There are only two more weekends until Christmas! It’s crunch time for those who still need to get their shopping done. Whether you still have more names on your list or you already have the presents wrapped and under the tree, make the most of this weekend around Denver! With plenty of festivities to choose from, it’s impossible to be bored.
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
Whether your vibe is more professional sports fan or catching the ballet perform The Nutcracker, the Mile High City has it all on tap for you. Choose from your favorite events and snag your tickets and grab your friends and make weekend memories that will last a lifetime.
Colorado Conservatory of Dance: The Nutcracker
Where? 1 East Memorial Parkway
When? December 11th-14th
The Colorado Conservatory of Dance is presenting The Nutcracker this holiday season! From gorgeous sets and costumes, spectacular choreography and professional guest artists, this is a holiday event that you won’t want to skip. Whether this is an annual tradition or you haven’t seen The Nutcracker since you were a child, 2025 is the prime opportunity to step into the enchanting world of timeless ballet led by Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Showtimes vary, with Thursday and Friday offering a 6:30 PM slot and Saturday featuring two performances at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM, respectively. Sunday will cap off the holiday weekend with a final 1:00 PM performance.
PRO Tip: The Nutcracker will be presented in Parsons Theatre, with an estimated runtime of 2 and a half hours, including a 15-minute intermission. This is an all ages performance.
Matt Cobos @ Denver Comedy Underground
Where? 675 22nd Street
When? December 12th & 13th
Matt Cobos is recording his album live at Denver Comedy Underground this weekend! Get ready for what’s sure to be a wild night of laughter as Matt puts on a lively night. When he’s not onstage, Matt is co-hosting the long-running Denver comedy show “Thick Skin” with Mike Stanley, as well as the popular Cobos Patrick Podcast with Patrick Richardson. This weekend’s lineup will feature two shows on both Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM and 9:45 PM nightly. Grab your tickets now online for $20 or $25 at the door!
PRO Tip: Arrive at the show early for the best seats. There is a sizable parking lot next to the venue, as well as street parking in the area. Skip the two item minimum and enjoy free pizza and great comedy!
Second Saturday Art Walk: Holiday Edition
Where? Cherry Creek North
When? December 13th
It’s the second Saturday of the month and you know what that means! The Second Saturday Art Walk will be held throughout the Cherry Creek North district from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Explore the intersections of art, design and all things holiday cheer as you stroll throughout Cherry Creek North and visit art galleries, artisanal shops and design studios that welcome walkers with tasty brunch bites, sips, crafting activities, live music and more. Whether you’re in search of that perfect holiday gift for a special someone or you’re looking for a piece of art to hang in your own home, this is a great weekend to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas as you celebrate all things inspiration, color and creativity!
PRO Tip: Stay updated for the full list of participating businesses on the Cherry Creek North website, found here.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Nashville Predators
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? December 13th
This Saturday, the Colorado Avalanche are facing off against the Nashville Predators on home ice at Ball Arena. Grab your tickets now for the 7:00 PM game as these two Central Division teams fight for the win. Across the past five games, players to watch on the Avalanche side include Martin Necas (#88) and Nathan MacKinnon (#29). On the Predators side, keep an eye on Luke Evangelista (#77) and Steven Stamkos (#91).
PRO Tip: All game tickets for Ball Arena are digital to allow for touch-less scanning from mobile devices. Before Saturday’s game, add your event tickets and/or parking pass to your mobile wallet for convenient entry.
Santa Paws Photo Booth @ Larimer Lights
Where? 1530 16th Street
When? December 13th
As part of the Larimer Lights festivities in Denver, this Saturday will feature an extra special Santa Paws Photo Booth. Bring your furry besties to the block for festive photos with Santa Paws himself from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM! Now that’s a Christmas card that you’ll want to send to all of your family and friends. Saturday will also feature the original Dickens carolers, as well as ornament decorating and letters to Santa until 5:00 PM. There will be an array of pop up bars, including Larimer Square’s own Rioja, Osteria Marco, NADC Burger, Tamayo and Garage Sale Vintage. If you’re looking to skip the booze, then warm up with hot cocoa and s’mores as you take a festive stroll under the dazzling holiday lights.
PRO Tip: Exclusive specials running all December long include BOGO cozy socks at Ariat, purchasing a $150 gift card and receiving a $25 bonus card at Sway and more!
Denver Winter Market
Where? 1000 Broadway
When? Through December 14th
The Denver Winter Market at the Denver Sports Castle will be in full swing through this Sunday. The market will be transforming the Sports Castle into a multi-level holiday experience with 85+ curated vendors, two full bars, local food trucks and plenty of vintage-inspired charm to go around. The market has been thoughtfully designed and is marketed as a place where thousands of guests can discover one-of-a-kind gifts, along with an unmatched seasonal ambiance that will leave you merry and bright.
PRO Tip: Upgrade to VIP access for early entry on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, as well as a complimentary tote bag, a commemorative mug, a free drink and a discount off of additional drinks! Winter Market VIP tickets cost $20.
Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers
Where? 1701 Bryant Street
When? December 14th
The Broncos are in week 15 of their regular season and are facing off against the Packers at home. The game will be played at Empower Field at Mile High at 2:25 PM MST. Gates will open at 12:30 PM, with parking lots opening at 10:00 AM. Heavy traffic is expected, so game attendees are encouraged to arrive between 10:00 AM-12:30 PM with their pre-purchased on-site parking permits. There will be limited first-come, first-served options such as Lot C Early Tailgating and the Carpool Section in Lot A. There will be a clear bag policy in effect for this event.
PRO Tip: Explore food and beverage options at the field here, along with dietary accommodations such as vegan friendly, vegetarian and gluten friendly options.
Mile High Football Bash
Where? 2027 West Colfax Avenue
When? December 14th
Whether you’ve got tickets to see the Broncos in action or you’re looking to cheer on the team from a local sports bar, the Mile High Football Bash is THE place to pregame. 104.3 the FAN will be onsite broadcasting live leading up to the game and there will be drink specials and game day bites all day long. The party will get started 4 hours prior to kick off, so be there or be square! Mile High Station will be hosting these Football Bash events before every regular season home game, so mark your calendar for December 21st and January 3rd or 4th (opening time is TBD).
PRO Tip: Parking and seating can fill up quickly, so plan to get to the Mile High Station early!
Denver Christkindlemarket
Where? Auraria Campus, Tivoli Quad, 1000 Larimer Street
When? Through December 23rd
The Denver Christkindlemarket is at an all new location this year on Auraria Campus. This cherished holiday tradition features charming wooden huts, twinkling lights and what can only be described as a joyous atmosphere. It’s no wonder that the market draws visitors from near and far to celebrate the festive season! This year, help Denver Christkindlemarket celebrate its 25th anniversary with fun anniversary activations and an enchanting lineup of glass ornament workshops. There will also be a stunning new attraction in the form of a beautifully restored 42’ Herschell Carousel featuring hand-carved horses, intricate details and all of the nostalgic charm of this classic ride.
PRO Tip: If you need tips on parking, public transportation options or ride share information, you can find it all here.
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Get out and about with the kids this weekend and explore all that the Mile High City has to offer to families. Whether you want to dive into prehistoric wonder at the Dinos Alive Immersive Experience or you want to enjoy brunch with Santa Claus, there’s something for every age group and interest!
Brunch with Father Christmas
Where? 715 South Forest Street
When? December 13th
Have you always dreamed of a seated brunch with Father Christmas? Four Mile Historic Park is here to make that dream a reality! Brunch begins at 9:00 AM, featuring your buffet favorites sponsored by Organic Roots Catering. Once you’ve finished your meal, you can explore a wintery landscape with a warm beverage in hand. General admission will begin at 11:00 AM for those who didn’t book the brunch experience. Attendees can still enjoy the holiday fun, with food available from on-site food trucks.
PRO Tip: Brunch tickets are priced at $55 for adults and $45 for children ages 3 to 17. General admission tickets are priced at $15 to $20 for children and adults. There are also senior and military discounts available for tickets purchased in person.
Chanukah Celebration
Where? 221 Detroit Street
When? December 14th
The Chabad of Cherry Creek is excited to host this weekend’s Chanukah Celebration! Explore the streets of Cherry Creek North as they’re transformed into the Chanukah Village. From 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, the village will feature crafts, face painting, cookie decorating, latkes, hot drinks and more tasty bites! From 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM, there will be a Grand Menorah Lighting and fire show at 250 Fillmore Street. The celebration is open to all and there’s no cost to attend. Visitors who make a $50 donation will receive a Chanukah beanie!
PRO Tip: When you arrive, make sure to snag a Chanukah Village activity map at Chabad of Cherry Creek. RSVP to the celebration here.
Zoo Lights
Where? 2300 Steele Street
When? Through January 5th
Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo is a must this holiday season with the family! With 80 acres boasting an impressive 3,000,000+ lights, your spirit will be bright. Tickets are on sale between now and January 5th, with a closure on Christmas Day. Hours vary per day, with Sunday through Thursday running from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday open until 10:00 PM. Consider becoming a member today to save 10% off Zoo Lights tickets! Members will pay $27 for adults and seniors and $20.70 for youth. Ages 2 and under are always free.
PRO Tip: Mark your calendar for January 2nd-4th, which will be the last value night pricing opportunity! On these nights, tickets are discounted to $26 for adults and seniors and $19 for youth, with members receiving an additional 10% off!
Dinos Alive Immersive Experience
Where? 3900 Elati Street
When? Multiple Dates
Family adventure abounds at Dinos Alive at Lighthouse ArtSpace! Whether your little one is going through a dinosaur phase or they’re just plain looking for a good time, grab your tickets to Dinos Alive before they go extinct. At this immersive experience, you’ll be able to see what it’s like to stand in the ginormous shadows of the largest creatures to ever walk the earth. The experience offers an inside look at several dozen specimens from infamous species such as the T-Rex, stegosaurus and velociraptor, as well as several lesser-known creatures. Upgrade to VIP to experience virtual reality in the metaverse format! The VR add-on is not suitable for children under the age of 6 years old.
PRO Tip: Dinos Alive is set up at the Exhibition Hub Art Center in Denver and family visits can take anywhere between 45 minutes and 75 minutes. Tickets start at $16.90, with VIP options also available.
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
We hope you enjoy a little bit of extra magic this weekend. With the holidays in full effect across Denver, there’s always something exciting, festive and a little bit dazzling going on. Remember to visit us again next week to see what’s going on the weekend before Christmas!