We’re always getting wrapped-up in the season’s glitter whether celebrating Christmas or Chanukah. That doesn’t mean that enjoying “home for the holidays” shouldn’t include a splash of holiday color. Beyond the tinsel, however, winter solstice is also a reminder to reconnect, share laughs and celebrate the joy of family.
Late dawn. Early sunset. Short days. Long nights. For those of us living in the Valley, this season’s solstice marks the longest nights and shortest days of the year.
Here are our astronomical choices for shopping, dining and entertainment so you and the sun can connect with the equinox to make your holiday season shine:
3 Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light is the perfect way to kick off the season. Lit-up through Jan. 2, the illuminated O’Fallon Perennial Walk & Romantic Gardens are back. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 Celebrate Chanukah enjoying food, music, storytelling and carnival games in the Rose Founders Bldg. Dec. 3, 11 a.m. Information: 303-320-2819.
3 For Ring-a-Ding entertainment see this musical review playing weekends at Lowry’s John Hand Theatre. Dec. 4-19. Information: 303-562-3232.
3 Delight in the magical adventures of toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes and Sugar Plum fairies as Ballet Ariel performs The Nutcracker at the Lakewood Cultural Center, with seven holiday performances in December. Information: 303-987-7845.
3 Celebrate the Solstice Season dining or giving private parties in the warm Italian ambiance at Shells & Sauce. Information: 303-377-2091.
3 Warm up with the kids and pets at the 5K chip-timed Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run-Walk in Wash Park Dec. 13. Information: 720-644.4397.
3 Shop the Christkindl Market for German gifts and treats at Skyline Park on the 16th St. Mall now through Dec. 23. Information: 303-531-6161.
3 You’ll hear joyful, soul-soothing songs by making plans to take in the Valley’s favorite choral tradition, the St. Martin’s Chamber Choir Holiday Concert featuring the Christmas Oratorio Die Geburt Christi (The Nativity of Christ) by Heinrich von Herzogenberg (1843-1900). Modeled on the cantatas of Bach, it tells the Christmas story with choir, soloists and orchestra, and features adored German Christmas carols as the audience sings along. Enjoy the most soulful solstice music ever at Saint John’s Episcopal Cathedral Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-298-1970.
Winter solstice is celebrated in the Valley with a variety of holidays. Christmas, of course, is the most prevalent. In addition there are Saturnalia, Korachun, Chanukah and Kwanzaa, among others. Solstice is always a signal to celebrate: A time of year to have fun enjoying endless activities as our bright sun shines even when it snows.
Catch the spirit: It’s beginning to feel a lot like the holidays! Shops in Valley neighborhoods are taking on a festive buzz, as storekeepers do a brisk business.
There’s a wonderland of sidewalk markets and eateries, plus clothing shops and bookstores decked out for the season. Families gather to sing, dance, exchange gifts and eat. Whether Christmas lights or eight nights of lights, may this solstice be sunny and bright so every wish comes true. It is the season, after all, that’s good for the soul!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.