DENVER -- Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some family friendly events you might enjoy. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in the Denver metro area this weekend.
1. Denver Zoo Lights continue to sparkle the holiday season
What: More than 130 animated animal sculptures will swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places when they’re least expected this holiday season. For the first time this year, guests will be able to control some of those sculptures at interactive stations at the Zoo’s Giraffe Meadows area. Other festivities include a chance to meet Santa Claus, live animal demonstrations, carolers, holiday treats and warming stations.
When: Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25, 2017; December 1 through December 31, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street in Denver
Admission: Varies
More info: https://www.denverzoo.org/zoolights2017
2. Tour the Governor’s Mansion this holiday season
What: Every year before the Christmas holidays, the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion opens its doors to the public for public tours full of holiday cheer, history and design. The tour only takes you through the first floor the residence, but you won’t leave disappointed as you walk through the Great Hall, the State Dining Romo and more.
When: Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 7 – 10 and Dec. 14 through Dec. 17, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion, 400 East 8th Avenue
Admission: Free
More info: http://www.coloradoshome.org/
3. Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens
What: The flowers and plants at the Denver Botanic Gardens may be dormant in the winter months during the day, but at night during the holiday season, the Gardens come alive for the Blossom of Lights.
When: Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 through January 1, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street
Admission: Varies between $10 to $20
More info: https://www.botanicgardens.org/
4. Sip, Shop and savor the holiday season at the Denver Christkindl Market
What: The 17th annual Christkindl Market is back for another year of holiday fun at the 16th Street Mall. Sip on authentic Gluhwein (mulled spiced wine), or Bavarian style beer as you wander through the market and enjoy the opportunity to purchase finely crafted artisan gifts and holiday treats by Coloradan, European and international merchants in charming wooden huts
When: Friday, Nov. 17, 2017 through Friday, December 23, 2017
Where: Skyline Park on the 16th Street Mall and Arapahoe Street
Admission: Free
More info: http://www.denverchristkindlmarket.com/
5. Come celebrate the holidays at Thornton WinterFest
What: Billed as a signature event of the City of Thornton, the city’s WinterFest brings Santa and his elves to help the Mayor and City Council light up the town for the holidays. The fun doesn’t stop there, as Santa’s Village opens the next day (Saturday), which gives you the opportunity to explore local choirs, tree displays, ice skating and more.
When: Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Carpenter Park Amphitheater, 3482 East 112th Avenue
Admission: Free
More info: http://cityofthornton.net/festivals-events/Pages/winterfest.aspx
6. Longmont Lights Parade is this weekend
What: Downtown Longmont will transport you to a winter wonderland as more than 60 floats twinkle with lights for the Longmont Lights Parade. There will be high school marching bands, ice castles, costumed characters and much more.
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 starting at 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Longmont
Admission: Free
More info: http://www.downtownlongmont.com/calendar/holiday-events
7. Enjoy some holiday cheer at Cherry Creek North’s Free Winter Fest
What: Celebrate the holidays on Fillmore Plaza for the 2017 Winter Fest. This free, family-friendly event will transform Fillmore Plaza (between 1st and 2nd Avenues on Fillmore Street) into a winter wonderland with live ice carving, elves, temporary fire pits, a live DJ and more.
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Fillmore Plaza
Admission: Free
More info: https://cherrycreeknorth.com/things-to-do/ccn-signature-events/winter-fest-on-fillmore
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@kmgh.com so he can put your event on the list.
