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Free Holiday Events
Holiday Show Web-a-Thon | December 5
If nothing gets you in the spirit like jamming out to holiday music, the Longmont Museum has a treat for you—more than eight hours of festive tunes, performed by local artists via livestream on Facebook, Longmont Public Media, and Comcast Channels 8/880. The evening will also include live interviews with the musicians, and donations for the museum will be accepted online and over the phone for the duration of the show. 6:30 p.m.; watch online
Chanukah in Pajamakahs | December 12
Join the Jewish congregation of B’nai Chaim in their new virtual celebration, Chanukah in your Pajamakahs. Throw on your coziest pajamas and Zoom in to say goodbye to Shabbat, hear a fun story, and light your chanukiyot. 7 p.m., tune in online
Latkes & Light | December 13
The Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center (JCC), JEWISHcolorado, and Judaism Your Way are co-hosting this virtual Hanukkah celebration, during which you can partake in a blessing of your Hanukkah Menorahs, and sing and dance along with other Hanukkah-themed activities. The event will also feature educators from Jewish Explorers, Judaism Your Way, JCC, and PJ Library as they talk about the importance of the Jewish value that focuses on charitable giving, tzedakah. 10–11:30 a.m.; register online
Loveland’s Winter Wonderlights | Through January 1
More than 80,000 lights will illuminate the north end of the Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra during Loveland’s annual Winter Wonderlights. Catch a 30-minute musical light show, which features six songs and moving lights. Or, make a reservation for one of the LIVE! celebrations planned for December 4, which will include live entertainment, food trucks, giveaways, and reindeer (variance pending; check back closer to the date). 5–9 p.m.; 5971 Sky Pond Dr., Loveland
Loveland’s Light Trail | Through December 31
While you’re up north, take a self-guided tour of Loveland’s best light displays and attractions. The dazzling light trail connects Winter Wonderlights to Loveland’s downtown district and ends at the Christmas Walk in the Woods (opens December 1 and requires an admission fee). Physical copies of the Light Trail map, sponsored by Loveland Water and Power, will be available for pick-up starting November 20 at the Loveland Visitors Center. Bonus: Join the Hunt for the Loveland Holiday Gnomes, which challenges visitors to find Herbie (Loveland’s holiday gnome) and all his friends hidden near each stop on the Loveland Light Trail. Participants will need to download the app Eventzee to be guided through questions, challenges, and puzzles that ultimately lead to the location of the gnomes. Upon completion, participants will be entered in a contest to win prizes like a Loveland winter staycation or various gift packages. Lights will be on display daily from dusk until 9 p.m.; Loveland Visitor Center, 5400 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland
Parade of Lights | November 27-December 31
The iconic 9News Parade of Lights is getting a makeover this holiday season. While we can’t gather to watch the parade in person, Denverites can still view the floats (at a social distance) as they’re displayed throughout downtown Denver, from the Denver Pavilions to Union Station, for the entire month of December. Download the Parade of Lights app to have the map handy and plot your own route. The “parade” will also be broadcast by 9News on December 4 at 8 p.m., and re-broadcasted on December 12 and 24 (My20Denver will also broadcast the special on December 19).
Events Worth Your Hard-Earned Money
Hanukkah Cookies and Ice Cream | Through December 10
OK, these aren’t actually events, but sweet treats are always worth celebrating. The Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center (JCC) has partnered with High Point Creamy to create an exclusive new flavor called “Bob’s Babka.” The ice cream has an olive oil base with homemade babka swirl, and will be available for sale online through December 9. Pints are $10, with proceeds benefitting JCC Denver. Pints will be available for pick up beginning December 10 at JCC Denver. 350 S. Dahlia St.
The JCC has also partnered with Olive & Finch to create Hanukkah cookie kits. Each kit includes a dozen sugar cookies, five festive frostings, Hanukkah-themed cookie decorations, and an Olive & Finch tote. Kits are $45 and can be purchased at both Olive & Finch locations and pre-ordered online. Ten percent of proceeds will benefit JCC Denver. Olive & Finch locations: 3390 E 1st Ave, and 1552 E 17th Ave
Denver Zoo Lights | Through December 31
A perennial favorite, Denver Zoo Lights is celebrating 30 years of magical holiday cheer. This year’s wild winter wonderland will feature over a million lights glistening across the zoo’s 80 acres. Take your experience to the next level by booking a VIP package, which includes access to the indoor and outdoor “warm-up” areas, animal demos inside Norgren Hall, beer and wine, a Zoo Lights souvenir mug, and a DIY s’mores/cookie kit. Timed tickets are $15–$25 and must be purchased in advance online. 2300 Steele St.
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farm | Select dates from November 27 to January 3
Choose your own path as you make your way through the glistening holiday lights display at Chatfield Farms. Take a shorter route to the children’s play area, where the little ones can jam to music, or take the extended path to tour the area surrounding the Green Farm Barn and silo. Hot beverages, nuts, and kettle corn will be available for purchase while you enjoy this year’s special features, including a three-sided light tunnel, singing Christmas trees, and illuminated tractors. Friday through Sunday, November 27 to December 13, and nightly from December 17 to January 3 (except Christmas). Timed tickets are $9–$13.50 and must be purchased in advance online. 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton
Christmas in Color | Through January 3
Never has a drive-through light show been more on trend than in 2020. Pack your car and cruise through a whimsical winter light show at Christmas in Color, where over a million lights are synchronized to holiday music you can tune into from your radio. With two locations in Colorado—Bandimere Speedway in Morrison and Water World in Federal Heights—check out the giant lighted candy canes, snowmen, and more in this ultimate experience. Timed tickets are $30 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance. Water World, 8800 N. Pecos St., Federal Heights; Bandimere Speedway, 3051 S. Rooney Rd., Morrison
Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens | Through January 16
Join the Denver Botanic Gardens for their annual winter extravaganza. Make sure to download and follow their map (maps will not be available on site) for a self-guided tour of the dazzling display of light and color. Holiday treats and drinks will be available for purchase from the Hive Garden Bistro throughout the event. Through January 14 (except Thanksgiving and Christmas). Timed tickets are $16–$21 and must be purchased in advance online. 1007 York St.
