If you know me, you know I love Christmas and the holidays. Every year, I load up on Hallmark movies, put the tree up right after Halloween, and start planning our family fun. This year, I made a list of all the fun things to do for a date night, a family outing, or maybe a quick lone getaway to savor the holiday spirit by yourself. Take a look at the list, and see if I’ve captured any of your favorite holiday activities.
- A perennial favorite, Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora has once again tapped into Christmas magic with ICE! – featuring 2 MILLION pounds of ice formed into glistening ice sculptures, ice slides, tunnels, and arches! To warm up after all that chilly fun, you might enjoy the Naughty or Nice Escape Room game or a scavenger hunt featuring Rudolph and The Misfit Toys, holiday shopping in Mistletoe Village, and a Winter Wonderland spa treatment. These are just a few of the many exciting activities offered at Gaylord Rockies Resort to pump up your Christmas spirit. For tickets, more information, or to book an overnight stay, visit ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com
- In the mood for a parade? Check out the Parker Hometown Christmas Parade set for December 9 at 10:30 a.m. It’s bigger than ever, and you’ll also find a free-admission Christmas Market that’ll be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at O’Brien Park! (Btw, you can meet Elsa and Olaf from Frozen in the gazebo at O’Brien Park on December 23.) If you go, you can catch me on the Downtown Business Alliance float.
- Want something more classical? Then you’ll want to be there when the Colorado Symphony and Chorus presents Handel’s Messiah on December 17 at 2:30 pm. There are still a few tickets left, and they’re going fast, so get yours now.
- Also in Parker, the PACE Center is featuring magical performances of The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. Get your tickets before they’re gone! You can find them here.
- Pile the kids in the car and head out for some Christmas light peeping! Try out Aurora’s Christmas in Color Drive-Thru Animated light show where you’ll see millions of lights synchronized to music.
The Stanley Marketplace is the home for Camp Christmas, a unique and eclectic experience with fun campy holiday cheer. Fun for a date night or a family daytime activity.- How about a scavenger hunt with the family? Once again the Gaylord Rockies puts the kids to work hunting down clues. Pick up your booklet at the Mistletoe Village Information Desk and go find Rudolph and the Misfit Toys!
- If you’d like to try something more traditional, join Mrs. Claus for “Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions.”
- We used to live in Castle Rock, and the town is really pulling out all the stops for the holidays. I recommend Storytellers and S’mores from 5-7pm on Dec. 9 at Festival Park (after the Parker Hometown Christmas Parade and Market, of course). There your family will find Santa and friends reading holiday stories from the giant Storyteller Chair as you enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate, and other family-friendly fun!
- And of course, Christmas light displays of all kinds are a highlight of the holiday season and an affordable way to get festive. This Christmas Light Map for Denver is a must-have! Make sure to pack your hot cocoa and peppermint sticks before you go. This list includes both public displays and private homes to view on your driving tour.
There’s a lot going on this month!
What is your favorite Christmas activity on this list?
