Danielle Lirette
Audio By Carbonatix
December is officially here, which means you can finally listen to Christmas and holiday music without feeling guilty or angering the haters. Music is a key part of traditions for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and many other winter celebrations, so why not catch some live music in Denver to get into the holiday spirit?
We’ve put together this massive list of holiday shows, concerts, and other music-related events in Denver so you can sing and dance to your heart’s content for the rest of the month. And if music isn’t the only way you’re looking to celebrate this winter, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to winter events in Denver, our list of holiday markets, or pick from the many free things to do in Colorado this week.
Alternative holiday shows, concerts and other events in Denver
Mean World Records Christmas Show
Wednesday, December 18, 8 p.m.
Skylark Lounge, 140 South Broadway
Denver label Mean World Records is presenting a Christmas-themed alt-rock show in the Skylark’s Bobcat Club. Self-proclaimed psychedelic grunge outfit Rugburn will be joined by folk rockers Hollow Head and the mystical rock-and-rollers in Unicorn Hits, along with a Mean World Records ambient synth jam. This event is for ages 21 and up only; tickets are $10, and doors open at 7 p.m.
La Posada With iZCALLi and Los Mocochetes
Friday, December 20, 9 p.m.
Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th Street
This special La Posada celebration features Latin rock band iZCALLi with Xicano funk rockers Los Mocochetes opening the holiday show at Ophelia’s. Both iZCALLi and Los Mocochetes have become staples in the Denver music scene, offering special takes on drivey, dancey Latin American music, often with sociopolitical messages intended to spread positivity and fight back against hate. The religious tradition of Las Posadas, or “The Inns” in English, recalls the Nativity scene with Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and is often celebrated between December 16 and 24. However, this show will mark a particularly special celebration of the holiday for patrons ages 21 and up, with doors opening at 8:30 p.m. and tickets starting at $29.
The Darkness Beckons: DarknessCon’s Scare Before Christmas
Friday, December 20, through Sunday, December 22, varying times
Denver Marriott Westminster, 7000 Church Ranch Boulevard, Westminster
Wishing it was still Halloween? If the spooky and surreal is more appealing than gingerbread and gifts, then head to DarknessCon’s Scare Before Christmas. The three-day event celebrates haunted houses, horror, pop culture and Halloween, with dance and costume parties, meet-and-greets, panels, make-and-take sessions and more. Single-day admission is $15-$45, and weekend passes are $40-$350; find more about the hours for each day on DarknessCon’s website.
HoliSLAY Drag Show
Friday, December 20; Saturday, December 21, and Sunday, December 22, 7 p.m.
Meow Wolf Denver, 1338 First Street
If you’re looking for a show that’s a little less traditional, the HoliSLAY Drag Show at Meow Wolf might be the perfect pick. Written and produced by the Haus L’Whor, including house leader Jessica L’Whor, Talia Tucker L’Whor and Foxxy L’Whor, the evening is set to include beats from DJ Blaque Gurl and a wide cast of drag queens to help you drown out the normal holiday chaos with something just plain fun. Other performers include Chase Bottoms, Zarah Misdemeanor, Laura Menorah, Dr. Zackarina Jenny-Hoe, Raquelle C. Schelle and Marionette Clown Toy for attendees ages 21 and up. General admission tickets are $38.
Thirteenth Annual Klezfest 2024
Saturday, December 21, 7:30 p.m.
Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street
Klezfest, a holiday-themed celebration of music from around the world, is back in its thirteenth year at the Mercury Cafe, presented in partnership with the Mizel Museum. From Balkan-Arab fusion songs to klezmer and Yiddish fusion music and a range of contemporary Jewish sounds, this special night will include music from Rabbi Joe Black and Steve Brodsky, Hal Aqua and the Lost Tribe, and Mishmish. The show is all-ages, tickets start at $34, and advance purchase is required.
A Christmas Brunch Spectacular
Saturday, December 21, and Sunday, December 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th Street
If daytime parties are more your style, you can celebrate the holidays at Ophelia’s with the two-day Christmas brunch spectacular running from the morning to the afternoon this weekend only. Catch indie rock trio Faceman, Til Willis and Bailey in a performance that’ll have you home in time for your afternoon nap. Expect to enjoy bottomless mimosas and brunch treats from the certifiably good Ophelia’s kitchen and bar. This event is all-ages and free to attend.
Adam Bartczak Republic: Tenth Annual Holiday Show and Live Recording
Monday, December 23, 7 p.m.
Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street
In following suit with what is now a decade-long tradition, Adam Bartczak is set to host the tenth installment of a twenty-piece big-band performance and live recording, playing original holiday classic compositions in a range of musical styles such as swing, Afro-Cuban and hip-hop. Recorded by Colin Bricker of Mighty Fun Productions, the show is open to all ages and tickets begin at $23.
Christmas Hangover
Friday, December 27, 7:30 p.m.
Skylark Lounge, 140 South Broadway
Think you’ll still be hung up on (or hung over from) Christmas after the holiday? The Christmas Hangover show is being put on by indie-pop producer YAN YEZ to celebrate the release of a new single, along with singer-songwriter Lina Corrales and guitar-driven indie-rock outfit Green Typewriters. Hosted in the Bobcat Club, this indie show is 21+, and tickets are going for $14.
Kwanzaa Fourth Friday Jazz
Friday, December 27, 6:30 p.m.
Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center, 2836 Welton Street
Coming as a regular installment of Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center’s monthly Fourth Friday jazz meetups, this special version of the event offers another free jazz performance, this time in celebration of Kwanzaa. All ages are invited tothe free performance, which will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
A Party Before the New Year
Saturday, December 28, 7 p.m.
Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street
Ahead of 2025, the Party Before the New Year show at Mercury Cafe will showcase talented locals including alternative R&B singer Oubrey Ray, along with the stylings of rapper and producer Tarrius. Tickets are $20 if purchased in advance, and the show is open to attendees of all ages.
Do you know of a great holiday show or concert? Reach out to editorial@westword.com to let us know.