Maximize on the holiday cheer in Denver this weekend by catching the festive live music, hot cocoa, sweet treats and warm drinks, light shows and The Nutcracker!
Read: This Week In Concerts — k?d, Boogie Lights, Megan Hamilton, Sungazer & More
Swinging Holiday Songbook with Drew Morell & Friends
When: Dec. 18, early show 6:30 – 7:45 p.m., late show 9 – 10:15 p.m.
Where: Nocturne, 1330 27th St., Denver, CO
Cost: $39 for bar, $98 for dinner + a show
The Lowdown: This is the 10th year of Nocturne’s Swinging Holiday Songbook. The series includes holiday arrangements from Sinatra, Perry Como and Ella, as well as songs from Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas. Denver musician and bandleader Drew Morell will be joined by other jazz musicians Paul Musso on guitar, Heidi Schmidt on vocals, Gary Sloan on bass and Bill Larson on drums.
Make reservations here
Holiday Brass
When: Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St., Denver, CO
Cost: $12.80-$166.40
The Lowdown: Much of the holiday spirit lies in the music played during the season. The Colorado Symphony Brass and Percussion will bring that spirit through their performance filled with seasonal ballads, carols and more, conducted by Stefan Sanders.
Buy tickets here
KREAM
When: Dec. 20, 8 p.m.
Where: The Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO
Cost: $49.95
The Lowdown: Kream consists of Norwegian DJ and record producing brothers Daniel and Markus Slettebakken. Ahead of the holidays, they will take the stage at The Ogden with openers Kamino and RC3.
Buy tickets here
Face Vocal Band: Joy to the World
When: Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Pl., Denver, CO
Cost: $31.45-$49.95
The Lowdown: The Face Vocal Band, an a cappella rock band from Boulder bring “Joy to the World” at the Paramount Theatre. The group is currently comprised of Forest Kelly, Anderson Daniel, Mark Megibow, Stephen Ross and Ryan Driver. They’ve won many awards, including Quintet of the Year in 2019 at the A Cappella Music Awards.
Buy tickets here
Annie Booth Trio & Friends: Charlie Brown Christmas
When: Dec. 22, 2 p.m.
Where: Dazzle, 1080 14th St., Denver, CO
Cost: $30-$40
The Lowdown: Annie Booth is an acclaimed pianist and bandleader, joined by bandmates Patrick McDevitt (bass) and Alejandra Castaño (drums). This is their 11th year keeping this Denver holiday tradition alive with several jazz vocalists: Jenna McLean, Marion Powers, Kathryn Radakovich and Bailey Hinkley Grogan.
Buy tickets here
Ambler with Second Wind Fund
When: Dec. 9 – Dec. 31
Where: Ambler, 1801 Wewatta St., Denver, CO
Cost: Prices vary
The Lowdown: In the spirit of giving, consider dining at Ambler as they donate 10% of every bite and sip to Second Wind Fund, which connects youth at risk for suicide with life-saving mental health treatment. Some menu items feature a Sweet Potato Waffle, Roasted Turkey Sliders, and cocktails Mr. Bright Cider, Noggin’ on Heaven’s Door.
Holiday Tea
When: Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Center for Colorado Women’s History, 1310 Bannock St., Denver, CO
Cost: $17-$40
The Lowdown: Enjoy a signature Lady Lavender black tea and selection of snacks provided by local and woman-led business Miss Peabody’s Southern Tea Cakes with History Colorado this Thursday. This is a great event to spend time with the wonderful ladies in your life.
Buy tickets here
Tart & Soul Bakery
When: Dec. 20, 12 – 4 p.m.
Where: Curate Mercantile at Aspen Grove, 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: While exploring the many vendors that offer handmade items, clothing, home decor, Colorado food, gifts, plants and more, stop by Tart & Soul Bakery’s pop-up shop where the owner Andrea will be on-site to meet and greet customers. Andrea will be offering a variety of her staple art flavors, along with seasonal ones like Cranberry Orange.
Cocoa & Mrs. Claus (and friends)
When: Dec. 21, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Tattered Cover Aspen Grove, 7301 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, CO
Cost: $0-$6.11
The Lowdown: During this event, gather around Mrs. Claus as she reads holiday stories, Mr. Paul from Timbuk Toys joins in with games between stories, sip on a drink from the Hot Cocoa Bar, and even write a heartfelt letter to Santa.
Buy tickets here
Letters to Santa Craft Station
When: Dec. 22, 12 – 9 p.m.
Where: Little Man Ice Cream Factory, 4411 Colfax Ave., Denver, CO
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Bring your nieces, nephews, sons or daughters over to Little Man Ice Cream Factory to write letters to Santa or anyone else they want to send their wishes to. All day on Sundays, the craft station will be set up with all supplies needed to create.
Colorado Ballet: The Nutcracker
When: Runs Nov. 30-Dec. 29, 2024
Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St., Denver, CO
Cost: $65-$175
The Lowdown: The Colorado Ballet Orchestra will perform live music as the Colorado Ballet takes on The Nutcracker. Come see dancing mice, Sugar Plums and a “symphony of swirling snowflakes” at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
View performance dates + times and buy tickets here
Christmas in Color
When: Dec. 19, 5 – 10 p.m. (additional locations and dates)
Where: Water World Water Park, 8800 N. Pecos St., Federal Heights, CO
Cost: $39.99
The Lowdown: Keep yourself warm and stay in the car for this holiday festivity. Drive through Christmas in Color with friends or family as over 1 million holiday lights glimmer and shine while synched to music for a great show.
Buy tickets here
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
When: Dec. 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Bellco Theatre, 1100 Stout St., Denver, CO
Cost: $44-$151
The Lowdown: Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a Broadway-style production that infuses contemporary circus arts. The show features an original musical score, holiday classics sung live with a twist, beautiful scenery, storylines, and more!
Buy tickets here
Jingle on the Avenue: A Holiday Character Mingle
When: Dec. 21, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Along Washington Ave. from 11th to 13th St., Golden, CO
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Head over to Golden for an afternoon hanging out with family favorite holiday characters, including Santa for Jingle on the Avenue. There will be photo opportunities, live music, Newfoundland dog cart rides, and festive holiday fun for the family.
Blossoms of Light
When: Dec. 22, 4:30 – 9 p.m. (recurring through Jan. 12, closed Nov. 28 and Dec. 25)
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver, CO
Cost: $21-$25
The Lowdown: Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens is a mile-long path through light displays that highlight the plant collections. Stop in Offshoots Café or the Hive Garden Bistro for holiday treats and warm drinks.
Buy tickets here