☀️Good morning, Bucket Listers!
Happy Holidays! As you plan your festive outings, we also invite you to support community journalism by contributing to Bucket List through our #newsCOneeds fundraiser. Your support helps keep local, independent stories alive and accessible across Colorado, especially during this season of giving.
Festive Fun
Best of Denver Comedy Showcase
📍Denver Comedy Underground| Tuesday, December 23, 7:30-10 p.m.
The Best of Denver Comedy Showcase brings together top local comedians for a night of laughs. Featuring favorites and rising stars, the lineup highlights Denver’s vibrant comedy scene! It’s a great way to sample multiple comedy styles in one show.
Denver Astronomical Society’s Public Night
📍Chamberlin Observatory | Tuesday, December 23, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Public Night at Chamberlin Observatory invites visitors to explore the night sky with expert guidance! Weather permitting, guests can look through telescopes to view planets, stars, and other celestial objects. Members of the Denver Astronomical Society are on hand to answer questions and share knowledge.
Laser Stranger Things
📍Denver Museum of Nature & Science | Friday, December 26, 5-6 p.m.
Step into the Upside Down with this immersive laser show inspired by Stranger Things at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Lasers, music, and visuals bring the show’s eerie energy to life. The show blends pop culture with laser effects for a unique experience!
Free Karaoke Night at Hi-Dive
📍Hi-Dive | Friday, December 26, 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
This Friday, Hi-Dive invites guests for a free karaoke night! Whether you’re singing or cheering on friends, the dive bar vibe keeps things fun and judgment-free. A wide song selection means there’s something for every musical taste.
Live Music
John McKay
📍Lyons Tasting Room | Saturday, December 27, 6:30-9 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxed evening of live music with John McKay at the Lyons Tasting Room! The show pairs perfectly with a glass of wine or a handcrafted cocktail. With no cover charge, it’s an accessible way to support live music.
Ten Years Gone (Led Zeppelin Tribute)
📍Buffalo Rose | Saturday, December 27, 7-9 p.m.
See Ten Years Gone to experience a powerful tribute to Led Zeppelin, capturing the band’s sound and stage presence. Buffalo Rose’s intimate venue makes the show feel raw and authentic. It’s a must-see for longtime Zeppelin lovers and rock enthusiasts!
Soul Sunday R&B Brunch
📍Spangalang Brewery | Sunday, December 28, 11:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
Soul Sunday R&B Brunch combines smooth music and delicious food at Spangalang Brewery. DJs spin R&B while guests enjoy brunch and drinks. This Sunday afternoon event encourages dancing and connecting with friends!
Holiday Events & Markets
Holiday Installations on 16th Street
📍Union Station Friday, November 21-Wednesday, December 31
Go to 16th Street for immersive holiday installations stretching from Union Station through downtown. The lights are perfect for families, visitors, and anyone looking to enjoy a free seasonal outing. Pair a walk through the lights with shopping or dining nearby!
Larimer Lights
📍Larimer Square Friday, November 28-Wednesday, December 31
Larimer Square transforms into a glowing winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights! It creates a festive atmosphere perfect for evening strolls and holiday photos. The lights shine nightly, making it an easy stop throughout the holiday season.
Denver Christkindlmarket
📍Tivoli Quad | Friday, November 21-Tuesday, December 23, (times vary)
Denver’s Christkindlmarket brings an authentic German-style holiday village to Tivoli Quad. The market features European and local vendors offering food, crafts, gifts, and festive drinks. This free event is a must-see Denver seasonal tradition!
NKollectiv Gallery Second Holiday Market
📍NKollectiv Gallery | Saturday, December 6-January 3, (times vary)
NKollectiv Gallery is hosting a holiday market featuring local handmade goods and artwork. The event runs December 6-January 3, offering plenty of time to visit. It’s a great stop for thoughtful, artistic holiday shopping!
Camp Christmas
📍Stanley Marketplace | Friday, November 21-Sunday, December 28, 4-8 p.m.
Stanley Marketplace becomes a festive world of creativity and nostalgia as Camp Christmas returns for another season of holiday magic. Created by local artist Lonnie Hanzon, this immersive experience will spark joy for all ages. Camp Christmas celebrates community and imagination in an atmosphere unlike anything else in Colorado.
Blossoms of Light
📍Denver Botanic Gardens | Friday, November 21-Sunday, January 11, 4:30-9 p.m.
Blossoms of Light celebrates its 40th year as one of Denver’s most cherished holiday traditions! Guests can stroll the mile-long trail and experience how the gardens come alive even in the coldest months. With a commitment to sustainability, every light used in the display is LED.
Mile High Tree Light & Music Show
📍Tivoli Quad | Friday, November 21-Wednesday, December 31, (every 15 mins from 5-10 p.m.)
The Mile High Tree returns to Tivoli Quad with free nightly light and music shows! Standing at 110 feet tall, the tree is even taller than the largest Rockefeller Center tree ever displayed. The structure features 60,000 LED lights and can fit up to 140 visitors underneath for a fully immersive, unique holiday experience.
Mile High Holidays Nightly Drone Spectacular
📍Tivoli Quad | Friday, November 21-Wednesday, December 31, 7-7:15 p.m.
This nightly drone show is one of Denver’s most festive seasonal highlights! Featuring 600 synchronized drones by Brightflight Drone Shows, the display creates holiday and Denver-themed animations. The best viewing spot is Tivoli Quad, though the show can also be seen from Sculpture Park, Ball Arena, and many downtown rooftops.
Zoo Lights
📍Denver Zoo | Monday, November 24-Sunday, January 4, (times vary)
With more than three million lights, Zoo Lights brings glowing animal sculptures, sparkling tunnels, and festive scenes to life. Find out why families return year after year to enjoy this beloved tradition. Select nights throughout the season provide a perfect chance to embrace the holidays in a whimsical setting.
Double Your Impact Before the End of the Year
As the year winds down, these events are a reminder of how much connection and community matter, especially during the holidays. If you’re able, please consider supporting our #newsCOneeds fundraiser to help sustain local journalism. Thanks to the Lenfest Institute, every dollar donated to Bucket List by December 31st is matched! Even small gifts help us mentor future journalists and keep Colorado stories free. From all of us at Bucket List, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season!
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Natalie Montoya
Events Manager/ Bucket List Community News
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