Shake off the tinsel this weekend in Denver with some ice skating, a screening of A Complete Unknown, ice castles in Eagle, or an improvised holiday romance at What If Theatre.
READ: 25 NYE Events to Ring in 2025 in the Mile High City
The Big Swing Trio
When: Dec. 26, set one 6:30 – 7:45 p.m., set two 8:45 – 10 p.m.
Where: Nocturne, 1330 27th St., Denver, CO
Cost: $98/person
The Lowdown: Mark Diamond (bass), Paul Romaine (drums) and Andy Weyl (piano) have been friends for nearly four decades. They bring the Big Swing Trio to Nocturne with arrangements of Swing, Latin, Hard-bop, Blues and standard repertoire for a one-time performance. The trio is a three-time Nocturne Artist in Residency alum.
Book here
Jingle Bell Jaz with Linda Theus-Lee Live
When: Dec. 27, 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: Spangalang Brewery, 2736 Welton St., Denver, CO
Cost: $12.51
The Lowdown: Linda Theus-Lee and her band are performing an evening of live music at Jingle Bell Jazz. The performance puts a festive twist on Latin-inspired renditions of holiday favorites.
Buy tickets here
Hullabalo0
When: Dec. 28, 7 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: Bounce Empire, 1380 S. Public Rd., Lafayette, CO
Cost: $32
The Lowdown: Hullabalo0 is an American bass music producer with influences from Infected Mushroom and Tipper. His sound is “glitch-tinged” and “808-driven.” The performance is at Bounce Empire’s 360° hydraulic stage, surrounding by 50 amusement attractions.
Buy tickets here
Umphrey’s McGee
When: Dec. 29, 8 p.m.
Where: The Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax, Denver, CO
Cost: $74.13
The Lowdown: Umphrey’s McGee is back in Colorado, and this time, they’re at The Ogden. Their latest release was Nov. 15, Hall of Fame: Class of 2023 (Live). Shake off that Christmas tinsel this Sunday and groove along with the band’s jams.
Buy tickets here
Holiday Brunch Buffet
When: Dec. 25, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: FIRE at the ART Hotel, 1201 Broadway St., Denver, CO
Cost: Adults $75, kids $25
The Lowdown: Celebrate Christmas morning with a brunch that features a Benedict Station (carved prime rib, scrambled and fried eggs), a Seafood Display (poached shrimp, oysters), Classic Sides (brussel sprouts, asparagus, mashed potatoes), Live Pancake Station (fresh pancakes with toppings), desserts (mini crème brûlées, parfaits) and more.
Make a reservation here
XXX-Mas Bar
When: Through Dec. 28, 3 – 11 p.m.
Where: Los Chingones, 2463 Larimer St., Denver, CO
Cost: Prices vary
The Lowdown: If you’re on the naughty list this year, Los Chingones is the place for you this holiday season. This pop-up bar has a few days left of cheeky cocktails, tacky decor, and a naughty Santa. There are surprise performances and x-rated surprises.
Make a reservation here
Tiny ‘Tini’s
When: Dec. 27 – Dec. 31
Where: Call Me Pearl, 1600 20th St., Unit 410, Denver, CO
Cost: Prices vary
The Lowdown: As we transition from Christmas spirit to New Year’s Eve celebrations, Call Me Pearl is offering $15 flights or $6 each on themed cocktails Midnight Sparkler, The Resolution and Ball Drop Bliss.
Make a reservation here
Drinking with Friends
When: Dec. 28, 1 – 5 p.m.
Where: Banded Oak Brewing Company, 470 Broadway, Denver, CO
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Bring friends and drink some special beers, including Banded Oak’s newest creation: a Whiskey Barrel-Aged Belgian Dark Ale. There will also be a curated lineup of barrel-aged and holiday beers on draft from Ratio Beerworks, New Image Brewing, Joyride Brewing, Woods Boss Brewing and Our Mutual Friend.
Reserve a spot here
Santa’s Layover Lounge
When: Through Jan. 5, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Denver International Airport, 8500 Peña Blvd., Airport Office Building, Denver, CO
Cost: Prices vary
The Lowdown: If you’re making your way through the Denver airport over the next week returning from holiday celebrations, stop by lounge 5280 in Concourse B mezzanine level 3 for a festive holiday pop-up bar decorated from floor to ceiling. There will be themed drinks, seasonal food and a hot chocolate bar.
Downtown Denver Rink
When: Dec. 25, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., open daily
Where: 16th & Arapahoe St., Denver, CO
Cost: Free entry, skate rentals $7 for kids 12 and under, $9 for adults 13 and older
The Lowdown: Lace up your skates on Christmas Day and glide around the rink. Don’t forget some warm socks and gloves to keep warm while in the cold.
A Complete Unknown
When: Dec. 26, 11:45 a.m., 3 p.m., 6:20 p.m.
Where: Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO
Cost: $12+
The Lowdown: A Complete Unknown is the story of Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) during his rise to fame in the 1960’s through the adaptation of Elijah Wald’s 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric!: Newsport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night that Split the Sixties. During this time, Dylan was 19-years-old and had just made the move from Minnesota to New York City, eventually performing at the Newport Folk Festival, which raised controversy over his use of electric instruments.
Buy tickets here
Holiday Happy-Ever-After
When: Dec. 27, 8 – 9:30 p.m.
Where: What If Theatre, 9060 W. 6th Ave., Lakewood, CO
Cost: $12 – $20
The Lowdown: For 80-90 minutes, the cast of Holiday Happy-Ever-After will create a live onstage, improvised tale that resembles the rom-com stories you know and love. Dec. 28 will be the final performance of this unique holiday storytelling.
Buy tickets here
Ice Castles in Eagle
When: Dec. 28, 12 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., various dates and times available
Where: 794 Fairgrounds Rd., Eagle, CO
Cost: $23 – $29
The Lowdown: Just a 2 and a half hours drive away, you can experience the impressive ice slides, caverns and archways that create a frozen maze, ice sculptures hand-carved by local and international artists, and even crawl through tunnels and passageways large enough for children and adults.
Buy tickets here
Luminova Holidays
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, 2000 Elitch Cir., Denver, CO
Cost: $19.99 + fees
The Lowdown: Walk through over 4 million lights, visit with Santa, view the 65-foot Christmas tree, 25-foot snowman, 300-foot candy cane tunnel, ornaments and presents over 16-feet tall, light swings to ride on, a 300-foot by 70-foot wall of lights, interactive activities, photo opportunites with light displays and more.
Buy tickets here