Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some family friendly events you might enjoy. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in Denver this weekend.
Friday - Sunday
Holiday Food and Gift Festival
What: With over 100,000 square feet of shopping, it’s no wonder people come from all over to complete their gift list at this annual event. Over 400 exhibitors will be on hand featuring art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, wood, music, photography, toys, holiday décor and more. Sample and purchase from a wide array of gourmet foods. Plus, no holiday festival is complete without a visit from Santa. Bring the kids so they can share their wish lists.
Where: Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, Denver, Colo.
When: Friday: 10 a.m-9 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: $14 – Adults; $12 – Seniors and Kids (13-17 years); Kids 12 years and under are free. (Discount coupon available online.)
More Information: hfgf.com
--------------
Friday – Sunday
Denver Christkindl Market
What: Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas in Germany at the annual Denver Christkindl Market, which opens for the season this Friday. 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
--------------
Friday – Sunday
Celestial Seasonings Factory Tour
What: Did you know you can tour Colorado’s very own Celestial Seasonings Factory for free? Factory tours run every hour Monday through Sunday. And every tour includes a whiff of the Mint Room, guaranteed to clear any stuffy nose. Afterwards, be sure to visit the sampling bar with over 100 kinds of tea to taste. Note that kids must be at least 5 years old to tour the factory floor.
Where: Celestial Seasonings, 4600 Sleepytime Drive, Boulder, Colo.
When: Mondays – Saturdays: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sundays: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: Free
More Information: celestialseasonings.com
----------------
Friday - Sunday
Holiday Art Market
What: If you are looking for a unique holiday gift, this annual event is the venue for you. Featuring fabulous fine art and crafts made in Colorado, the marketplace will be filled with over 100 local artists offering items from ceramics, fiber, glass, and jewelry to paintings, woodworking, photography and more.
Where: Foothills Art Center, 809 15th Street, Golden, Colo.
When: Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday: 12 p.m.-5 p.m. (Open daily through Dec. 30th)
Admission: Free
More Information: foothillsartcenter.org
--------------
Saturday
Lighting of the Star
What: An annual community event dating back to 1936. Experience the spirit of community that exists in Castle Rock, as businesses and residents celebrate the annual Star lighting. This year’s celebration will include live entertainment, hot chocolate, vendor booths, and of course, a visit from Santa himself. A fireworks show will follow the lighting ceremony.
Where: Historic Wilcox Square, Downtown Castle Rock, Colo.
When: Saturday: 2 p.m.-7 p.m. (Lighting ceremony will start at 5 p.m.)
Admission: Free
More Information: castlerockculture.com
-----------
Saturday
Centennial Holiday Lighting Celebration
What: Get into the holiday spirit at Centennial’s annual holiday concert and tree lighting celebration. Featuring local elementary school choirs, as well as the Denver Ballet Theatre Academy who will perform portions of The Nutcracker. Plus, kids can visit with Santa and enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate, all before the grand finale tree lighting.
Where: Centennial Center Park, 13050 E. Peakview Avenue, Centennial, Colo.
When: Saturday: 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: Free
More Information: centennialco.gov
---------------
Sunday
Switch on the Holidays
What: Help count down to the grand illumination of the Boulder County Courthouse and the Pearl Street Mall. Enjoy holiday music performed by the Boulder Chorale. The kids will want to stick around after the lighting ceremony to visit with Santa.
Where: 1300 Block of Pearl Street, Downtown Boulder, Colo.
When: Sunday: 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: Free
More Information: boulderdowntown.com
-----------------
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.