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 this weekend.
1. First Friday Art Walks
What: Come and enjoy the local art scene at Denver’s five art districts: Arts District Santa Fe, Golden Triangle Museum District, the Tennyson Street Cultural District and the RiNo Arts District.
Where: Denver Arts Districts (several locations)
When: Monthly on the first Friday of every month, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: Check each district’s website for more information
2. Get lost in the wonder of Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo
What: The Rocky Mountain region’s largest holiday lighting event is coming back for the 28th year to the Mile High City. Brighter than ever, the Denver Zoo's "Zoo Lights" will showcase more than two million lights spread over 70 acres of land.
Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St. in Denver
When: November 30, 2018 through January 6, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: $20 for non-members; $15 for members. There are also special discount nights, with $3 off regular ticket admission.
More info: To learn more about what's new this year as well as to see the full schedule, click here.
3. The Colorado Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker
What: The Colorado Ballet’s acclaimed production of The Nutcracker returns for its 58th year. This classical holiday season ballet will be performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.
Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis Street in Denver
When: Friday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Admission: Varies
More info: https://tickets.coloradoballet.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=4353
4. Immerse yourself in all things “cat” at the Snowcats Cat Convention
What: Come experience all things “cats” including art, music, celebrity meet-and-greets, educational presentations and cat centric vendors from across the world. Not enough? Experience a cat café and bar lounge on site provided by the Denver Cat Company.
Where: EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St. in Denver
When: Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $15, but price varies for meet-and-greets of several renowned cats.
More info: https://www.snowcatsconvention.com/
5. Lighting of Breckenridge
What: Head to the mountains as the town transforms for the holidays. Did we mention you can participate in the Race of the Santas? There will also be a holiday market, a dog parade, a reindeer run, caroling and the Lighting of Breckenridge. You can meet Santa from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Town of Breckenridge, Colo.
When: Saturday, Dec. 8 starting at 3 p.m.
Admission: Free, unless you want to participate in the Race of the Santas, which has an entry cost of $15
More info: https://www.gobreck.com/event/lighting-breckenridge-race-santas/
6. Get in the holiday spirit at the Holiday Chocolate Festival
What: It’s going to be in the mid to upper 40s on Saturday in Colorado Springs, so why not keep warm at the 10th annual Holiday Chocolate Festival? Over 100,000 chocolate samples are the starring attraction, but there will be so much more, including Santa, who will be on site all day for the little ones. There will also be free holiday craft stations and lots of family fun!
Where: Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. in Colorado Springs, Colo.
When: Saturday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $5
More info: http://www.holidaychocolatefestival.com/
7. Annual Tree Lighting at the Little Nell in Aspen
What: This festive, family-friendly event is held in the courtyard at The Little Nell in Aspen. The city will count down together to the exciting tree lighting as you enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, carolers and photo opportunities with none other than Santa Claus. The Aspen Animal Shelter will also be on site with “reindeer” pups.
Where: Town of Aspen, Colo.
When: Sunday, Dec. 9 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.thelittlenell.com/aspen-experience/events/tree-lighting
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@thedenverchannel.com so he can put your event on the list.