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. Denver Zoo’s 27th annual Zoo Lights is coming next week
What: Zoo Lights is coming back to the Denver Zoo this holiday season and it’s going to be full of surprises. More than 130 animated animal sculptures will swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places when they’re least expected. For the first time this year, guests will be able to control some of those sculptures at interactive stations at the Zoo’s Giraffe Meadows area. Other festivities include a chance to meet Santa Claus, live animal demonstrations, carolers, holiday treats and warming stations.
When: December 1 through December 31, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Preview weekend on Nov. 24 and Nov. 25, right after Thanksgiving.
Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street in Denver
Admission: Varies
More info: https://www.denverzoo.org/zoolights2017
2. Sip, Shop and savor the holiday season at the Denver Christkindl Market
What: The 17th annual Christkindl Market is coming back for another year of holiday fun at the 16th Street Mall. Sip on authentic Gluhwein (mulled spiced wine), or Bavarian style beer as you wander through the market and enjoy the opportunity to purchase finely crafted artisan gifts and holiday treats by Coloradan, European and international merchants in charming wooden huts
When: Friday, Nov. 17, 2017 through Friday, December 23, 2017
Where: Skyline Park on the 16th Street Mall and Arapahoe Street
Admission: Free
More info: http://www.denverchristkindlmarket.com/
3. Take advantage of the Denver Public Library’s Winter Used Book Sale
What: If you’re preparing to stay indoors during the winter months, why not get new literature from the Denver Public Library? Take advantage of the Winter Used Book Sale happening over the weekend. More than 35,000 used books will be up for grabs!
When: Wednesday, Nov. 15 through Saturday, November 18, 2017
Where: Denver Public Library – Central Branch, 10 West 14th Avenue Parkway
Admission: Free
More info: http://www.dplfriends.org/used_books/
4. See You Later, North Building party at Denver Art Museum
What: To celebrate the passing of Denver’s General Obligation Bond measure 2B, which will help the Denver Art Museum renovate the north building, the museum will be hosting a “See You Later, North Building” party that will include unique tours, arts and crafts and performances that will celebrate the museum’s collections.
When: Sunday, November 19, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway in Denver
Admission: Free
More info: http://denverartmuseum.org/calendar/see-you-later-north-building
5. Hammond’s Candy Factory Tour
What: Did you know that you can take a free tour of Colorado’s very own Hammond’s Candy Factory? Tours run every half-hour Monday through Saturday. Watch candy makers as they hand-pull and twist oversize candy canes, ribbon candy, lollipops and chocolate. It’s educational fun for candy lovers of all ages. And bonus, every tour guest gets a free candy sample.
Where: Hammond’s Candies, 5735 N. Washington Street, Denver, Colo.
When: Mondays – Fridays: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Saturdays: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Closed Sundays)
Admission: Free
More Information: hammondscandies.com
6. Celestial Seasons 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.
When: Mondays – Saturdays: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sundays: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Celestial Seasonings, 4600 Sleepytime Drive, Boulder, Colo.
Admission: Free
More info: celestialseasonings.com
7. Coors Brewery Tours
What: Coors has been making beer in Golden, Colo., since the 1870s. The brewery experience includes a 30-minute self-paced tour highlighting the malting, brewing and packaging processes.
Where: Ford Street, Golden, CO
When: Weekly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Weekly on Sunday from noon – 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: http://visitgolden.com/coors-brewery/
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@kmgh.com so he can put your event on the list.