Beaujolais & Beyond
The French have built quite a reputation as the tastemakers in fine wine and food (Have you seen Ratatouille?). At this culinary fete celebrating the country’s Beaujolais region, you’ll understand why. Restaurants including Chez Maggy and Bistro Vendôme will serve up indulgent bites paired with world-class wines inside RiNo’s Reelworks. The best part? This soiree is a masquerade, which means no one will know it was you who ate all the éclairs. Nov. 21; 6–10 p.m.; $85

L’Esprit de Noël Holiday Home Tour
If your family’s holiday-decorating attempts typically end up like Clark Griswold’s in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, maybe leave the ornamentation to the professionals this year. This self-guided, seasonal tour invites attendees inside five decked-out abodes in Denver’s Crestmoor neighborhood. Each location has been outfitted by local florists and interior designers—so there’s little to no risk of anyone dangling off a roof or blowing a fuse. Nov. 22–23; 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; $50

Denver Christkindlmarket
As far as German-based bashes go, think of this gathering as Oktoberfest’s wintertime cousin. Local and European vendors will set up shop at Civic Center Park, live musicians will play seasonal tunes, and food vendors will serve up delectable treats, including Bavarian-style bier and traditional mulled wine. Nov. 22–Dec. 23; Sunday–Wednesday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Thursday–Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; free

Denver Dog Fair

Photo courtesy of Dana Cain Events

We can confirm that this stereotype is true: Denverites love their dogs. So much so that the city has an entire festival dedicated to canines, where you can watch demonstrations from the Colorado Disc Dogs, peep puppy fashion shows, get your dog a new hairdo at a salon booth, and meet more than 150 adoptable dogs—just in case your Fido needs a friend. Nov. 23–24; 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; $5–$72

Mile High Drone Show
No, that’s not Santa’s sleigh lighting up Denver’s skies: It’s the city’s inaugural drone show. For 40 nights, 400 drones will align over the Mile High City in holiday-themed formations. Suggested viewing spots include the Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex and the Ball Arena parking lot. Sports fanatics will want to tune in on Dec. 2, 3, 25, and 31, when the performances will pay homage to the city’s sports teams. Nov. 22–Dec. 31; 7 p.m.; free

Zoo Lights

Photo courtesy of Denver Zoo

Go to Denver Zoo for the adorable animals, stay after dark for this dazzling annual display of more than three million lights. The Mile High City zoo’s 80 acres will be decorated with photo-op-worthy installations, which you can enjoy with a hot cocoa or cider in hand. Don’t miss the sensory-friendly nights (Dec. 31) and adult night (Nov. 22). Nov. 23–Jan. 5; Sunday–Thursday 5–8 p.m., Friday–Saturday 5–9 p.m.; $13–$20