DENVER — Happy Thanksgiving, Colorado!
Before and after you enjoy the turkey this weekend, consider one of these fun Thanksgiving and holiday season events in all corners of the state.
Before the turkey day runs and walks, the Mile High City will welcome the holiday season with the annual lighting of the Denver City and County Building. Colorado holiday season traditions beginning this weekend include The Nutcracker, Blossoms of Light, Hudson Christmas, Zoo Lights, Denver Union Station's Grand Illumination and more.
Kick off the holiday season right by experiencing the unique culture, food and geography that make the Centennial State special at one of these parades, festivals, lightings and happenings this weekend.
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Light the Lights
DENVER — For the better part of a century, Coloradans have gathered outside Denver’s City and County building for a celebration kicking off the holiday season. Denver will kick off the City & County Building’s holiday festivities on Wednesday, flipping the switch to turn the building into a festive scene for the whole season. The interactive holiday show will play twice per night at 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. through Jan. 26, 2025, and the end of the National Western Stock Show.
Mile High United Way Turkey Trot
DENVER — The 51st annual Mile High United Way Turkey Trot takes place Thanksgiving Day at Denver's Washington Park. The trot is a four-mile run/walk with proceeds supporting the Mile High United Way. Opening ceremonies begin at 8:45 a.m. Registration can be completed at UnitedWayDenver.org.
Turkey ROCK Trot
CASTLE ROCK — Castle Rock's Thanksgiving morning tradition returns Thursday. The 20th annual Turkey ROCK Trot is a 5K family run/walk/stroll perfect for the serious runner or the whole family. The 5K event begins in waves at 9 a.m. at the Douglas County Event Center. The free 1K Kids Dash starts at 8:30 a.m. The Turkey ROCK Trot Health and Wellness Expo opens at 7:30 a.m. Thursday. For race registration, visit TurkeyROCKTrot.com.
Stanley Harvesting Hope 5K
DENVER — The 10th annual Stanley Harvesting Hope 5K arrives Thanksgiving morning at Denver's Central Park. The race starts at 9 a.m. for all ages and abilities. The event's proceeds are donated to the non-profit Foundation for Prader-Willi Research. You can register at HarvestingHope5K.com.
Turkey Trot 5K
COLORADO SPRINGS — The Briargate YMCA in Colorado Springs is hosting its 27th annual Turkey Trot 5K and Kids' Tiny Trot on Thanksgiving morning. The runs serve as a fundraiser for the YMCA and its many programs. The free kids' run starts at 8:15 a.m. and the Turkey Trot follows at 9 a.m. You can register for the Trot at PPYMCA.org.
Gobble Wobble Run 5K
LITTLETON — The Gobble Wobble is a 5K race at Littleton's Clement Park. The run/walk is open to serious athletes, aspiring runners, families and children alike. The 14th annual Gobble Wobble begins at 8:30 a.m. Thanksgiving morning. Registration is available at GobbleWobbleRun.org.
Turkey Day 5K
FRISCO — The 11th annual Turkey Day 5K takes place in Frisco on Thanksgiving morning. The event is open to all ages and takes place on the Summit County Recreation Path and Town of Frisco side streets. The race begins Thursday at 9:30 a.m. starting at the old Community Center. The event will sell out, so register soon at TownofFrisco.com.
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Catch the Glow Parade
ESTES PARK — Estes Park will kick off the holiday season with its annual Catch the Glow Parade. The lighted parade steps off Friday at 5:30 p.m. and runs the length of Elkhorn Avenue with marching bands playing holiday tunes, dancers with twinkly lights and terrific floats.
Salida Parade of Lights/Lighting of Christmas Mountain
SALIDA — Salida holds its annual Parade of Lights starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Salida will be transformed into Christmas Town following the parade with the lighting of "the world's largest Christmas tree" — a 4,500-bulb string of lights on Tenderfoot Mountain shaped into a Christmas tree. The huge holiday symbol, which can be seen over the Arkansas River Valley for miles, will be lit through the New Year.
Pueblo Parade of Lights
PUEBLO — The 34th annual Pueblo Parade of Lights marks the start of the Christmas season in southern Colorado. One of the largest Christmas parades in Colorado, the parade features floats, marching bands, drill teams, saddle club horses, classic cars and more. The Pueblo Parade of Lights steps off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday from Abriendo and Union Avenue, to City Center Drive to Main Street ending on 6th Street. The 2024 parade theme is “Toys, Trains and Candy Canes.”
Denver Union Station’s Grand Illumination
DENVER — Denver Union Station's Grand Illumination will be grander than ever in 2024. The free holiday celebration on Friday includes the grand lighting of the station and the 40-foot outdoor Christmas tree. There will be a vintage holiday performance by the Denver Dolls and an appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Entertainment starts at 4 p.m. before the tree lighting ceremony at 6:10 p.m.
Hudson Holidays
LITTLETON — Hudson Gardens & Event Center will host the "Hudson Holidays" light show from Friday through Jan. 12. The event feature lighted gardens, a lighted maze and larger-than-life themed exhibits. Santa will make an appearance most evenings for free photo opportunity for families. Adults will also be able to purchase beer, wine and cocktails as well as food concessions. Tickets can be reserved at HudsonGardens.org.
Olde Town Arvada Skating
ARVADA — Nothing is more fun than a twirl around a skating rink under the twinkling lights. Olde Town Arvada opens its Olde Town Arvada Skating rink on Wednesday. Tickets with skate rentals are $10 for adults and $7 under 12 years old.
Skate in the Park
COLORADO SPRINGS — Colorado Springs has opened its ice-skating rink for the season. Tickets are $13 including skate rentals. Located in Acacia Park in downtown Colorado Springs, the Skate in the Park rink is open most days through Jan. 31.
Rocky Mountain Train Show
LOVELAND — The Rocky Mountain Train Show will be steaming into Loveland at The Ranch Events Complex at the Larimer County Fairgrounds this Saturday and Sunday. Perfect for families and train enthusiasts alike, this year's event covers over 36,000 square feet in the North and South Exhibit Halls and will showcase operating layouts, LEGOs, numerous activities for kids and more. There will be 15 operating train layouts of different scales and sizes and over 200 tables of vendors selling trains, books, paints, scenery material and everything you might need to set up your own model train. The Rocky Mountain Train Show is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker
DENVER — Colorado Ballet will perform "The Nutcracker" for a 64th year this holiday season. Colorado Ballet’s production returns to its home at the Denver Performing Arts Complex for 28 performances. For a fourth year, "The Nutcracker" will showcase its new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet by designers Thomas Boyd and Holly Hynes. The production will feature five different casts of dancers and live music performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. "The Nutcracker" will run this Saturday through Dec. 29 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
Colorado Springs Philharmonic's The Nutcracker
COLORADO SPRINGS — Colorado Springs' professional performance of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" will play this weekend only at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts. The Colorado Springs Philharmonic production features the Oklahoma City Ballet and Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale. Five performances of "The Nutcracker" are scheduled Friday, Saturday and Sunday in downtown Colorado Springs. Grab your tickets at CSPhilharmonic.org.
Mayor’s Holiday Lighting
PARKER — The Town of Parker is prepared to welcome in the holiday season with its annual Mayor's Holiday Lighting on Friday. The Mayor and Parker Chorale will lead a sing-along to "Silent Night" to kick off the event, followed by the Town Tree and Grand Park Lighting. After the lighting at O'Brien Park, guests are encouraged to enjoy the sights of ice sculpture displays, holiday characters, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus and holiday food vendors. Live entertainment includes the Parker Chorale, local high school choirs and Colorado School of Dance. The event begins Friday at 5:30 p.m. and runs until 7 p.m.
Montrose Tree Lighting
MONTROSE — The historic Montrose County Courthouse is the site of the annual Tree Lighting on Friday. The event will have Christmas carolers, cookies and hot cocoa. Following the tree lighting, the crowd will join Santa on his carriage ride to Santa’s Cabin for family fun and activities.
Littleton Candlelight Walk
LITTLETON — The annual Littleton Candlelight Walk and Tree Lighting takes place Friday in downtown Littleton. The walk offers free hot cider, holiday entertainment, a parade down Main Street and a visit from Santa. Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. Friday. A drone show will fly over the west end of Main Street during a pause in the parade, just before Santa arrives.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
GRAND LAKE — Grand Lake’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Friday at Town Square Park. Grand Lake will ring in the holiday season with festive carols, warm fire pits, hand-crafted cookies, hot cocoa and a lighting ceremony at 7 p.m.
Keystone Winter Carnival
KEYSTONE — Keystone's 12th annual Winter Carnival and Lighting of River Run offers cookies, hot chocolate, a visit from Santa Claus, holiday tree lighting and more. Warren Station will have cocoa, photo booth and performances from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday leading up the 5:15 p.m. tree lighting in the River Run Village.
Hotel Colorado Lighting Ceremony
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — One of Colorado's most historic hotels is ready for the holidays. Hotel Colorado will have live Christmas music and entertainment all day Friday leading up to its 34th annual lighting ceremony and firework show. The free celebration includes musical entertainment, visits with Santa Claus, ice carving, photo booth and more. More than half a million Christmas lights will be turned on simultaneously followed by a firework show from the top of the hotel.
Bridge of Lights
CAÑON CITY — The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is preparing for its biggest and brightest event. Starting Friday, guests will be able to drive across the Royal Gorge Bridge — 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River — amidst thousands of twinkling lights. Bridge of Lights is a drive-through event, and all guests must stay in their vehicles. Driving across the Royal Gorge Bridge is not regularly offered outside of pre-arranged car club groups. Bridge of Lights will run select dates through Dec. 31.
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Wassail Days
FRISCO — Frisco's Wassail Days kicks off on Saturday before continuing to Sunday, Dec. 8. Frisco businesses will be serving special wassail recipes during the event while visitors try to fill up their "12 Sips of Wassail" card. The festival begins with the Frisco Holiday Lighting and fireworks at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Frisco Historic Park Gazebo. The lighting includes hot cider, hot mulled wine, cookies and s’mores kits.
Trail of Lights
LITTLETON — Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms will be transformed into a glistening path of lights starting this Friday. The Trail of Lights holiday experience offers dancing Christmas trees, synchronized music in a children's play area, light tunnels, model tractor displays, hot beverages, nuts, kettle corn and more. Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms will be open various evenings through Jan. 5. Tickets are sold at BotanicGardens.org.
Festival of Trees
GREELEY — The 35th annual Festival of Trees returns this weekend with the Union Colony Civic Center lobby being turned into a true winter wonderland. The festival features crafted trees, each decorated in their own unique theme and style, all vying for prizes. The nine-day Festival of Trees, which opens Friday and runs through Saturday, Dec. 7, also offers visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, carriage rides and entertainment. Check out the full Festival of Trees schedule at GreeleyGov.com.
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Colorado Buffaloes
BOULDER — The Colorado Buffaloes (8-3) football team closes out the regular season this Friday. Led by head coach Deion Sanders, the Buffs are playing the Oklahoma State Cowboys at 10 a.m. Friday at Folsom Field in Boulder.
Utah State Aggies vs. Colorado State Rams
FORT COLLINS — The Colorado State Rams (7-4) football team has its final regular-season game at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Canvas Stadium. The Rams host the Utah State Aggies.
Creede Chocolate Festival
CREEDE — Chocolate lovers, rejoice! The Creede Chocolate Festival runs Friday and Saturday with business owners showcasing all things chocolate. Wildly unique samples range from tiramisu, tortes and chocolate-covered pretzels to jalapeno bean fudge and chocolate-dipped bacon. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will also be found around town during the holiday shopping weekend.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Concert
DENVER — The Colorado Symphony is celebrating the holiday classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" this weekend. The Ron Howard-directed 2000 film starring Jim Carrey will be featured in a concert and movie screening on Friday and Saturday at Boettcher Concert Hall at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. For tickets and showtimes, visit ColoradoSymphony.org.
Drums of the World
DENVER — The percussionists of the Colorado Symphony shine in "Drums of the World" at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Boettcher Concert Hall. Plan for marimba, bongos, bass drums, woodblocks, log drums, boo-bams, Chinese cymbals, metal trash cans, darabukkas, talking drums, plastic pipe, acoustic guitar, toy trumpet, tablespoons, Burma gongs, water can, crow call, tambourine, gankogui and sleigh bells.
ICE at Gaylord Rockies
AURORA — Gaylord Rockies has opened its annual holiday exhibition "ICE." More than two million pounds of ice has been transformed into a winter wonderland to celebrate the film "The Polar Express." The 17,000-square-foot frozen attraction was carved from 6,000 ice blocks using chippers, tongs, handsaws, grinders and chainsaws. The environment is kept frozen by a chilling system that maintains the temperature at nine degrees Fahrenheit. Guests get to wear a blue parka to stay warm inside the exhibition. "ICE" at Gaylord Rockies will be open through Jan. 1.
ElectriCritters at Pueblo Zoo
PUEBLO — ElectriCritters will be delighting kids of all ages for a 31st year at the Pueblo Zoo. The 2024 event opens the day after Thanksgiving and continues through Dec. 29. The Pueblo Zoo tradition features magical light creations, hot cocoa, tasty treats and holiday shopping, plus free photos with Santa Claus on Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22.
Zoo Lights
DENVER — More than three million lights are illuminating the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance's 34th annual Zoo Lights. The Mile High City zoo's 80 acres have been adorned with millions of lights and animated light sculptures for the event, which runs through Jan. 5.
Christkindlmarket
DENVER — The 24th annual Denver Christkindlmarket runs through Dec. 23 at Civic Center Park. The authentic German-style holiday market hosts both local and European crafts vendors, food vendors and free holiday entertainment. The Denver Christkindlmarket is free and open to the public.
Cherry Creek North
DENVER — The Cherry Creek Holiday Market is back for a fifth year with vendor booths lining both sides of Fillmore Plaza between 1st and 2nd Avenues on Fillmore Street. Shop from dozens of hand-picked vendors before enjoying Cherry Creek North's pop-up holiday bar, the Mistletoe Lounge.
Belleview Stadium Holiday Bazaar
DENVER — Denver BAZAAR brings its holiday shopping extravaganza to Belleview Station on Small Business Saturday and Sunday. The outdoor market will have more than 75 vendors and makers, live music, market bar, beer garden and food trucks.
Mistletoe Market
DENVER — Held in the alley located next to the Dairy Block food market, the Mistletoe Market pop-up market will feature more than a dozen vendors each weekend. There will also be live carolers, holiday music, photo ops, gift-wrapping station and festive cocktails. The four-weekend market is free to attend from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. this weekend, as well as Dec. 7-8, Dec. 14-15, and Dec. 21-22.
Horseshoe Holiday Market
DENVER — The Horseshoe Holiday Market is part makers market, part flea market. Organizers expect vendors selling everything from handmade gifts to antiques. The market will be held at the Highlands Masonic Temple this Small Business Saturday and Sunday. A market will also be held Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 at Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton.
Colorado Makers Holiday Market
FORT COLLINS — The Colorado Makers Holiday Market at the Aztlan Community Center is designed to connect people in Fort Collins to creative people making unique goods in their community. They focus on bringing shoppers a selection of products that are handmade, high-quality and diverse. The free-to-attend market will be held Saturday and Sunday.
Mile High Drone Show
DENVER — The sky over Denver will be lit up for 40 straight nights with a series of holiday and Denver-themed drone shows through New Year's Eve. The 15-minute shows will extend 400 feet in the air and spread 500 feet wide with a variety of about two-dozen animated scenes. The drones will launch just west of downtown Denver. Some recommended viewing sites include Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex and the Ball Arena parking lot.
Winter Wonderlights
LOVELAND — The walkable holiday lighting attraction Winter Wonderlights is now open at Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra. Each night, visitors can walk through a free choreographed light show of 300,000 holiday lights. This year’s event is bigger and brighter with a new expansive event footprint offering more twinkling lights and experiences. Winter Wonderlights will be open through Jan. 1.
A Christmas Carol
DENVER — A Colorado tradition has returned to the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Company will stage its 30th annual production of "A Christmas Carol" through Sunday, Dec. 29, at the Wolf Theatre. Based on Charles Dickens' classic novel, the Denver musical adaptation traces curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge's triumphant overnight journey to redemption. Tickets are on sale at DenverCenter.org.
Mile High Tree
DENVER — A massive digital tree has returned in downtown Denver for the holiday season. The seven-story tall Mile High Tree features holiday light shows on a pixel LED-technology tree. Ten feet taller than the tree at Rockefeller Center, the giant tree is set up at Civic Center Park, next to the Christkindlmarket, near the Denver City and County Building. The Mile High Tree will be lit up nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Dec. 23.
Blossoms of Light
DENVER — The signature event at Denver Botanic Gardens is back this holiday season. Blossoms of Light, a Denver tradition for nearly four decades, transforms the York Street gardens into a twinkling wonderland. More than one million lights are used to illuminate a mile-long path including a 200-foot-long light tunnel, a choreographed light display, glowing orbs in the Monet Pool, and projections on the Science Pyramid. Blossoms of Light will be open through Jan. 12.
Christmas in Color
FEDERAL HEIGHTS — Denver's biggest drive-through Christmas light displays are bringing back the magic. Christmas in Color displays will be lit at Water World in Federal Heights and in Aurora at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. There will also be a new location this year at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, replacing a display that had been at Bandimere Speedway. The displays each feature more than one million LED lights arranged into tunnels, trees, giant candy canes, snowflakes and more, all synchronized to festive holiday music on the FM radio dial.
The locations at Water World and Arapahoe County Fairgrounds are open for the season, while Red Rocks opens Friday, Nov. 29. Christmas in Color is open 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Dec. 29.
Cirque: Frost
AURORA — The new "Cirque: Frost" acrobatic show has opened at Gaylord Rockies. Following a young Jack Frost as he discovers his destiny as the legendary winter spirit, the 50-minute show of high-flying stuns and breathtaking feats in a heartwarming tale of a dreamer who brings enchantment and wonder to the world. "Cirque: Frost" runs through Jan. 1.
Polar Express Train Ride
GOLDEN — The Colorado Railroad Museum has brought back its holiday tradition of "The Polar Express Train Ride." Performances are held on select dates through Dec. 23. The train ride features a cabaret-style show, singing, hot chocolate and Santa, recreating "The Polar Express" story.
Animals of the Rainforest
DENVER — The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has opened its newest exhibition, "Animals of the Rainforest." An immersive, live-animal experience aims to transport visitors into the world's most diverse ecosystem. Guests will come face-to-face with rainforest animals, explore displays of recreated natural habitats and learn about conservation efforts. "Animals of the Rainforest" is included with museum admission.
Movies this weekend
With a combined $270 million in worldwide ticket sales, “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” breathed fresh life into a box office leading to one of the busiest moviegoing weekends of the year. Jon M. Chu’s big-budget musical “Wicked” debuted with $114 million domestically and $164.2 million globally for Universal Picture last weekend.
With “Moana 2” releasing Wednesday, Hollywood might be looking at historic sales over the Thanksgiving holiday.
New movies this weekend
- Moana 2
Last weekend's box office
- "Wicked," $114 million.
- “Gladiator II,” $55.5 million.
- “Red One,” $13.3 million.
- “Bonhoeffer: Pastor Spy Assassin," $5.1 million.
- “Venom: The Last Dance,” $4 million.
- “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” $3.5 million.
- “Heretic,” $2.2 million.
- “The Wild Robot,” $2 million.
- “Smile 2,” $1.1 million.
- “A Real Pain,” $1.1 million.
Would you like to see you favorite Colorado festival, fair, expo, concert, drama, musical, ballet, run or event listed in 9Things? Send it to alexander.kirk@9news.com.
Have a thankful weekend!
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