Holiday happenings begin next week all over the state

By Olivia Venuta

The holiday season waits for no one and it will come and go in a blink. So, make sure to leave room in your calendars for some of the biggest events around Colorado. We’ve compiled a few ideas to help relieve those “what-to-do” moments when friends and relatives need to be entertained.

DENVER

Denver Christkindl

For the last 20 years, hundreds of vendors have lined up in Civic Center Park to celebrate with a European flair. Selling holiday treats, artisan gifts, and raising holiday spirits, these local and international merchants look forward to this market every winter. The Christkindl market runs from Friday, Nov. 19, through December 23. Meaning that you have plenty of time to purchase gifts and treats for your family, your friends, and maybe even yourself.

1940’s White Christmas Ball

On Dec. 3 and 4, dance the night away with a 1940s theme that will take participants back in time. Movies, dancing, food, drinks and more entertainment from yesteryear is offered over two nights. Rooms are available so you don’t have to leave the Hyatt Regency Downtown at the Convention Center.

33rd Annual Champagne Cascade

On Sunday, Nov. 21, swordsmen, Napoleonic sabers, and over 5,000 glasses stacked two-stories high will make this a memorable holiday celebration. The Champagne Cascade at the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa is a sight to see. “As the Champagne is poured, it cascades into the glasses below, creating a stunning display of bubbly liquid as it is cheered on by live holiday tunes and the crowd lining all levels of the holiday adorned-atrium,” according to the Brown Palace website.

A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ masterpiece returns to the Wolf Theatre at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Don’t get Scrooged by missing this one, which is showing from Nov. 19 through Dec. 26.

LAKEWOOD

Camp Christmas

Camp Christmas unfolds at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park Nov. 18 through Jan. 2. This outdoor extravaganza will keep all ages entertained. Visit Santa, sip cold-weather cocktails and step inside historic structures to experience some old-fashioned Christmas fun (and warm up).

COLORADO SPRINGS

Madrigal Banquet

The Madrigal Banquet at the Glen Eyrie Castle is an evening full of historical magic. This is a full evening that includes a 4-course dinner and a performance. Guests will hear music, enjoy dancing and take in plenty of humor provided by a troupe of performers. There are 11 performances between Dec. 4 and 22.

Electric Safari

The Electric Safari at The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will blow the minds of youngsters and adults. On 24 nights between Dec. 3 and Jan. 2, check out more than 60 one-of-a-kind light sculptures while checking out the animals. “New this year, you’ll also enjoy photos with our larger-than-life illuminated inflatable animals, located throughout the zoo,” according to their website.

CANON CITY

Santa Express Train

Journey to the North Pole in Colorado’s Royal Gorge and meet Santa Claus while riding the Santa Express Train between Nov. 19 and Dec. 26. Once aboard, your family is welcome to enjoy lunch or dinner, as well as favorites from the bar.

CASCADE

The North Pole

Santa’s Workshop is open year round, but check out the holiday scene while enjoying an enchanting vintage amusement park nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak. Home to Santa’s Village and the jolly man himself — the spirit of Christmas lives on.

BUENA VISTA

The Nutcracker

The Buena Vista Heritage Museum will present the Nutcracker on Dec. 5. “Enjoy a delightful afternoon of entertainment, cookies and hot chocolate with your family and friends while watching new and exciting excerpts of the Nutcracker,” according to the website. “Excerpts from the Nutcracker will be performed by dancers from the Motion Exchange Dance group.”

FORT COLLINS

Colorado Makers Holiday Market

Skip Black Friday mobs, and shop local the next weekend. On Nov. 28, more than 120 vendors will sell handmade, high-quality and unique goods. Forget gift cards, grab something fun from a craftsperson who will share a story behind the gift.

PUEBLO

Pueblo Parade of Lights

Celebrating 30 years of putting smiles on faces, Pueblo's Parade of Lights on Nov. 27 is a long-standing tradition. “On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, festive, colorful and clever floats, school marching bands, drill teams, decorated saddle club horses and car club vehicles festooned with lights thrill many thousands of spectators,” according to the website.

Olivia Venuta, originally from Minnesota, recently graduated from the University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. She enjoys reading, skiing, golfing and a good glass of wine.