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. Need some holiday decorating ideas? Head to the Governor’s Mansion
What: Every year before the Christmas holidays, the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion opens its doors to the public for tours full of holiday cheer, history and design. The tour only takes you through the first floor the residence, but you won’t leave disappointed as you walk through the Great Hall, the State Dining Room and more.
When: Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 5 – 8 and Dec. 12 through Dec. 15, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion, 400 East 8th Avenue
Admission: Free
More info: http://www.coloradoshome.org/
2. Enjoy the magic of the holidays at the Denver Parade of Lights
What: If you're ready to ring in the holiday season in Denver, what better way than to head downtown and take part in the Denver Parade of Lights? The magical event will feature more than 40 entries including extravagantly illuminated floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, extraordinary marching bands, traditional equestrian units and vibrant cultural demonstrations. Make sure to arrive early so you can get a good spot to see Santa!
Where: Denver's Civic Center Park
When: Friday, Dec. 6 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.downtowndenver.com/9news-parade-of-lights/
3. 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/
4. 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, 2019 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
5. Downtown Boulder’s will brighten up the holidays with the Lights of December Parade
What: So you saw Denver’s Parade of Lights but didn’t get enough holiday cheer? Not to worry – head over to Boulder for the Lights of December of Parade happening Saturday. There will be floats, marching bands, carolers, fire engines and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance at the end of the parade. The parade starts at 15th & Walnut streets, heads west to Broadway, north on Broadway, turns east on Spruce and finishes at 15th & Spruce.
Where: Pearl St. Mall, 1325 Pearl St. in Boulder, Colo.
When: Saturday, Dec. 7 starting at 6 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.boulderdowntown.com/light-up-the-holidays/events/lights-of-december-parade
6. Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at their village at Chatfield Farms
What: Come to Chatfield Farms to meet Mrs. Claus, Santa and his reindeer while walking through colorful holiday lights that illuminate the night.
When: Nov. 29 – Dec. 22, 2019
Where: 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Road in Littleton
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
7. Head to the mountains for the Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas
What: If you’re in the mood to celebrate the holidays but also want to make a run out of the whole experience, there’s no better place to be than Breckenridge. The mountain town will hold their annual Lighting of the Town Tree but the fun begins hours earlier with a snowman building competition, a holiday dog parade, a moose march, the Race of the Santas and ends with a free holiday concert featuring Hazel Miller.
Where: Town of Breckenridge, Colo.
When: Saturday, Dec. 7 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission, unless you’re participating in the Race of the Santas.
More info: https://www.gobreck.com/event/lighting-breckenridge-race-santas/
Looking for more? Check out these other fun events:
It’s going to be the first Friday of the month, so enjoy some free art!
What: Come and enjoy the local art scene at Denver’s five art districts: Arts District Santa Fe, Golden Triangle Museum District, the Tennyson Street Cultural District and the RiNo Arts District.
Where: Denver Arts Districts (several locations)
When: Monthly on the first Friday of every month, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: Check each district’s website for more information
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.
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. This weekend enjoy the largest inflatable igloo. In Colorado and local vendors during Winter Wonderlights live.
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/
Can’t get enough free art? The Denver Art Museum is free this Saturday
What: Enjoy free admission to the Denver Art Museum. Note that special exhibitions, such as Claude Monet: The Truth of Nature” will require a ticketed admission.
Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, Colo.
When: First Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: denverartmuseum.org
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/
Keep a holiday tradition alive and rejoice at the Colorado Springs Festival of Lights
What: For those of you in the Pikes Peak Region, there’s a holiday tradition now going on its 35th year you might want to partake in: The Colorado Springs Festival of Lights Parade. The parade will be on Tejon St. and will start at St. Vrain St., and proceed south to Vermijo Avenue. Want to get there a little earlier? The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum will host its annual Festivla of Lights Family Fun Day Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Downtown Colorado Springs
When: Saturday, Dec. 7 starting at 5:50 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: Learn more about the Colorado Springs Festival of Lights Parade here.
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Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@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.
