Go dashing through the snow — it’s the crackling, relaxing, romantic time of year. Just don’t let the horses’ hooves lull you to sleep or you’ll miss Colorado’s snowcapped peaks. Furthermore, for the outdoorsy types, hot chocolate and marshmallow roasts await in the Cherry Creek Valley’s old school holiday winter hideaways. Come on get jolly!
‘Tis the season for snowy adventures — sleigh rides, snowmobiling and skating are really grand. Go ahead and bust out some holly and follow your winter folly.
Here are our happy holiday (hold the tinsel) choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to add sugar and spice and make everything nice this festive season:
3 Timothy P. and his Stocking Stuffers return to play western, bluegrass and folk music. You’ll enjoy holiday favorites plus some fun surprises at the Lakewood Cultural Center, Dec. 1-4. Information: 303-987-7845.
3 Ogden Theatre hosts Sing It To Me Santa public school music benefit with LA Band The Record Co. Dec. 9, 8 p.m. Information: 303-832-1874.
3 ELF The Musical brings splashy, sugar-sprinkled but enjoyable family entertainment to DCPA’s Buell, Dec. 13-17. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Santa and kids mingle plus crafts, music, cookies and hot chocolate at the Glendale Sports Center Dec. 14, 5:30-7 p.m. Information: 303-639-4711.
3 Sunflower Bank is your source for banking solutions to achieve 2018 business and personal goals with locally informed decision-making. Denver headquartered with $4 billion in assets. Information: 303-389-2611.
3 The Salvage Restaurant (Summit Steakhouse) is this year’s holiday go-to-spot for big groups and out of town guests. Half-priced happy hour drinks, steaks, escargot and Beef Wellington with crab. Information: 303-751-2112.
3 St. Martin’s Choir does Christmas tunes from British composers at Saint John’s Episcopal Cathedral Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-298-1970.
3 See the sky sparkle over the 16th St. Mall this New Year’s Eve. Display of fireworks is at 9 p.m. and again at midnight. Information: 303-892-1112.
3 Infuse your soul with holiday magic as Ballet Ariel creates its own special production of The Nutcracker at the Lakewood Cultural Center, Dec. 9-23. Ariel’s production of Tchaikovsky’s famous score features beautiful costumes, exciting choreography and guest artist Paul Noel Fiorino as Drosselmeyer. Performances are Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17, 22 & 23 at 2 p.m. Evening shows are Dec. 16 & 22 at 7 p.m. Information: 303-987-7845.
Dig in! There’s snow on the ground in the mountains and often in and around town this month. Maybe you will finally land that double axel! There’s free skating in the heart of the city at Skyline Park (including Christmas) through Feb. 14. There are also public skate sessions and lessons at the Big Bear Arena in Lowry (8580 E. Lowry Blvd.).
Whether you’re all about the hot toddies, mountain views, or the warm glow of a fire at your favorite dining spot this is the season to rekindle that holiday magic.
The selling season has arrived! Holiday mail, emails, social media posts and TV ads arrive daily. The best gifts are total surprises, something the recipient wouldn’t dream of buying. Or a donation to a favorite cause, requiring no recycling or wrapping paper. May an abundance of the white stuff plus friends, happiness and fun fill your holiday.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.