With two big Downtown fireworks displays, live bands, all-night parties and family activities for all ages, Denver has got to be one of the top spots to welcome in 2012. In fact, Yahoo recently chose it as one of the top ten cities for New Year celebrations.
But there’s also lots happening throughout the holiday season, from classic treats like performances of A Christmas Carol to the not-quite-so-traditional sight of Santa swimming with the sharks at the Downtown Aquarium. Here are just some of the things you can do at Christmas and New Year in Denver, Colorado:
Breakfast with Santa, and See Him Swim with the Sharks
At the Downtown Aquarium on December 10-11, and 17-24, 2011, kids can not only have breakfast with Santa Claus but can also see him scuba-diving to swim with the aquarium’s sharks. No, he won’t be taking Rudolph and the other reindeer with him. You will need to reserve in advance for what’s sure to be a popular event (tel: 303-561-4450).
A Christmas Carol
The musical version of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale is in performance at the Stage Theater in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts through December 24, 2011. Meet Tiny Tim and see Ebenezer Scrooge haunted by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come in a musical with all new songs.
The show is recommended for children from the age of six and up, as younger ones might find some of the scenes a little scary. Learn more at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts website.
Skate for Free
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without some ice skating, and the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park is back for the 2011 Christmas season - and it’s free. You can bring your own skates or rent some at the rink for a small charge. Skyline Park is located in Downtown at Arapahoe and 16th streets.
See the Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo joins in the festive fun with its annual Zoo Lights experience. You’ll see 150 animated animals swinging through trees, hiding in bushes, jumping across lawns, and doing some unexpected things too, all in over 38 illuminated acres. It runs from December 9 to January 1, 2012, from 5-9pm each evening. You can book tickets in advance on the Denver Zoo website.
New this year is a behind the scenes Zoo Lights VIP Tour, from December 9-28, 2011. Find out more on the Denver Zoo website.
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
One of the most romantic places to enjoy the holiday spirit is Denver Botanic Gardens, where over a million colored lights twinkle throughout the winter gardens. Don a pair of HoloSpex glasses and the lights come alive in dazzling 3D figures.
Blossoms of Light runs from December 2 through January 1, 2012, with holiday music on some evenings. Hot drinks and refreshments are also available. For details, visit the Denver Botanic Gardens website.
Ring in the New Year with Mile-High Fireworks
On December 31, Denver heralds the arrival of 2012 with not one but two firework displays, best viewed from the 16th Street Mall. There will be an early show at 9pm, for those who have young kids or who may want to see in the New Year at home. Then the fireworks begin again at midnight.
Both shows will be exploding from two different locations, but they’ll be best seen by standing along the 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver. Adding to the festivities this year will be six DJs cranking out the tunes all along the Mall. Street entertainers, from magicians to comedians to stilt walkers, will mingle with the crowds, and after 6pm there will be horse-drawn carriage rides along the Mall.
For more information on these events, and anything at all to do with visiting Denver, check out the Visit Denver website.
Donna Dailey - Donna Dailey is an award-winning travel writer & photographer. Her work appears in newspapers, magazines, websites and guidebooks ...
