DENVER -- 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 the Denver metro area this weekend.
1. One more weekend of Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo
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 weekend is one of your last chances to check out this year's display!
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/
2. It's also the last weekend of Blossoms of Light at 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.
When: Nov. 29 through Jan. 3, 2020 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street
Admission: $16-$19
More info: https://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/blossoms-light
3. Ice Castles returns to Dillon and opens this Saturday
What: Ice Castles is a frozen attraction — now in its third year in Dillon — created by professional ice artists who build structures using hundreds of thousands of icicles.
When: Daily, beginning at noon (hours and dates very based on weather conditions)
Where: Dillon Town Park, 120 Buffalo St.
Admission: Adult tickets cost between $17-$21 for general admission
More info: https://icecastles.com/colorado
4. Soak up some more holiday cheer in Morrison at “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, 2019 through Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Admission: $27 per vehicle
More info: https://www.christmasincolor.net/
5. Celebrate African heritage at the Denver Public Library's Kwanzaa celebration
What: Kwanzaa, a weeklong celebration honoring African heritage, begins Dec. 26 and the Denver Public Library is holding an event Friday to highlight Kujichagulia (self-determination), the second principle of Kwanzaa.
When: Friday, Dec. 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Central Library, 10 W. 14th Ave. in Denver
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.denverlibrary.org/event/kwanzaa-kujichagulia-selfdetermination
6. Take in the holiday lights at Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra in Loveland
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.
Where: Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, Sky Pond Drive in Loveland, Colo.
When: Now until January 1, 2020
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.visitlovelandco.org/winterwonderlights/
7. Take in one of the last performances of the Colorado Ballet's production of 'The Nutcracker'
What: This is the 59th year of the Colorado Ballet's production of the Christmas classic 'The Nutcracker.' The ballet says it sells out every year, so be sure to check if there are any tickets available for the date and time you're interested in.
When: Friday, Dec. 27 to Sunday, Dec. 29
Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St., Denver
Admission: Tickets start at $40
More info: https://www.coloradoballet.org/performances/the-nutcracker
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@thedenverchannel.com or newstips@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.