from the Black Friday craziness with light displays, animal meet-and-greets and nightly entertainment throughout 70 acres of the Denver Zoo. This family-friendly event is sure to put a smile on anybody’s face.

Colorado Ballet Presents 56th Annual Production of The Nutcracker

Photo courtesy of Colorado Ballet on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Colorado Ballet on Facebook.

When: November 26 – December 24

Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St, Denver

Cost: $30-$155

Tickets: Available here

The Lowdown: Start a family tradition or keep an old one burning bright with this classic rendition of The Nutcracker. Timeless music and superb dance resonate with the audience to provide a holiday experience you’ll keep coming back for year after year.

Prototype Market

Photo courtesy of The Craftsman and Apprentice on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of The Craftsman and Apprentice on Facebook.

When: November 26, 4 – 9 p.m.

Where: Craftsman and Apprentice, 1325 E 32nd Ave., Denver

Cost: Free

The Lowdown: Join the third annual Prototype Market and vendors: The Bungaloo, Kelley Schei, Relevant ReUse, Strange Dirt, Craft Boner, Winter Session, Banshee Press, Blade & Knoll, Moore Collection, Two Hand Full, My Favourite Colour Studio, So Let’s Roll and more to get a jump on holiday shopping. Free coffee from Copper Door Coffee Roaster and drinks from QC Malt will be provided, and food from The Long I Pie Shop and Five Points Pizza will be available for purchase.

Cherry Creek North Celebrates Small Business Saturday

Photo courtesy of Cherry Creek North on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Cherry Creek North on Facebook.

When: November 26

Where: Cherry Creek North

Cost: Free

The Lowdown: Come wander Cherry Creek North to help support Small Business Saturday with the 175 local retail options available. This might be your one-stop-shop for all of your holiday needs.

Small Business Saturday on the Square

Photo courtesy of Larimer Square on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Larimer Square on Facebook.

When: November 26, 10 a.m.

Where: Larimer Square, Denver

Cost: Free

The Lowdown: Support Colorado small businesses with this unique shopping experience at Larimer Square. This annual event helps to kick off the holiday shopping season and festivities in Denver.

Mark Your Calendars

Behind the Lens: Inside the Photography of the Aultman Studio, Eugenia Kennicott and Charles Lillybridge

When: November 28, 1-2 p.m.

Where: History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway, Denver

Cost: $4-$5

Tickets: Available here

The Great Love Debate

When: December 1, 7:30-9 p.m.

Where: Denver Improv, 8246 Northfield Blvd., Denver

Cost: $20

Tickets: Available here

Pan’s Labyrinth— Midnight Madness

When: December 2, 11:59 p.m.

Where: Esquire Theatre, 590 Downing St., Denver

Cost: $8.50-$11

Tickets: Available here

Lea Marlene Actors Studio in South Pearl Street Winterfest

When: December 2, 5-9 p.m., December 3, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Where: Lea Marlene Actors Studio, 1601 Pearl St., Denver

Cost: Free or $20 for keepsake photos

Holiday Flea

When: December 2-4

Where: The Sports Castle

Cost: $5-$30

Tickets: Available here

Yuletide Window Walk – Outside on the Square

When: December 3, 12-4 p.m.

Where: Larimer Square

Cost: Free

Broadsided— An Estrogen Fueled Comedy Show

When: December 3, 8-10 p.m.

Where: Crossroads Denver Theatre, 2590 Washington St., Denver

Cost: $18-$85

Tickets: Available here

Have a Holly Jolly Murder

When: December 4, 4:30-9 p.m.

Where: Cherokee Ranch and Castle Foundation, 6113 N Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia

Cost: $80

Tickets: Available here