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Chautauqua WinterFest
The snow-dusted Flatirons are already a scene fit for a snow globe, but add carriage rides, Santa appearances, and a petting zoo and this Boulder holiday fest becomes something straight out of a Hallmark movie. Families can sign up for a slew of activities, from a caroling hike through the Chautauqua meadow with musician Jeff Kagan to a holiday concert led by kid-geared musicians Jeff and Paige. Don’t leave without meeting the mini Highland cows and fainting goats at the petting zoo, decorating your own Christmas cookie, and perusing the holiday market with local businesses such as Moksha Chocolate, MM Woodworks, and Bohemian Blooms. Dec. 5–7; event times vary; $23–$32
South Pearl Street Winterfest
South Pearl will turn into a one-stop shop for Christmas cheer this weekend. On Friday, visit Platt Park to see a parade, tree-lighting ceremony, and the illumination of the menorah (at Florida & Pearl streets). On Saturday, attend the streetwide gift and food vendor market, snap a picture with Santa, hop on a holiday hayride, and even pick up your Christmas tree—no ax required. Dec. 6–7; Friday 6–8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; free attendance
Dark liquor devotees likely already have this spirits-centric event on their calendar, but for the uninitiated: Each year, Colorado-based distiller Stranahan’s drops a limited-edition batch of whiskey, Snowflake, only available in-person. Folks line up hours beforehand—many even pitch a tent—to obtain a bottle of the hooch. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Stranahan’s is allowing customers to buy three bottles this year, instead of the usual two. It’s also throwing a raucous party at Snowflake Village for those who choose to camp out for a bottle, complete with live music (including Something Vinyl Club, Brianna Straut Band, and Drunken Hearts), yard games, food trucks, and obviously, plenty of booze. Dec. 6–7; camping opens Thursday at 9 a.m., Snowflake Village opens Friday at 2 p.m., bottle drop at surprise time on Saturday; $120 per bottle
Granny Dances to Holiday Drum
Each holiday season, along with the Nutcracker and Swan Lake, Denverites are privy to a seasonal show of their own. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance’s Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum is a beloved generation- and culture-spanning performance that has run for three decades. Families can watch as the titular Granny visits Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Caribbean and learns more about their cultural traditions. Dec. 7–22; times vary; $35–$45
Before Elf, Mariah Carey, and Justin Bieber’s Mistletoe, there was White Christmas. This annual 1940s-themed gala pays tribute to the classic film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney. You’ll want to dress up in midcentury glamour before fox trotting to tunes performed by the Hot Tomatoes and Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, playing blackjack with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and walking through a re-creation of Bedford Falls from It’s a Wonderful Life. Dec. 7; 5:30 p.m.–midnight; starting at $112
9News Parade of Lights
Move over Macy’s, this annual Mile High City parade is just as spectacular as the Big Apple’s rendition. Consisting of giant balloons, more than 40 floats, dazzling lights, marching bands, and Saint Nick himself, this downtown procession is quite the spectacle. Line up downtown (15th Street from California to Glenarm, Glenarm from 15th to 13th streets, and 13th Street from Glenarm to Colfax are some suggested spots) or grab a mug of cocoa and watch from home—the parade will air live on KUSA. Dec. 7; 6–8 p.m.; free
