Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some family friendly events you might enjoy. ‘Tis the season to get out and enjoy the holiday lights and festive celebrations. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in Denver this weekend.
Thursday – Sunday
Denver Christkindl Market
What: Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas in Germany at the annual Denver Christkindl Market. German vendors, as well as local artists, will feature handcrafted items including wood figurines, candles and ornaments. Tempt your taste buds with traditional German food, and sip warm hot spiced wine while listening to Christmas carols and live German music. This international Christmas market is a holiday season must do.
Where: Skyline Park, 16th Street Mall & Arapahoe, Downtown Denver, Colo.
When: Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday –Thursday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Open daily through Dec. 23rd)
Admission: Free
More Information: denverchristkindlmarket.com
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Friday - Sunday
Zoo Lights Opening Weekend
What: Light up your holidays with this annual tradition at the Denver Zoo. Zoo Lights officially opens for the season this weekend. The colorful illuminations will span 70 acres and feature hundreds of animated animal sculptures swinging from the trees, jumping across lawns, hiding in bushes and appearing in places you’d never expect. You can also look forward to live animal demonstrations, nightly entertainment and delicious holiday treats. Take advantage of special value pricing nights, now through Dec. 15th.
Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street, Denver, Colo.
When: Friday and Saturday: 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. (Open nightly through Jan. 1st)
Admission: $13 – Adults; $11 – Seniors; $9 – Kids (3 to 11 years); Kids 2 and under are free (Online and Member discount available.)
More Information: denverzoo.org
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Friday - Saturday
WinterFest on South Pearl Street
What: Get into the holiday spirit along Denver’s Old South Pearl Street. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride and browse the open air holiday market filled with gift and food vendors. Plus live music, hot chocolate and cider, roasted chestnuts, and visits with Santa.
Where: 1500 Block of South Pearl Street, Denver, Colo.
When: Friday: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free (Food and drink available for purchase.)
More Information: southpearlstreet.com
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Friday - Saturday
Lakewood Lights
What: Thousands of twinkling lights will be illuminated this weekend at the Lakewood Heritage Center’s annual holiday lighting celebration. Enjoy free family-friendly activities like museum tours, tractor pulled hay-wagon rides, ornament decorating, live music, holiday treats and more. Be sure kids come with their wish list to share with Santa.
Where: Lakewood Heritage Center, 801 S. Yarrow Street, Lakewood, Colo.
When: Friday and Saturday: 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
More Information: lakewood.org
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Saturday
Olde Golden Christmas Parade
What: Where can you see Santa zoom around in his sidecar motorcycle or cheer on the elves as they zip past on unicycles? At the Olde Golden Christmas Parade of course. This old-fashioned holiday parade will quickly become a favorite family holiday tradition. With cowboys on horses, floats, marching bands, carolers, antique cars and more, this parade is bursting with Colorado charm and authentic holiday spirit. And better yet, it happens every Saturday through December 17th.
Where: Historic Downtown Golden, along Washington Avenue, Golden, Colo.
When: Saturday: 10:30 a.m. (Each Saturday through Dec. 17th)
Admission: Free
More Information: visitgolden.com
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Saturday
A Colorado Christmas
What: Come learn how early Denver settlers celebrated the holiday season. Nibble on freshly made sugarplums, chestnuts roasted over an open fire and cookies baked in a wood burning stove. Kids will enjoy arts and crafts, games, storytelling and decorating the tree. And the whole family can huddle together for a horse-drawn wagon ride and sing along with carolers. (Additional fee for wagon rides and refreshments.)
Where: Four Mile Historic Park, 715 South Forest Street, Denver, Colo.
When: Saturday: 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: $5 – Adults; $3 – Kids (3 to 17 years); Members and Kids 2 and under are free.
More Information: fourmilepark.org
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Saturday
Lights of December Parade
What: Illuminated floats, marching bands, decorated fire engines, holiday carolers, plus a special appearance from Santa himself. It’s everything you could want from a holiday light parade, minus the crowds and traffic congestion. Downtown Boulder will be a great place to spend the evening enjoying the holiday festivities.
Where: Downtown Boulder, Starting at 15th and Walnut, Boulder, Colo.
When: Saturday: 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
More Information: boulderdowntown.com
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If you have a future event that you want featured in our 7 Best Things To Do This Weekend article, send an email to carrie.ripes@kmgh.com.