76. Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade
City: Denver, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (970) 726-1564
Description: On Christmas Eve guests begin by caroling around a bonfire at the base of the mountain. Santa Claus then leads a procession of torchbearers on skis as they make their way down Lower Hughes Trail. More color and motion come from snowcats decorated with Christmas lights. Their progress is punctuated with a fireworks display, followed by a nondenominational church service. Also on Christmas Eve, the mountaintop Lodge at Sunspot stays open for an elegant holiday dinner. Seating begins at 6 p.m., and reservations are required; call (970) 726-1446.
77. A Colorado Christmas
City: Denver, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (720) 865-0800
Address: 715 S. Forest St.
Description: Find an old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere at Four Mile Historic Park during this 1-day affair in early December. St. Nick, or Father Christmas, will be there; Christmas music will be performed; and bobsled rides (if snow conditions permit) will be offered along with crafts, activities, food, and drink.
78. A Colorado Christmas
City: Denver, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (303) 623-7876
Insider Pick:
Description: This is a benchmark in our year, a favorite way to celebrate the Christmas season. The concert, usually held in late December, features the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, the Colorado Symphony Chorus, and the Colorado Children’s Chorale.
79. Handel’s Messiah
City: Denver, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (303) 893-4100
Insider Pick:
Description: Holiday music lovers adore this one: classic Christmas music with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and the Colorado Symphony Chorus performing Handel’s Messiah. This is typically held the first or second weekend in December. Call for ticket prices.
80. Holiday High Teas
City: Denver, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (303) 832-4092
Address: 1340 Pennsylvania St.
Description: Held on select dates throughout December, the teas are traditional in their offerings of sandwiches, pastries, scones, and hot tea. Cost includes a tour of the home. Call for specific dates and reservations.
81. New Year’s Eve Downtown Fireworks
City: Denver, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (303) 534-6161
Insider Pick:
Description: Each New Year’s Eve the skies over the 16th Street Mall sparkle with a spectacular fireworks display. The event takes place twice, at 9 p.m. and again at midnight. Unless you’re lucky enough to be invited to one of the lofts overlooking downtown 16th Street, the best views are from street level on the mall. Dress warm, be prepared for crowds, and ring in the New Year with a big bang. Arrive early to find a parking place. All the downtown parking lots and garages will be open.
82. The Nutcracker
City: Denver, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (303) 837-8888
Insider Pick:
Description: Another classic Christmas event, The Nutcracker has been entertaining audiences for more than 100 years. From those first glittering snowflakes until the final curtain, the dazzling costumes, elaborate theatrical sets, and unforgettable musical performances are on par with any ballet company in the US.
City: Denver, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
84. Parade of Lights
City: Denver, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (303) 534-6161
Insider Pick:
Description: This is truly one of the great public events of Denver’s calendar: a night parade that lasts more than an hour and features floats, clowns, marching bands, and giant balloon figures, all lit up or festooned with lights. The whole event is one big Roman candle of multicolored holiday illumination. The crowds are big enough that special shuttles run into downtown from select bus stations. Check with RTD for schedules. You might consider bringing extra wraps, blankets, and a thermos of something hot and comforting. And as with all parades, if you want to position a folding chair for a front-row seat, get there an hour or more before the show. The 2-mile parade is held the first Friday and Saturday night in December. The parade is free but grandstand seats are available for purchase.
85. World’s Largest Christmas Lighting Display
City: Denver, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (720) 913-4900
Insider Pick:
Description: If light were music, the Denver City and County Building would be the world’s largest pipe organ. About 30,000 floodlights turn this huge government building into one big installation of colorful art. It has become a Denver holiday tradition to walk around and ogle on a frosty winter evening. Bundle up the kids. The display is up from the first Thursday in December until mid-January, after the National Western Stock Show has finished its run.