AURORA | With so much sun and so little snow, there’s not much of an excuse to spend at least part of the upcoming holidays picking up a little local culture, along with last-minute gifts and treats.
Where to go? Here’s a short list of events that offers everything from colorful off-color humor to the quintessential traditions of the season.
Santa’s Big Red Sack Celebrates 22 Years
Santa’s Big Red Sack says they have been skewering the holidays since 2002. Rattlebrain Productions created Santa’s Big Red Sack 22 years ago. The non-traditional holiday comedy with sketches and musical parodies became an annual tradition for thousands across Colorado.
This year, that tradition continues with a sleigh full of new sketches that guarantee more laughter for new attendees and those who have made this their annual tradition.
IF YOU GO:
Event: Santa’s Big Red Sack
When: 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. on Sundays, Dec. 5-23
Where: The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax, Aurora
Tickets: $31 online or by calling 303-218-7315
www.rattlebrainproductions.com/santas-big-red-sack
Who’s Holiday
An (adults only) comedy that tells the story of Cindy Lou Who. She’s throwing a Christmas party in her trailer with a tell all. As she recalls the Christmas Eve she first met the Grinch, the audience will learn the twisted turns her life has taken.
IF YOU GO:
Event: Who’s Holiday
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St.
Tickets: $24
https://www.vintagetheatre.org/performances/whosholiday
Black Nativity
A joyous holiday musical, is a modern retelling of the traditional account of the Nativity story from an African American perspective. Using gospel music, African beats, dramatic dance and a biblical narrative Black Nativity opened for a limited run of 57 performances at Broadway’s 41 St. Theatre on Dec. 11, 1961. It was written and conceived by one of the legendary leaders of the Harlem Renaissance: Black playwright, poet, novelist, and social activist Langston Hughes.
IF YOU GO:
Event: Black Nativity
When: Through Dec. 29
Where: Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St.
Price: $20 – $38
https://www.vintagetheatre.org/performances/blacknativity
Aurora Fox debuts Wild West twist on Dickens’ holiday classic
The Aurora Fox Arts Center is trading Victorian London for the Wild West of the 1880s in its re-imagining of “A Christmas Carol. It’s all about “Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Aurora Fox Christmas Show!” The event is comedic adaptation of Charles Dickens’ iconic tale and opens Nov. 30. Directed by Steven J. Burge, the production promises a lively blend of humor, creativity, and heartwarming holiday spirit.
Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, the show takes a decidedly unconventional approach to the well-loved story. Featuring a cast of five female actors who take on dozens of roles, the play blends fast-paced action with imaginative storytelling. The production aims to offer audiences a new perspective on Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey of redemption, swapping snowy London streets for a dusty Wild West town.
Burge describes the show as a comedic breath of fresh air for holiday theatergoers. “Forget the kid with the BB gun, the green fuzzy guy, or even Will Ferrell,” he said, referencing other holiday staples. “This version has three ghosts, a chain-rattling dead guy, and a whole lot of laughter.”
With its innovative staging and unexpected twists, the production maintains the timeless themes of Dickens’ original work while injecting fresh holiday humor and wit.
IF YOU GO:
Show: Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Aurora Fox Christmas Show!
When: Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m. curtain. Sundays 2 p.m. curtain and a Dec. 9 industry night. Through Dec. 22
Where: Aurora Fox Arts Center, Mainstage, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets and details: $17-$42 available at AuroraFox.org
Christmas In Color Drive-thru Animated Light Show
A dazzling drive-through holiday light show synchronized to festive music straight through your car radio. Cruise past giant candy canes, towering snowmen, glowing arched pathways and more as millions of lights illuminate your route. Enjoy the season’s magic at your own pace.
IF YOU GO:
Through- Dec. 29
Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave.
$44-$58
The Pond Ice Rink
Southlands’ popular ice rink, The Pond, reopens on Nov. 8, kicking off the holiday and winter season. Advance tickets for skating sessions will be available soon. Group rates are also offered; contact (303) 928-7536 for details and reservations or email southlands@icerinkevents.com.
IF YOU GO :
The Pond is open
Southlands, 6155 S. Main St.
$14
Family-friendly
shopsouthlands.com/
Cirque: Frost
When: Through Jan. 1
Where: Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, 6700 Gaylord Rockies Blvd.
Tickets: $45 and children three and under are free. Children must be with an adult.
https://christmasatgaylordrockies.marriott.com
ICE! Featuring the Polar Express
The holiday attraction features scenes from the movie “The Polar Express”, brought to life in ice sculptures hand-carved from more than 2 million pounds of ice. All part of Christmas at Gaylord Rockies.
IF YOU GO:
Event: ICE! Featuring the Polar Express
When: Through Jan. 1
Where: Gaylord Rockies Resort, 6700 Gaylord Rockies Blvd.
Tickets: $17 – $35