DENVER – Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some fun events you might enjoy. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in the Denver metro area and beyond this weekend.
1. Enjoy an over-the-top holiday extravaganza at Camp Christmas
What: Love getting festive? Then this event is for you! Billed as an over-the-top indoor immersive installation, Camp Christmas will crank the holiday spirit all the way up with mesmerizing displays that shift time and reality. Yeah, you read that right. A word of caution: The 10,000-square-foot wonderland won’t be all pretty lights and mistletoe.
Where: The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St. in Aurora, Colo.
When: Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020
Admission: $8-$21 (varies by date and time); children 2 and under get in free.
More info: https://www.denvercenter.org/tickets-events/camp-christmas/
2. Board the Polar Express Train in Durango and travel all the way to the North Pole to pick up Santa!
What: If you loved the book and if you saw the movie, you're going to love the theatrical recreation of The Polar Express, which will have you and your family immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. Prepare to be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the holiday season!
Where: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum, 479 Main Ave. in Durango, Colo.
When: Friday, Nov. 22, 2019 through Thursday, Jan. 2
Admission: $22-$85
More info: https://www.durangotrain.com/events/polar-express%E2%84%A2-train-ride#.XdYdcUVKiml
3. 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 through Sunday, Nov. 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Admission: $27 per vehicle
More info: https://www.christmasincolor.net/
4. Celebrate the arrival of the holidays during Loveland’s Downtown Festival of Lights
What: Festival of Lights kicks off the holiday season in downtown Loveland with the grand entrance of Santa Claus filled with toy donations. Stay for the countdown of the 25-foot free that will light up the holidays in front of the historic Rialto Theater while enjoying music, entertainment, food, shopping and more.
Where: 4th St. from Railroad to Lincoln in downtown Loveland, Colo.
When: Friday, Nov. 22 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.visitlovelandco.org/event/downtown-festival-of-lights/
5. Rave against the dying of the night during Meow Wolf’s massive 3-day dance party
What: Meow Wolf’s Denver location will not be opening any time soon, but you can start celebrating its eventual arrival by heading out the art company’s insane three-day dance party appropriately titled “Dark Palace.” Claude VonStroke, Dirt Monkey, Lauren Lane, and more will be performing.
Where: National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St. in Denver
When: Friday, Nov. 22 from 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, Nov. 23 from 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, Nov. 24 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Admission: $29.95-$84.95; buy tickets here.
More info: https://events.meowwolf.com/event/dark-palace
6. Welcome to holidays during Castle Rock's "Lighting of the Star"
What: A holiday tradition since 1936, Castle Rock's Lighting of the Star" brings people from all around the Front Range to experience a Christmas tree lighting ceremony like no other. There will be live music, hot chocolate, the Rink at the Rock, an outdoor ice skating rink in downtown Castle Rock, and of course, Santa will make his way down from the North Pole to bring some holiday cheers to kids and adults alike. The Starlighting ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. and the lighting of the Star will be at approximately 5:30 pm, though it could start earlier, so make sure to arrive as early as you can!
Where: Downtown Castle Rock at Historic Wilcox Square, in Castle Rock, Colo.
When: Saturday, Nov. 23 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission:
More info: https://castlerock.org/castle-rock-starlighting/
7. 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! In an era when many independent bookstores have shut down, Tattered Cover is still going strong. With multiple Denver-area locations and over 125,000 titles, the Denver-based bookstore is 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.