by Elean Gersack

With the holidays near, take time to slow down and enjoy the season. From music and theater to nature and children’s events, there are numerous happenings around town for little ones, adults and families.

Breakfast with Santa at The Ridge

Saturday, December 6, at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

The CPN Chamber of Commerce and The Ridge Golf Course will present a Holly Jolly Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 6, at 8 a.m. and at 10 a.m. Tickets are $22 for adults and $11 for children. Reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, call 303-688-4575.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle – Performing Arts

December 5, 7, 21 and 27

The Cherokee Ranch & Castle will host several performing arts events during December. Enjoy beautiful music in an exquisite setting while staying close to home.

Friday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. – An Evening of Piano with Alice Rybak, Lamont School of Music
Sunday, December 7 at 5:30 p.m. – Colorado Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Music with a String Quartet
Sunday, December 21 at 5:30 p.m. – Colorado Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Music with a Brass Quintet
Saturday, December 27 at 6:30 p.m. – Denver Brass 5 “Christmas Time is Here”

Tickets are $105 per person.

The Cherokee Ranch & Castle is located two miles west of Daniel’s Park Road, about one mile north Highway 85. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cherokeeranch.org or call 303-688-5555.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle – Christmas Brunches and Teas

Enjoy afternoon tea or morning brunch during the holidays at the historic Cherokee Ranch & Castle. Christmas Teas are planned almost daily throughout December and Christmas Brunches are planned for Saturday, December 6 at 11 a.m. and Saturday, December 13 at 11 a.m.

Teas are $42 and brunches are $45 and both include a guided tour of the Castle. The Cherokee Ranch & Castle is located two miles west of Daniels Park Road, about one mile north Highway 85. For more information, please visit www.cherokeeranch.org. To purchase tickets, call 303-688-5555 ext. 1.

The Colorado Ballet: The Nutcracker

November 29 – December 27

Enjoy this holiday ballet tradition at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in downtown Denver. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.coloradoballet.com.

The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield: Trail of Light

December 3 – January 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

New this year! Take a trek down a beautiful path at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield and witness more than one million sparkling lights. This is a perfect outing for families. Hot cocoa and other refreshments will be available. For more information, visit www.botanicgardens.org.

The Denver Center for Performing Arts: A Christmas Carol

November 28 – December 27

The Denver Center for Performing Arts presents, A Christmas Carol, the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, haunted by the spirits of his past, present and likely future. The performance is for adults and children ages six and older. For more information, visit www.denvercenter.org.

The Denver Zoo: Zoo Lights

December 12 – January 4, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

View sparkling and animated animal lights throughout The Denver Zoo. Holiday entertainment, ice-carvings, carolers, music, warming stations and refreshments make this a great family event. For more information, visit www.denverzoo.org.

Hammond’s Candies: Candy Cane Festival

Saturday, December 13

An original chocolate and candy maker, Hammond’s Candies, will host the Candy Cane Festival on December 13. Tour the factory and see how candy canes are made! Lots of fun holiday activities are planned, too. For more information, visit www.hammondscandies.com.

Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra Concert

Friday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m.

A holiday concert will take place at the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Lone Tree. A donation of $5 per adult (12 to 65 years of age) is suggested for admission. Plan to arrive early as seating fills up quickly. For more information, visit www.lonetreesymphony.org.

Skate with Santa: South Suburban’s Community Holiday Ice Shows

December 19 – 21

South Suburban will present Holiday Ice Shows and Skating with Santa, Friday through Sunday, December 19 through 21.

Bring a non-perishable food item for donation to Interfaith Community Services to obtain free admission.

Friday, December 19, at South Suburban Ice Arena: Ice Show at 6 p.m., followed by Skate with Santa.
Saturday, December 20, at Family Sports Center: Ice Show at 3:15 p.m., followed by Skate with Santa.
Sunday, December 21: Skate with Santa from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., followed by Ice Show at 4:30 pm. Skate rental is not included in the free Skate with Santa admission.

For more information, please visit www.sspr.org.

The Wildlife Experience: Breakfast with Santa

December 6, 13, 20 and 24 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Join Santa for breakfast at the Wildlife Experience. In addition to visiting with Saint Nick, children will enjoy holiday crafts, cookie decorating, lots of goodies, and more. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.wildlifeexperience.org.

Winter WonderLights at The Wildlife Experience

November 28 – December 28, weekend evenings from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Visit the Wildlife Experience weekend nights (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) from November 28 through December 28 for Winter WonderLights. From 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., festive light displays, crafts, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a showing of the holiday classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, are just a sampling of the fun things planned for this family event. For more information, visit www.thewildlifeexperience.org.