DENVER -- Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some family friendly events you might enjoy. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in the Denver metro area this weekend.
1. Need to crank up that holiday spirit? Head to the Governor’s Mansion
What: Every year before the Christmas holidays, the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion opens its doors to the public for tours full of holiday cheer, history and design. The tour only takes you through the first floor the residence, but you won’t leave disappointed as you walk through the Great Hall, the State Dining Room and more.
When: Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 12 through Dec. 15, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion, 400 East 8th Avenue
Admission: Free
More info: http://www.coloradoshome.org/
2. Burn those old skis and partake in a fun holiday ritual during Ullr Fest in Breckenridge
What: The Town of Breckenridge invites snow lovers and ski junkies to join Ullr Fest, a celebration in honor of the Norse god Ullr. Join hundreds of people donning Viking hats as they take part in the Ullr Parade down Main Street, burn old skis at the annual ceremonial ski burn (bring your Christmas tree if you're looking to get rid of it as well) during the Ullr Bon Fire, and join hundreds at the Ice Skating Party!
Where: Breckenridge, Colo.
When: Friday, Dec. 13 through Sunday, Dec. 15
Admission: Varies; make sure to check the schedulefor events and pricing
More info: https://www.gobreck.com/event/ullr-fest/
3. Up for a holiday challenge with family and friends? Head to Thornton WinterFest
What: If you’re looking for some light-hearted holiday competition this weekend, head to Thornton! Winterfest will not only be about lighting the miniature Santa Village or ice skating in the pond, but there’s going to be a tree decorating contest as well as a holiday marketplace to enjoy all that this season has to offer! The festivities end in an amazing fireworks display, weather-permitting.
Where: Carpenter Park Fields, 3482 East 112th Ave. in Thornton, Colo.
When: Friday, Dec. 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 15 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.thorntonco.gov/festivals-events/Pages/winterfest.aspx
4. Celebrate the wonder of the holidays during "A Hudson Christmas"
What: Light up the holidays at “A Hudson Christmas,” which has become an annual tradition for thousands of families across the Denver area. Explore trails where bursts of light and color wrap around trees, shimmer on bodies of water, illuminate happy faces and bring joy this holiday season! You can also share your wish list with Santa, watch Christmas trees dance to holiday music, sip a steaming cup of hot chocolate and get the perfect photo with friends and family.
Where: Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton, Colo.
When: Friday, December 13 through Tuesday, December 24; and Thursday, Dec. 26 through Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: $8-$10.50; Hudson Gardens members, as well as active and retired military members can purchase discounted tickets with proof of ID and valid membership card.
More info: https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/christmas-lights/
5. Take in the sights and sounds of the holidays during Longmont Lights
What: Enjoy the mystery and magic of millions of sparkling lights as well as the sights and sounds of the Christmas celebrations as the City of Longmont celebrates the holiday season with their annual Longmont Lights and parade event! Partake in Santa’s workshop, drink hot chocolate, get warm by a fire pit, eat your heart out at a food truck, enjoy train rides and watch a fireworks display (weather permitting) at Roosevelt Park. The Longmont Lights Parade takes place Saturday at 5 p.m.
Where: Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak in Longmont, Colo.
When: Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-n-z/recreation-services/special-events-recreation/longmont-lights
6. Giant puppies plus Santa at a holiday parade? Yep, and it's happening in Golden
What: Head west to Golden for good ol’ merry time during the town’s holiday celebrations! The Olde Golden Christmas Parade will start at 11 a.m. and includes floats, holiday characters, dance groups and much more! Did I mention there are hayrides and Newfoundland dog cart rides following the parade?! What more could you possibly want other than giant puppies?!
Where: Downtown Golden, 11th St. and Arapahoe in Golden, Colo.
When: Weekly on Saturdays until December 21
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.visitgolden.com/olde-golden-christmas/events-attractions/
7. Get in the holiday spirit at Loveland Winter Wonderlights
What: Walk through Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra and enjoy 80,000 lights including holiday string lights, twinkling bulbs, LED mappable snowflakes, illuminated African stone sculptures and 30-minute music antd light shows every night. The light and music show features six total songs and moving lights on the 20-foot tall LED mappable Christmas Tree. This weekend enjoy the largest inflatable igloo. In Colorado and local vendors during Winter Wonderlights live.
Where: Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, Sky Pond Drive in Loveland, Colo.
When: Now until January 1, 2020
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.visitlovelandco.org/winterwonderlights/
Looking for more? Check out these other fun events:
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at their village in Chatfield Farms
What: Come to Chatfield Farms to meet Mrs. Claus, Santa and his reindeer while walking through colorful holiday lights that illuminate the night.
When: Nov. 29 – Dec. 22, 2019
Where: 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Road in Littleton
Admission: $20 Adult, Child (ages 3-15); $15 Member Adult or Child; $15 Senior (65+), Military; Free for children 2 or younger
More info: https://www.botanicgardens.org
Surround yourself with holiday cheer in Morrison for “Christmas in Color”
What: Immerse yourself in holiday cheer and watch in awe as 1.5 million Christmas lights dance around you to some of your favorite holiday tunes. The drive-through family-friendly event is sure to become a favorite Christmas tradition.
Where: Bandimere Speedway, 3051 South Rooney Road in Morrison, Colo.
When: Friday, Nov. 22, 2019 through Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Admission: $27 per vehicle
More info: https://www.christmasincolor.net/
Take the whole family to see Holiday Ice Shows in Centennial
What: It’s no holiday season without the magic of ice skating, so why not head down to Centennial for holiday ice shows?! From tots to seniors, the South Suburban Ice Arena has recruited people from all over to participate in their Holiday Ice Show performances. You’ll get the chance to not only see the shows, but you will be able to skate with Santa this weekend only.
Where: South Suburban Ice Arena, 6580 S. Vine St. in Centennial, Colo.
When: The holiday ice shows are happening Friday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 3:15 p.m.; Skating with Santa is happening Friday, Dec. 13 from 7 to 7:45 p.m. and Sundaya, Dec. 14 from 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free with a donation of a non-perishable food item
More info: https://www.ssprd.org/0/Catalog/s/1e82e9d0-0e3a-474f-9bc1-85325bf6ebc0
Blossoms of Light brings the Denver Botanic Gardens to life during the holidays
What: The flowers and plants at the Denver Botanic Gardens may be dormant in the winter months during the day, but at night during the holiday season, the Gardens come alive for the Blossom of Lights.
When: Nov. 29 through Dec. 22, 2019 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street
Admission: $16-$19
More info: https://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/blossoms-light
Get lost in the wild wonderland of Denver Zoo Lights
What: For 29 years, the public has enjoyed Zoo Lights — an annual event where the Denver Zoo transforms into a wild wonderland full of more than two million lights. This year, Zoo Lights will feature a hula hoop dance party, a train sing-along, animal demonstrations and zookeeper talks, ice carving artisans, and a holiday shopping bazaar.
When: Friday, Nov. 29 through Monday, Dec. 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street in Denver
Admission: $15-$20
More info: https://www.denverzoo.org/events/zoolights/
Sip, shop and savor the season at the Denver Christkindl Market
What: Get ready to welcome the holidays with a traditional European market in the heart of Downtown Denver! Prepare to enjoy authentic Glühwein (mulled spiced wine), Bavarian-style Biers, European coffee, hot chocolate, or liqueur while wandering through the Market shopping for unique, finely crafted artisan gifts and holiday treats sold by local Coloradan, European and international merchants in charming wooden huts. You’ll also be able to snap a selfie with St. Nikolaus, Krampus and the Christkind herself.
Where: Skyline Park, 16th St. Mall and Arapahoe St. in downtown Denver
When: Saturday, Nov. 23 through Monday, Dec. 23, 2019
Admission: Free
More info: Learn more about the Christkindl Market here.
Oh, hey there! We see you've made it to the bottom of the article - that's awesome! It’s no secret that Colorado has some of the best skiing in the world, but at Snöbahn Indoor Ski and Snowboard Center, you can shred like a pro year-round, making it a Mile High Must!
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@thedenverchannel.com at least a week ahead of the event and make sure to title it "7 best things to do" so he can put your event on the list.