This year’s holiday season is in full swing!  Instead of shopping ‘till you drop, take time to enjoy some of the numerous holiday happenings around Douglas County and the Denver-Metro area.

Many of these events can be enjoyed by the entire family. While some activities are right in CPN’s backyard others may require a little traveling.  All are well worth the drive and come highly recommended by many CPN residents. 

Cherry Creek Ice Rink at Fillmore Plaza

November 25 - beginning of January

Cherry Creek North is home to Denver’s best seasonal skating rink, located outside under the sparkling white lights and holiday decorations on Fillmore Plaza. Daytime and evening skating is available, as well as skate rentals.  For more information, visit:
www.cherrycreeknorth.com.

Denver Zoolights

December 9 - January 1

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Where wildlife meets wildlights!  Denver Zoolights displays millions of sparkling lights and features glittering trees and animated animal light sculptures. Holiday entertainment, music, warming stations and refreshments make this event an annual family treat.  For more information, visit:  www.denverzoo.org.

Free Holiday Concert by the Castle Rock Band

December 12

7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy a free holiday concert by the Castle Rock Band at the Faith Lutheran Church located at 303 South Ridge Road in Castle Rock.  For more information, call Kent Brandebery, Director, at 303-688-4866 or visit:
www.crgov.org.

A Christmas Carol

November 25 – December 24

A sparkling new musical adaptation of everyone’s favorite holiday story.  Bring the whole family along on this fantastical journey as Ebenezer Scrooge humbugs one too many and finds himself confronted by ghostly spirits, past memories, and a re-awakened conscience. For more information, or to order tickets, visit:
www.denvercenter.org. 

Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens

December 3 - January 23

Evenings

Blossoms of Light brings guests on a beautiful journey through the Botanic Gardens.  More than 17 acres will be illuminated by over 900,000 sparkling lights in an elegant design that artistically highlights the natural beauty of the grounds by accentuating the silhouettes of plants.  For more information, visit: www.botanicgardens.org.

Breakfast with Santa

December 10

9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Before Santa slides down your chimney, have breakfast with him and the "wild things."  The Wildlife Experience is a wildlife conservation museum featuring natural history, fine art and film located in Parker. While you’re there, decorate cookies and get your face painted like the animals.  For more information, visit:
www.thewildlifeexperience.org.

Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra Concert

December 9

7:30 p.m.

A holiday concert will take place at the Cornerstone Baptist Church at 9941 Lone Tree Parkway in Lone Tree. The program includes: Anderson--Sleigh Ride, Anderson--Christmas Festival, Silvestri--Polar Express Concert Suite, Jessel--Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Lehar--Gold and Silver Waltz, plus other holiday favorites! The concert will be conducted by Jacinda Bouton.  For more information, visit www.lonetreesymphony.org.

Hammond’s Candies Fourth Annual Candy Cane Festival

December 11

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Over the last 84 years, the “Mile-High” city has seen a number of fine chocolate and candy manufacturers come and go. But the candy company founded in 1920 by Carl T. Hammond, Sr., is one that is still very much in business. Tour the factory and see how candy canes are made!  For more information, visit:
www.hammondscandies.com.

Pick Your Own Christmas Tree (HURRY!)

Many dates may still be available

For information, or for instructions on how to obtain a permit to cut your own Christmas tree, visit: www.coloradoforestproducts.org/xmas/. Permits, which are $10, are sold on a very limited basis and went on sale in early November.