☀️Good morning, Bucket Listers!
Great news! Thanks to a very generous contribution from a friend (who prefers to stay anonymous) in Dallas, Texas we are now over $13,000 in our #newsCOneeds fundraising campaign. The gift was made in honor of our publisher’s late husband, broadcaster Darrell Ewalt, and will help us underwrite our monthly radio show on KGNU. This week’s newsletter is packed with ways to celebrate the holidays in Denver! As you make plans, we also want to ask you to please support community journalism too by making a contribution to Bucket List today. This fundraiser helps ensure independent, local news continues to thrive in Colorado.
Tunes and Tinsel
Live Music: Music by the Mesa – Smörgåsgrass
📍New Terrain Brewing Company | Thursday, December 18, 6-9 p.m.
New Terrain Brewing Company hosts Smörgåsgrass for a fun evening of live music! The band blends bluegrass with funk, rock, and jam influences. Grab a craft beer and settle in for a relaxed and engaging concert experience.
Live Music: Atomic Jones Band
📍Nissi’s Event Center | Thursday, December 18, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Catch the Atomic Jones Band live at Nissi’s Event Center for a free night of music and dancing. Known for their energetic performances, the band mixes funk, soul, and rock. Expect a high-energy atmosphere and plenty of groove!
Music Bingo at Lone Tree Brewing
📍Lone Tree Brewing Company | Friday, December 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Lone Tree Brewing puts a musical twist on a classic game with Music Bingo night. Instead of numbers, players listen for songs and artists to complete their bingo cards. Craft beer and prizes add to the fun!
Live Music: Jingle Bells & Brass – Guerilla Fanfare’s Holiday Jam
📍Spangalang Brewery | Friday, December 19, 7-9 pm
Spangalang Brewery hosts Guerilla Fanfare for a festive brass-filled holiday jam. The lively brass sound creates a celebratory atmosphere perfect for the holiday season. It’s a joyful way to celebrate the holidays with live music.
Holiday Events & Markets
Chanukah at the State Capitol
📍Colorado State Capitol | Thursday, December 18, 5-7 p.m.
Celebrate Chanukah at Colorado’s State Capitol! This annual event features a public menorah lighting, traditional Chanukah music, and holiday treats. The event is family-friendly and welcoming to all faiths!
Santa at Sloan’s
📍Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse | Friday, December 19-Saturday, December 20, (times vary)
Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse brings holiday cheer with Santa stopping by for a neighborhood friendly celebration! Families can enjoy photos with Santa while adults grab a seasonal brew. The relaxed brewery atmosphere makes this a fun alternative to crowded mall visits.
Santa at the Station
📍Union Station | Sunday, December 21, 11a.m.-4 p.m.
Santa at the Station pairs classic holiday magic with the buzz of downtown Denver! Union Station transforms into the North Pole as Santa makes a special appearance for families and visitors. Kids can meet Santa and snap festive photos in the beautifully decorated station.
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!
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.
These events are a reminder of how much community matters during the holidays and every day. If you’re able, consider supporting our #newsCOneeds fundraiser to help sustain community journalism. Thanks to the Lenfest Institute, every dollar given to Bucket List by 12/31 is matched. Even small contributions make a big difference in helping us mentor the next generation of journalists and journalism entrepreneurs and keeping local stories free and accessible. Until next week, stay warm and enjoy every festive moment!
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Natalie Montoya
Events Manager/ Bucket List Community News
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