AURORA | End your 2025 with something special or start 2026 with a taste of something different. As the holidays wind down, the fun and cool in and near Aurora keeps right on rolling. Check out this list of possibilities for amazing art, theater, music and much more.
First Friday — Aurora Cultural Arts District Gallery Opening and Community Happy Hour
The Aurora Cultural Arts District kicks off the New Year with its signature First Friday celebration. The January edition transforms the district into a lively cultural hub where local artists unveil new works, gallery spaces open their current exhibits, and neighbors gather for conversation and creative exchange. The district’s galleries highlight artwork ranging from abstract painting and contemporary sculpture to immersive installation pieces that explore identity, place, and memory. Partner businesses, breweries, and eateries extend a warm welcome to attendees, making it a perfect night for discovery and community connection after the holidays.
IF YOU GO: Friday, Jan. 2, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the galleries and public spaces of the Aurora Cultural Arts District centered around 9995 E. Colfax Ave. The event is free. Details: auroraculturalartsdistrict.org or call 720-819-6680.
Grabados y Gustación: Printmaking and Mezcal Workshop — Manos Sagrados
Blending traditional printmaking with cultural education, this workshop offers participants an introduction to “grabados” (printmaking) techniques while sampling an artisan flight of mezcal. Facilitators from the Manos Sagrados creative collective guide guests through creating their own prints from start to finish, interspersed with storytelling about the cultural roots of agave spirits. After the hands-on portion, attendees are invited to linger for music and conversation, making this a perfect blend of creative craft and cultural appreciation.
IF YOU GO: Friday, Jan. 2, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. at Manos Sagrados, 9975 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets for the workshop and mezcal flight options available for $15–$25. Details at www.manossagrados.com or by calling 720-772-6950.
She Bop Performs at Sean’s Tavern — 80s Tribute Night
Local crowd-favorite band She Bop brings its exuberant ‘80s tribute show to Sean’s Tavern for a night that promises big hair, classic pop hits, and nostalgic dance grooves. Expect favorites from Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, The Go-Go’s, and other chart-toppers, with a fun and interactive setlist that invites audience sing-along and impromptu dance breaks. Sean’s Tavern, with its laid-back tavern vibe, live music history, and friendly ambiance, makes for an ideal spot to relive the decade’s iconic sounds while socializing with fellow music lovers.
IF YOU GO: Jan. 10, 8 p.m. at Sean’s Tavern, 10395 E. Iliff Ave. Expect a cover, about $10. Call 303-369-9819.
Bodies of Culture BIPOC Open Mic
This monthly open mic event at Manos Sagrados highlights the artistry of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Hosted by local creatives, the evening provides a platform for poets, musicians, spoken-word artists, and performance makers to share original work that reflects cultural experience, community narratives, and creative experimentation. The format encourages collaboration, community building, and supportive audience engagement in an atmosphere that’s welcoming to both performers and spectators.
IF YOU GO: Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Manos Sagrados, 9975 E. Colfax Ave., The event is free. Details at manossagrados.com or by calling 720-772-6950.
Clavé Jam — Latin Music Jam Night at Manos Sagrados
An evening rooted in rhythm, Clavé Jam invites musicians and dancers of all levels to dive into Afro-Latin beats. Led by a community of performers, the jam session features lively cumbia, chicha, and salsa rhythms, encouraging audience participation on percussion and dance. Whether you bring your own instrument or just bring your feet for dancing, this immersive experience blends musical exploration with cultural celebration under one roof.
IF YOU GO: Jan. 9 at 8:30 p.m. at Manos Sagrados, 9975 E. Colfax Ave. The event is free. Details: Details at manossagrados.com or by calling 720-772-6950.
Classic Film Screening: Citizen Kane
Explore the legacy of one of cinema’s most influential films at this special screening of *Citizen Kane* at the historic Aurora Fox Arts Center. Directed by and starring Orson Welles, the 1941 masterpiece remains a touchstone of narrative innovation, cinematic technique, and cultural commentary. The screening invites both film enthusiasts and curious audiences to appreciate the layered storytelling and rich historical context that continues to resonate nearly a century after its release.
IF YOU GO: Jan. 15, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Aurora Fox Art Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets: $5. Details at aurorafoxartscenter.org or call 303-739-1970
Indoor Snow Tubing at Gaylord Rockies
For those who want mountain thrills without the long drive, this four-lane indoor hill offers unlimited runs on real snow. The attraction is housed within a massive tent at the resort, allowing kids and adults to race each other down the slippery slopes in a controlled, festive environment. Experience our four-lane indoor snow tubing hill, covered in real snow and designed to bring thrilling fun for all ages. Zoom down the lanes, race to the bottom, and enjoy unlimited runs.
IF YOU GO: Daily through Jan. 2 at Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, 6700 Gaylord Rockies Blvd. Tickets from $37. Details at christmasatgaylordrockies.com.
Mindcraft Makerspace Maker Camps
This high-tech winter camp encourages kids to explore modern artistic tools. Participants spend their break engaging in hands-on creativity, using everything from 3D printers and laser cutters to traditional glass-fusing techniques to build complex art pieces. Maker Camps offering hands-on creativity for kids through fused glass art, 3D printing, laser-cut projects, & more.
IF YOU GO: Dec. 22–Jan. 2 at Stanley Marketplace, 2nd floor. Details at www.stanleymarketplace.com.
The Secret World of Elephants
This world-class exhibition at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science uses interactive displays and fossil specimens to show the deep history of these giants. Visitors can learn about how elephants communicate through low-frequency vibrations and see how their ancestors adapted to ancient environments.
Through hands-on interactions, you will feel the low-frequency rumbles elephants use to communicate, explore how they reshape their environments and come face-to-face with some of their ancestors.
IF YOU GO: Daily through Jan. 25 at The Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Details 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: A New Year Art Sale and Closing Reception is slated for Jan. 2, 6 p.m.–9 p.m. Admission is free.
’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
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
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: Through Jan. 11. 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. Tickets $10-$20. Details at botanicgardens.org