Holiday Events: Virtual and REAL LIFE!
From exclusive virtual events like a holiday special by the original voice of Frozen’s Anastasia to an opportunity to visit with Santa online, this holiday season promises not to disappoint! For those who would like an in-real-life connection to the holiday, try a campfire hike with the family or skating around the Rink at the Rock!
TODAY/TONIGHT, December 10
VIRTUAL TASTING MASTERCLASS
Who would have guessed that 2020 would be the year that everyone got really good at cocktail tastings? If you’ve been a regular participant in virtual happy hours, you’ve worked your way up to the Masterclass—a special virtual event featuring three special-release, limited-editions!
For the first (and only) time, taste all of the 2020 releases together while learning about what makes each fall into the “special release” category. Also, as a bonus, you will also get a sample of Bruichladdich Classic Laddie and all the ingredients needed to learn how to create a Holiday Old Fashioned! Your ticket price includes .5 oz pours of the following limited-edition releases: Westland Garryana 5th Edition (Bottle cost: $150+), Octomore 11.1 (Bottle cost: $200+), Mount Gay Port Cask (Bottle cost: $175+), plus a 2-oz pour of Bruichladdich Classic Laddie and all the ingredients to create a Holiday Old Fashioned!
HRCA on Zoom
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40
Phone: 303-471-8898
WHAT A HOOT
In honor of this year’s surprise holiday mascot, Rocky the Owl, tune into this exciting online program that’s all about owls! You’ll learn about the physical and behavioral adaptations of these intelligent creatures—and maybe even how the little saw-whet owl became a stowaway in the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
There will be plenty of personal stories about the real live owls you “meet” online! This program is recommended for ages kindergarten and up, and registration is required.
Castle Rock Online
7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Register: FREE
Thursday-Saturday, December 10-12
PARK FULL O’ LIGHTS
The holiday lights strung up in Philip S. Miller Park in Castle Rock will get you in the holiday spirit! Just take a stroll or drive through the park and marvel at the twinkling winter wonderland. There are food trucks for treats and drinks, and holiday tunes will be playing, so share some good cheer in a socially distanced way!
Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
5:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Information: FREE
Phone: 720-724-2010
Thursday-Sunday, December 10-13
DON’T MISS OUT ON SANTA PHOTOS
Some things never change, regardless of the circumstances. One of those things is the chance to record a picture of your little one with Santa.
Safety precautions are being enforced, and your child will need to be distanced from the Jolly Old Elf, but you will have a memento of this very unusual Christmas!
Park Meadows Shopping Center, 8401 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree
Thurs./Fri./Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Sun., 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Register: Packages starting at $39.99
Phone: 303-792-2533
DAILY KIDS’ CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS
Spend the 12 days of Christmas helping your kids craft a unique handmade gift! This FREE online crafting event features a daily holiday-themed item kids can make at home.
Thursday: paint a holiday rock; Friday: make a Chanukah menorah; Saturday: craft a snowman treat mug; Sunday: create a Christmas tree painting.
Michaels Online
3:00 p.m.
Register: FREE
ROCK THE RINK
Rink at the Rock is the perfect place to rock to some great music, get some much-needed exercise, and enjoy some socially-distanced socializing! Ice skating is a great sport and more fun than you ever imagined! Skate rentals and lessons are available.
Rink at the Rock, 414 Perry St., Castle Rock
Thurs., 4:00-8:00 p.m.; Fri., 4:00-9:00 p.m.; Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sun., 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $8 – $10
HOLIDAY LIGHTS FROM A DISTANCE
Every year, Schweiger Ranch puts on one of the best FREE holiday lights display, and this year is no different. However, since the Ranch property is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, you can view the display from the parking lot and along the trail.
Schweiger Ranch, 10822 Havana St., Lone Tree
5:00 – 8:00 p.m
Tickets: FREE
Phone: 303-790-0557
HOLIDAY MART ONLINE
Nothing can compare to the exceptional quality of the merchandise curated by the Junior League of Denver in their popular Holiday Mart, and although this year’s market has moved online, the same excellence continues!
This year, browse all the great gifts from the safety of your home, and purchase knowing that you are supporting a great cause at the same time!
JLD Online
Information: FREE
Friday, December 11
VIRTUAL SANTA VISIT
Santa Claus is coming to…the internet! Douglas County Libraries is hosting a virtual visit with Santa, live from the North Pole! Enjoy songs, an interactive presentation, and a Q&A with the Jolly Old Elf himself, all from the safety and comfort of your own home.
When you register your child, you’ll also receive a Santa Kit to be picked up at your local library branch. The Zoom link will be emailed to you prior to Santa’s visit.
Douglas County Libraries Online
10:00 a.m.
Register: FREE
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS VIRTUAL CONCERT
If you and your family are fans of the original voice of Frozen’s Anastasia, you’ll love this virtual holiday concert, streamed straight to the comfort and safety of your home! Tony nominee and Emmy winner, Liz Callaway will perform a mix of holiday favorites and beloved Broadway show tunes AND offer a preview of music from her upcoming holiday album, Comfort and Joy—An Acoustic Christmas. The stream will also include a special behind-the-scenes interview with the artist and a post-show Q&A following the premiere of the concert!
Parker Arts Online
5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20
Friday-Sunday, December 11-13
BUY NOW FOR WEEK AFTER CHRISTMAS
Chatfield Farms’ Trail of Lights might be the only big holiday light display that still has tickets available in the days after Christmas—but you need to buy now for a chance to enjoy later!
The whole family will love this magical winter wonderland, with synchronized music in the children’s play area and a three-sided light tunnel! Antique buffs will appreciate the illuminated classic and model tractors on display.
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton
5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $9 – $13.50
Saturday, December 12
GOURMET SANTA BREAKFAST
Here’s a safe way to have a fun family outing—and meet Santa at the same time! Breakfasts will be served within individual heated fishing tents, and kids will have the opportunity to write a letter to Santa and play a family game. You’ll also receive candy canes and a take-home craft from Santa.
This event benefits Rotary Satellite Club of Parker-Cherry Creek Valley United. Due to the pandemic, children will not be able to sit on Santa’s lap. Reservations are required.
West Main Taproom & Grill, 18595 Mainstreet, Suite 100, Parker
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Cost: $20
Phone: 720-826-3689
CAMPFIRE HIKE
Get out of the house and enjoy some time in nature with the family! The Backcountry Base Camp is the starting point for this fun family adventure. Depending on weather and conditions, you may take a short nature hike, build snowmen, play with the chickens, meet the horses, and/or relax in the fresh air. After the hike, there will be a campfire to roast marshmallows and make s’mores!
Backcountry Wilderness Area, 6005 Ron King Trail, Highlands Ranch
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Register: $9 – $10
Phone: 303-471-7052
DRIVE-IN POLAR EXPRESS
Don’t miss out on this rare drive-in event!
The exquisitely animated Polar Express will be screened in an outdoor setting so you can enjoy it from the safety of your car. Kids will receive a gift from Santa and each car will get a plate of cookies!
Game Train USA, 2690 E. County Line Rd., Suite E, Highlands Ranch
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Register: $9 per person
Phone: 303-797-9224
DOO WOP ONLINE
From The Drifters’ White Christmas to The Temptations’ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, this is the classic holiday concert that will bring you all the songs you love! The Doo Wop Project is a talented group of Tony-nominated members of Broadway’s smash hits Jersey Boys, Motown: The Musical, A Bronx Tale, and more! They have been selling out their holiday concert for the past five years, and now you can enjoy it online from the comfort of your home!
This holiday special features the doo wop sound of groups like The Flamingos and The Belmonts, Smokey Robinson and The Four Seasons, and even the doo-wopified versions of modern hits by Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, and Maroon 5.
Lone Tree Arts Center Online
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25
SING YOUR HALLELUJAH
From sold-out Harlem’s World-Famous Apollo Theater performances to your living room—Shoshana Bean returns to the legendary stage to bring some much needed holiday cheer!
Sing Your Hallelujah is a reimagining of the Christmas television special from long ago. With fresh interpretations of holiday classics, intimate collaborations with special guests, and honest reflections of an unprecedented year in history, Shoshana gets to the heart of what is essential: connection, tradition, and the power of love.
Parker Arts Online
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30 – $300
Sunday, December 13
DRIVE-THRU CHANUKAH WONDERLAND
The first of its kind in our neighborhood, the Drive-Thru Chanukah Wonderland features exciting and interactive Chanukah activities and games! There will be a live DJ as well as street performers, including Judah Macabee! You can make your own menorah, candles, and more in the craft activity area. Kids will love the Chanukah treats and surprises!
Chabad Jewish Center, 9950 Lone Tree Pkwy., Lone Tree
1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Register: $25 per vehicle
Phone: 303-792-7222
Holiday Lights in Crystal Valley!
In case you haven’t driven by the AMAZING holiday lights display at 3185 Cool Meadow Drive – don’t miss this extraordinary display of Christmas cheer! So like the master-planned community of Crystal Valley, with lots of things to do and see every weekend! If you don’t live here yet, check out the model homes from Century Communities, D.R. Horton, Kauffman Homes, and Richmond American Homes, and find out why our community is among the top five fastest-growing in the state with new homes priced from the $300s!
