Ten More Things to Do in Denver This Weekend

Yes, it's cold out, but there are hot times ahead, with holiday celebrations and shows continuing into next week. And all of Colorado's ski resorts are enjoying good snow and good times, with Santa making an appearance at many of them, including Arapahoe Basin.

See our list of eight things to do for free here, and keep reading for nine events worth the price of admission:

Convergence Station
Daily, including Sunday, December 25, noon to 10 p.m.
Meow Wolf Denver, 1338 First Street
Ready to get out on Christmas Day? Meow Wolf Denver is open for the holiday, with special cocktails, caroling, a winter market and more, as well as the usual amazing installations. Tickets are $52.50 adults, $44 children and seniors. Get them here.

Jean Renoir, The Rules of the Game
Through Thursday, December 29
Sie FilmCenter, 2510 East Colfax Avenue
Meanwhile, back at the Sie, catch the newly restored 4K version of Jean Renoir’s 1939 film, The Rules of the Game, which is remembered simply as one the best works of cinema to ever hit the silver screen. The satire is palpable in this sophisticated French comedy of manners, aimed directly at the French upper class on the brink of World War II. Renoir’s severe attitude caused the film to be banned in France, where it did not return to movie screens until its reconstructed 1956 “premiere” at the Venice Film Festival. See for yourself; tickets are $14.95 here.

Ongoing:

Mean Girls
Through January 1
Buell Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex
Broadway’s Mean Girls came together in the hands of an all-star team topped by book writer Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon), which signals a “must-see” status for fans of the modern musical. DCPA Broadway brings the blockbuster to the Buell Theatre just in time for a holiday season night out. Get your gang of theater people together and buy tickets, $35 to $199, limited and going fast, here.

Trail of Lights
Daily through January 1, 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Chatfield Farms, 8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton
Chatfield Farms, the country cousin of the Denver Botanic Gardens, offers a more rustic and historical holiday lighting show than Blossoms of Light, but with technological upgrades, including synchronized light patterns, light tunnels and singing trees. While Chatfield is slowly moving into the 21st century, cool old tractors covered with lights remain intact, and the 1880s Hildebrand Ranch homestead still stands. Bring the family! Open nightly through January 1, 5 to 8:30 p.m. (closed Christmas Day). Learn more and purchase timed tickets, $10 to $16 (free for children two and under), plus an optional $5 to add on a visit with Santa, online only, here.

Luminova Holidays
Daily through January 1 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas), 5 to 9 p.m.
Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle
Luminova Holidays has returned with more lights, more rides, immersive installations, Santa...and light-up hopscotch! Reservations are required and available every hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets start at $29.99; get them here.

Blossoms of Light
Daily through January 7, 4:30 to 9 p.m.
Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street
Every holiday season, the Denver Botanic Gardens brings color back to its York Street location. Blossoms of Light has been a signature event for over three decades, drawing crowds with glowing displays. Strung on branches, along walkways, and as far as the eye can see, lights illuminate the venue through January 7. When you visit, warm up with hot chocolate and a charming “breakfast for dinner” menu. Admission is $24 for adults, and online reservations are highly recommended here.

Zoo Lights
Daily through January 15, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street
After evenings reserved for members, Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo will be open to the public through January 15, and it's certainly a bright spot on the holiday schedule. Over one million lights are spread across 83 acres, decorating exhibits and forming the shapes of animated animals. Wildlife is a common theme for the ice sculptures on display, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a few actual elephants and tigers, too. Admission is $25 per adult, and several add-on packages are available; get hours and all the details here.

and an online bonus:

Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum
Now through January 8, online
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble is offering an online version of Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum, a traditional holiday show. Watch the 2021 version online anytime for just $5; get your ticket here.

Do you know of a great event in Denver? We'll be updating this list through the weekend; send information to [email protected].