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. Denver Zoo Lights ready to sparkle this holiday season
What: More than 130 animated animal sculptures will swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places when they’re least expected this holiday season. For the first time this year, guests will be able to control some of those sculptures at interactive stations at the Zoo’s Giraffe Meadows area. Other festivities include a chance to meet Santa Claus, live animal demonstrations, carolers, holiday treats and warming stations.
When: Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25, 2017; December 1 through December 31, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street in Denver
Admission: Varies
More info: https://www.denverzoo.org/zoolights2017
2. Ice skate at Skyline Park on the 16th St. Mall!
What: Ice skate, fall, get up and repeat! Across from the Christkindl Market, you’ll find downtown Denver’s annual ice skating rink, so bring the whole family or that special someone for a fun night! Skate rentals are $2. If you bring your own skates, you get in free. There will be free days specifically for children.
When: Nov. 21, 2017 through Feb. 14, 2018
Where: Skyline Park
Admission: $2 for skates, but free if you bring your own
More info: http://www.downtowndenver.com/places/skyline-park
3. Sip, Shop and savor the holiday season at the Denver Christkindl Market
What: The 17th annual Christkindl Market is back for another year of holiday fun at the 16th Street Mall. Sip on authentic Gluhwein (mulled spiced wine), or Bavarian style beer as you wander through the market and enjoy the opportunity to purchase finely crafted artisan gifts and holiday treats by Coloradan, European and international merchants in charming wooden huts
When: Friday, Nov. 17, 2017 through Friday, December 23, 2017
Where: Skyline Park on the 16th Street Mall and Arapahoe Street
Admission: Free
More info: http://www.denverchristkindlmarket.com/
4. The Colorado Ballet presents: The Nutcracker
What: The Ellie Caulkins Opera House welcomes the 57th annual production of “The Nutcracker” to the Mile High City for the holiday season! The total run time for the production is 1 hour and 50 minutes with a 20-minute intermission.
Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis Street in Denver
When: Saturday, Nov. 24, 2017 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 25, 2017 at 1 p.m.
Admission: $30 to $120
More info: https://www.coloradoballet.org/performances/seasonproductions
5. Hammond’s Candy Factory Tour
What: Did you know that you can take a free tour of Colorado’s very own Hammond’s Candy Factory? Tours run every half-hour Monday through Saturday. Watch candy makers as they hand-pull and twist oversize candy canes, ribbon candy, lollipops and chocolate. It’s educational fun for candy lovers of all ages. And bonus, every tour guest gets a free candy sample.
Where: Hammond’s Candies, 5735 N. Washington Street, Denver, Colo.
When: Mondays – Fridays: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Saturdays: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Closed Sundays)
Admission: Free
More Information: hammondscandies.com
6. Celestial Seasons Factory Tour
What: Did you know you can tour Colorado’s very own Celestial Seasonings Factory for free? Factory tours run every hour Monday through Sunday. And every tour includes a whiff of the Mint Room, guaranteed to clear any stuffy nose. Afterwards, be sure to visit the sampling bar with over 100 kinds of tea to taste. Note that kids must be at least 5 years old to tour the factory floor.
When: Mondays – Saturdays: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sundays: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Celestial Seasonings, 4600 Sleepytime Drive, Boulder, Colo.
Admission: Free
More info: celestialseasonings.com
7. Coors Brewery Tours
What: Coors has been making beer in Golden, Colo., since the 1870s. The brewery experience includes a 30-minute self-paced tour highlighting the malting, brewing and packaging processes.
Where: Ford Street, Golden, CO
When: Weekly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Weekly on Sunday from noon – 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: http://visitgolden.com/coors-brewery/
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@kmgh.com so he can put your event on the list.
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