Crystal Valley Blog

We’re hurtling toward Christmas at lightning speed, with all sorts of holiday events, Santa Claus appearances, seasonal performances and light shows, plus comedy and concerts from Colorado Springs to Downtown Denver – entertainment for audiences all over town!

TODAY/TONIGHT: Thursday, December 8

A KANTOREI CHRISTMAS
“One of Denver’s foremost choirs…the full-bodied sound of the choir was stunning.” —The Scen3  This choir has become a Lone Tree Arts Center tradition, and 2022 will see Kantorei return for their annual holiday concert. This year, Kantorei is celebrating with Miracles: A Kantorei Celebration Around the World. It’s a celebration of the season of miracles with Kantorei and special guests performing a full repertoire from around the world in this multicultural collage, including: 

-Ed Harrison’s “Milagros de Navidad” for guitar, marimba, and percussion
-Settings of familiar carols by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo, and
-A musical celebration of Hannukah, the Jewish festival of lights, with arrangements by Joshua Jacobson

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28-$42
Phone: 720-509-1000

MARTINA MCBRIDE CHRISTMAS TOUR
Martina McBride is a multiple Grammy-nominated country singer, whose vocals have kept her at the top of the charts garnering six #1 hits and 20 top 10 singles. Selling more than 18 million albums to date, she has earned 14 Gold, nine Platinum, three Double Platinum and two Triple Platinum certifications. In addition, she has been honored with more than 15 major music awards, including four wins from the Country Music Association and three Academy of Country Music Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year. 

When Martina is not working on music in the studio, she focuses her time on her passions for cooking and entertaining. In 2014, she released her first cookbook, Around the Table, featuring her favorite recipes, hosting tips, practical menu planning advice and decor inspiration. Her sophomore cookbook, Martina’s Kitchen Mix: My Recipe Playlist for Real Life, is set to make its debut in October 2018, along with her new Christmas album “It’s the Holiday Season,” a compilation of her favorite songs with the backing of a symphony orchestra. 

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm, Denver
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $55-$125

Thursday-Friday, December 8-9

TOY DRIVE FOR HOSPITALIZED KIDDOS
Outlets at Castle Rock has partnered with Ferrari of Denver to present the 14th Annual Holiday Toy Drive & Rally for Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children! Help collect special gifts to bring miles of smiles to the patients at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. Drop off unwrapped gifts at the Outlets at Castle Rock at Customer Service in the Food Court.

Then, come back on December 10 as police escort Santa, Outlets at Castle Rock, and over 100 luxury vehicles filled with holiday cheer, caravan to Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, and deliver carloads of toys to patients.

Outlets at Castle Rock, Food Court, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Free

Thursday-Saturday, December 8-10

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE LIVE!
See this beloved American holiday classic come to life on stage as a captivating 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of a virtuosic, tight-knit ensemble that embodies a few dozen characters and live foley artistry, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. This holiday season take advantage of a live-event opportunity to enjoy a story of hope, faith, and the power of community.

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 5:00 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $21-$50.50
Info: 719-634-5581

PETE LEE IS LIVE!
Pete Lee made his late-night television debut on CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman and was the first stand-up comedian to get a standing ovation on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Pete’s joyful humor comes from his Midwestern roots. After appearing on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, Pete was selected to perform at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, where he was voted a standout performer. Pete performed on NBC’s Last Comic Standing finishing as a semi-finalist and shot his own Comedy Central Half Hour Special. He also made his television acting debut on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns. 

Pete was hired to be a writer and cast member on FUSE TV’s Video on Trial and the NFL Network’s Top 10’s. Pete served as a writer and cast member for three seasons on VH1’s Best Week Ever. Most recently, Pete was a cast member of TruTV’s Greatest Ever and he hosted his own segment on Nickelodeon’s Nicktoons, called NFL Rush, in co-ordination with the NFL. 

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat, 7:15 & 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$28
Phone: 720-274-6800

Thursday-Sunday, December 8-11

SANTA’S COMING TO TOWN
Good ol’ St. Nick will be making appearances at his house at the Outlets at Castle Rock for any littles, tall and small, who want to whisper wish lists in Santa’s ear! Photo opportunities abound and reservations are recommended to capture this seasonal moment. Schedule photos with Santa here.  

Outlets at Castle Rock, Food Court, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
Thurs.-Sat., 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Sun., 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Free

LOTSA LIGHTS AT HUDSON GARDENS!
It’s the most wonderful time of year! A Hudson Christmas is back again this holiday season with our dazzling display of lights. The spectacular lighted forest of towering trees will enchant guests of all ages. Sing and dance to some of your favorite holiday songs in our grove of dancing Christmas Trees. Stroll through the winter wonderland, wave “hello” to some of the giant snowmen and glowing reindeer, and enjoy a walk through an immersive holiday light tunnel. And don’t forget to grab a cup of hot cocoa to warm your hands and heart this holiday season.

Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
7:00 p.m.
Free to $15
Admission Info: 720-802-0006

Friday, December 9

THE DICKENS CAROLERS AT THE CASTLE
The Original Dickens Carolers! The group was started in 1986 by energetic musical theatre performers at Larimer Square. Inspired by their love of entertaining, they focused on interaction, music, and humor to create a professional performance that continues to charm Colorado and national audiences. 

Fully memorized and recognizable by their highly animated and energetic performance style, this elite, unique group is comprised entirely of professional actors and singers. Individually, they perform regularly at all Denver area theaters including the Denver Center, The Arvada Center and The Parker Arts Center, as well as choirs and other professional singing groups. Your Reservation includes a performance by the Original Dickens Carolers, tour of the magnificent castle, delicious charcuterie appetizers and holiday desserts.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
6:00-7:00 p.m. Cash Bar
7:00 p.m. Performance
Cost: $68.75 Reservations Are Required
INFO: 303-688-5555

Saturday, December 10

THE PRINCESS BRIDE’S CARY ELWES
Join Cary Elwes (Westley) for a behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the set of the classic film, The Princess Bride.After a screening of the iconic movie, Elwes will engage in a moderated discussion revealing never before shared secrets and tales of inconceivable antics!

Journey back to the lands of Florin and Guilder in an adventure filled with fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, miracles, and of course, true love.
Elwes has been in a multitude of films and tv shows, including Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Saw, Twister, Liar, Liar, Stranger Things and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He recently starred in Guy Ritchie’s “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre”, just wrapped “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1” with Tom Cruise and is currently working on Zack Snyder’s sci fi epic, “Rebel Moon.” Now Elwes is hitting the road to share with fans the personal stories behind the making of this piece of cinematic history.

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm, Denver
1:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $99.50+

STORYTELLERS AND S’MORES
Santa and some of his friends are stopping by Festival Park to read holiday favorites from our giant Storytellers Chair. Enjoy roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, hot chocolate and other family friendly fun at this free community event.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
5:00-7:00 p.m.
FREE

SANTA WAGON RIDES
Santa is making the rounds from now till he takes to the skies on Christmas Eve. You and your family can enjoy a special wagon ride with Santa, followed by hot cocoa and a meet and greet. Experience the wild of the prairie and listen to tales of long ago from the jolly man himself. Registration for this event is required and multiple time slots are available each day. Please bring your own blankets to use during your ride.

Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E. Hampden Avenue, Aurora
Various Times
Cost: $10 per person
Phone: 303-326-8380

NAUGHTY & NICE CABARET
This one-man 60-minute show features heart-warming holiday classics with a twist of spice that invites audiences to reminisce, raise a glass, laugh-out-loud, and sing along.A storyteller at heart, world-class pianist and vocalist J. Chang-Tablada draws audience members in with fresh interpretations of timeless classics by celebrated artists like Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and Donnie Hathaway interwoven with spirited, tongue-in-cheek numbers from Elvis and Jimmy Butler (to name a few).

Chang-Tablada’s memorable performance strikes a chord with seasonal favorites like “This Christmas” and “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve” while adding unexpected and delightful holiday color with lesser known tunes like “Trim Your Tree.”

Colo. Springs Fine Arts Center-Deco Lounge, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Admission: $10
Info: 719-634-5581

BILL BURR LIVE!
An Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian, Bill Burr is one of the top comedic voices of his generation achieving success in TV and film as well as on stage.  Bill’s Monday Morning Podcast is one of the most downloaded comedy podcasts and the genre and he stars opposite Pete Davidson and Marisa Tomei in the Judd Apatow film, The King of Staten Island; and he stars as Mayfeld in The Mandalorian on Disney Plus.

Bill recently shot the film, Old Dads, which he co-wrote, directed and will star in alongside Bobby Cannavale and Bokeem Woodbine. His animated Netflix series, F Is For Family, stars Bill, Laura Dern, Justin Long and Sam Rockwell in the cast and premiered its fifth and final season on Thanksgiving Day, 2021.  In September, Bill made a guest appearance as Coach Bobson in episode 7 of the hit FX on Hulu series, Reservation Dogs.

Bill made his debut as host of Saturday Night Live on October 10, 2020; In September 2019, he released his sixth hour-long comedy special, Bill Burr: Paper Tiger, which was nominated for a Grammy Award, was recorded at London’s Royal Albert Hall and is streaming on Netflix.  Bill was seen in the Hugh Jackman film, The Front Runner; the Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell film, Daddy’s Home; he co-stars opposite Kevin Costner in the indie film, Black or White; was seen in the Paul Feig film, The Heat, alongside Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy and in the Al Pacino and Christopher Walken film Stand Up Guys.  This event will be a phone-free experience.

Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $54-$105+

NEXT WEEK: Monday, December 12

ALLMAN FAMILY REVIVAL
The Allman Family Revival is a celebration of the life, spirit, and music of Gregg Allman. Hosted by his son, Blues Music Award-winning artist Devon Allman and anchored by his group, The Devon Allman Project. What started out as a tribute has evolved into one of the biggest jams of the year. 

It’s a tour like no other. Running coast to-coast in some of America’s most historic performers this year include ringleader Devon Allman, Blues legend, Larry McCray, professional surfer and renaissance man Donavon Frankenreiter, Nashville’s Opry darling Maggie Rose, the son of Roy Orbison, Alex Orbison, Duane Betts – the son of Dickey Betts, John Ginty & Johnny Stachela (Allman Betts Band), The River Kittens, Jimmy Hall (Jeff Beck Band, Wet Willie) and many more. 

The show will feature music from the historic Allman catalog while also giving guest artists a chance to play some of their own. These shows feature world class production, including an epic light show and 40-foot video wall with imagery unique to the Allman family. It’s a celebration, it’s a remembrance, it’s the jam of the year!

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm, Denver
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $14.75-$89.50+

Thursday, December 15

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
“Home for the Holidays” is the kind of old-school variety show no one puts on anymore.” —Denver Post
Holidays are about traditions, so continue yours with this hometown favorite! What better way is there to celebrate the holidays than with LTAC family favorite Home for the Holidays. There’s something for everyone in this beloved holiday spectacular: dancers, singers, holiday songs, and, of course, celebrity appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. With an updated storyline for 2022 and a few spectacular surprises, Home for the Holidays is sure to delight and put you in the holiday spirit.  

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat., 8:00 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $36-$63

THE PIANO GUYS
Since their serendipitous start in a Southern Utah piano shop, THE PIANO GUYS have proven to be a powerhouse group without limits. Arriving as a musical phenomenon seemingly overnight, the quartet of Jon Schmidt [pianist, songwriter], Steven Sharp Nelson [cellist, songwriter], Paul Anderson [producer, videographer], and Al van der Beek [music producer, songwriter] have delivered bold compositions that transcend boundaries of style and genre, a boundlessness that has since translated into a massively-successful career. Their 2020 album release “10” was a celebration of The Piano Guys’ 10-year anniversary.  

The album included their most popular hits from the past 10 years as well as brand-new arrangements. Steven and Jon are gearing up to hit the road to perform their new music and share their great humor. Since formally introducing themselves in 2011, The Piano Guys have released five studio albums, two Christmas releases and a fan-favorite live album, earning six No. 1 debuts on Billboard’s Top Classical Albums chart and garnering an impressive 2 billion-plus global streams, over 1.6 billion YouTube views, and averaging nearly 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. They have sold out concerts in almost every corner of the world and attracted a diehard audience of millions. The Piano Guys have appeared in The New York Times, Fast Company, BuzzFeed, Mashable, People, been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and performed on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America and The Tonight Show.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $49-$99
Phone: 719-575-9632

Thursday-Saturday, December 15-17

THE NUTCRACKER
Head to the PACE Center for one of the sweetest treats of the holiday season, The Nutcracker, with Denver Ballet Theatre dancers performing. The story of The Nutcracker is loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffmann fantasy story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. Set at a Christmas Eve party, The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, a young girl given a magical nutcracker doll. The Nutcracker comes to life in her dreams, battles the evil Rat King, and takes Clara on a magical adventure to the Land of the Sweets, a kingdom filled with colorful characters and pure holiday magic. 

With brilliant choreography and a beloved score by Tchaikovsky, Parker Arts’ and Denver Ballet Theatre’s production is a festive treat for the entire family!Choose from eight performances between December 15th and December 20th, and share the warmth of the holiday season.

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $29-$34
Phone: 303-805-6800

Christmastime Around Crystal Valley!

Enjoy the holidays in Castle Rock and surrounding venues within minutes from the master-planned community of Crystal Valley – where nature is around every corner of the neighborhood! Looking for a new home you can add your signature style to? Check out the beautiful model homes from Taylor Morrison, D.R. Horton, Richmond American Homes, Kauffman Homes, and Century Communities. Picture yourself in your very own dream house priced from the $500s.