DENVER – Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some fun events you might enjoy. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in the Denver metro area and beyond this weekend.
1. Welcome the holidays in Denver at the Grand Illumination of Union Station
What: Come join the Denver7 Morning team on Friday as we ring in the holiday season with the 2019 Grand Illumination at Union Station in downtown Denver. An iconic holiday tradition, this ceremonious lighting of the building and its 40-foot-tall Plaza Christmas tree features a vintage holiday performance by The Denver Dolls, holiday jingles by The Denver Bronze and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Entertainment will take place from 5-8 p.m. with the lighting taking place at approximately 6:15 p.m.
Where: Denver’s Union Station
When: Friday, Nov. 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: Learn more about this annual Denver holiday tradition here.
2. Get lost in the wild wonderland of Denver Zoo Lights
What: For 29 years, the public has enjoyed Zoo Lights — an annual event where the Denver Zoo transforms into a wild wonderland full of more than two million lights. This year, Zoo Lights will feature a hula hoop dance party, a train sing-along, animal demonstrations and zookeeper talks, ice carving artisans, and a holiday shopping bazaar. Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson will emcee the lighting ceremony!
When: Friday, Nov. 29 through Monday, Dec. 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street in Denver
Admission: $15-$20
More info: https://www.denverzoo.org/events/zoolights/
3. Get in the holiday spirit at Loveland Winter Wonderlights
What: Walk through Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra and enjoy 80,000 lights including holiday string lights, twinkling bulbs, LED mappable snowflakes, illuminated African stone sculptures and 30-minute music and light shows every night. The light and music show features six total songs and moving lights on the 20-foot tall LED mappable Christmas Tree. This weekend enjoy the largest inflatable igloo in Colorado as well as local vendors during Winter Wonderlights Live.
Where: Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, Sky Pond Drive in Loveland, Colo.
When: Now until January 1, 2020
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.visitlovelandco.org/winterwonderlights/
4. The best Black Friday deal? Free entrance to all Colorado State Parks
What: Why get in line at a major retail store when you can go out and enjoy the natural beauty of our state this Black Friday? That’s what Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials are hoping you do a day after Thanksgiving, which is why they’re getting rid of admission prices at all 41 Colorado state parks this Friday.
Where: Colorado’s State Parks; find the closest to you here.
When: Friday, Nov. 29
Admission: Free of admission
More info: Learn more about Fresh Air Friday here.
5. Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at their village in Chatfield Farms
What: Come to Chatfield Farms to meet Mrs. Claus, Santa and his reindeer while walking through colorful holiday lights that illuminate the night.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms, 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Road in Littleton
When: Friday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays: Nov. 29 – Dec. 15; Open nightly: Dec. 16-22 (Daytime hours close early at 3 p.m. during Santa's Village)
Admission: $20 Adult, Child (ages 3-15); $15 Member Adult or Child; $15 Senior (65+), Military; Free for children 2 or younger
More info: https://www.botanicgardens.org
6. Witness an American holiday tradition with the Boulder Ballet
What: Join the Boulder Ballet as they take you through the magical world of “The Nutcracker,” which tells the story of a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve to wage battle against the evil Mouse King.
Where: Macky Auditorium Concert Hall, 0285, 1595 Pleasant St. in Boulder, Colo.
When: Friday, Nov. 29 at 2 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.
Admission: $15-$87; buy tickets here.
More info: https://boulderballet.org/performances/
7. Fresh snow has fallen in southwestern Colorado. Time to shred some fresh powder at Purgatory Resort
What: Southwestern Colorado got dumped with a lot of snow this past week, so what better excuse to head down there to shred some fresh powder? Purgatory Resort is where you’ll definitely want to be! Here’s what you can expect for Thanksgiving weekend skiing and snowboarding: http://bit.ly/2OP3swW.
Where: Purgatory Resort, 1 Skier Pl. in Durango, Colo.
When: Now through spring of 2020
Admission: Varies
More info: https://www.purgatoryresort.com/
Looking for more? Check out these other fun events:
Sip, shop and savor the season at the Denver Christkindl Market
What: Get ready to welcome the holidays with a traditional European market in the heart of Downtown Denver! Prepare to enjoy authentic Glühwein (mulled spiced wine), Bavarian-style Biers, European coffee, hot chocolate, or liqueur while wandering through the Market shopping for unique, finely crafted artisan gifts and holiday treats sold by local Coloradan, European and international merchants in charming wooden huts. You’ll also be able to snap a selfie with St. Nikolaus, Krampus and the Christkind herself.
Where: Skyline Park, 16th St. Mall and Arapahoe St. in downtown Denver
When: Now through Monday, Dec. 23, 2019
Admission: Free
More info: Learn more about the Christkindl Market here.
Surround yourself with holiday cheer in Morrison for “Christmas in Color”
What: Immerse yourself in holiday cheer and watch in awe as 1.5 million Christmas lights dance around you to some of your favorite holiday tunes. The drive-through family-friendly event is sure to become a favorite Christmas tradition.
Where: Bandimere Speedway, 3051 South Rooney Road in Morrison, Colo.
When: Friday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Admission: $27 per vehicle
More info: https://www.christmasincolor.net
Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens
What: The flowers and plants at the Denver Botanic Gardens may be dormant in the winter months during the day, but at night during the holiday season, the Gardens come alive for the Blossom of Lights! Blossoms of Light features an interactive light display with a large field of sound-reactive animated LED lights. The frozen ponds reflected beautiful colors throughout the grounds. Visitors could escape the cold with hot chocolate, snacks and other hot beverage options.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street in Denver
When: Friday, Nov. 29, 2019 through Friday, Jan. 3, 2020 (includes Dec. 24, 25 & 31) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: $18-$21 for non-members
More info: https://www.botanicgardens.org/
Oh, hey there! We see you've made it to the bottom of the article - that's awesome! The Pepsi Center in downtown Denver is more than the home of the Nuggets and Avalanche. The venue, opened in 1999, hosts over 250 events — making it a Mile High Must!
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@thedenverchannel.com at least a week ahead of the event and make sure to title it "7 best things to do" so he can put your event on the list.