Thanksgiving Weekend kicks off the Denver Holiday Season

Thanksgiving Weekend kicks off the Denver Holiday Season-

Thanksgiving is not only a celebration of gratitude, but traditionally marks the beginning of the Winter Holiday Season.  Denver comes alive with Holiday Festivals, lights, parades, Santa Claus and traditional and off-beat Holiday performances. May your spirits soar as you discover all the festive Holiday activities the Mile High City has to offer.

 

Lighting Festivals:

The Grand Illumination – Friday, November 28th – Watch in awe at this much anticipated annual event where a brilliant light display travels from the newly renovated Union Station up the 16th Street Mall to Civic Center Park and ends at the City and County Building.   Festivities start at Union Station at 6pm where you can enjoy music and refreshments before the countdown and final lighting of this historic building at 6:30 pm.  Union Station will be ablaze with colored flood lights and the tree out front will twinkle bright and lead all on a lighting of the trees up 16th Street Mall to the City and County Building where this Neoclassical Beaux Arts Building will be highlighted in all its historic glory with colorful flood lights, transforming it into a site to see throughout the Holiday Season.  Festivities at Civic Center Park will begin at 6 pm and end at 7 pm.  For more information click HERE.

Candlelight Walk  – Friday, November 28th – This Littleton tradition is a festive evening of holiday lights and music for the whole family. Starting at 6:30 pm, Santa Claus and his sleigh will travel down Main Street, magically illuminating more than one million lights in the trees as he passes each block.  At the end of Main Street, Santa will draw the name of one lucky child to help him throw the switch on the big Christmas Tree in the plaza. After the lighting of Downtown Littleton, Santa will be available at the Town Hall Arts Center  to listen to the first wishes of the season and for photo opportunities.  Sip hot cider, listen to holiday music and enjoy the spirit of the season. Donations of non-perishable food and toys will gladly be collected at the event to donate to local charities. Downtown Merchants will be open late for those who wish to get a head start on their holiday shopping.  

A Hudson Christmas – November 28th – January 3rd – Just up the road from Downtown Littleton, is the beautiful Hudson Gardens that transform into a Winter Wonderland, with over 100,000 lights shining the way through paths with dancing trees and a dazzling crystal lake.  Visits with Santa, and a candy land adventure await!  Hudson Lights are available for viewing on select dates from 5 pm – 8:30 pm.  For more information, please visit their Calendar.

Holiday Lighting @ Little Man Ice Cream – November 29th – 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm.  Located in the heart of the Lower Highlands neighborhood, this charming and popular Ice Cream Shop will host a tree lighting celebration in the plaza complete with Santa and his reindeer, caroling, hayrides, roasted chestnuts, free food and more.  Afterwards, visit many of the great restaurants and shops that are located in the trendy urban neighborhood.  For more information click HERE.

Blossoms of Light – December 5th – January 1st – 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm.  Walk through the Botanic Gardens and witness its transformation into a magical winter scape where lights thoughtfully drape through winter foliage and line walkways.  Enjoy new installations and the always anticipated HoloSpex glasses.   Also visit Chatfield’s Trail of Lights – where there are different lighted paths to choose from, a children’s play area, and free hayrides.  For more information, visit: http://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/all-is-bright.

Denver Zoo Lights – December 5th – January 4th – 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm.  Experience a Holiday Safari as you wander through more than 38 acres covered in brilliantly illuminated lights, featuring more than 150 animated animal sculptures.  Visit Santa at the North Pole and listen to choirs perform on various stages throughout the zoo.  Bundle up, sip on Hot Chocolate and enjoy the season.  For more information, click HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Theater:

The Santa Land Diaries – November 28th – December 24th, Denver Center for the Performing Arts – David Sedaris’ off-beat tales from his stint as a Macy’s elf in New York City is the sure cure for the common Christmas show.  This one man show is 90 minutes long.  For more information or to purchase tickets, click HERE.

A Christmas Carol – November 28th – December 28th – DCPA’s The Stage Theater – This essential Holiday Classic is a joyous musical adaptation that traces money-hoarding Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption. According to  The Examiner, A Christmas Carol promises to “warm your heart and renew your holiday spirit”.  The play length is 2 hours and 10 minutes.  For show times and ticket information, click HERE.

Santa’s Big Red Sack – The holiday show you shouldn’t bring your kids to – November 28th – December 21st – Avenue Theater, 417 E. 17th Ave. – Witty, raunchy and relentless are words used to describe this adult only Holiday performance that has “graced” Denver for six straight years at the Avenue Theater.  If you are looking for some good laughs and non-traditional holiday entertainment, than this is the show for you.  Anyone who wears an ugly Christmas Sweater on opening weekend will receive a gift bag.  For more information or to purchase tickets, click HERE.

The Nutcracker – November 29th – December 27th, Ellie Caulkins Opera House – Colorado Ballet presents the 54th annual production of The Nutcracker featuring unforgettable characters, dazzling costumes, onstage blizzards, timeless choreography and Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary arrangement performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.  Bring the whole family to enjoy this timeless and magical performance. For more information or to purchase tickets, click HERE.

 

 

 

Children’s Activities:

The Ice Palace and Santa – Now through December 24th – Cherry Creek Shopping Center – Inspired by the Disney Movie Frozen, the Ice Palace is an interactive display with a 30 foot Ice Palace and falling snow.  Children get to see their favorite Frozen characters Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven, as clips from the movie play throughout the display.  Feel your hands get icy cold at  at The Icy Hand Print experience, and get your picture taken with a plush Olaf at the Ice Throne.  End your magical journey at the Ice Palace with a visit to Santa and a special Disney Frozen Look-and-Find book!  For more information, click HERE.

The Polar Express Train – Now – December 28th, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – For the first time in the history of the Colorado Railroad Museum, the story of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ is being theatrically re-created for you and your family.  Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. May this journey renew your sense of magic and wonder and may you leave filled with the spirit of the holiday.  For more information or to purchase tickets, click HERE.

Parade of Lights – Friday, December 5 at 8 pm and Saturday, December 6 at 6 pm. Don’t miss the 40th Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights. This two-mile parade route through Downtown Denver is the stage for Colorado’s brightest holiday tradition. The FREE holiday spectacular features marching bands, ornate floats, floating balloons, and  a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa Claus.  Spectator viewing is free along the parade route, and grand stand seating in front of the City and County Building is available for purchase on a first come, first served basis. Bundle up and bring your hot chocolate to enjoy this fabulous and fun Holiday event.  For more information, click HERE.

 

 

We at Vintage Homes of Denver hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  We are grateful for all of you who have placed your trust in us over the years!  For information about Denver area Real Estate, please contact Jesse Sehlmeyer at 303-564-2245.