Don we now our gay apparel for holiday merrymaking. This is the season to be jolly: Fa la la la, la, la, la, la. Now garish tinsel! Now latkes! Now cider and punch! On cocoa! On toasty holiday drinks! This is not the season for subtlety. This is the season for good old-fashioned family fun, whether festive Christmas lights or eight nights of lights.
The music to Deck the Halls is believed to be Welsh in origin and reputed to have come from a tune called “Nos Galan” dating back to the 16th century.
Here are our holiday jingle, mingle and mix choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to fill the season with joy and deck out the blazing Yule before us:
3 Catch the Valley’s all-time family-fave holiday production, Colorado Ballet’s Nutcracker featuring dazzling costumes and onstage blizzards. Shows are at the Ellie, Nov. 29-Dec. 27. Information: 303-837-8888.
3 Dash over to Sixth Avenue United Church to view and buy ceramics and jewelry at the Denver Potters Show, Dec. 4-7. Information: 303-377-5535.
3 The hot cider and cookies will be delightful during Paulino Gardens Christmas Open House, Dec. 5-7. There’s great gift ideas plus daily drawings for poinsettias and gift certificates. Information: 303-429-8062.
3 View “When Wishes Come True,” the Arts at Denver holiday show with an Encore reception Dec. 5, 5-8 p.m. Information: 303-722-0422.
3 Enjoy Colorado Hebrew Chorale’s Hanukkah Concert with candle lighting and food at Four Mile Park Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-0815.
3 Feast in The Weber at the Inn at Cherry Creek featuring special Christmas (Dec. 24-25) and New Year’s Eve menus. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 Slip into the Roaring ’20s and flap into the New Year at the White Rose Gala in the Ellie, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Information: 303-321-4304.
3 For a crackling New Year’s Eve take in the spectacular fireworks along the 16th Street Mall, 9 p.m. and midnight. Information: 303-534-6161.
3 Celebrate the season in Victorian fashion with the family during A Colorado Christmas at Four Mile Historic Park, Dec. 14, 12-4 p.m. Holiday-themed activities include traditional games plus arts and crafts. Learn the history of Christmas in the Cherry Creek Valley while visiting Father Christmas. There will be roasting chestnuts and families can help decorate the Four Mile Tree. Information: 720-865-0800.
The air is crisper, Jingle Bells can be heard on the streets, holiday wreaths top buildings and the Valley’s business districts are twinkling with festive lights. From the rich history anchored in the holiday hustle and bustle on Larimer Square, to the glow of frosty window displays in Cherry Creek, the season is always a rich mix of holiday life.
Cherry Creek and the Mall were once the crown jewel for holiday shopping. Will holiday magic miraculously brighten the district’s construction-damaged image?
Enjoy the month in merry measure, while I tell of Yule time treasure: Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men, and Batteries not included! As you take pleasure in hot buttered rum, don’t forget to share with loved ones. Nor be surprised if Deck the Halls sneaks its way into your head. ’Tis the season to jingle, mingle and mix: Fa la la la, la, la, la, la.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.