to do today

December

1 Friday

Discovery Days

9:15am

Stimulate your mind with your little ones ages two-six, engage with your kids as they learn through Winter Wonderland-themed crafts, music, and hands-on learning. It is an immersive event perfect for spending a day filled with music, art, and endless fun for the whole family to cherish. Longmont Museum, Longmont. longmontcolorado.gov

Speak with Santa

10-3pm

Santa Claus himself will be making visits at the Orchard Mall, where he will be patiently listening to the heartfelt wishes of children every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, counting down to Christmas Eve. Capture the magic of the season with a commemorative photo, and make unforgettable memories as your kids share their Christmas wishes with the man in red. Orchard Town Center, Westminster. theorchardtowncenter.com

2 Saturday

Disney on Ice

11am

Characters from family favorite Disney films of both Frozen and Encanto are coming to life in a captivating iceskating spectacle for a live performance of the movie’s best soundtracks. Showtimes are offered as early as 11 a.m. and as late as 7 p.m so parents and kiddos can catch a show well before bedtime or after school. Ball Arena, Denver. disney.onicedenver.com

Ornament Felting Workshop

4-5:30pm

Elementary schoolers can partake in a delightful after-school crafting extravaganza where they can unleash their creativity – materials provided, to express themselves through a variety of mediums. Families can make the most of unlimited crafting opportunities at an affordable rate of $42. First, second, and third graders must be accompanied by guardians. Fourth graders may be dropped off for independent creation. artSPARK Creative Studio, Denver. artsparkcreative.com

3 Sunday

Breakfast with Santa

9am

Create cherished memories with your loved ones at the Hilton’s festive gathering, featuring enchanting storytime sessions, delightful cookie decorating, and a customizable hot chocolate station alongside a breakfast buffet and a tantalizing pancake station. Capture the special childhood moments with Santa himself by taking home a commemorative photo. Prospect’s Urban Kitchen, Denver. opentable.com

Rudolph Ramble 5k

9-11am

Shake off your post-Thanksgiving-itis by getting active in an invigorating 5K run through the heart of Denver’s scenic park alongside neighbors. Register online to run, walk, or skip alongside your community outdoors to promote a healthy lifestyle and bond with the family, but don’t forget to bundle up before running. City Park Denver. rundenverseries.com

4 Monday Free Day

9-5pm

Families of all ages can freely explore and engage with a myriad of interactive exhibits on space, nature, and the human body at the Denver Museum for free. Groups can delve deeper into the realms of curiosity with specialty exhibit tickets that are purchased separately. Offer kids a hands-on learning experience for their niche interests, or discover new ones. Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver. dmns.org

Smarty Party Trivia

7pm

Gather your family for an evening of brain-teasing fun at Smarty Party Trivia, promising a free and engaging experience suitable for all ages. Competitive families can put their knowledge to the test by uniting in the race against other families to answer obscure trivia questions. With plenty of dinner options at Avanti, have an easy night filled with laughter and friendly competition. LoHi, Denver. avantifandb.com

5 Tuesday Luminova Holidays

5-9pm

Walk through a spectacular light display in Denver’s favorite amusement park from Christmas through New Year’s. It boasts over 300,000 square feet of mesmerizing scenes, including a towering 65-ft. tree, whimsical snowmen, and a 300-ft. candy cane tunnel. Capture a view of the entire display from the heights of the Ferris Wheel while savoring hot cocoa. This event is recurring Thursday-Sunday until Dec 31. Elitch Gardens, Denver. luminovaholidays.com

6 Wednesday ArtLab Underground

4:30-6pm

Encourage your teens to tap into their creativity by developing new skills at Platte Forum’s drop-in workshops for free admission. Program leaders help foster a dynamic learning environment presenting opportunities for teens to explore and refine their artistic potential while connecting with a community of young creatives. Platte Forum, LoDo. platteforum.org

Denver Zoo Lights

5-9pm

Denver Zoo Lights is a unique array of lights different from any other in Denver, depicting some of the powerful and beautiful animals that can be seen during the day. See the bright tail feathers of a 30 ft. LED peacock, or walk straight through into the fluorescent mouth of a hippo tunnel, the mouth of a hippopotamus. Fear not, there is plenty of time to secure tickets, and it’s happening until Jan. 15.

Denver Zoo, Denver. denverzoo.org

7 Thursday

Ullr Festival

Noon-7pm

Don your viking hats in the celebration of the 60th annual Ullr Fest in Breckenridge, a thrilling Norse festival dedicated to honoring Ullr, the god of snow. Participate in a myriad of festivities beside other locals and visitors of all ages, and be part of the historic Main Street parade and the exhilarating attempt to break the longest “unofficial” Shotski World Record. If you can’t make it on Thursday, the party will continue through Saturday, Dec. 9. Downtown Breckenridge. gobreck.com

Holiday Lights Mini-Golf

5-9pm

Celebrate the holiday at Buccaneer Bay, Adventure Cove, and The Lost Continent, where over 100,000 dazzling lights illuminate enchanting winter holiday-themed displays until January. Delight in the festive atmosphere of everyone’s favorite golf courses and race tracks under a new light. Adventure Golf & Raceway, Westminster. adventuregolfandraceway.com

8 Friday

Carriage Rides

4-7pm

Mark your calendars for an exciting equestrian lineup taking place every Friday and Sunday, until Dec.17. The whole family is invited to ride in a horse-drawn carriage, for free, through the outdoor mall while shopping for presents and enjoying seasonal festivities. Orchard Town Center, Thornton. theorchardtowncenter.com

Winterfest

4:30-7pm

Have a heartfelt evening amidst a tree lighting ceremony, charming horse-drawn carriage rides, warm up in Santa’s cozy cottage, and shop through a delightful holiday market brimming with seasonal delights. Walk through the joyous atmosphere creating beautiful memories at this special event, designed to ignite the magic of the holiday season for everyone to enjoy. Chautauqua, Boulder. chautauqua.com

9 Saturday

Sensory Inclusive Santa

8-10am

Opt for a comforting and inclusive experience for your family with a sensory-friendly Santa meet-and-greet area. Providing a serene environment free from overwhelming noises and distractions. Santa and his team are dedicated to ensuring a magical, patient, and gentle moment, allowing your child to feel at ease during their visit. Orchard Town Center, Thornton. theorchardtowncenter.com

Five Points Holiday Stroll

2-6pm

Welton Street welcomes the whole family to celebrate the festivities featuring live music and a diverse array of local vendors offering delectable baked goods, exquisite jewelry, and unique creations perfect to gift the entire family. Admission is free for all to enjoy in one of Denver’s longeststanding neighborhoods. Five Points, Denver. fivepointsbid.com

10 Sunday

Santa in the Hangar

Noon-2pm

Exploration of Flight features an exciting arrival by Santa in a helicopter. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a plethora of family-friendly activities, including meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, participating in holiday crafts, a delightful candy cane scavenger hunt, exploring Discovery Carts, witnessing an enchanting magic show by Chad Wonder Magic, and capturing special moments at the photo booth from Mihi Entertainment. Wings Museum, Denver. wingsmuseum.org

Princess Party

1:30pm

Party with your favorite princesses at Cherokee Ranch and Castle. Dress your best for an afternoon with your favorite princess, Cinderella, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, and more. Reservations guarantee delicious snacks, refreshing beverages, and a special photo opportunity for all attendees. Cherokee Ranch & Castle, Douglas. ovationtix.com

11 Monday

Baby Chefs

9:15-11:15am

Allow your youngest chefs to explore the joys of mixing, pouring, and sorting, fostering early developmental skills in a fun and interactive setting. Children’s Museum, Denver. mychildsmuseum.org

12 Tuesday

Free Day

10am-5pm

Discover the vibrant world of art at the Denver Art Museum’s Free Day, where all guests can view exhibits without the cost of admission. Bring your family for a day of cultural exploration and artistic inspiration as you immerse yourselves in the diverse exhibitions and interactive activities offered. Denver Art Museum. denverartmuseum.org

13 Wednesday Seedlings Seasonal Treats

9:15-10:30am

Delight your little ones ages threesix years old with an engaging and immersive class designed to explore seasonal flavors through a blend of story time, nature walks, and creative art projects. Spark their curiosity and foster a love for nature and food, providing a fun and educational experience that will inspire their imagination. Denver Botanical Gardens, Denver. botanicgardens.org

Gingerbread Craft Day

10-10:30am

Visit an exciting educational adventure at Dino Ridge’s engaging event with tickets priced at $5 for children aged two and above and free admission for siblings under two years old. Reserve your spot now for a memorable experience filled with learning and discovery as you explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs and natural history. Contact Education@dinoridge.org today for a special craft day added for Colorado Parent readers. Dinosaur Ridge, Morrison. dinoridge.org

Interactive Christmas Carol

11am

Young audience members take center stage, bringing the heartwarming seamless introduction to the world of theater and the joy of this timeless holiday story. Perfect for all ages, this 45-minute show encourages audience participation, ensuring an unforgettable theater experience with timeless stories. Littleton Town Hall, Littleton. tickets. townhallartscenter.org

14 Thursday

Christkindlmarket

10am-8pm

The annual Christkindlmarket in Downtown Denver is known by all locals to feel the authentic German and European holiday traditions. Guests will find delicious cuisine, hot chocolate, cider, refreshing beer, handmade jewelry, toys, clothing, and gifts accompanied by live entertainment in the plaza. Civic Center Park, Denver. christkindlmarketdenver.com

Makers Market

11am-8pm

It is an ideal destination for finding thoughtful gifts for your loved ones and offering a delightful selection of unique and special treasures. There are plenty of opportunities to visit because the market is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until Dec. 24 to explore a plethora of rare goods that are sure to bring joy and warmth to your holiday season. Orchard Town Center, Thornton. theorchardtowncenter.com

15 Friday

Camp Christmas

2-8pm

Bust out your worst/best attire for Ugly Sweater Night at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA’s) grand “Camp Christmas.” It is a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor wonder that embodies the true essence of the holiday season. Discover a whimsical world crafted by artist Lonnie Hanzon, brimming with enchanting lights, stunning decorations, and captivating yuletide spectacles spread across six acres. Stanley Marketplace, Aurora. denvercenter.org

This Christmas Movie Night

6:30pm

Watch the heartwarming tale of the Whitfield family as they navigate through a Christmas filled with revelations, challenges, and the powerful bonds of kinship. A snug movie night of love, forgiveness, and the enduring spirit of togetherness as the Whitfields’ story unfolds, reminding us all of the true essence and joy of Christmas. Sie Film Center, Denver. denverfilm.eventive.org

16 Saturday

Parent & Child Holiday Workshop

10-11am

Parents can accompany their children aged three-six in creating cherished festive ornaments that will adorn your holiday celebrations for years to come. Admission is only $45, granting you access to unlimited crafting materials and ensuring an enjoyable and creative experience for all. artSPARK Creative Studio, Denver. artsparkcreative.com

Family Ornament Making

1-5pm

The local museum is inviting your family to explore a diverse collection of literary treasures, including adult and teen fiction, children’s books, vintage editions, and an array of captivating genres spanning cooking, gardening, DIY, biographies, autobiographies, religion, and travel. Longmont Museum, Longmont. longmontcolorado.gov

17 Sunday

Chelsea’s Bingo

6:30pm

Chelsea’s Bingo is hosted every Saturday night, where you have the chance to win exciting payouts of up to $2,000, along with special prizes. Hosted by the Chelsea Hutchison Foundation, this event is not just an evening of fun for all ages but also supports their mission of providing comfort and hope to those affected by epilepsy. Turn of the Century Bingo Hall, Aurora. eventvesta.com

Home For the Holidays

7pm

Home for the Holidays is a performance showcasing dancers, singers, special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and an updated storyline with captivating surprises guaranteed to uplift your holiday spirits. Modified performances support an environment for individuals on the autism spectrum or with other sensitivity issues, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience for all. Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree. lonetreeartscenter.org

18 Monday

Charlie Brown Christmas

5:30pm

Join the 10th anniversary of the beloved Denver holiday tradition, featuring acclaimed pianist and bandleader Annie Booth, bassist Patrick McDevitt, and drummer Alejandro Castaño as they enchant audiences with their live rendition of songs from the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack. Tickets starting at $25. Dazzle, Denver. kuvo.org

19 Tuesday

Firehouse Tales for Tots

10am

Take your little ones on a delightful adventure to the semimonthly story and craft time. Make sure to reserve in advance as capacity is limited. Pricing is $15 per child ages 2-12 years old, and the event warmly welcomes accompanying adults and seniors for free with museum admission. Denver Firefighter Museum, Denver. denverfirefightersmuseum.org

MistleToe Lounge

1-11pm

Indulge in a unique holiday experience at the Cherry Creek Holiday Market, where the debut of the enchanting

Mistletoe Lounge awaits, providing a cozy retreat within a breathtaking snow globe setting on Fillmore Plaza. Fillmore Plaza, Denver. cherrycreeknorth.com

20 Wednesday

Littlest Learners

9:30-10:30am

Nurture your little one’s development with an engaging program specially designed for infants, toddlers, and their caregivers to explore a variety of handson activities. The activities promote gross motor, fine motor, cognitive, emotional, and social development. WOW Children’s Museum. wowchildrensmuseum.org

Holiday Art & Gift Boutique

11am-4pm

The perfect answer to your holiday shopping needs is an exceptional assemblage of handcrafted products crafted by more than 30 local artists and creators. See a diverse array of exclusive jewelry, paintings, pottery, mixed-media works, festive decorations, wreaths, and greeting cards to gift your loved ones. Littleton Fine Arts Guild, Littleton. depotartgallery.org

22 Friday

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe Live Noon-7pm

Northglenn Recreation Center is presenting a showing of original choreography by Director Ilena Norton and intricately crafted battle scenes choreographed by Gregory Gonzales from the famous book series by C.S. Lewis. Tickets are priced at $30-40 for adults, $25-35 for seniors/students, and $20-30 for children. Parsons Theatre, Northglenn. northglennarts.org

Elf In Concert

7:30pm

From the hilarious Will Ferrell movie, go along with Buddy the Elf, a human who was raised among Santa’s elves, as he sets out on an adventure to New York City to find his true identity and his real father. Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver. tickets.coloradosymphony.org

23 Saturday

10 Days of Brunch

9am-2pm

Taste the flavors of the season with delectable holiday brunch specials, available exclusively at FIRE Restaurant until Jan. 1. Be on the lookout for a surprise encounter with Santa. ART Hotel, Denver. thearthotel.com

St. Nick on the Bricks

11am-2pm

Visit Santa for free in Downtown Boulder, bring your wish lists and a camera to capture the joyous moments with Santa. Hop on the 100 percent Electric Tebo Train, known as the Snowflake Express, for a complimentary ride-along Pearl Street, catering to children ages 10 and under and their adults. The last train boards at 2 p.m. Pearl St., Boulder. boulderdowntown.com

24 Sunday

A Christmas Carol 7pm

The annual production of A Christmas Carol in Denver is a lavish musical adaptation of a tale as old as time. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformative voyage from a moneyhoarding cynic to a redeemed soul, as based on Charles Dickens’ timeless novel, offering a captivating portrayal of the true spirit of the holidays.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts. denvercenter.org

25 Monday

Christmas Day

All day

Wishing all our readers a joyous and festive holiday season filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends. May the spirit of the holidays bring warmth and happiness to your homes, and may the upcoming year be filled with prosperity and new opportunities. Happy holidays from all of us at the magazine! Home, Where the Heart Is. coloradoparent.com

Art Crawl: Ice Ice Baby

10:30-11:15 am clyffordstillmuseum.org

New parents and caregivers of infants and newborns can participate in a unique gallery crawl and hands-on activity centered around the theme “Ice Ice Baby” for the month of December. Connect with other caregivers through art discussions and let your children socialize with other babies to build community while enjoying a fun morning at the museum. Clyfford Still Museum, Denver.

31 Sunday

New Year’s Eve Family Celebration

Kick-off New Year’s Eve Family Celebration at the aquarium, where you can welcome the new year alongside their beloved mascot, Sharkey. Indulge in a delectable buffet, enjoy a thrilling balloon drop, and partake in exciting contests and giveaways, making it the perfect festive experience for the whole family. Don’t forget to secure your spot online for this underwater event. Downtown Aquarium, Denver. aquariumrestaurants.com

Noon Year’s Eve

9am

Take your youngsters to enjoy all the traditional NYE festivities before bedtime featuring a host of goodies, including party hats, poppers, and sparkling apple cider, for a happy and early New Year’s Eve for children. Enjoy the festivities together all before the little ones head to bed in a fun and family-friendly way to welcome the new year. Denver Children’s Museum, Denver. mychildsmuseum.org