December’s holiday lights will again stretch from Glendale-Cherry Creek to the nightly lighting of downtown’s City-County Bldg. Oh, how they glow, spreading the season’s magic.
Lights, glimmering in every color, shine brightly enough to lift the mood of even the sourest Scrooge. From Rudolph’s nose to the Blossoms of Light, they are a symbol of hope.
Here are our bright choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to light up the darkness by adding warmth, love, peace, and joy; regardless of your religious persuasion:
3 Shop Cherry Creek’s Holiday Market featuring 50 local makers and designers on Fillmore Plaza. Open daily through Dec. 24, you’ll enjoy live music, local acts, plus a full bar in a decorated, festive atmosphere. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Catch Clocktower Cabaret’s Dec. 4 night of holiday funk-soul music as 10-piece Spillionaires Band gets you into the spirit of season. Information: 303-293-0075.
3 Take the toddlers to a singalong with holiday characters at Tiny Tots Christmas in the Tivoli Turnhalle, Dec. 10, 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Information: 303-355-7855.
3 Blast into the season with the Holiday Brass at Boettcher, Dec. 13, 7 p.m. Ballads and carols played by Symphony Brass & Percussion. Information: 303-534-1937.
3 Take time to enjoy lunch or dinner at Inga’s Alpine Tavern during the holidays. The Altitude Jazz Christmas Show is Dec. 6, 6 to 8 p.m. Julie Wynn Birr, vocals, and Julie Fredericksen, keyboard, play Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, and Miles Davis. Information:720-389-6203.
3 Give family and friends custom, antique, and vintage jewelry from Morgan Sonsthagen Jewelry this year. Conveniently located near Wash Park and University Hills, they are open Tue.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 303-733-1710.
3 Celebrate Chanukah with Chabad of Cherry Creek, Dec. 18, 5-11:59 p.m. Enjoy treats, fire juggling, face painting at 299 Milwaukee. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Make it a Charlie Brown Christmas at Dazzle@Baur’s, Dec. 19-24, as Pianist Annie Booth’s Trio stage the tradition for 9th year. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 Waltz into 2023 as the Colorado Symphony plays polkas, waltzes, and marches at A Night In Vienna in Boettcher, Dec. 31, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-534-1937.
3 For a magical interpretation of The Nutcracker, delight in Ballet Ariel’s return to the Lakewood Cultural Center for eight performances, Dec. 10-23. Full-scale production has four national guest artists plus local dancers. Travel through the Land of Snow to the Land of Sweets with lovely Clara and her Prince. Grand finale takes place in the Sugar Plum Fairy’s castle as dancers come together to celebrate with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. Information: 303-945-4388.
December has a wavelength all its own: It’s a sort of sublime yearning that can be both saddening and comforting. A sentimentality fortified by a lifetime’s worth of holiday memories. It is also a joyous month, reflecting the excitement of the holidays and time with loved ones. Bleakness sets in January 2, thus making it through winter is an emotional experience.
Enjoy cups of hot cocoa and let the lights and holiday spirit take you over. Where do Santa’s reindeer stop for coffee? Star-bucks! What’s Santa’s favorite chips? Crisp Pringles!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.