Looking for ways to fill the time this weekend? Check out this compilation of comedy shows, Christmas markets, home tours, and more this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday around the Mile High City!
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
Whether you want to surprise your date with a trip to Zoo Lights for Adult Night or you’d like to dive into the magical world of monarch butterflies, there’s something for everyone this weekend. Explore holiday-themed events or entertain yourself with an evening at the murder mystery dinner theater!
5th Annual Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Where? Fillmore Plaza between 1st and 2nd Avenue
When? November 21st-December 24th
Discover all of the magic of the holidays at one of Denver’s premier holiday markets. Situated in the Fillmore Plaza in Cherry Creek North, this Christmas extravaganza is open daily through Christmas Eve for the 2024 season. You can shop for everybody on your Christmas list, as well as enjoy refreshments while you peruse the offerings. There will be dozens of hand-picked vendors, as well as the Mistletoe Lounge where you can kick back, relax, and get ready for round two. This year’s concert series will begin this weekend with performances by The Jingle Belles, the Mile High Soul Club, the Nico Martinez Trio, DJ K-Nee, and the Jeremy Mohney Band.
PRO Tip: Named one of Denver’s top holiday bars, the Mistletoe Lounge provides a curated menu of creative holiday-themed alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Make sure to check out this year’s tantalizing offering!
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
Where? 1215 18th Street
When? November 22nd
The Murder Mystery Dinner Theater shows are hosted at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Westminster. Tickets are priced at $59 per visitor and include a two-hour immersive murder mystery performance and a three-course meal. From the moment you walk through the door, you’ll be faced with a thrilling whodunit experience, mingled with intriguing characters and shady suspects. As the plot unfolds in a comedic way, you’ll enjoy delicious food while you interrogate suspects, gather clues, and work with your team to help the experts crack the case. Themes change periodically, so you can become a repeat offender and catch different shows!
PRO Tip: Attendees should plan to arrive 30 minutes before the show’s start time to get settled!
Zoo Lights: Adult Night
Where? 2300 Steele Street
When? November 22nd
Have you been looking for a fun adult night out this holiday season? Check out Zoo Lights and enjoy a child-free evening of Christmas displays and festive drinks. With over three million lights spread across 80 acres, this is a truly unforgettable experience that will unleash the childlike wonder inside of all attendees. Whether you’re going on a date or you just want to enjoy time with friends, Adult Night is scheduled from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. There will be snack and drink options available and guests are also welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the zoo. Throughout the nighttime experience, visitors will have opportunities to view the animals in their habitats, with smaller animals potentially being available for up-close meet-and-greet experiences throughout the property.
PRO Tip: Tickets for Adult Night are priced at $30. When purchasing a ticket for Zoo Lights, you’ll be prompted to select an entry time, which ranges from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM in half-hour increments.
48th Annual L’Esprit de Noël Holiday Home Tour
Where? Crestmoor Neighborhood
When? November 22nd & 23rd
The L’Esprit de Noël home tour is one of Denver’s signature holiday events, spanning nearly 5 decades! This year’s self-guided tour will take place in the beautiful and historic Crestmoor neighborhood this Friday and Saturday. This is a predominantly residential neighborhood of single-family homes on large lots. Crestmoor’s aesthetic can be defined by Neo-classical, colonial, and Tudor mansions — as well as traditional ranch-style homes. Participants of the tour will view five elegant and diverse homes in the community, each creatively decorated for the holidays by some of the area’s best florists and table designers. This is a great way to gain inspiration for your very own home this holiday season! Proceeds for this event go towards benefitting the programs of Central City Opera Guild, including education and community engagement programs that serve over 80,000 people per year.
PRO Tip: Tickets to this annual holiday home tour are priced at $50 each. Attendees can visit the homes between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on either day.
Denver Christmas Show
Where? 4655 North Humboldt Street
When? November 22nd-24th
This annual Christmas Show is set at a new venue for the 2024 season — the National Western Complex! The multi-day shopping extravaganza features all things Christmas cheer and holiday fun. Not only is Santa coming to town for photos, but there will also be hourly winners for Christmas Cash and various entertainers taking the stage throughout the weekend. The Denver Christmas Show is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, with abbreviated hours of 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. Admission is priced at $17 for adults at the door or you can save $1 by buying online ahead of time! Children ages 13 and under are free.
PRO Tip: A military discount is available at the door only. Valid active or retired military IDs receive $3 off the ticket price! All adult admission tickets are valid for one day of the show.
Denver Christkindlmarket
Where? Civic Center Park, 101 14th Avenue
When? November 22nd-December 23rd
This authentic, German-style Christmas market is a cherished tradition amongst many once the holiday season rolls around. The market is free and open to the public at Civic Center Park. There will be a wide array of both local and European craft and food vendors, as well as tons of magical entertainment for the whole family. Not only is this a “must-see” Denver experience, visitors will also love the vast array of delicious treats that are available, including hot chocolate and pastries! From charming wooden huts to thousands of twinkling lights and a joyous atmosphere like no other, this market draws visitors from across the state and beyond to celebrate the festive season. Don’t miss the opening of this beloved holiday event this weekend!
PRO Tip: Pets are always welcome at the market, though owners should take care to keep their pup on a leash at all times. There will even be a Canine Christmas Day on November 29th!
The Greatest Comedy Show in the World
Where? 1260 22nd Street
When? November 23rd
This Denver-based variety program showcases stand-up comedy, improv, and sketch acts on the 4th Saturday of the month. Tickets for the upcoming show on Saturday at Rise Comedy are priced at $16. The show kicks off at 7:00 PM and will feature up-and-coming talent. Each month, a new stand-up comic and improv team will join the host for an hour of controlled comedy chaos. Nothing is off limits and no two shows are ever the same. Audience members will be tapped for suggestions, stories, and potentially the chance to join the crew on stage!
PRO Tip: While this is an all-ages show, parents are advised to use discretion. All sales are final and no refunds will be permitted.
Denver Dog Fair
Where? 25690 East Quincy Avenue
When? November 23rd & 24th
The Denver Dog Fair will be hosted at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds this weekend from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. There will be dog-loving fun for the whole family. Tickets to the fair are good for both days at any time and are priced at $20. Kids ages 5 and younger are free and family four-packs can be purchased for $72! Of course, pups are welcome and their canine-specific tickets are priced at $5. Ticket prices include all entertainment and activities except for food, adoption fees, and any vendor merchandise or services that you may be interested in. Colorado Disc Dogs will be performing three shows daily and Harmony Dog Sports will be hosting fetch trials for attending dogs.
PRO Tip: There are expected to be 150+ adorable puppies and dogs onsite at the fair, brought in by dozens of shelters, breed rescuers, and adoption and foster agencies. Check out the Adopt page for more information!
Sundays on Santa Fe
Where? 858 Santa Fe Drive
When? November 24th
Sundays on Santa Fe occurs year-round and features participating galleries, businesses, and shops in the heart of Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe. This free gallery crawl occurs on the final Sunday of the month and participants can explore the neighborhood with the entire family from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM while they peruse galleries, boutique shops, and more. Participating locations include 910 Arts, Access Gallery, Artists on Santa Fe, D’Art Gallery, Grace Noel Art, Museo De Las Americas, and many more.
PRO Tip: There is no cost to attend this event, so just enjoy the fresh air and meet a few new friendly faces as you explore!
Monarch Magic
Where? 6252 West 104th Avenue
When? Through November 30th
If you haven’t had the chance to visit the Butterfly Pavilion in November, make a plan to swing by this weekend! Monarch Magic launched on November 8th and will run through the end of the month. The exhibition will feature the release of the majestic monarch butterfly within the “Wings of the Tropics” butterfly conservatory, where they’ll carry on to live amongst thousands of other butterflies in the zoo. Monarchs are notable for their striking orange wings and are vital pollinators across the world. Their impressive migratory journey spans 3,000+ miles from the Northern United States and Canada to Mexico. Guests will leave Monarch Madness with a deeper knowledge of these incredible creatures, as well as a touch of magic and wonder in their hearts!
PRO Tip: Monarch Magic will launch its first release of monarch butterflies and special guest remarks at 10:00 AM this Friday.
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Wow the little ones with a visit to the Mile High Tree or watch as their jaw drops at the Kicker Monster Truck Show! The Christmas season wouldn’t be complete without a ride aboard The Polar Express, either.
Mile High Tree Lighting
Where? 101 West 14th Avenue
When? November 22nd
The 110-foot-tall Mile High Tree is impressive to all ages, though it’s especially beloved by the little ones. In fact, the tree is 10 feet higher than the tallest Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in history! The Mile High Tree features 60,000 LED lights and signature programming, with a nightly free public light show that’s choreographed to holiday music. The tree lighting ceremony will be held at 5:15 PM this Friday before the tree is lit throughout the season for the public’s enjoyment.
PRO Tip: There are a variety of parking options, from meters to garages and small surface lots. Arrive early and secure your spot while you wait for the annual lighting of the Mile High Tree!
Kicker Monster Truck Show
Where? 1515 East 47th Avenue
When? November 22nd & 23rd
The Denver Kicker Monster Truck Show is an adrenaline-charged event that features jaw-dropping displays and gravity-defying feats. Fans of all ages will be entertained as they watch some of the most recognizable truck names in the world, including Outlaw, Avenger, Thunder Chicken, Wrecking Crew, Brutus, Spike, and more. Families will be on the edge of their seats as they watch freestyle, wheelie, and racing competitions with world-class drivers.
PRO Tip: Doors on Friday open at 5:30 PM and the show begins at 7:30 PM. Make sure to check out the pit party!
The Polar Express Train Ride
Where? 17155 West 44th Avenue
When? Through December 23rd
The Polar Express Train Ride is making its return to the Colorado Railroad Museum! This unique, three-part theatrical event is full of holiday magic for kiddos and adults who are still children at heart. From holiday caroling to the “Hot Chocolate” song and dance, each evening will be bursting at the seams with Christmas festivities. Take a ride to the North Pole aboard vintage coaches that are pulled by an authentic, coal-fired steam locomotive.
PRO Tip: Two ticketing levels are available: standard seating and first class. The first class option is available in tables of four. For the 2024 season, The Polar Express Train Ride performances are scheduled three times each evening.
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
Now that you have the scoop on what’s going down around Denver this weekend, we hope you’ve found a few things to add to your calendar! Remember to visit us again next week for an updated list of everything going on around town.