ON THE AGENDA Family fun, concerts, art exhibits, holiday entertainment and more.

Through December

TATTERED COVER + KIDS POP-UP SHOP

Colorado’s largest independent bookstore has its first-ever pop-up shop at Park Meadows. The seasonal destination features gifts for kids and the whole family, with a collection of the hottest and most beloved books for readers of all ages and an expertly curated selection of gifts. PARK MEADOWS, tatteredcover.com

Nov. 6 – Dec. 23

OF CHAOS AND ORDER

Of Chaos and Order Art Collective (OCAO) was launched in 2019 by Richard Rodriguez, Elizabeth Rouland, Dan Oakleaf, Sascha Ripps, and Kevin Weckbach. In their debut exhibition, the group grapples with Lessons from Chaos. In a show initially planned to explore the visual idea of “Equalization”—working with repeated patterns and textures to find order—the group expanded the project to mark their journey through the chaos wrought by COVID-19 and a year in lockdown. THE CURTIS CENTER FOR THE ARTS, greenwoodvillage.com

Nov. 6 – Dec. 23

THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE

The story of The Polar Express is theatrically re-created and combined with a magical train ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Children get to meet Santa and experience all the sights and sounds of this classic tale as if happening all around them. This year, a whole host of carefully crafted updates have been made to ensure the health and safety of guests, cast and crew, so put on your pajamas and your most fashionable mask and bring the family to enjoy sharing hot cocoa and cookies as the “Hot, Hot, Hot—Chocolate” song and dance unfolds before your eyes. COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM, Golden, coloradorailroadmuseum.org

Nov. 6 – Dec. 31

CHERRY CREEK NORTH WINTER WANDERLAND

Wander the 16-block Cherry Creek North neighborhood—bedecked with more than a half-million twinkling lights wrapping 600+ trees—in search of eight musical trees elaborately decorated with long hanging strands of lights in motion. New this year, an interactive art installation, “domino effect” by Creos, will feature 120 brightly colored dominos, each with its own sound profile. CHERRY CREEK NORTH, Denver, cherrycreeknorth.com

Nov. 7

AFTERNOON TEA AT THE CASTLE

You’ll be treated like royalty when you attend Tea at the Cherokee Ranch Castle, featuring scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches and divine pastries. Plus, a curated tour of the castle will complete your royal experience. CHEROKEE RANCH CASTLE, cherokeeranch.org

Nov. 12

THE FINEST HOUR

A celebration of the music at the end of the Second World War, when European jazz, Western swing, blues and pop energized dance halls and radio waves throughout the country. LONE TREE ARTS CENTER, lonetreeartscenter.org/shows

Nov. 12-14

MILE HIGH HOLIDAY MART

Presented by the Junior League of Denver, this premier holiday show has been a fall tradition for more than four decades. All proceeds from this unique and exclusive shopping experience support the League’s Mission of developing the potential of women, as well as its community focus of improving literacy rates and providing access to books for children through the third grade in the Denver metro area. GATES FIELD HOUSE, UNIVERSITY OF DENVER, jld.org

Nov. 19 – Jan. 8, 2022

BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT

Denver Botanic Gardens is proud to host Blossoms of Light, an annual family-friendly event that has become a tradition for people across Colorado. Come interact with incredible light displays — a large field of sound-reactive, animated LED lights — plus sip warm drinks and nibble on tasty treats as you stroll. Prepurchased timed tickets and masks covering the face and nose are required. DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS, botanicgardens.org

PHOTO: COURTESY DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS VIA FACEBOOK

Nov. 14 – March 13, 2022

WHISTLER TO CASSATT: AMERICAN PAINTERS IN FRANCE

See more than 100 paintings made between 1855 and 1913 in the first comprehensive examination of France’s stylistic impact on American painting of the period. From academic training in Paris to exploration of the countryside landscape, Whistler to Cassatt reveals both the visual and conceptual influences of France on American painters in the 19th and early 20th century. DENVER ART MUSEUM, denverartmuseum.org

Nov. 18 – Dec. 24

CHERRY CREEK NORTH HOLIDAY MARKET

The Cherry Creek North Holiday Market at Fillmore Plaza features 30 local artisan vendors, live music and festive drinks and décor. CHERRY CREEK NORTH, Denver, cherrycreeknorth.com

Nov. 19 – Jan. 1, 2022

THE MILE HIGH TREE

Join in the free festivities at this festive holiday attraction, the Mile High Tree. It’s a brilliantly lit, 110-foot-tall immersive art installation that provides a dazzling lightsand-music show. 16TH STREET MALL, Denver, denver.org milehighholidays/tree

LIGHTING OF THE STAR

The lighting of the star has been a community event shared by residents dating back to 1936. The same spirit of volunteerism, generosity and love of tradition exists today as Castle Rock businesses and residents prepare to celebrate Star lighting in Downtown Castle Rock this year. CASTLE ROCK, crgov.com

Nov. 25

MILE HIGH UNITED WAY TURKEY TROT

For more than 45 years, the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot has been a Thanksgiving tradition drawing thousands of people to complete a four-mile run/walk to support our community. WASHINGTON PARK, Denver, unitedwaydenver.org/turkey-trot

Nov. 19 – Dec. 29

CHRISTKINDL MARKET

This outdoor event brings the most beloved elements of an authentic German holiday experience to The Mile High City. Stroll through a European village decorated for the holiday season as you shop for finely crafted artisan gifts and treats at charming wooden huts. Fuel your shopping with authentic Glühwein (mulled spiced wine), German Biers and hot chocolate, and nosh on Bavarian-style pretzels, fresh smoked salmon, Knödel, Goulasch, Nürnberger Sausages, pastries, caramels and European chocolates. CIVIC CENTER PARK, Denver, christkindlmarketdenver.com

PHOTO: ADAMS VISCOM, COURTESY DCPA

Nov. 19 – Dec. 26

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Essential to the holiday season in Denver, A Christmas Carol is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation that traces moneyhoarding curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption. WOLF THEATRE, denvercenter.org

TRAIL OF LIGHTS

Stroll through the Colorado countryside along a winding path glistening with lights. Features this year include a three-sided light tunnel, illuminated antique and model tractors, a children’s play area and warm holiday food and drink. Visitors must purchase a ticket online for a specific day and time. CHATFIELD FARMS, Littleton, botanicgardens.org

Nov. 27

AT LAST – A TRIBUTE TO ETTA JAMES

In collaboration with the Etta James Estate, the Colorado Symphony is celebrating Etta James’ iconic album, “At Last!,” with a special concert for the blues and soul legend. BOETTCHER CONCERT HALL, Denver, coloradosymphony.org

Nov. 26 – Dec. 19

APRÈS SKI HOLIDAY MARKET

Held in the Dairy Block Alley and inspired by a European ski village, the weekend Après Ski Holiday Market will feature a wide variety of vendors offering clothing, home goods and more, representing both local Colorado businesses and top national retailers. Shoppers can also enjoy food and drink specials and a robust lineup of holiday entertainment, including performances by the Jingle Belles and visits from Santa Claus. DAIRY BLOCK, Denver, dairyblock.com/events

there’s more ➼

CRITIC

The party was months ago, yet the memory of that night lingers still. Unfortunately, it lingers in the form of a wine stain one overly enthusiastic guest left on the de Kooning. Not quite the type of abstraction the artist had in mind.

We believe in originals. That’s why Denver Agency stands ready with the expertise and resources required to swiftly restore or replace your prized pieces.

A CERTAIN KIND OF INSURANCE, FOR A CERTAIN KIND OF LIFE.

Katy Hyman Roth katy@denveragency.com 303.892.6900

Joy in a Gift.

Nov. 27 – Dec. 24

COLORADO BALLET PRESENTS ‘THE NUTCRACKER’

The beloved holiday favorite returns in a dazzling production like no one’s ever seen, featuring all-new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet. A sellout every year, this magical tale of Clara, the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is going to be dreamier than ever. ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE, Denver, coloradoballet.org

Nov. 27 – Dec. 31

A STORYBOOK HOLIDAY IN EVERGREEN

See classic Christmas Stories depicted in ice! The mountain community of Evergreen is “hiding” ice sculptures around town and Santa is flying in from the North Pole to do some special readings. EVERGREEN, evergreenchamber.org

Nov. 28

FAROLITO LIGHTING & PINECONE CEREMONY

Welcome the holiday season as the early settlers did. Feel the warmth and watch as pinecones are tossed into the courtyard fire, sending good thoughts and prayers into the night sky. Sing along to Christmas carols from the 1830s and 1840s with music students from the Colorado School of Mines and other strolling musicians. Enjoy Mexican hot chocolate, hot cider and traditional biscochitos. THE FORT RESTAURANT, Morrison, thefort.com

Nov. 28

DRUMS OF THE WORLD

Marimba, bongos, bass drums, woodblocks, log drums, boo-bams, Chinese cymbals, metal trash cans, darabukkas, talking drums, plastic pipe, acoustic guitar, toy trumpet, tablespoons, Burma gongs, water can, crow call, tambourine, gankogui and sleigh bells! These are just some of the percussion instruments that the virtuoso percussionists of your Colorado Symphony will be using in this dynamic concert that is fun for the entire family. BOETTCHER CONCERT HALL, Denver, coloradosymphony.org

A BARBERSHOP EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER.

book now!

303.224.9933 | 8000 E BELLEVIEW AVE

OF SKY AND GROUND: YOSHITOMO SAITO

Yoshitomo Saito’s cast-bronze works capture and celebrate the elegant lines and subtle details of nature. From smaller seed pods to the arch of a branch, his compositions reinterpret organic forms to encourage contemplation. DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS, botanicgardens.org

Dec. 28

A FACE CHRISTMAS

Ring in the holidays with a fabulous, fun, festive holiday concert by the amazing all-vocal rock band Face! It’s a wonderful night out for the whole family and it’ll have your elf shoes tapping and your jingle bells ringing with the joy of the season. The band — using only their voices — meld popular tunes, complex harmonies, beat-box rhythms and more into captivating concert performances. LONE TREE ARTS CENTER, lonetreeartscenter.org/shows

Through Dec. 1

BIRDLY VIRTUAL REALTY EXPERIENCE

Visually immersed through a head-mounted VR display, fliers are enveloped in a high-resolution Jurassic-era virtual landscape charged with interactive zones and entertaining surprises. The result of Birdly’s precise sensory-motor coupling — including headwind simulation, 3D audio and visual impact — is absolute exhilaration! DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE, dmns.org

Through Dec. 31

THE MUSEUM FOR BLACK GIRLS

“Black Girl Magic” is more than a buzzword or trend. It’s the essence of Black women. The Museum for Black Girls is a space to celebrate this essence, as well as educate about the journey to the present state and liberation. Finally, and most importantly, the museum serves as a love letter to Black women and their experience. This interactive pop-up gallery features multiple, vibrant exhibits. POP-UP MUSEUM at 1421 26th Street, Denver, themuseumforblackgirls.com

Through Dec. 31

EARTH ILLUMINATED

Explore a series of immersive environments and large-scale interactive art installations that change the way you experience art and nature. DENVER PAVILIONS, earthilluminated.com