While the crowds head downtown for the Parade of Lights, you can sample Christmas cheer around town. Here are just three of the holiday opportunities on the table:
1) Christmas Trees at Kaos Pizzeria
1439 South Pearl Street
303-733-5267
The little wood-fired pizzeria on South Pearl Street is known for its rambling outdoor seating area, more garden than patio. This holiday season, Kaos has turned the courtyard space into a Christmas tree lot. Prices range from $15 to $105 for Douglas, grand, concolor, balsam and Norman fir trees — and Kaos will deliver your selection to your home. Each tree comes with a surprise treat — and the staff has named every tree, so don't forget to ask.
2) Twelve Days of Christmas at Bonanno Group Restaurants
Multiple locations
Chef/restaurateur Frank Bonanno is turning into Santa Claus this December by giving away gifts at Mizuna, Luca, Bones, Lou's Food Bar, Osteria Marco, Green Russell, Vesper Lounge, Russell's Smokehouse and Salt & Grinder. From December 12 through December 23, you can enter to win by following @bonannoconcepts on Instagram; a daily contest will be posted at 11 a.m. each morning with instructions on how to participate between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. that day for a chance to win prizes, including a Green Russell bar kit, a signed Mizuna cookbook, happy hour at Luca or lunch for two at Bones, among others.
3) A Glass of Wine for a Good Cause at Beast + Bottle
719 East 17th Avenue
303-623-3223
Head to this Uptown head-to-hock eatery for dinner and receive a token for a free glass of wine when you bring in five non-perishable food items. The food drive will benefit A.C.T.S. (A Community Taking a Stand…Against Hunger), so even if you're not planning on staying for wine and food, you can drop off donations to Beast + Bottle during regular business hours (after 5 p.m. for dinner or from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during brunch hours Saturday and Sunday). Owners Paul C. Reilly and Aileen V. Reilly are accepting drop-offs until December 30.