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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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