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. Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at their village in Chatfield Farms
What: Hop on the hayride to visit a giant snow globe or walk under the magical light displays before you stop at Elf Boulevard to drop off your letters to Santa! Let the kids play in a real elf house and see the elves hard at work! Catch a short movie at Santa’s Cinema, and of course, walk through the acres of land illuminated by holiday lights!
When: Nov. 29 – Dec. 22, 2019
Where: 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Road in Littleton, Colo.
Admission: $20 Adult, Child (ages 3-15); $15 Member Adult or Child; $15 Senior (65+), Military; Free for children 2 or younger
More info: https://www.botanicgardens.org
2. All aboard for Santa’s North Pole Adventure in Georgetown!
What: The holidays are not complete without a trip to the North Pole, and the Georgetown Loop Railroad will take you there this holiday season! Enjoy a one-hour train ride about the locomotive with Santa and Mrs. Claus, with his little helpers to help entertain kids and adults alike. There will also be hot chocolate, cookies, candy canes and more.
Where: Georgetown, Colo.
When: Now until Dec. 24, 2019
Admission: Varies, click here to see all ticket options.
More info: https://www.georgetownlooprr.com/
3. Get lost in the wild wonderland of Denver Zoo Lights
What: For 29 years, the public has enjoyed Zoo Lights — an annual event where the Denver Zoo transforms into a wild wonderland full of more than two million lights. This year, Zoo Lights will feature a hula hoop dance party, a train sing-along, animal demonstrations and zookeeper talks, ice carving artisans, and a holiday shopping bazaar.
When: Friday, Nov. 29 through Monday, Dec. 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street in Denver
Admission: $15-$20
More info: https://www.denverzoo.org/events/zoolights/
4. Surround yourself with holiday cheer in Morrison for “Christmas in Color”
What: Immerse yourself in holiday cheer and watch in awe as 1.5 million Christmas lights dance around you to some of your favorite holiday tunes. The drive-through family-friendly event is sure to become a favorite Christmas tradition.
Where: Bandimere Speedway, 3051 South Rooney Road in Morrison, Colo.
When: Friday, Nov. 22, 2019 through Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Admission: $27 per vehicle
More info: https://www.christmasincolor.net/
5. Sip, shop and savor the season at the Denver Christkindl Market
What: Get ready to welcome the holidays with a traditional European market in the heart of Downtown Denver! Prepare to enjoy authentic Glühwein (mulled spiced wine), Bavarian-style Biers, European coffee, hot chocolate, or liqueur while wandering through the Market shopping for unique, finely crafted artisan gifts and holiday treats sold by local Coloradan, European and international merchants in charming wooden huts. You’ll also be able to snap a selfie with St. Nikolaus, Krampus and the Christkind herself.
Where: Skyline Park, 16th St. Mall and Arapahoe St. in downtown Denver
When: Saturday, Nov. 23 through Monday, Dec. 23, 2019
Admission: Free
More info: Learn more about the Christkindl Market here.
6. Get in the holiday spirit at Loveland Winter Wonderlights
What: Walk through Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra and enjoy 80,000 lights including holiday string lights, twinkling bulbs, LED mappable snowflakes, illuminated African stone sculptures and 30-minute music antd light shows every night. The light and music show features six total songs and moving lights on the 20-foot tall LED mappable Christmas Tree.
Where: Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, Sky Pond Drive in Loveland, Colo.
When: Now until January 1, 2020
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.visitlovelandco.org/winterwonderlights/
7. Head to Steamboat Springs for a one-of-a-kind holiday festival
What: If you want to see Santa in a Colorado mountain town, your best bet will be Steamboat Springs this weekend! See him ride down the slopes on horseback and meet him at this workshop along some of his favorite reindeer friends. If you’re up for a challenge or two, participate in the stocking scramble, a cookie decorating contest! Want more? There will be a special holiday concert, a torchlight parade and fireworks followed by night skiing.
Where: Steamboat Resort, 2305 Mt. Werner Circle in Steamboat Springs, Colo.
When: Sunday, Dec. 22 from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/events/holiday-festival
Looking for more? Check out these other fun events:
Giant puppies plus Santa at a holiday parade? Yep, and it's happening in Golden
What: Head west to Golden for good ol’ merry time during the town’s holiday celebrations! The Olde Golden Christmas Parade will start at 11 a.m. and includes floats, holiday characters, dance groups and much more! Did I mention there are hayrides and Newfoundland dog cart rides following the parade?! What more could you possibly want other than giant puppies?!
Where: Downtown Golden, 11th St. and Arapahoe in Golden, Colo.
When: Weekly on Saturdays until December 21
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.visitgolden.com/olde-golden-christmas/events-attractions/
Blossoms of Light brings the Denver Botanic Gardens to life during the holidays
What: The flowers and plants at the Denver Botanic Gardens may be dormant in the winter months during the day, but at night during the holiday season, the Gardens come alive for the Blossom of Lights.
When: Nov. 29 through Jan. 3, 2020 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street
Admission: $16-$19
More info: https://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/blossoms-light
Celebrate the wonder of the holidays during "A Hudson Christmas"
What: Light up the holidays at “A Hudson Christmas,” which has become an annual tradition for thousands of families across the Denver area. Explore trails where bursts of light and color wrap around trees, shimmer on bodies of water, illuminate happy faces and bring joy to your life! You can also share your wish list with Santa, watch Christmas trees dance to holiday music, sip a steaming cup of hot chocolate and get the perfect shot with friends and family.
Where: Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton, Colo.
When: Friday, December 13 through Tuesday, December 24 and Thursday, Dec. 26 through Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: $8-$10.50; Hudson Gardens members, as well as active and retired military members can purchase discounted tickets with proof of ID and valid membership card.
More info: https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/christmas-lights/
Take in the sights and sounds of the holidays during Longmont Lights
What: Enjoy the mystery and magic of millions of sparkling lights as well as the sights and sounds of the Christmas celebrations as the City of Longmont celebrates the holiday season with their annual Longmont Lights and parade event! Partake in Santa’s workshop, drink hot chocolate, get warm by a fire pit, eat your heart out at a food truck, enjoy train rides and watch a fireworks display (weather permitting) at Roosevelt Park. The Longmont Lights Parade takes place Saturday at 5 p.m.
Where: Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak in Longmont, Colo.
When: Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-n-z/recreation-services/special-events-recreation/longmont-lights
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@thedenverchannel.com or newstips@thedenverchannel.com at least a week ahead of the event and make sure to title it "7 best things to do" so he can put your event on the list.
