NEWMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
AURORA | Ready to jingle? This weekend packs more sparkle than a tinsel factory, starting with the Symphony of the Rockies’ “Holly Jolly Family Holiday Discovery Concert,” a sing-along built for kids, grandparents and anyone who can carry or even drag along a tune. Keep the glow going at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science’s new “Magical Winter Nights,” where sock skating and indoor auroras steal the show. Then wrap up your gifting karma at DAVA’s “Winter Feast,” stocked with handmade art for every list. Scroll down for the full list of holiday fun and frills.
Sing along. Glow along.
Catch the most magical time of the year with the Symphony of the Rockies.
Enjoy a “Holly Jolly Family Holiday Discovery Concert” Dec. 14. A joyful, family-friendly sing-along designed to delight kids, parents, and grandparents alike. It’s short, sweet, and full of holiday cheer. Sing along with the orchestra. The event includes giftbags for the kiddos.
On Dec. 20. it’s all about holiday pops. “This is your ultimate holiday pops extravaganza, full orchestra, holiday favorites, sparkling arrangements, and surprises that will leave you glowing all night long. If you see one show this December, make it this one. The event boasts holiday classics and fresh takes.
IF YOU GO: Family sing-along at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Newman Center for the Peforming Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. Tickets are $14-$34. Holiday Pops at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 also at the Newman Center. Tickets are $14-$59. Get tickets and details at, www.symphonyrockies.org
’Magical Winter Nights’ at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is launching a new holiday tradition with ‘Magical Winter Nights,’ an immersive after-hours experience transforming familiar museum spaces into a world of light, sound and seasonal wonder. Running nightly through Jan. 4, the event invites guests to wander through glowing environments at their own pace, from moonlit savannas to indoor auroras, while enjoying hot cocoa, festive cocktails and plenty of photo-ready moments.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and wear their favorite holiday socks, which come in handy along the museum’s “Frosted Path,” an indoor “sock skating” lane illuminated by swirling light projections. Additional installations include The Lodge, offering cozy fireside vibes with warm drinks available for purchase; the Evergreen Hideaway, a Colorado-inspired forest filled with postcard-worthy scenes; and the Celestial Canopy, where an indoor Northern Lights display washes the room in shifting color.
Families can also join a penguin-hosted dance party at the Glacier Groove and browse curated gifts at the Village Shop, rounding out an evening designed to spark awe and celebrate the season.
IF YOU GO: Nightly through Jan. 4, at 4 p.m.– 9 p.m. at Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Details and staggered time tickets for $14.95-$34.95 at dmns.org
Winter Feast: DAVA’s annual holiday show and sale
Kick off the giving season at “Winter Feast,” the annual holiday show and sale at Downtown Aurora Visual Arts. The exhibition highlights original artwork by DAVA youth across all programs, including winter-themed paintings, functional ceramic dishes, cast porcelain sculptures, marbled-clay bowls, origami-inspired cards, and recycled-paper creations. High school students’ illustrated recipe book, “The Taste of DAVA,” will also be available.
Guest artists contribute an array of handmade goods, from ceramic and woodblock prints to eco-dyed fiber works, wooden cutting boards, beaded and wooden jewelry, citrus-inspired accessories, miniature displays, mushroom candles and stained-glass ornaments. Additional items support women artists from the Toro Kingdom in Uganda, including baskets, aprons, toys and ornaments.
IF YOU GO: The show runs weekdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., through Dec. 19 at the DAVA studio, 1405 Florence St. A New Year Art Sale and Closing Reception is slated for Jan. 2, 6 p.m.–9 p.m. Admission is free.
Santa’s Big Red Sack – The Final Season
The long-running Rattlebrain Productions holiday comedy that skewers Christmas traditions with sketch comedy, music, and sharp satire is back for the holidays. This is the final season of the show, bringing back original cast members for a wild, irreverent ride through festive absurdity.
IF YOU GO: Performances Dec. 4 through Dec. 24 at The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora. Tickets: $38.58 for general admission.
Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society – “A Christmas Carol”
A comedic, irreverent take on Dickens’ classic, this production features audience participation, original songs, and the over-the-top charm of Farndale’s guild of eccentric ladies. “The Fox will welcome some of the true “grandes dames” of the Colorado theatre community to the stage for this hilarious, nonstop journey into a holiday show gone utterly and madly wrong.”
IF YOU GO: Evening and matinee performances through Dec. 21 at the Aurora Fox Arts Center. 9900 E Colfax Ave Tickets: $17–$42. Details and reservations at aurorafoxartscenter.org
Mile High Holidays Drone Show
A nightly spectacle of 600 drones choreographed to form holiday-themed animations above the Denver skyline. The show’s scale and creativity make it a magical, communal event.
IF YOU GO: Through Dec. 31, nightly at 7 p.m., best viewed from Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus, Sculpture Park, or other downtown vantage points. Free. Details at visitdenver.com/milehighholidays/drone-shows/
The Pond Ice Rink opening celebration
Bundle up and glide into the winter season as The Pond Ice Rink opens for another year of outdoor skating in Aurora. Families and friends can enjoy public sessions under the lights, complete with music, hot chocolate and cozy fire pits. The seasonal rink has become a favorite local hangout, offering lessons, hockey sessions and themed skate nights throughout the season. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s the perfect place to celebrate winter fun.
IF YOU GO: 6155 S. Main St. $15 admission includes skates and rink time. Details at thepondicerink.com
Aurora Fox Arts Center: A Christmas Carol, maybe not what you think
The Aurora Fox begins its holiday season production with the opening weekend of The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of ‘A Christmas Carol’. This comedy features an amateur group’s hilariously disastrous attempt to stage the Dickens classic.
IF YOU GO: through Dec. 21. Showtimes vary with night and matinee curtains. Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Ticket prices $14-$42. Details and tickets at aurorafoxartscenter.org
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
The annual holiday tradition begins, transforming the Denver Botanic Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Visitors can wander a mile-long path through ever-changing, immersive displays of light and color that highlight the garden’s collections.
IF YOU GO: Nov. 21 through Jan. 11. 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. Tickets $10-$20. Details at botanicgardens.org
Denver Christkindlmarket
The annual German-inspired Christmas market opens for the holiday season on Nov. 21. Guests can enjoy authentic Glühwein, European coffee and hot chocolate while browsing vendors selling handcrafted ornaments, gifts and traditional European fare.
IF YOU GO: Through Dec. 23. Hours vary. Location Auraria Campus, Tivoli Quad 1000 Larimer Square. Admission is free. Details at christkindlmarketdenver.com