December Fun Around Denver
December is a month filled with holiday celebrations and traditions. There is much to do in the greater Denver area (check out our December E Guide calendar), but here are a few more ideas:
Tree lighting celebration at the Lone Tree Arts Center –
On December 2, enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores and live entertainment for the annual tree lighting ceremony. The holiday festivities will continue across the street with story time and card making at the Lone Tree Library. Morningstar Assisted Living will have cookies for children to decorate while visiting with residents. For more information, visit lonetreeartscenter.org.
Festival Park Starlight Market in Castle Rock –
A popular festival with dozens of exhibitors and local artisans selling arts, crafts, and gourmet food will come to Festival Park in Castle Rock on December 2- 3. For more information, visit crgov.com.
Trail of lights in Castle Pines –
Get into the holiday spirit at the Winter Wonderland events held at The Ridge in Castle Pines from December 2 – December 18. Enjoy walking through the Trail of Lights or book your family a reservation for carriage rides to see the beautiful lights on display (December 17 and 18). For more information, visit castlepinesco.gov.
Jingle Jog Fun Run and Parade of Lights –
Head downtown on December 3 and line up for the two-mile Jingle Jog Fun Run followed by the 9News annual event, the Parade of Lights, featuring holiday-themed floats, marching bands and cultural displays. Grandstand seats are available for purchase or take in the sights and sounds for free on the sidewalks. For more information, visit www.winterindenver.com/parade.
Drive around looking at decorated houses –
Grab hot chocolate and gather the family in the car to look at houses decorated for the holidays. The Highlands Ranch Community Association will publish a map on December 9 of the most elaborate light display routes. For more information, visit hrcaonline.org.
Holiday performance at Lone Tree Arts Center –
Get dressed up and enjoy a night out at the Lone Tree Arts Center watching “Home for the Holidays,” with dancers, singers, and guest appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The show runs December 15 – December 23. For more information, visit lonetreeartscenter.org.
Christmas at Gaylord Rockies –
The festivities and attractions include snow tubing, gingerbread decorating, breakfast with characters, ice skating, s’mores and more. The main attraction is ICE! – a wonderland carved by expert artisans from two million pounds of colorful ice with this year’s theme, “ A Charlie Brown Christmas!” The event is happening now through January 1. For more information, visit
https://www.marriott.com/gaylord hotels/aurora.
Happy Holidays!
By Mindy Stone; photo by Lisa Nicklanovich
