The Eight: Reindeer Monologues Drag Show
In this riotous dark comedy dreamed up by Los Angeles–based playwright Jeff Goode, the lives of Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and the rest of Santa’s four-legged friends are reimagined as the Real Housewives of the North Pole. See the reindeer don drag and dish about each other, hear the tea about jolly old St. Nick, and sing some tunes in between while you sip sake on tap at Colorado Sake Co. Dec. 19; 7:30 p.m.; $11–$160

Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Mix Cirque du Soleil’s acrobatics with Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular and you get this spirited touring show. During the cast’s five-day stint in the Mile High City, Denverites can see the award-winning choreography, including juggling, acrobatics, and aerial circus stunts, set to the soundtrack of holiday tunes like “Carol of the Bells.” Dec. 20–24; times vary; starting at $44

Songs and Stories for the Longest Night
If you’re sick of the sun setting at 4:30 p.m., we have good news: The days are about to get longer come December 22. But before that happens, we have to endure the longest night of the year. To help Denverites fortify themselves for the celestial event, the Dairy Arts Center is holding this performance on Solstice Eve. The songs of Colorado-based singer-songwriters Carla Sciaky, Danny Shafer, Martin Gilmore, and Ingrid Avison should distract you from the long, dreary night. Dec. 20; 7:30 p.m.; $20

Elf Movie Night

Ice skaters on a rink in McGregor Square
Photo courtesy of McGregor Square

Is it even Christmas if you don’t watch Elf? This festive event at McGregor Square offers a unique way for you to get your annual viewing of the classic movie in: a 66-by-20-foot LED screen. Get there early to participate in trivia games, skate at the ice rink, enjoy drink specials if you wear an ugly Christmas sweater, and meet Buddy the Elf—hey, I know him! Dec. 20; 6–10 p.m.; free, RSVP here

Winter Solstice Celebration
There’s only about nine hours of daylight during the winter solstice; make the most of them during this Denver Museum of Nature and Science event centered around the seasonal shift. Begin with an all-level gentle sunrise yoga session, then stick around for a conversation with astronomer Naomi Pequette, who will talk about how people around the world built monuments (you might’ve heard of Stonehenge) that reflected cosmic cycles. Dec. 21; yoga starts at 7 a.m.; $15–$25, admission to DMNS not included

Denz-Ember
All month long, Denver Film and the Sie Film Center have been screening actor Denzel Washington’s best flicks, including his new release, Gladiator II. To wrap up the homage, the cinema institutions are hosting this hourslong Denzel movie marathon, which will consist of four surprise films that the audience won’t know the identity of until the lights go down. Dec. 22; 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; $30