☀️Good morning, Bucket Listers!
Colorado Gives Day is here, and it’s the biggest day of giving in Colorado. Every year, Coloradans collectively donate millions of dollars in just one day, fueling everything from local nonprofits to essential community journalism. Thanks to the Lenfest Institute, every dollar given to Bucket List is matched, meaning your support goes twice as far in helping us continue free, hyperlocal neighborly news!
Festive Fun
Elf’in Around Ballpark
📍Ballpark District | Saturday, December 13, 3:30-8 p.m.
Kick off the holidays with a playful neighborhood party in Denver’s Ballpark District. Attendees can explore participating bars and businesses, each offering unique surprises and seasonal specials. The event encourages spreading cheer while discovering the vibrant local scene.
Jewish Baking: Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts)
📍JCC Denver | Thursday, December 11, 6-7 p.m.
Learn how to make sufganiyot, the classic jelly-filled doughnuts traditionally enjoyed during Hanukkah. This baking workshop guides participants through each step, from mixing the dough to frying and filling. Instructors will share cultural background and tips for perfecting the treat at home.
Joseph’s Techno-Colored Dreamcoat LGBTQIA+ Hanukkah Party
📍JCC Denver | Thursday, December 11, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Celebrate Hanukkah with a twist at this LGBTQIA+ community party inspired by Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Guests can expect music, games, and creative surprises that highlight the intersection of queer culture and Jewish tradition. All identities and allies are welcome to join in the fun!
Chautauqua Winterfest 2025
📍Chautauqua Park |Friday, December 12-Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Get into the holiday spirit with WinterFest 2025, a festive two-day celebration at Chautauqua in Boulder! There will be live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo, cookie decorating, a holiday market, crafts, and a magical fairy-forest stroll. Enjoy a festive day of holiday fun set against Boulder’s iconic Flatirons.
34th Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum Performance
📍Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre | Friday, December 12, 7-9 p.m., Saturday, December 13, 2-4 p.m., Saturday, December 13, 7-9 p.m., & Sunday, December 14, 2-4 p.m.
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance presents the 34th annual performance of Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum, its final performance at this venue before the new facility opens in 2026! This uplifting show blends global holiday stories with vibrant dance and theatrical storytelling. Audiences will travel through different cultures and celebrations for a family-friendly show.
Indoor Goat “Elf” Yoga
📍Denver Makers Market | Saturday, December 13, 10-11 a.m. & 12-1 p.m.
Denver Makers Market invites the community to enjoy a playful session of Indoor Goat “Elf” Yoga! Participants can stretch and relax while goats dressed as elves wander through the class. Both morning and midday time slots allow for flexible participation!’
Light Displays & Immersive Experiences
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. The event 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-themed and Denver-specific 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.
Contribute on Colorado Gives Day. Double Impact!
Holiday Markets
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!
Colorado Christmas Bazaar Weekend Market
📍Centennial Promenade | Friday, December 12-Sunday, December 14, (times vary)
The Colorado Christmas Bazaar transforms Centennial Promenade into a bustling holiday marketplace with more than 80 local vendors! Shoppers will find handcrafted gifts, festive décor, artwork, clothing, baked goods, and unique Colorado-made items. Indoor shopping makes the experience cozy and convenient regardless of weather.
Denver Winter Market
📍Denver Sports Castle | Friday, December 12-Sunday, December 14, (times vary)
Held inside the historic Denver Sports Castle, the Denver Winter Market offers three full floors of holiday shopping. This lively indoor market is a great spot to experience the creativity of Denver’s small business community. Guests can sip festive cocktails from the on-site bars as they browse!
Art & Culture
ColoRadio: The Tech Peeking into Dreams with Laurie Polisky
📍The Denver Press Club | Friday, December 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join ColoRadio at the Denver Press Club for an evening with award-winning documentarian Laurie Polisky as she discusses the race to develop dream-tracking technology. Her previous work includes producing and scoring Dear Alana (2023), a #1 Apple Podcast and multi-nominee and winner at the 2024 Ambie Awards. In conversation with Josh Mattison, she’ll delve into the overlaps between documentary filmmaking and indie podcasting while offering insight into her creative process.
Denver Woman’s Press Club: Colorado Poet Laureate Joseph Hutchinson
📍Denver Woman’s Press Club | Saturday, December 13, 10-11:30 a.m.
The Denver Woman’s Press Club hosts a special poetry reading and discussion with former Colorado Poet Laureate Joseph Hutchison. Held inside the club’s Capitol Hill clubhouse, the event offers a welcoming morning for anyone who loves poetry, language, and creative conversation. Hutchison will share selections from his extensive body of work and reflect on his decades-long career as a poet and teacher.
Cherry Creek Second Saturday Art Walk
📍Cherry Creek North | Saturday, December 13, 10a.m.-1 p.m.
Explore Cherry Creek North during this special holiday edition of the Second Saturday Art Walk! Local galleries open their doors for visitors to browse paintings, ceramics, photography, and more. Many stops offer artist meet-and-greets, holiday promotions, or warm beverages to enjoy as you stroll.
As we move into a week filled with festive celebrations, we’re reminded how much community matters, especially during the holidays. We’re already more than halfway to our $15,000 goal in our #newsCOneeds fundraiser and every contribution is still being matched by the Lenfest Institute. Your support ensures we can keep our work free and accessible for everyone who relies on it to stay connected and informed. Thank you for being part of our community!
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Natalie Montoya
Events Manager/ Bucket List Community News
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