by Tracy Dudley

From music and theater to nature and children’s events, there are numerous happenings around town for little ones, adults and families to take time to slow down and enjoy the upcoming holiday season.

Holiday Concerts at the Castle

December 6, 12, 18 and 20

The Cherokee Ranch & Castle will host several performing arts events during December. Enjoy beautiful music in an exquisite setting while staying close to home. Tickets are $105 per person. The Cherokee Ranch & Castle is located two miles west of Daniel’s Park Road, about one mile north Highway 85. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cherokeeranch.org or call 303-688-5555.

Sunday, December 6 at 5:30 p.m. – Colorado Symphony Orchestra presents Classical Holiday Music with a String Quartet

Saturday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m. – Lamont School of Music & the Lynn Baker Quintet present A Jazz Christmas

Friday, December 18 at 6:30 p.m. – Denver Brass5 presents Christmas Time is Here

Sunday, December 20 at 5:30 p.m. – Colorado Symphony Orchestra presents A Noble Holiday Concert with the Colorado Symphony Brass Quintet.

Winter Holiday Tours & Teas

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays in December

1:00 p.m.; Saturdays in December, 2:00 p.m.
The Cherokee Ranch & Castle offers winter teas scheduled around seasonal holidays and special events at the Castle, and feature special enhancements to our elegant weekly tea service. The cost is $42 per person and includes a Castle tour. Call to make reservations for winter holiday tours and teas at 303-688-5555 ext. 0 or e-mail contact by e-mail.

Winter Holiday Brunches & Educational Tours

Saturdays in December 11:00 a.m.

The Cherokee Ranch & Castle invites you to a themed or holiday brunch at a unique historic venue. Brunch includes three types of mini quiche, pastries, scones, fruit tray and beverages. After brunch, enjoy a guided tour of the Castle. The cost is $45 per person. Call to make reservations for winter holiday brunches at 303-688-5555 ext. 0 or e-mail contact by e-mail.

Christmas Tree Hike & Cut

Saturday, December 5, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

There’s nothing like a fresh cut Christmas tree. Spend some time with your family and friends this holiday season by joining in the 9th annual Castle Rock Parks and Recreation Christmas Tree Hike and Cut. We will provide the tree permit, transportation, trailer for your trees, and of course the homemade holiday cookies, hot cocoa and cider. Grab your saw, boots, snowshoes and warm clothes for this Castle Rock holiday tradition! Ages 3 and up. District price $39 and non-District price $47. For more information please email the program coordinator at contact by e-mail.

Trail of Lights

Wednesdays & Sundays in December 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

With the Colorado foothills as a backdrop, more than one million twinkling lights illuminate the beauty of Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. While strolling the trail, don’t forget to pick up a pair of the always popular Holospex 3-D glasses, stop by the children’s play area (which includes a treehouse), and take a tour of a restored 1880s homestead decorated in Colorado Country Christmas motif. Warm drinks, tasty treats and food for the entire family available for purchase. Admission is $9 per adult and $6 per child. Families can also take a hay ride through the trail for an additional $5 per person. Groups of 10 or more are $4 per person. For more information, visit www.botanicgardens.org or call 303-973-3705.

The Castle Rock Band Holiday Concert

Monday, December 7

7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Make this concert a family tradition! The Castle Rock Band will help you get into the spirit of the holidays! Tap your toe or sing along! Make this concert a family tradition! The Castle Rock Band will help you get into the spirit of the holidays! Tap your toe or sing along!

Holiday Arts & Craft Fair

Saturday, December 5, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

More than 70 booths of hand-made crafts, pottery, jewelry, cloths, quilts, paintings, photography, floral arrangements, wood works, holiday items, foods, soaps, candles and more. Free admission. For additional information, please contact Vickie Willis at 303-483-7072 or visit South Suburban Parks and Recreation at www.sspr.org.

A Midwinter’s Celebration with the Lone Tree Symphony

Friday, December 4, 7:30 p.m.

The Lone Tree Symphony performs many holiday pieces, including “Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson and “A Holiday Hoedown” by Bill Holcombe. A donation of $5 for admission is sincerely appreciated. All events held at the corner of Lincoln and Lone Tree Parkway at the Cornerstone Baptist Church. For general information, contact John Nemcik at 720-344-5855 or visit
www. lonetreesymphony.org.

International Youth Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker”

December 3 to December 5; Show times vary

Yes, you’ve seen this ballet before, and probably more than once. Why stop and note this one? This ballet school? Simple,… you will be delightfully surprised and won over by the professional performance and outstanding venue. All at a reasonable entrance fee that will spark the magic of the season for ages 3 to 103! General admission is $21. Ticket information can be obtained at the DU Gates Concert Hall and Newman Center, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. Denver, 303-871-7720, or TicketMaster at 303-830-TIXS. For additional information, call 720-283-6323 or visit www.internationalyouthballet.org.

A Christmas Carol

November 27 to December 26

The Denver Center for Performing Arts presents timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, his ghosts of past, present and future and the redemption he finds as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Original songs, enchanting sets and opulent costumes make this an annual treat for the entire family. Tickets start at $18. Recommended for ages eight and older. For more information, visit www.denvercenter.org.

Zoo Lights

December 11 to January 3, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Wildlife meets wild lights at the 19th annual Zoo Lights celebration. This annual holiday tradition will shine brighter than ever this year with added animal viewing opportunities, more than 38 brilliantly illuminated acres of lights and the opportunity for children to visit Santa Claus. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for children 3 years and older. For more information, go to www.denverzoo.org.

Winter Wonder Lights

December 11 to December 24, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Start a new tradition this holiday season at The Wildlife Experience in December. Experience a fun and magical journey to the North Pole, with a trail of lights, festive activities, and even live reindeer. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.wildlifeexperience.org.