Great Things to Hear This Holiday Season in Denver, CO

Great Things to Hear This Holiday Season in Denver, CO

In Community, Events, Lifestyle & Leisure, News, Tips & Tricks by Julie Raney

Julie Raney

The winter has nothing on the people of Denver. We welcome the snow and there are a whole host of events to celebrate during these cold months. We’ve compiled a list of great things to see and do – and hear! – this holiday season in Denver, Colorado.

9NEWS Parade of lights

Date: Nov. 30, 2018 (8 p.m.) and Dec. 1, 2018 (6 p.m.)
Location: downtown Denver 

The 9NEWS parade of lights is one of the most popular events of the Denver holiday season. On the 2-mile parade route of downtown Denver, you will find a parade of dazzling lights, bands playing music, balloons, floats and all manner of colorful characters will grace the streets to entertain Denver locals and tourists alike. Coming back this year is the ever-popular Major Waddles the Penguin, and we hear that Santa himself might even make an appearance! Viewing of the parade is free, but for a more comfortable experience, why not buy a ticket in front of the City and County building? This year’s parade is set to be the best one ever!

Denver Kristkindl Market

Date: Nov. 16–Dec. 23, 2018
Location: Skyline Park

No holiday season would not be complete without a walk through a German Christmas market. The Kristkindl Market showcases specialties from Germany and other European countries, as well as the local highlights. There’s something for all the family. How about some hand-carved wooden figurines, handmade candles and ornaments? After a spot of shopping, why not relax with some traditional German food and hot spiced wine as you take in traditional Christmas carols and live German music. Dancing is encouraged during the music! Having already opened on the Friday before Thanksgiving, it lasts through to the December 23rd. Go on! Stock up on Christmas presents and indulge in a bratwurst or two.

Downtown Denver Rink

Date: Nov. 20, 2018–Feb. 3, 2019
Location: Skyline Park, the corner of 16th and Arapahoe

This is one of the most well-attended events in Denver. Located at 16th & Arapahoe in Downtown Denver, the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park offers ice skating fun for all the family. Best of all, it’s free and open to the public, but you will need to provide your own skates. If you forget them however, you can rent a pair for a small fee. Time to dust off those skates and show off your skating skills!

Santa on the Square

Time: Dec. 1–2, 8–9, 15–16, 22–24, 2018
Location: Larimer Square

Have kids or grandkids? Wondering if they’ve been naughty or nice? Come and visit Santa at Larimer Square! There are festive dining options as well as carollers and carriage rides. This event is free and open to the public, but please bring your own camera.

The Polar Express train ride

Date: Nov. 10–Dec. 23, 2018
Location: Colorado Railroad Museum

One of those most cherished films set around the holiday season, the Colorado Museum has re-created The Polar Express movie with a magical train ride. Lasting just over an hour, the performance begins with cookies and hot chocolate, served by a cast of dancing chefs and waiters. Children are encouraged to engage with these chatty characters. Then you can sit back and enjoy a rendition of the Polar Express, before boarding the train for a genuine Polar Express train ride!

The Nutcracker

Date: Nov. 24–Dec 24, 2018

Location: The Ellie Caulkins Opera House

One of the best ways to introduce children to opera is through The Nutcracker. It’s a great experience to share with your family. This has been a Denver tradition for over 50 years, ever since the Colorado Ballet performed Tchaikovsky’s Christmas ballet at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House (“The Ellie”) every year since 1960.

The orchestra and Colorado Ballet return for their 58th year, with 27 performances at the Ellie from November 24 to December 24. This event sells out quickly, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment. It recently won the award for the best-loved Nutcracker in the U.S. in the 10th Annual Goldstar National Nutcracker Award Contest, so there has never been a better time to sample this delightful Christmas classic!

For all of your hearing needs, visit New Leaf Hearing Clinic

Don’t let your hearing loss prevent you from experiencing all the wonder of this festive season. If you are experiencing problems with your hearing, make an appointment at New Leaf Hearing Clinic for a complete hearing assessment. Our mission is to help our patients hear better so they can enjoy life to the fullest. Happy Holidays to you and yours!