Thanksgiving Day
2015-11-26 | CO
Happy Thanksgiving!
Popular destinations that are CLOSED on this day (not an exhaustive list):

All branches of the Denver Public Library (also note that branches close early at 4p on WED 11/25)
Denver Art Museum
History Colorado Center
The Clyfford Still Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
Kirkland Museum
Denver Botanic Gardens (open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day)
Four Mile Historic Park
Molly Brown House
Byers-Evans House
The Children’s Museum

Popular destinations that are OPEN on this day (not an exhaustive list):

Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS is only closed on 1 day a year: December 25)
Denver Zoo (they’re open EVERY DAY of the year!)
Southwest Rink at Skyline Park

Hark! How the Bells: Holiday Bell Choir Concert
2015-11-27 16:30 - 17:30 (America/Denver) | Popups Example
Returning for an encore performance, the Castle Rock Community Ringers make incredible music using only the classic choir bells – and these musicians know how to create a joyful noise! The well-regarded Castle Rock Community Ringers will show us how to ‘throw cares away’ with their thoughtful blend of holiday and secular songs all created with perfectly pitched handbells.
More info: https://www.denverlibrary.org/fresh

Downtown Denver's Grand Illumination
2015-11-27 18:00 - 19:00 | CO
The streets and buildings of Downtown Denver will light up for the holidays during the center city’s Grand Illumination on Friday, November 27 starting at 6 p.m.
Hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights and entertainment will mark the festive occasion from Denver Union Station to the City & County Building, including the 16th Street Mall, Skyline Park, the D&F Tower and more. The following details the places to enjoy the Grand Illumination of Downtown Denver.
Light the Lights City & County Building
One of the holiday season’s longest running traditions, the 9NEWS Light the Lights event, takes place at the City and County Building, when one of the most beautiful and popular holiday lighting displays in the region will once again transform this historic building.
Performers will entertain the crowd from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., including 5280 A Cappella, the Reigning Champions of the Rocky Mountain Sing Off; Sounds of the Rockies chorus, an adult choir ranked 4th in the world by the Barbershop Harmony Society, and Mariachi Vasquez, a musical family performing group.
The City and County Building lighting display is entirely lit with LED lights and will be illuminated at 5:45 p.m. nightly through January 24, 2016. A dramatic light display set to holiday music will play at 5:45 p.m. each night. At 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, volunteers will play holiday tunes from the historic bell tower.
Denver Union Station
Head to Denver Union Station where sparkling lights will illuminate the historic Denver Union Station in the heart of Lower Downtown.
16th Street Mall
More than 100,000 energy-efficient LED lights will turn the 16th Street Mall into a beautiful promenade, lighting more than 200 trees along the 1.25 mile length of the Mall. Highlights along the 16th Street Mall include Denver’s historic D&F Tower, adorned with LED lights, wreaths and bows, and Skyline Park featuring trees with more than 50,000 lights.
14th Street
Along 14th Street, more than 180 trees will be decorated with nearly 25,000 white LED lights, enhanced by more than 32,000 brightly colored LED lights in trees on Curtis (green and blue) California (red, gold and orange), and Larimer streets (green and purple).
More info: http://www.downtowndenver.com/winter-in-the-city/downtown-denvers-grand-illumination-lights-up-the-city-for-the-holidays

Artist Demo: Yunn Pann – Chinese Brush Work
2015-11-28 - 2015-11-29 | Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, 80204, United States
Come play in the Paint Studio at Denver Art Museum and catch an artist demo too! Free with museum admission. Children and youth 18 and under are free.
All demos take place 12p – 3p.
More info: http://denverartmuseum.org/calendar/paint-studio-weekend-artist-demonstrations
Weekend Demonstration Schedule (subject to change):
November 21–22 & 28–29: Yunn Pann – Chinese Brush Work
December 5–6 & 12–13: Rudi Monterroso – Acrylic Painting on Metal and Canvas
December 19–20 & 26–27: Jaeson Simmon – Oil Painting
January 2–3: Carlos Frésquez – Acrylic Painting
January 9–10: Melanie Yazzie – Acrylic Painting on Wood Panel
January 16–17: April Tsosie – Acrylic Painting
January 23–24 & 30–31: Libby Barbee – Multi Media Installation
February 6–7: Carlos Frésquez – Acrylic Painting
February 13–14 & 20–21: Derek Cadena – Acrylic Gel Transfer
February 27–28: Nathan Abels – Acrylic Painting
March 5–6: Leticia D. Tanguma – Mixed Media with Acrylic and Watercolor
March 12–13: April Tsosie – Acrylic Painting
March 19–20: Melanie Yazzie – Gouache Painting on Handmade Paper
March 26–27: Lui Ferreyra – Oil Painting
April 2–3 & 9–10: Quintin Gonzalez – Mixed Media
April 16–17: Nathan Abels – Acrylic Painting
April 23–24: Leticia D. Tanguma – Mixed Media with Acrylic and Watercolor
April 30–May 1: Homare Ikeda – Abstract Painting

Cockpit Demo Day at Wings Over the Rockies
2015-11-28 10:00 - 14:00 | Wings Over the Rockies, 7711 East Academy Boulevard , Denver, CO, 80230, United States
Finally, a chance to actually climb inside the vintage aircraft housed inside the big hanger at the Wings over the Rockies! During the monthly Cockpit Demo days, select aircraft are opened for people of all ages to climb inside and sit in the pilot’s seat.
More info: http://wingsmuseum.org/event-calendar/cockpit-demo-day-19/

Renaissance Lute and Guitar with Peter Schimpf
2015-11-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Popups Example
Playing a variety of pieces from the 16th and early 17th centuries on a variety of historical instruments, including the four-course Renaissance guitar, seven-course Renaissance lute, and the 14-string theorbo, no one conjures the sound of Shakespeare’s world like talented musician, Peter Schimpf. His repertoire includes intricate and lively pieces from England, France, and Italy between the years 1500 and 1640.
Free event.
More info: https://www.denverlibrary.org/fresh

Holiday Lighting at Little Man
2015-11-28 17:30 - 21:00 | Little Man Ice Cream, 2620 16th Street,, Denver, CO, 80211, United States
Kick off the holiday season with the fun-loving crew of Little Man Ice Cream as they light their towering Christmas tree and a larger-than-life Menorah. This fun-for-everyone event includes caroling, a visit from Santa, live reindeer, Clydesdale horses, free food, hot cider and chestnuts roasting by an open fire.
More info: http://www.littlemanicecream.com/event/holiday-tree-lighting-2/

Drums of the World
2015-11-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th Street, Denver, CO, 80202, United States
This popular annual family concert takes attendees on a musical trip around the globe. Drums of the World features your very own Colorado Symphony percussionists playing rhythmic instruments new and old – it’ll be everything but the kitchen sink! Don’t forget to arrive early for pre-concert activities in the lobby! (CO Symphony)
Tickets: $25 for adults; $10 for children under 18
More info and tickets: https://tickets.coloradosymphony.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=3633

Free Evening at the Children's Museum
2015-12-01 16:00 - 20:00 | Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children's Museum Drive, Denver, CO, 80211, United States
First Tuesday evenings at the Children’s Museum are always free and now there are even more things to see and try thanks to a new expansion of the museum.
More info: https://www.mychildsmuseum.org

Free Tours of the Governor's Mansion
2015-12-03 - 2015-12-06 | Governor’s Mansion, 400 East 8th Avenue, Denver, CO, 80203, United States
The Governor’s Residence, Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund, American Society of Interior Designers and Colorado Homes & Lifestyles welcomes the public to attend FREE holiday tours offered Thursday, December 3 through Sunday, December 6 and again on Thursday, December 10 through Sunday, December 13 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Tours begin at the Eighth Avenue main gate. There may be a line so all guests are admitted on a first come, first served basis. The Governor’s Residence does not take reservations. Large groups are encouraged to email info@grpfund.org in advance.

Tours are at the pace of the visitor and may last from 20 minutes to 45 minutes.

More info: http://www.coloradoshome.org/holiday-public-tours/

Holiday Flea
2015-12-03 - 2015-12-06 | Holiday Flea Venue, 4400 Fox St, Denver, CO, 80216, United States
The Denver Flea is a contemporary marketplace showcasing makers and retailers who cultivate the Colorado lifestyle. This year’s Holiday Flea features 150+ vendors, food drink and live music. Dates for this year’s Holiday Flea:

12/3, 5p – 9p: $45 admission includes exclusive first access to all Holiday Flea Vendors, valet parking, five beverage tickets (craft beer, cocktails, coffee and other N/A options are available), and access to Flea on Saturday and Sunday
12/4, 6p – 10p: $35 admission includes valet parking, five beverage tickets (craft beer, cocktails, coffee and other N/A options are available), and access to Flea on Saturday and Sunday
12/5, 10a – 8p: $5 admission includes a free drink
12/6 – 10a – 6p: $5 admission includes a free drink

More info and tickets: http://www.denverflea.com

National Theatre Live: Hamlet Starring Benedict Cumberbatch
2015-12-03 19:00 - 22:00, 2015-12-05 14:00 - 17:00 | Sie FilmCenter, 2510 East Colfax, Denver, CO, 80206
2015, 210 Minute Running Time
6 shows remain.
Thursday, December 3rd at 7pm – 10 tickets left!
Saturday, December 5th at 2pm – 10 tickets left!
Sunday, December 6th at 2pm – SOLD OUT!
Thursday, December 10th at 7pm – SOLD OUT!
Saturday, December 12th at 2pm – 80% SOLD OUT
Sunday, December 13th at 2pm – 60% SOLD OUT
More info and tickets: http://www.denverfilm.org/filmcenter/detail.aspx?id=27337
Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC’s “Sherlock”, The Imitation Game, Frankenstein at the National Theatre) takes on the title role of Shakespeare’s great tragedy.
The story: As a country arms itself for war, a family tears itself apart. Forced to avenge his father’s death but paralysed by the task ahead, Hamlet rages against the impossibility of his predicament, threatening both his sanity and the security of the state.
This series: As a part of the National Theatre Live series, “Hamlet” will be recorded live and shown on a delayed basis. The Sie FilmCenter is the exclusive Denver-area venue for this thrilling series of great plays. Simulcast in full HD and 5.1 Surround Sound.
Tickets: $15 for DFS Members, $16 for Seniors or Students, $18 for General Admission.

WinterFest on Old South Pearl St.
2015-12-04 - 2015-12-05 | Untitled ngg_pictures
Visit the 1500 block of South Pearl Street for Box Elder Horse and Wagon rides, a holiday market with gift and food vendors, local merchant open house, and appearances by Santa! Live music will fill the street. Enjoy a hot adult beverage as well as hot chocolate and cider for the kids. The event’s open aire market will feature a christmas tree lot, holiday greenery, and returning farmers’ market vendors.
FRI 12/4: 5p – 9p
SAT 12/5: 11a – 5p
More info: http://southpearlstreet.com/events/#season_e

Creative Mornings: Chris O'Hara, Ludicrous Speed
2015-12-04 08:30 - 10:00 | The Source, 3350 Brighton Boulevard, Denver, CO, 80216, United States
Creative Mornings is a free breakfast lecture series for the creative community (and anyone else who enjoys learning new things and discovering new perspectives on the world) with chapters in 125 cities around the world. It’s a great way to start your morning!
About the Speaker: Chris O’Hara is a structural engineer and design enthusiast whose work includes projects from the ‘Twister Ride it Out’ amusement park ride at Universal Studios to the stunning curvilinear Liverpool Flagship store in Mexico City to affordable housing for struggling Native American reservations across the West.
More info and free tickets: https://creativemornings.com/talks/chris-o-hara-and-ludicrous-speed

Free Day at Four Mile Historic Park
2015-12-04 12:00 - 16:00 | Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest Street, Denver, CO, 80246, United States
Tour Denver’s oldest standing structure, the Four Mile House Museum, for Free!
Nestled on the banks of Cherry Creek, the Four Mile House was the last stop coming west to Denver along the Cherokee Trail. It was a welcome site for the weary travelers, a place to wash off the trail dust, have a drink of cool fresh water, find a home-cooked meal, or spend the night before heading in to Denver. Explore Denver history and enjoy a charming oasis in the city with a visit to the Four Mile Historic Park.
More info: http://www.fourmilepark.org

Conversations with Curators: Allegories into Art
2015-12-04 16:00 - 16:45 | Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, 80204, United States
The Berger Collection’s intriguing Portrait of a Man as Saint Sebastian is the focus of a talk by collection curator Kathleen Stuart. Explore what it might mean to have yourself portrayed as an allegorical figure – a saint, or a sinner, or a mythical hero.
Conversations with Curators feature lively discussion with different curators on the first Friday of the month.
All Conversations are free with general admission and no reservations are needed.
Meet at 4 pm near the elevators on level 6 of the North Building.
More info: http://denverartmuseum.org/calendar/conversation-curator-allegories-art

Free Holiday Open House at Denver Firefighters Museum
2015-12-04 16:00 - 20:00 | Denver Firefighters Museum, 1326 Tremont Place, Denver, CO, 80204, United States
Come down to the Denver Firefighters Museum for a FREE evening! Enjoy a self-guided tour of Old Station No. 1, holiday refreshments, crafts for the kids, and a visit with Santa! Don’t forget to bring a toy for their annual Toys for Tots drive.
Good to Know: The Parade of Lights route runs right past the museum, so some streets will be closed and parking might be tricky. But if you’re at the parade already, this would be a great way to have even more fun that night!
More info: http://www.denverfirefightersmuseum.org/events/events-display.php?event_id=252

Holiday ManCraft
2015-12-04 16:00 - 22:00 | The Forney Museum of Transportation, 4303 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO, 80216, United States
“If Martha Stewart and Chuck Norris had a love child – it’d grow up to become ManCraft.”
What is ManCraft? Ink Lounge curates local vendors who are all men (and some men/women teams) that make super fine unique items. And of course being an early evening/night event it also comes complete with tasty adult beverages to sip as you shop.
From the organizers: Not only will the venue be filled with nearly 80 vendors – we continue to add in some shenanigans to complete the silliness and manliness of it all. Here’s a list of some additional things we’re currently working on for this year’s event: Get Your Shot with Porch Drinking Santa * Ratio Beer on Tap * Churn & Burn Food Truck * Pop-Up Barber Shop * Heaps of Free Parking * Annual Vendor Whisker Wars * and of course free ManSacks for the first 50 attendees. Don’t forget the added benefit of being able to view the collection of vintage vehicles for free at the Forney Museum.
More info and a list of vendors: http://inklounge.com/holiday-mancraft.html

TEENS: Craftsman & Apprentice Workshop
2015-12-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Museum of Contemporary Art, 1485 Delgany St, denver, CO, 80202, United States
Teen Fridays Nights at MCA Denver is a free, drop in program for teens where teens can hang out and join in on a variety of workshops led by local artists and creatives. Teen admission is always FREE at MCA Denver.

December 4: Craftsman & Apprentice workshop
December 11: Boxwood Pinball tournament
More info: http://mcadenver.org/teendropin.php

41st Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights
2015-12-04 20:00 - 22:00 | CO
Begin your holiday season a classic Denver event: the 41st Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights. The two-mile parade through downtown features marching bands, ornate floats, and, of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa! Free.
The parade takes place on two evenings:
Friday, December 4, 2015 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 6 p.m.
More info: http://denverparadeoflights.com

A Very Murray Christmas
2015-12-04 22:00 - 23:55 | Sie FilmCenter, 2510 East Colfax, Denver, CO, 80206
Bring a can of food to donate and see this Netflix original holiday special for free at the Sie Film Center!
About the Film: Bill Murray worries no one will show up to his T.V. show due to a terrible snow-storm in New York City. USA, 2015, 120 Minute Running Time
DIRECTOR: Sofia Coppola
Principal Cast: George Clooney, Miley Cyrus, Rashida Jones, Amy Poehler, Michael Cera, Jason Schwartzman, Chris Rock, Maya Rudolph, Jenny Lewis, Phoenix
FREE! With a donation of canned food.
More info: http://www.denverfilm.org/filmcenter/detail.aspx?id=28071

Holiday High Tea at the Molly Brown House
2015-12-05 - 2015-12-06 | Molly Brown House, 1340 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO, 80203, United States
Do you know most of the decorations on the Victorian Christmas tree were homemade? Paper chains, decorated cookies, popcorn and cranberry strings. One special ornament was the “cornucopia,” a paper cone, decorated with cut-outs and ribbon, and filled with candy or small toys. Learn more holiday traditions in the Brown’s decorated home and create your own memories on a special tea with friends and family. Collectible holiday ornament and voucher for future museum tour included with purchase. Act fast! Tickets to the Molly Brown House holiday teas sell out way in advance!
Tea times: SAT 12/5, 11:15 and 2:15; SUN 12/6 12:15, 3:15
Tickets: $20 – $26
More info and tickets: http://store.mollybrown.org/store/-molly-brown-house-museum-teas/holiday-high-teas-i-2015/

Artist Demo: Rudi Monterroso – Acrylic Painting on Metal and Canvas
2015-12-05 - 2015-12-06 | Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, 80204, United States
Come play in the Paint Studio at Denver Art Museum and catch an artist demo too! Free with museum admission. Children and youth 18 and under are free.
All demos take place 12p – 3p.
More info: http://denverartmuseum.org/calendar/paint-studio-weekend-artist-demonstrations
Weekend Demonstration Schedule (subject to change):
December 5–6 & 12–13: Rudi Monterroso – Acrylic Painting on Metal and Canvas
December 19–20 & 26–27: Jaeson Simmon – Oil Painting
January 2–3: Carlos Frésquez – Acrylic Painting
January 9–10: Melanie Yazzie – Acrylic Painting on Wood Panel
January 16–17: April Tsosie – Acrylic Painting
January 23–24 & 30–31: Libby Barbee – Multi Media Installation
February 6–7: Carlos Frésquez – Acrylic Painting
February 13–14 & 20–21: Derek Cadena – Acrylic Gel Transfer
February 27–28: Nathan Abels – Acrylic Painting
March 5–6: Leticia D. Tanguma – Mixed Media with Acrylic and Watercolor
March 12–13: April Tsosie – Acrylic Painting
March 19–20: Melanie Yazzie – Gouache Painting on Handmade Paper
March 26–27: Lui Ferreyra – Oil Painting
April 2–3 & 9–10: Quintin Gonzalez – Mixed Media
April 16–17: Nathan Abels – Acrylic Painting
April 23–24: Leticia D. Tanguma – Mixed Media with Acrylic and Watercolor
April 30–May 1: Homare Ikeda – Abstract Painting

Young Entrepreneurs Marketplace
2015-12-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Young Americans Bank, 3550 E. First Ave., Denver, CO, 80206, United States
The Young Entrepreneurs Marketplace is an event that allows young business owners to display and sell their unique products to the local community. This is the perfect opportunity for gift shopping and a great way to support young, local entrepreneurs.
All products are handmade and personally sold by the owners. You will find beaded jewelry, greeting cards, bath products, homebaked goodies, artwork, and unique gifts for everyone on your list!
More info: https://yacenter.org/entrepreneurship/young-entrepreneurs-marketplace/

Free Day at Denver Art Museum
2015-12-05 10:00 - 17:00 | Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, 80204, United States
What’s awesome about the 1st Saturday of every month? Free admission to the Denver Art Museum! With lots to see, do and make, the Denver Art Museum is a place everyone from preschoolers to grandmas will enjoy. Starting in 2015, the DAM’s bilingual programming, CelebrARTE, will take place on 1st Free Saturdays. CelebrARTE info.

A Colorado Christmas
2015-12-05 12:00 - 16:00 | Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest Street, Denver, CO, 80246, United States
Celebrate the holiday in Victorian fashion with Four Mile Historic Park! Activities include arts and crafts, traditional games, storytelling, decorating the Four Mile tree, and more. Enjoy live music and take a tour of the Four Mile House Museum, all decorated for the seaon. Father Christmas will even drop by for a visit.
Tickets: Adults: $5; Youth (3-17): $3; Children 2 & under: Free; FMHP Members, FREE!
Additional charges apply for wagon rides. S’more kits will be available for purchase.
More info: http://www.fourmilepark.org/events

Holiday Tea and Tour at Byers-Evans House
2015-12-05 12:30 - 14:30 | Byers-Evans House, 1310 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, 80204, United States
Enjoy a guided tour of the historic Byers-Evans House followed by tea sandwiches, scones, fresh fruit and desserts at a special holiday tea. Holiday Teas and Tours will take place on December 5, 7, 9, 14 and 16 from 12:30p – 2:30p.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling 303-620-4933.
More info: http://www.historycolorado.org/event/holiday-tea-byers-evans-house-3

Holiday Brass Fest
2015-12-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1345 Champa St, CO, 80204, United States
Calling all brass players, 8-98!
Ever wanted to play with The Denver Brass? Now you can!
10:30am – Registration
11:00am – Rehearsal
1:00pm – Free concert!
Denver Performing Arts Complex Galleria
Performer Pre-registration 303-832-4676 or click here.
More info: http://www.denverbrass.org/performances/concerts/index.htm

Holiday Traditions Unwrapped
2015-12-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Ross-University Hills Library, 4310 E. Amherst Avenue, Denver, CO, 80222, United States
Why do we have Christmas trees? Or for that matter holiday lights, egg nog, holly or mistletoe. Join us as we seek to explain the origins of a wide variety of holiday traditions and examine how they have evolved and changed over time.
This is a free lecture presented by Active Minds.
More info: http://www.activeminds.com/events_denver.html
