Free Holiday Open House at Denver Firefighters Museum
2015-12-05 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver) | 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=251

41st Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights
2015-12-05 18:00 - 20:00 | 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

Ooh La La French Music Dance Party
2015-12-05 20:00 - 23:55 | Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street, Denver, CO, 80205, United States
Alliance Française’s Ooh La La French Music Dance Party at the Mercury Café is so much fun. Come mix and mingle with French expatriates living in Denver and Denverites who love French language and culture. This year’s Ooh La La will feature live band Toi et Moi.
More info: http://www.afdenver.org/event/ooh-la-la-save-the-date/

Free Day at Mizel Museum
2015-12-06 10:00 - 16:30 | Mizel Museum, 400 S. Kearney St., Denver, CO, 80224, United States
“The Mizel Museum’s permanent exhibit, 4,000 Year Road Trip: Gathering Sparks, is a dynamic journey through art, artifacts and digital media that illuminates, narrates and celebrates Jewish history and culture, which is ultimately a celebration of not only contemporary life but of all humanity. The exhibit encourages an ongoing conversation about where we came from and where we’re going – no matter who we are.” – Mizel Museum description
The Mizel Museum, though small, offers a colorful journey through Jewish customs, traditions, texts and history. People of all ages and faiths will find it engaging and informative.
More info: http://www.mizelmuseum.org

Holiday Tea and Tour at Byers-Evans House
2015-12-07 12:30 - 14:30, 2015-12-09 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.
Tickets are $20 for History Colorado members, $25 for nonmembers and $18 for children. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 303-620-4933.
More info: http://www.historycolorado.org/events

Chanukah at the State Capitol
2015-12-07 17:00 - 18:30 | Colorado State Capitol, 200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO, 80203, United States
This is the 3rd annual public Menorah lighting at the Colorado State Capitol. The Menorah lighting with government officials will kick off the evening, followed by a Chanukah concert with Steve Brodsky joined by mascot Rocky, a Minion, break dancers, donuts, hot cider and a grand BBQ!
More info: https://chanukahatthecapitol.wix.com/capitol

Colorado Gives Day
2015-12-08 | CO
For the sixth year, Community First Foundation and FirstBank are partnering to present Colorado Gives Day. Colorado Gives Day is an annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. Why give on this specific day and through Coloradogives.org? Because your donation will go even farther thanks to a $1 million incentive fund from Community First Foundation and FirstBank.

Here’s how it works: If a nonprofit organization receives 10 percent of the total amount of money raised on Colorado Gives Day, that same nonprofit receives 10 percent of the $1 Million Incentive Fund.
At the completion of Colorado Gives Day, the Foundation will determine each nonprofit’s proportionate share of the incentive fund by dividing the total amount each charity raised by the total amount of donations to all participating nonprofits. This amount will then be multiplied by the total amount of dollars in the Incentive Fund.
Example: Individual Charity’s Amount Raised ($10,000) divided by the Total Amount Raised on CO Gives Day ($10,000,000) x Total Amount in Incentive Fund ($1,000,000) = Individual Charity’s Share of Incentive Fund ($1,000*) * All numbers with the exception of the Incentive Fund amount presented in the examples are hypothetical.
Search hundreds of great Colorado charities and make your donation: https://www.coloradogives.org/cogivesday

From Giant Tortoises to Tiger Salamanders: Evolution Then and Now
2015-12-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205, United States
Join the Museum of Nature and Science for a special screening of Galapagos 3D: Nature’s Wonderland. This IMAX film introduces you to a cast of animals and a collection of plants that have uniquely adapted to life on the isolated Galápagos Islands. After the film, hear from Scott Sampson of DMNS and Chris Pague from The Nature Conservancy as they discuss how the Galápagos continue to play a significant role in our understanding of evolution in general and the evolution of unique species close to home here in Colorado. A reception will follow the program.
Tickets: $15 nonmembers; $12 DMNS members
More info: https://secure1.dmns.org/products/1609-from-giant-tortoises-to-tiger-salamanders-evolution-then-and-now.aspx

The Discovery of the South Pole
2015-12-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Ross-Cherry Creek Library, 305 Milwaukee St, Denver, CO, 80206, United States
A free lecture from Creative Minds: December 15th is the anniversary of the discovery of the South Pole by Roald Amundsen, “the last of the Vikings.” The race to the South Pole was one of the greatest international races prior to the race to the moon and was full of tragedy and triumph. It featured tiny, newly independent Norway against the British Empire, upon which the “sun never set.” It was David vs Goliath. Join us as we tell the gripping story of those who perished and prevailed in this epic quest.
More info: http://www.activeminds.com/events_denver.html

Free Tours of the Governor's Mansion
2015-12-10 - 2015-12-13 | 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/

Moulin Rouge Christmas - SOLD OUT
2015-12-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Molly Brown House, 1340 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO, 80203, United States
Join the fun-loving and historically-savvy folks of the Molly Brown House for an evening for young professionals (ages 21-40) that combines cocktails, munchies, activities and a dive into Denver’s rich history. The theme changes each month and tickets are $15 (this includes programming and 1 drink). Learn more and purchase tickets here.
December Event Theme Description from the Molly Brown House:
A Moulin Rouge Christmas: Celebrating the Holidays-Cabaret Style!
Celebrate Christmas in fabulous French style! Dance with courtesans, learn the can-can, keep your eyes peeled for Toulouse-Lautrec, and even flirt with Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller, co-founders of the Moulin Rouge. Sip on some French inspired drinks from Overland Distillery.

The History of Tea
2015-12-10 18:45 - 19:45 | Sam Gary Library, 2961 Roslyn St, Denver, CO, 80238, United States
A free lecture presented by Active Minds: Other than water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world and one of the oldest, tracing its roots (so to speak) to at least the 5th century BCE. Join Active Minds as we tell the story of tea, including the role it played in colonial empire building, the different types of tea, how it is grown and processed, who grows and drinks the most (which are not the same), and much more.
More info: http://www.activeminds.com/events_denver.html

Pajama Christmas Carol & Hora-Around-the-Menorah
2015-12-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Little Man Ice Cream, 2620 16th Street,, Denver, CO, 80211, United States
Join Little Man Ice Cream for their 3rd annual community-wide singalong. Local school choirs will serenade and strum the tunes of our diverse community and Hal Aqua and the Lost Tribe will give a spirited Klezmer nod to the Jewish holiday on the 5th night of Chanukkah.
More info: http://www.littlemanicecream.com/event/pajama-christmas-carol-hora-around-the-menorah/

Holiday High Tea at the Molly Brown House
2015-12-11 - 2015-12-13 | 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: FRI 12/11 – 11:15 and 2:15; SAT 12/12 – 11:15 and 2:15; SUN 12/13 – 12:15 and 3:15
Tickets: $20 – $26
More info and tickets: http://store.mollybrown.org/store/-molly-brown-house-museum-teas/holiday-high-teas-ii-2015-molly-brown/

Denver Pavilions Holiday Carousel
2015-12-11 - 2015-12-23 | Denver Pavilions, 500 16th St, Denver, CO, 80202, United States
Bring a can of food to donate to the Food Bank of the Rockies and you can ride the Denver Pavilions Holiday Carousel for free! Visitors can also score a free ride on the carousel with a voucher from a shop or restaurant at Pavilions. The carousel is open daily 12/11 – 12/23, 9a – 10p and is $3/ride without a donation or a voucher.
More info: http://www.denverpavilions.com/promotion_carousel_2015.php

Christmas in Colorado - Free Concert
2015-12-11 16:30 - 17:30 | History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway, Denver, 80203, United States
Join History Colorado for a free holiday concert with vocalist Marta Burton. Opening with the story of how, in 1914, Sturgeon Electric’s founding father, David Dwight Sturgeon, lit up an outdoor pine tree with red and green bulbs to cheer his ill son, this unique holiday show celebrates 101 years of holiday illumination in the Mile High City through song. Call 303-866-2394 for more information and to make your free reservations.
More info: http://www.historycolorado.org/event/christmas-colorado

TEENS: Boxwood Pinball Tournament
2015-12-11 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 11: Boxwood Pinball tournament
More info: http://mcadenver.org/teendropin.php

Bootleg Theater: The Star Wars Holiday Special
2015-12-11 22:00 - 23:55 | Sie FilmCenter, 2510 East Colfax, Denver, CO, 80206
FREE! ONE NIGHT ONLY: Friday, December 11th at 10pm.
You asked for it. So, Denver Film Society is bringing it back! Join them for the Third Annual screening of this classic! Be sure to come early to visit DARTH SANTA!
What’s worse than CGI Jabba the Hutt? More blasphemous than Greedo shooting first? More offensive than Jar Jar Binks? Why, the STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL!
Most Star Wars fans are at least peripherally aware of the Star Wars Holiday special, but almost no one has seen it because it was never released on home video. The special aired on November 17, 1978. Ever since then, everyone involved has been trying to forget about it, destroy it, or at least deny that they did it willingly. But for one-night only the Sie FilmCenter will present the special in all its, um “glory”.
More info: http://www.denverfilm.org/filmcenter/reserve.aspx?fid=84&id=40978

Artist Demo: Rudi Monterroso – Acrylic Painting on Metal and Canvas
2015-12-12 - 2015-12-13 | 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

Cherry Creek Holiday Open House
2015-12-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Ross-Cherry Creek Library, 305 Milwaukee St, Denver, CO, 80206, United States
Celebrate the season and your library with a fun day for all ages. There will be snacks, crafts and live music.
More info: https://www.denverlibrary.org/event/engage/cherry-creek-holiday-open-house

Winter Wonderland Open House
2015-12-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Ross-University Hills Library, 4310 E. Amherst Avenue, Denver, CO, 80222, United States
Stop by for the delicious food, stay for the snowflake making! Free holiday fun at Ross-University Hills library!
More info: https://www.denverlibrary.org/event/adult/winter-wonderland-open-house

Cry Baby Opening
2015-12-12 10:30 - 11:30 | Redline, 2350 Arapahoe St., Denver, CO, 80205, United States
FREE coffee for adults, FREE art activities and snacks for kids and FREE art for everyone!
Come enjoy RedLine’s first Cry Baby Opening! An art event where you can cry if you want to.
An opportunity for parents and children to experience our current exhibition, Greenscapes (this exhibition features 4 decades of work by sound artist Jim Green – he’s the one who made the sinks sing at Denver Art Museum!). Plus whoopie cushions and seasonal snacks–it’s bound to be a good time.
Learn more: http://redlineart.org/art/events/exhibitions/cry-baby-opening.html

Ross-Broadway Open House
2015-12-12 10:30 - 14:00 | Ross-Broadway Library, 33 E. Bayaud Avenue, Denver, CO, 80209, United States
Join staff at the Broadway Library for their 2nd annual open house filled with winter cheer! There will be crafts, food catered by Monica Kadillac, a reading of their new children’s book by local authors Angela M Scheideler and Lisa M Scheideler, storytimes upon request and much more!
More info: https://www.denverlibrary.org/event/ross-broadway’s-2nd-annual-open-house

Paris: Biography of a City
2015-12-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Untitled ngg_pictures
A free lecture from Active Minds: Join Active Minds for the story of the City of Lights. We will trace the city’s history from its Celtic origins through modern times. In the process, we’ll visit with some of the city’s most colorful characters and notable places, including the Eiffel Tower, which was despised by Parisians in its day.
More info: http://www.activeminds.com/events_denver.html

EPIC ARTS: Fall 2015 Exhibition Opening Reception
2015-12-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Redline, 2350 Arapahoe St., Denver, CO, 80205, United States
RedLine’s EPIC arts program provides an opportunity for RedLine artists to collaborate with Denver Area K-12 teachers and students on semester long social justice art projects. Come see the students’ work and celebrate young people in art!
Show on View: December 12 – January 3, 2015
Featuring Works By:
Gilpin Montessori Public School Lower Elementary Students
Joiet Learning Center 6-12th Graders
Columbine Elementary School 2nd-3rd Graders
Whittier ECE-8 School 3rd Graders
Noel Community Arts School 11th Graders
And in Collaboration with Bringing Back the Arts Foundation:
Bruce Randolph High School 11-12th Graders
Columbine Elementary School 2nd-3rd Graders
Whittier ECE-8 School 3rd Graders
More info: http://redlineart.org/art/events/exhibitions/epic-arts-fall-2015-exhibition.html

Magical Musical Tour with Sandra Wong and Steve Mullins
2015-12-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Popups Example
Take a multi-instrumental musical tour of the Mediterranean, the Balkan Peninsula, Ireland, and Northern Europe. Sandra Wong and Steve Mullins highlight traditional and original compositions featuring the Spanish flamenco guitar, Swedish nykleharpa, Bulgarian tambura, violin, mandolin, and banjola. Steve is a music professor at CU Boulder and principal guitarist for Flamenco Denver. Sandra is a virtuoso violinist and nykleharpist. Together they create musical magic!
Free event.
More info: https://www.denverlibrary.org/fresh

The History of Denver
2015-12-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Woodbury Library, 3265 Federal Blvd., Denver, CO, 80211, United States
A free lecture presented by Active Minds: Come learn the stories of the Mile High City. You will learn how our city was founded and the roles played by William Larimer, John Evans, and others. We will trace the development of this resilient city that has enjoyed tremendous booms and weathered debilitating busts. Bring your favorite Denver trivia to share!
More info: http://www.activeminds.com/events_denver.html

Holiday Craft Extravaganza
2015-12-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Eugene Field Branch Library, 810 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO, 80209, United States
Free! All supplies included!
Create one-of-a-kind gifts and holiday ornaments with the help of the Eugene Field branch of the Denver Public Library.
Afterwards, you might just want to get some pizza from Bonnie Brae Tavern (a Denver institution and home of tasty pizza) and some ice cream from Bonnie Brae Ice Cream!
More info: https://www.denverlibrary.org/event/engage/holiday-craft-extravaganza-part-1

Acrylic Painting: Colors of Winter - Free!
2015-12-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Bear Valley Library, 5171 W. Dartmouth Ave, Denver, CO, 80236, United States
Free! And all materials are provided! This could be the perfect way to make a handmade gift to give this holiday season.
Get together with Painting Soiree and paint your own colorful winter scene on canvas. All materials provided.
More info: https://www.denverlibrary.org/event/engage/acrylic-painting-colors-winter
