District Is Bustling With Fun, Excitement; Santa’s In The Loop For Saturday Night Lights
by Glen Richardon
Santa Sightings: Santa and local landmarks are among the sights you’ll see as drones soar across the sky all month long, 7 p.m.
There’s no place like Glendale-Cherry Creek North, and the Mile High City during the holidays. Cherry Creek’s over-the-top festivities are bright and jolly enough to convert even the biggest grinch.
With a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand, take in the decorative window displays, dazzling lights, holiday markets, and family-friendly activities happening in Cherry Creek and throughout the Mile High City.
Whether you’re indulging in festive Cherry Creek dining, cozying up with a cocktail at the Mistletoe Lounge on Fillmore Plaza, or simply taking in the view, the district is a must-see holiday destination. A million dazzling lights are wrapped around more than 600 trees, illuminating the entire neighborhood.
Holiday Market
Creek Magic: Take the family to Cherry Creek North to see the decorative window displays, dazzling lights, and holiday market.
As December blankets Cherry Creek in a frosty glow, the district comes alive with the spirit of the holidays. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s celebrations that are nothing short of magical. Experience the joy of the season with Winter Wanderland, a collection of free outdoor events for all to enjoy.
The Cherry Creek Holiday Market is open on Fillmore Plaza through Dec. 24. Spend the day shopping under dazzling lights, listening to live music, and getting into the seasonal spirit.
You’ll discover one-of-a-kind pieces from 50+ local makers, designers, and creators. There’s also “Giving Machines” through Jan. 4 that don’t dispense snacks or drinks, but instead, opportunities to donate to those in need. It’s also where the Mistletoe Lounge — a Christmas bar with festive drinks — is located.
Festivities also include “Saturday Night Lights,” Dec. 6, 13, and 20. On those dates you can enjoy complimentary treats, and the kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. There’s also a Chanukah Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 14 hosted by Chabad of Cherry Creek. Families and guests of all ages will enjoy a fun “festival of lights” with face painting, fire juggling, festive treats, and crafts.
Blossom Of Lights
Bright Nights: Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens through Jan. 11 is one of the nation’s top light shows.
While in the Cherry Creek area, don’t miss the Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Nov. 21-Jan. 11. It’s consistently lauded as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation. Wander a mile-long path through immersive, luminous displays that accentuate and highlight the plant collections. A cherished holiday tradition for nearly four decades, Blossoms of Light is constantly evolving to inspire wonder and delight for visitors.
Zoo Lights, the Denver Zoo’s 30th annual “wildest winter wonderland” is Nov. 23-Jan. 5. A holiday treat for the kids and grown-ups alike, the zoo has some 3,500 animals, including almost 650 species. During the festival, the zoo is decorated as a winter wonderland where you can stroll illuminated paths enjoying holiday entertainment, music corners, warming stations, plus food and drinks.
Stroll over to the City & County Building in Civic Center Park to watch the lights display running all season long! The light and music show repeats nightly from at 5:45 pm and 6:45 pm, except for December 6 and December 21. Added dazzle: Look up in the sky now through Dec. 31 for this year’s Mile High Drown Show “Grand Illumination.” The display of 400 drones will soar across the sky every night from the Tivoli Quad at 7 p.m. You’ll see everything from Santa and his reindeer, to iconic Denver landmarks like the Mile High Tree and Union Station.
Dashing Thru LoDo
Just steps apart, Dairy Block, McGregor Square, and Union Station are brimming with festive activities, dazzling lights, and family fun. Celebrate the magic of the season with Holiday on the Block, an extensive line-up of festive events on the Dairy Block including a local makers market, entertainment, live music, plus winter art installations.
Festive Sights: With a 40-ft.-tall Christmas tree out front, Denver’s Union Station is a popular holiday destination.
Over at Union Station, the Grand Illumination is a can’t-miss spectacular, lighting up the historic landmark. The sparkling displays are perfect for capturing holiday memories, and the ongoing lights make every night feel like a celebration.
McGregor Square is also a winter wonderland this season, offering ice skating under the twinkling lights, festive cocktails to warm your spirits, and special visits with Santa himself. It’s an ideal spot to soak up the holiday magic with friends and family.
Hanukkah
The Jewish holiday “Festival of Lights” known as Hanukkah — also spelled Chanukah — is December 14 to 22 this year.
The Jewish Community Center’s annual “Latkes & Lights” is Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature themed games, jamming to live music, and tasting latkes from Denver restaurants, plus those made by community members. There will also be voting by attendees on handmade menorahs.
Chanukah @ The Capitol is also on Dec. 7, 5 p.m. to 11:50 p.m. The event features a 10-foot Menorah, a Dreidel Drop, plus free barbecue. Temple Emanuel hosts Hanukkah Hoopla Dec. 27, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There’s a community menorah lighting followed by service, a dinner, and a concert. Finally, Chabad of Cherry Creek is hosting a second Chanukah Celebration Dec. 29, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. There will be Chanukah activities at participating neighborhood stores, a Grand Menorah lighting, plus Fire Show.
New Year’s Eve
Mall Fireworks: See fireworks on the 16th St. Mall New Year’s Eve, 9 p.m. and again at midnight.
The two-night electronic dance music festival Decadence is at the Convention Center Dec. 30 and 31. Zeds Dead, Subtronics, and Tape B will perform together for the first time ever Dec. 30.
Noon Year’s Eve returns to the Children’s Museum featuring the glitz and glam of New York City’s Times Square before bedtime! There’s a ball drop at the top of every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., plus music, and treats. Dazzle’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza “Nostal-Jazz” rings in the New Year at the Performing Arts Complex downtown 10 p.m.
The New Year’s Eve bash “Fire & Ice” is at the Fire Restaurant’s outdoor rooftop patio in the Art Hotel, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. A Night in Vienna returns to Boettcher Concert Hall New Year’s Eve playing rousing polkas, waltzes, and marches, 7 p.m. See the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the 16th St. Mall Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. and again at midnight.
