DENVER -- Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some fun events you might enjoy. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in the Denver metro area this weekend.
1. Skip the long lines, go to a state park!
What: Why get in line at a major retail store when you can go out and enjoy the natural beauty of our state this Black Friday? Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials are encouraging Coloradans “to take some time this Thanksgiving weekend to explore the outdoors and make new memories with the people you love,” by giving you all free admission to state parks this Friday.
Where: Various locations, click here for a map of our 41 state parks.
When: Friday, Nov. 23
Admission: Free
More info: Learn more about this Black Friday deal here.
2. Switch on the holiday spirit with Denver7 at the Grand Illumination of Denver's Union Station
What: Join Denver7's Lisa Hidalgo, Molly Hendrickson and Mitch Jelniker as they light Denver's Union Station! You might want to also check out the station's brand new 40-foot tall outdoor Christmas tree. The holiday cheer doesn't just end there - witness the launching of the Denver Union Station Holiday Market with the Denver Flea. There will be live music and holiday entertainment throughout the evening.
Where: Denver's Union Station,
When: Friday, Nov. 23 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: https://unionstationindenver.com/event/the-grand-illumination/
3. Head over to Parker for the Mayor's Holiday Lighting
What: Join the Town of Parker for an enchanted evening as O'Brien Park comes alive for the holidays! Gather around the Town Tree and join the Mayor and the Parker Chorale in a Sing-a-long to Silent Night to kick off the event. Following the sing-a-long, the Mayor, along with the Town Council will count down to the Town Tree and Grand Park Lighting.
Where: O'Brien Park in the Town of Parker
When: Friday, Nov. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: http://www.parkeronline.org/172/Mayors-Holiday-Lighting
4. Catch the Glow Christmas Parade and Celebration in Estes Park
What: Get in the holiday spirit a day after Thanksgiving in Estes Park as the magic of Christmas begins to unfold throughout town. Visit Santa Claus at his workshop from noon to 2 p.m. and enjoy a lighted Christmas parade which runs through the length of Elkhorn Avenue starting at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Town of Estes Park
When: Friday, Nov. 23 starting at 5:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.visitestespark.com/events/catch-the-glow-christmas-parade-%26-celebration/6479/
5. Get lost in the holiday spirit at Loveland's Winter Wonderlights
What: Kick off the holiday season with some free festive culture at Loveland’s Winter Wonderlights, a walkable holiday lighting attraction located in Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra. Special programming, prize giveaways, the largest inflatable igloo in Colorado (according to the city of Loveland) and local vendors will be onsite on Friday and Saturday nights through Dec. 22.
Where: Chapungu Sculpture Park, 6105 Sky Pond Drive in Loveland, Colo.
When: Now through Monday, Dec. 31.
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.visitlovelandco.org/winterwonderlights/
6. Give back to your community on Small Business Saturday
What: Small business Saturday is a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods, so make sure to stop by your favorite local shop and buy a holiday gift for mom or dad, your friends or that special someone before Santa gets here next month!
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, Nov. 24
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-initiatives/small-business-saturday
7. Get out of town to catch some holiday lights at the Georgetown Christmas Tree Lighting
What: Kickoff the holiday season in Georgetown with a fun-filled day of holiday cheer! Catch a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, pay Santa Claus a visit, and stay for the lighting of the Christmas Tree as soon as it gets dark while sipping on hot chocolate or apple cider.
Where: Georgetown, Colo.
When: Saturday, Nov. 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: http://clearcreekcounty.org/events/christmas-tree-lighting-3/2018-11-24/
RELATED HEADLINES --
7 fun, cheap things to do with your family in Colorado over the Thanksgiving holiday
23 Colorado holiday lighting events to ring in the season
Your 2018 Black Friday guide to the best deals
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@thedenverchannel.com so he can put your event on the list.
