Countdown to Christmas

When I was a child, each day that brought us closer to Christmas would ratchet up the excitement level. By the time Christmas eve arrived, my parents were driven crazy. One year my mother decided that we would go out to dinner Christmas eve. She hoped it would occupy our minds and take our thoughts off of Chirstimas Day. With full stomachs, she hoped we would be ready for bed when we got home. Unfortunately, she made the mistake of telling us we could have what ever we wanted at the IHOP. I remember ordering chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream! We three kids were so hopped on sugar there was no way we were going to bed when we got home. I don’t recall my mother making that mistake ever again!

Maybe you are facing a similar issue or looking for something new to do this holiday. Check out this list of events. There is something for everyone.

Olde Golden Christmas

When: Month of December
Where: 1010 Washington Ave., Golden, CO 80401
Price: Free
Website: http://goldenchamber.org/olde-golden-christmas/

From December 1st through December 31st, downtown Golden provides a variety of holiday events including Victorian carolers, light displays, Santa encounters and holiday art markets.

Aspire Tour Holiday Lights

When: December 19th-December 31st, 6:00 p.m-.08:30
Where: Various stops
Price: $69 per person, includes entrance fee to Botanical Gardens

Website: https://aspire-tours.com/tour-details/holiday-lights/

Tour starts at the City and County building, makes a stop at the Christkindl market in downtown Denver, makes a trip through Cherry Creek and fnishes up at Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Blossoms of Light

When: Nov. 24, 2017–Jan. 1, 2018 From: 5:00 PM to 9 PM
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St., Denver, CO 80206
Price: Up to $13
Website: http://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/blossoms-light

This annual family friendly event has become a tradition for many people It features sound reactive animated LED lights, warm drinks and tasty treats

A Christmas Carol

When: Nov. 24–Dec. 24, 2017
Where: The Stage Theatre 1101 13th St., Denver, CO 80204
Price: Varies
Website: https://www.denvercenter.org/shows/specific-series/Get?Id=a76143c3-c746-4154-9294-3ae2b8f0a34c

Sure you could watch this classic on TV but how much more fun it would be to see it in a theatre!

The Santaland Diaries

When: Nov. 24–Dec. 24, 2017
Where: The Jones, Denver Performing Arts Complex 1400 Curtis St., Denver, CO 80204
Price: call for pricing
Website: https://www.denvercenter.org/shows/specific-series/Get?Id=32e1cd00-c20e-414b-acc1-b3157da39e1b

This acclaimed one man show by David Sedris is an offbeat story about Crumpet the Elf. Because of mature language, "The Santaland Diaries" is best enjoyed by adults.

Colorado Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'

When: Nov. 25–Dec. 24, 2017
Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House 1400 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204
Price: Varies - $30, $50, $75, $90, $120, $155
Website: http://coloradoballet.org/performances/the-nutcracker-2017

The classic Christmas story performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchcestra. It features fantastic characters, extraordinary dancing and sets, plus dazzling costumes.

Denver Christkindl Market

When: Nov. 17–Dec. 23, 2017 From: 11:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Where: Skyline Park, Corner of 16th and Arapahoe St.1515 Arapahoe, Denver, CO 80111
Price: Free Entry
Website: http://www.denverchristkindlmarket.com

Featuring vendors from Germany and other countries as well as local artisans, the Christkindl Market offers high-quality, handcrafted gifts such as traditional hand-carved wooden figurines, handmade candles and ornaments. You can also sit and enjoy traditional German food , sip on warm Glühwein (hot spiced wine) as you listen to traditional Christmas carols and live German music.

Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park

When: Nov. 21, 2017–Feb. 14, 2018 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Where: Skyline Park, 16th and Arapahoe, Denver, CO 80202
Price: Free or $6-$8 skate rental.
Website: http://www.downtowndenver.com/

If you’re looking for something more physical try Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park. In addition to skating, the rink also has regularly scheduled entertainment and activities each week including: Friday night DJs; Saturday morning skating lessons; Saturday night concerts; and Sunday afternoon family entertainment.

Denver Pavilions Holiday Carousel

When: Dec. 15, 2017–Jan. 2, 2018 : 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Where: Denver Pavilions 500 16th St., Denver, CO 80202
Price: $3 per ride or Free w/ a voucher from any Denver Pavilions merchant.
Website: http://denverpavilions.com

Throughout December, families can enjoy a magical ride on this beautiful carousel.

A Merry Little Christmas presented by Generations Church

When: Sat, December 23, 2017 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM MST
Where: Generations Church 2246 Irving Street, Denver, CO 80211
Price: Free
Website: http://www.celebratechristmasdenver.com

Sing carols, listen to the Christmas story, enjoy Christmas cookies and hot chocolate and visit the petting zoo.