Christmas is quickly approaching, which means it’s time to start crossing names off your shopping list! Whether you’re in search of one-of-a-kind gift options or you want to celebrate the holiday spirit at The Nutcracker, Denver has it all going on this weekend!
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
The excitement is palpable in Denver with the holiday season in full swing. Get ready for a jam-packed weekend of action, complete with cookie bake offs, Christmas lights, first Friday events and more.
Metal & Beer Festival
Where? 1510 Clarkson Street
When? December 4th-6th
The Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest is coming to Denver’s Fillmore Auditorium this weekend. Featuring Acid Bath, Primitive Man, Deadguy, and more — this is a show you can’t miss. Marketed as the world’s loudest, heaviest, and most extreme craft beer festival, metal heads will be coming from near and far for this one. The artist bill is stacked and the beer will be cold, so grab your tickets ASAP and enjoy some of America’s most metal breweries and meaderies as they descend upon the beer capital of the US. The Metal & Beer Festival will be showcasing beers from Black Circle, Woods Boss, Ratio Beerworks, Black Sky Brewery and more.
PRO Tip: You can still snag one day tickets or two day tickets. The three-day ticket package, including the pre-fest, is sold out.
First Friday in RiNo
Where? 3525 Walnut Street, #40
When? December 5th
Join the River North Art District for the final First Friday in RiNo of 2025! From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, you’ll have the chance to explore an exciting itinerary of events, receptions, sales and more. These First Friday Art Walks are a signature event year-round, rain or shine. The district comes alive on the first Friday of the month as visitors come to view art, meet artists, and explore galleries and studios. RiNo locations will be opening their doors for art openings, live music and so much more.
PRO Tip: While standard hours wrap up at 9:00 PM, many locations will be open later into the night as well!
Lakewood Lights
Where? 801 South Yarrow Street
When? December 5th
Lakewood Lights will be this Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Gather your friends and family for this annual holiday celebration. The lighting ceremony is spectacular to behold, so watch as Heritage Lakewood becomes aglow with an awesome display of holiday cheer. All buildings will be open to the public and decorated for the holidays. There will be festive live music, as well as hot cocoa available to keep you warm and toasty. Cookies will be available in the diner for free, with a suggested donation of $1. Families with kiddos can meet with jolly old Saint Nick in the Heritage Lakewood Visitor Center for the duration of the event. Attendees can also craft an ornament to commemorate the holiday season.
PRO Tip: Meet and greets with Santa will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Alice in Winterland
Where? 1100 Stout Street
When? December 6th
This Saturday at the Bellco Theatre, Alice in Winterland will be presented by Alice 105.8. The performance will feature Teddy Swims, Neon Trees and American Authors. The box office will open at 6:00 PM, followed by doors an hour later. The expected time for the show to start is 8:00 PM. Kick off the holiday season with an unforgettable night of music and magic as Alice in Winterland brings together a powerhouse performer in Teddy Swims with Neon Trees and American Authors for a one-of-a-kind live concert experience. Fans can expect incredible performances, electric energy and good vibes all around.
PRO Tip: Due to the expansion of the Colorado Convention Center, parking garage capacity has been reduced. Arrive early or have an alternative parking plan in place.
Cookie Bake Off
Where? 7101 Colfax Avenue
When? December 6th
Think your grandma’s cookie recipe that she passed down to you is the one to beat? You’ll have the chance to prove it at Fiction Beer Company’s Cookie Bake Off this Saturday! From 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, bring your best batch of cookies to share, taste what the competition is trying to win with and vote for your favorites. Of course, you’ll be tempted to pair those sweet treats with one of the brewery’s craft beers! After all, that’s the ultimate flavor combo right there. Enjoy a pour of the Wintery Emblem winter spiced ale or enjoy Fiction Beer Company’s imperial sweet stout that’s described as being black as night from a decadent chocolate malt.
PRO Tip: The winner will receive bragging rights and a prize for the top cookie, so bring your A-game!
Saturday Night Lights
Where? Fillmore Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues)
When? December 6th, 13th & 20th
Saturday Night Lights at the Cherry Creek North Pole’s Civica Plaza is an immersive experience you have to see to believe. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season as the community enjoys a night of music, dancing and entertainment under the glow of a million dazzling lights! Visitors can take advantage of the light-up dance floor as they show off their best moves while a live DJ is spinning tunes or they can stroll through the tunnels of lights and strike a post for a free photo booth keepsake to commemorate the 2025 holiday season in Denver. There will be festivities scattered throughout the district, so stroll around and explore what’s on offer! Don’t skip the Cherry Creek Holiday Market, which will be exhibiting 45+ vendors. Feeling chilly? Warm up inside the Mistletoe Lounge, a holiday pop-up bar! Saturday Night Lights runs from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
PRO Tip: New this year will be horse-drawn carriage rides, so get off your feet and explore the Cherry Creek North Pole by hoof.
Artisan Holiday Market
Where? 2875 Blake Street
When? December 7th
Bierstadt Lagerhaus will be hosting an Artisan Holiday Market this weekend from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. Attendees can shop fashion, jewelry, and art while they enjoy music, food and drinks. There will also be games to keep the good vibes rolling. Entry to the Holiday Market is free, so what are you waiting for? This festive gathering will feature talented artisans showcasing their unique creations just in time for Christmas. You’ll find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. The cozy atmosphere at the brewery will make you want to stick around for some delicious lager, so bring a friend or two and enjoy the festivities as you sit back and relax.
PRO Tip: Don’t let the stress of holiday shopping keep you down this weekend! Sip on a lager after you peruse the selection to keep your weekend relaxed, laid back and delicious.
The Nutcracker
Where? 1400 Curtis Street
When? Through December 28th
The Nutcracker will be performed at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House through the end of the month with live music featuring the Colorado Ballet Orchestra! Returning to the stage in a sensational performance that many families look forward to year after year, The Nutcracker is proud to take the stage for the Colorado Ballet’s 65th season! Audiences of all ages will enjoy this timeless tradition that’s complete with sweet Sugar Plums, swirling snowflakes, and mischievous dancing mice! Balcony and Loge tickets begin at $50-65, with Mezzanine seats priced at $100. Take the whole family for an exciting afternoon or evening at the Opera House or enjoy a parents-only date night!
PRO Tip: There are numerous showtimes throughout the month, but you’ll want to grab your tickets ahead of time in case your preferred date sells out in advance.
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Whether your little one loves all things Disney or wants to cheer on the iconic annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights, there’s something for every family this weekend in the Mile High City!
Disney On Ice Presents Let’s Dance
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? December 5th-7th
Bring the family to Ball Arena this Friday through Sunday to catch a Disney on Ice performance to remember. Mickey and the gang are rocking the DJ table at Disney on Ice and you’re on the guest list! Kids of all ages will be amazed by the electric atmosphere as their favorite Disney tunes are remixed. Roar with delight as Simba, Timon and Pumbaa take the ice or groove to the smooth ocean beats with Ariel and her pals. It’s all fun and games until the party really goes off the rails when guest DJ Stitch takes over. Families won’t be able to stop from singing and grooving to their favorite tunes at this party. Friday kicks off the fun at 7:00 PM, followed by 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 7:00 PM shows on Saturday and a 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM matinee on Sunday.
PRO Tip: All guests ages 2 and older are required to have a ticket. No costumes will be permitted for guests ages 14 and up.
9NEWS Parade of Lights
Where? Downtown Denver
When? December 6th
This Saturday, the 9NEWS Parade of Lights will take on Downtown Denver. This beloved tradition will light up the city with more than 40 dazzling floats, giant balloons, marching bands, equestrian units, cultural displays and even special guest appearances from Major Waddles the penguin and Santa Claus! This year, the Downtown Denver Partnership is also proud to welcome the Denver Summit Football Club as the 2025 Grand Marshal. Dig into delicious food such as soft pretzels and churros or Belgian waffles from Tom’s Waffles or warm up with hot chocolate and coffee from Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee of Englewood while you watch the parade and explore vendor booths.
PRO Tip: Debuting this year will be a curated holiday village exclusively for Parade of Lights attendees at Skyline Park. The village will open at 4:00 PM and will run through the end of the parade.
Santa at Larimer Lights
Where? 1530 16th Street
When? December 6th
Larimer Lights is returning for the 2025 holiday season. Take a stroll along the block as you enjoy immersive projection mapping, festive decor, visits from Santa, live holiday carolers and seasonal treats from local restaurants and shops. This Saturday, snap your photo with Santa from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and listen to the nostalgic sounds of the original Dickens carolers. Adults ages 21+ can swing by the pop-up bars or families can sip hot cocoa and snack on a sweet s’mores treat.
PRO Tip: Exclusive holiday specials that will be offered all December long include a $20 bonus card at Tamayo when you purchase a $100 gift card and BOGO cozy socks from Ariat.
Disney’s Frozen
Where? 6901 Wadsworth Boulevard
When? Through January 4th
Disney’s Frozen is coming to Denver! Families across the city will want to catch this worldwide phenomenon, now reimagined for the stage. Watch the story unfold as Snow Queen Elsa is accidentally trapping her kingdom in perpetual winter and only her younger sister, Anna, can break the spell. Of course, Anna has a little help from ice harvester Kristoff, reindeer Sven and happy-go-lucky snowman Olaf! Frozen is an unforgettable journey with lovable characters and soaring music, including fan-favorite hits like “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” “Let It Go,” and many more. Families should keep in mind that strobe effects will be used in some sequences, as well as fog, smoke and CO2 cannon blasts throughout the show.
PRO Tip: Performances are scheduled through January 4th on Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:00 PM. There will also be select matinee showings on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 PM.
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
We wish you a festive and memorable weekend as you explore and do all that Denver has to offer! The Mile High City is embracing the holiday season this month with Santa Claus appearances, holiday markets, lighting ceremonies and so much more. Make sure to visit us again next week to stay on top of the best weekend itinerary in Denver!