Christmas is coming to Colorado with plenty of festivities and fun events ablaze with twinkling light displays, and more fun and frivolity than you can pack into Santa’s Red Sack! Enjoy a play, a musical, a ballet, a brunch with Father Christmas, or tour a spectacle made of ice. Happy holidays are practically guaranteed this year near the future community of Overland Ranch in southeast Aurora.
Thursday–Sunday, December 11–21
On the Ice!
Looking for something to do this weekend or next? Strap on a pair of ice skates and head over to Southlands Mall’s outdoor ice rink, The Pond. Located in Town Square across from the movie theater, guests can bring their own skates or rent on-site. Admission includes skate rentals.
Location: Southlands Mall Town Square, Aurora
Hours: Mon–Fri, 4:00–9:00 p.m.; Sat, 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Sun, 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Admission: $15.50
All Lit Up! – Zoo Lights
Just 13 miles north of Overland Ranch, Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo features over two million sparkling lights, animated displays, glowing animal sculptures, festive music, photo opportunities with Santa, and seasonal food and drink. A beloved Denver holiday tradition for families.
Location: Denver Zoo, 2900 E. 23rd Ave., Denver
Hours: Thurs & Sun, 5:00–9:00 p.m.; Fri & Sat, 5:00–10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $18–$26
Gaylord Rockies Resort – So Much Christmas!
Experience So Much Christmas at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center. Dazzling light displays, holiday treats, kids’ workshops, and live shows create dozens of festive activities for the whole family.
- ICE! Featuring scenes from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! crafted from over two million pounds of ice
- Candy Cane Mountain Indoor Snow Tubing with real snow and unlimited runs
- Gumdrop Gliders Ice Puck Challenge on real ice
- Festival of Trees showcasing 200 decorated trees benefiting Lantern (formerly Bright by Text)
- Gingerbread Decorating Corner, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Elf Training Academy, and Yuletide Street Market
Location: Gaylord Rockies Resort, 2700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd., Aurora
Tickets: ICE! starts at $32
Info: 720-452-6900
Friday–Saturday, December 12–13
Gina Brillon
Gina Brillon is a Puerto Rican comedian, actor, writer, and author raised in the Bronx. She made history as the first Latina finalist on America’s Got Talent in 2021 and has since released multiple comedy specials and won a Gracie Award.
Location: Denver Improv Comedy Theater, 8246 E. 49th Ave., Denver
Showtimes: Fri, 7:30 & 9:45 p.m.; Sat, 6:30 & 9:15 p.m.
Tickets: $56–$86
Friday–Sunday, December 12–21
A Twisted Kind of Christmas Carol
The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society returns with a hilariously chaotic take on A Christmas Carol. Featuring audience participation, original songs, and nonstop mishaps, this festive comedy is recommended for all ages.
Location: Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
Showtimes: Fri–Sat, 7:30 p.m.; Sun, 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $17–$42
Friday–Sunday, December 11–23
Denver Christkindl Market
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Denver Christkindlmarket brings Old-World charm to the Auraria Campus with sparkling lights, festive music, glass ornament workshops, and seasonal treats. Free and family-friendly.
Location: Tivoli Quad @ Auraria Campus, 1000 Larimer St., Denver
Hours: Mon–Thurs, 1:00–9:00 p.m.; Fri–Sun, 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Saturday, December 13
Brunch with Father Christmas
Enjoy a seated brunch buffet with Father Christmas, followed by holiday crafts, Yule Log Hunts, tractor rides, historic home tours, and Christmas storytime. Sponsored by Organic Roots Catering.
Location: Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St., Denver
Brunch: 9:00 a.m.; Food Trucks at 11:00 a.m.
Tickets: Brunch $45–$55; General Admission $15–$20
Saturday–Sunday, December 13–14
The Nutcracker
A holiday classic telling the magical story of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and the enchanting Kingdom of Sweets. A Denver family tradition running approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes with one intermission.
Location: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, DCPA, 1385 Curtis St., Denver
Showtimes: 1:00 & 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $100–$210
Next Week: Tuesday, December 16
Holiday Brass
Featuring the Colorado Symphony Brass, this festive concert blends Renaissance, Baroque, and Hollywood holiday favorites in a powerful and joyful seasonal performance.
Location: Boettcher Concert Hall, DCPA, Downtown Denver
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $58–$158
Friday–Sunday, December 19–21
Handel’s Messiah
A timeless holiday masterpiece returns with refreshed staging while preserving the music audiences love. Featuring soloists and the Colorado Symphony Chorus in a dramatic presentation.
Location: Boettcher Concert Hall, DCPA, Downtown Denver
Showtimes: Fri & Sat, 7:30 p.m.; Sun, 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20–$158
Friday–Wednesday, December 19–24
Santa’s Big Red Sack
After more than two decades, Denver’s most irreverent holiday tradition returns for its final season. Packed with sketches, music, and twisted Christmas cheer, this is your last chance to see the Sack unleashed.
Location: The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28.10–$38.10
Saturday, December 13–Wednesday, December 24
Goodnight Moon
Perfect for winter break, this whimsical stage adaptation brings the Great Green Room to life with music, dance, and beloved characters from the classic children’s book.
Location: Randy Weeks Theatre, DCPA Complex, 1050 13th St., Denver
Showtimes: 10:00 a.m., 12:00, 1:30 & 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $26–$33
Overland Ranch – Spring 2026
Start the countdown to a new year and a new home community in southeast Aurora. Overland Ranch will feature 995 Americana-inspired homes built by Century Communities, Pulte, Richmond American, and Toll Brothers. Located just minutes from Southlands Mall, the community will offer prairie, modern farmhouse, craftsman, and traditional home styles.
Join the Overland Ranch interest list today and be among the first to receive updates on this exciting new community.
