DENVER — The holiday season begins across Colorado this weekend.
Lighting ceremonies are scheduled in Boulder, Castle Rock, Loveland, Longmont and Grand Junction, plus Gaylord Rockies opens its popular ice exhibition.
Denver Christkindlmarket opens alongside the iconic Mile High Tree, and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts opens its 30th annual production of "A Christmas Carol." Holiday gift fairs and festivals are also in full swing and Santa Claus has started to make his arrival at Colorado malls.
From the mountains to the plains, here are some fun events you'll only find in Colorado this festive November weekend. Don't forget to share your weekend photos with the "Near Me" feature on the 9NEWS app.
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ICE at Gaylord Rockies
AURORA — Gaylord Rockies opens its annual holiday exhibition "ICE" on Friday. 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 attraction’s temperature at 9 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.
Christkindlmarket
DENVER — The 24th annual Denver Christkindlmarket opens Friday and 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.
Castle Rock Starlighting
CASTLE ROCK — The lighting of the star has been a Castle Rock tradition since 1936. The annual event is Saturday in downtown Castle Rock. This year's starlighting offers hot chocolate, non-profit booths, strolling entertainers, caroling, live entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus. The celebration takes place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the Castle Rock Starlighting ceremony at 5 p.m. at Wilcox Square. A symbol of Castle Rock for 88 years, the Castle Rock Star will remain lit until the end of the National Western Stock Show in January.
Winter Wonderlights
LOVELAND — Winter Wonderlights — a walkable holiday lighting attraction at Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra — opens Saturday. 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.
Festival of Lights
LOVELAND — Festival of Lights is the official Loveland kickoff to the holiday season. The celebration marks the debut of holiday lighting that will illuminate several blocks of downtown Loveland. Festival of Lights begins Friday starting at 5 p.m. along 4th Street from Washington to Lincoln Avenue with the tree lighting at 7:30 p.m.
Holiday Tree Lighting
LONGMONT — A Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday will officially kick off the holidays in downtown Longmont. The 6:30 p.m. ceremony will have caroling and holiday sing-along, crafts, snacks, warm drinks, goodie bags and an appearance by Kris Kringle before culminating with the lighting of the big tree at the Library West Plaza.
A Christmas Carol
DENVER — A Colorado tradition returns to the Denver Performing Arts Complex this weekend. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) Theatre Company will stage its 30th annual production of "A Christmas Carol" from Friday, Nov. 22, 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 now at DenverCenter.org.
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
LAKEWOOD — Ballet Ariel welcomes the holidays with a fresh way to celebrate the season. “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” ballet is based on the book by C.S. Lewis with original choreography by Director Ilena Norton and battle scenes choreographed by Gregory Gonzales. The holiday season production runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Lakewood Cultural Center.
Switch on the Holidays
BOULDER —The holiday season in downtown Boulder's begins with Santa flipping the switch that illuminates lights along the Pearl Street Mall and around the Boulder County Courthouse. Boulder will “Switch on the Holidays” this Sunday at 5 p.m. with the Boulder Ballet, Santa, Mrs. Claus and Freezie the Snowman.
Downtown Tree Lighting
GRAND JUNCTION — Downtown Grand Junction will transform for the holiday season with a tree lighting celebration on Saturday. With a wave of his hand and a sprinkling of magic dust, Santa Claus will light the lights of Main Street from the 4th and Main Plaza. Mr. Claus will visit with kids afterwards before returning to the North Pole.
Mile High Tree
DENVER — A massive digital tree is back in downtown Denver this 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. A lighting ceremony will be held Friday at 5:15 p.m. The Mile High Tree will be lit up nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Dec. 23.
Zoo Lights
DENVER — More than three million lights will illuminate the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance's 34th annual Zoo Lights. The zoo's 80 acres have been adorned with millions of lights and animated light sculptures for the event, which opens Saturday and runs through Jan. 5. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is also hosting a Adult Night for ages 21 and up on Friday.
Christmas in Color
FEDERAL HEIGHTS — Denver's biggest drive-through Christmas light displays are returning this holiday season. 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 locations at Water World and Arapahoe County Fairgrounds are open for the season, while Red Rocks opens Friday, Nov. 29.
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. 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 opens Friday 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.
Denver Dog Fair
AURORA —The Denver Dog Fair will be held Saturday and Sunday at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. The celebration of all things canine features activities for humans and dogs with special guests, adoption booths, dog fashion show, dog art show, dog performances, dog-themed vendors, food trucks and puppy kissing booth.
Kicker Monster Truck Show
DENVER — The Kicker Monster Truck Show returns to the Mile High City this weekend. Monster trucks will compete in freestyle, wheelie and racing competitions that will put families on the edge of their seats. The kid-friendly, adrenaline-charged entertainment show takes place Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the National Western Events Center. Pit party tickets are also available.
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 opens Wednesday and will be open through Jan. 12.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
DENVER — The Cherry Creek Holiday Market is back for a fifth year with dozens of vendor booths lining both sides of Fillmore Plaza. The season kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday with the Million Light Plug-in event that illuminates the entire 16-block area and the opening of the Holiday Market on Fillmore Plaza, complete with Cherry Creek North's pop-up holiday bar, the Mistletoe Lounge.
Sugar Plum Bazaar
ARVADA — The 14th annual Sugar Plum Bazaar is a makers’ market with more than 60 vendors from multiple states showcasing their unique handmade and local goodies. The holiday show will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Arvada Center.
Vintage Market Days
COLORADO SPRINGS — Vintage Market Days has original art, antiques, jewelry, clothing, handmade goods, home décor, outdoor furnishings, food and plants. The market will open in Colorado Springs Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Norris Penrose Event Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Denver Christmas Show
DENVER — Denver’s largest holiday market is back and at a new venue. The Denver Christmas Show returns Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the National Western Complex with more than 275 vendors, Santa, the Tinsel Town Train, the Hammond’s pop-up candy shop and entertainment by local talent.
Applewood Arts Festival
LOVELAND — More than 130 artisans will be on hand for this weekend's 47th annual Applewood Arts Festival in Loveland. Held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at The Ranch Events Complex, the show has new artisans, handmades, re-purposed finds and craft food creations.
Downtown Lakewood Holiday Bazaar
LAKEWOOD — The Downtown Lakewood Holiday Bazaar is set for Friday through Sunday. The indoor marketplace will be next to the Belmar Plaza and its outdoor ice skating rink. There will be more than 50 vendors, fashion and food trucks, pop-up bars, live music and outdoor ice skating.
Holiday Hometown Parade
AURORA — You can kick off the holiday season at Southlands Shopping Center's 15th annual Holiday Hometown Parade. On Saturday at 6 p.m., the Holiday Hometown Parade will feature community groups, floats, entertainers and Santa.
Christmas in Windsor Craft Show
WINDSOR — The Windsor Community Center will be home to this weekend's Christmas in Windsor Craft Show. The event offers more than 100 vendors selling handmade arts, crafts and holiday items on Saturday and Sunday.
Rangeview H.S. Craft & Gift Fair
AURORA — Homemade holiday crafters and vendors will converge on Aurora’s Rangeview High School for the 36th annual Holiday Craft and Gift Fair this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
BOULDER — Artisans will fill the Pearl Street pedestrian mall for local crafters, artists and designers. The Firefly Handmade Holiday Market is one day only on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with more than 80 artisans. Admission is free
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Polar Express Train Ride
GOLDEN — The Colorado Railroad Museum has opened 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.
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.
Grand Holiday Parade
CENTENNIAL — The Steets at SouthGlenn holds its 4th annual Grand Holiday Parade to welcome Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves to SouthGlenn. The free parade and tree lighting with Santa's arrival begins at 5 p.m. Friday. There will also be cookies, cocoa, live reindeer, photos, face painting, balloon twisting and holiday characters.
Santa at Cherry Creek
DENVER — Santa’s Flight Academy has landed at Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Guests can join Santa's flight crew and step inside Santa’s 22-foot tall sleigh and experience magical snowfall, all the way through Dec. 24.
Foothills Mall tree lighting
FORT COLLINS — Foothills Mall will hold a tree lighting and holiday concert on Saturday starting at 5 p.m. The festival event features Santa's arrival on a horse drawn carriage, complimentary carriage rides, holiday performers, photos with Santa plus a family holiday photo booth, a DJ dance party and kids activities.
Turkey Trot 5K
BRIGHTON — Brighton's 40th annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk is Saturday at the Brighton Recreation Center. The event is a Bolder Boulder qualifying race. Registered participants receive a shirt and breakfast and are eligible for prize giveaways. Start time is 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Turkey Trot registration can be completed at BrightonCO.gov.
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Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets
DENVER — The Denver Nuggets are back home at Ball Arena on Friday. The Nuggets host the Dallas Mavericks in the game which is part of the NBA Cup. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.
Christian Nodal
DENVER — Mexican musician, singer and songwriter Christian Nodal brings his "Pa'l Cora Tour" to Ball Arena on Saturday. Nodal recently marked a milestone with his first European tour, and the first solo tour of any regional Mexican artist in large venues. Nodal has won six Latin Grammy Awards, eight Latin Billboard and 11 Latin American Music Awards.
Hamilton
DENVER — The "Hamilton" national tour performs at the Buell Theatre through Sunday. The hit musical features book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The musical features a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway. Tickets are on sale at DenverCenter.org.
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
Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans opened their new holiday movie "Red One" last weekend, but the holiday season really begins this weekend with “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” facing off in theaters. “Moana 2,” which also stars Johnson, sails into movie theaters next Wednesday, a day before Thanksgiving.
New movies this weekend
- Wicked
- Gladiator II
- Bonhoeffer
Last weekend's box office
- “Red One,” $34.1 million.
- “Venom: The Last Dance,” $7.4 million.
- “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” $5.4 million.
- “Heretic,” $5.2 million.
- “The Wild Robot,” $4.3 million.
- “Smile 2,” $3 million.
- “Conclave,” $2.9 million.
- “Hello, Love, Again,” $2.3 million.
- “A Real Pain,” $2.3 million.
- “Anora,” $1.8 million.
> Would you like to see your favorite Colorado festival, fair, expo, concert, drama, musical, ballet, run or event listed in 9Things? Send it to alexander.kirk@9news.com.
Have a delightful weekend!
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