AURORA | You’ve probably heard the rumors for years. Now’s your chance to check it out for yourself what the big deal is about Santa’s Big Red Sack. You may gather right off the bat why this local show has for more than 20 year been billed as the holiday event of the season you probably shouldn’t bring the whole family to. Funny, edgy and unforgettable, this long-running sketch show says this will be the final season, only at the People’s Building in Aurora.
Worry, not, family types, scroll down the list for a nearly endless assortment of holiday and non-holiday events that everyone in the family will enjoy with nary an awkward moment.
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.
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 event opens with a festive reception Dec. 5, from 4p.m.–9 p.m., featuring a book signing with Sabe S. Kemer for her children’s book “Oh to Touch the Sky.” illustrated by DAVA student Lelli Tenane.
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.
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/
Meow Wolf Denver – Immersive Art Experience
Explore “Convergence Station,” a multi-level, immersive art installation where rooms, portals, and interactive environments collide. Live performance, visual storytelling, and audio surprises await.
IF YOU GO: Nightly at Meow Wolf, 1338 First St. Tickets $48–$58 at meowwolf.com.
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
Festival of Wreaths at Aurora History Museum
The holiday season begins early with the Festival of Wreaths, a long-running fundraiser and art showcase at the Aurora History Museum. Local businesses, artists and organizations design and donate creative wreaths that are displayed throughout the museum. Visitors can vote for their favorites and bid in an online auction, with proceeds funding the museum’s internship program. The display offers a festive blend of art, tradition and community goodwill.
IF YOU GO: Through Dec. 5, during museum hours. Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway. Admission is free. Details at auroragov.org/wreaths
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
Dan Rodriguez Christmas Concert
Soulful, warm, and heartfelt — local favorite Dan Rodriguez returns to Aurora Center for the Arts for a night of holiday music, original songs, and festive charm.
IF YOU GO: Dec. 6, 7 p.m.–9 p.m., Aurora Center for the Arts. 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets: $20. Details at aurorafoxartscenter.org
2025 Holiday Celebration – Music from The Nutcracker with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra
The Aurora Symphony Orchestra presents a family-friendly holiday concert featuring favorite movements from The Nutcracker, such as “Dance of the Flowers” and “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies.” In addition, the program calls for Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” and Valerie Coleman’s Umoja: Anthem of Unity, which brings in themes of heritage and community. The event also includes a silent auction of donated items from local businesses benefiting the Aurora Symphony Orchestra.
IF YOU GO: Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., Gateway High School Auditorium, 1300 S. Sable Blvd, Aurora. Tickets: $22.13 (adult), $11.63 for seniors, first responders and others, free for students & children under 18. Details at aurorasymphony.org