Holiday events are plentiful this December

By Patte Smith

Santa, colorful lights, cocoa and cookies, movies, music, plays and more — this holiday season is jam-packed with all kinds of events for families, friends, relatives and visitors from out-of-town.  Children can take advantage of the many programs offered by the various local recreation centers as well as the special events listed here.  Adults can enjoy an evening out listening to holiday music or taking in a play.  Listed is a smattering of various seasonal events.  Be sure the check out the newspaper list of December events and also go online at www.castlepinesconnection.com for additional information.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Running from now until December 24.

This is a classic Christmas tale that can be enjoyed by the entire family — a holiday tradition and tale of kindness and the holiday spirit.  Splendidly portrayed with authentic period sets and costumes, this is must see holiday play presented at The Stage Theatre at the Denver Center Performing Arts Center.  Tickets start at $18. Call 303-893-4100 for tickets and more information.

Denver Botanic Garden’s Blossoms of Light

December 3 – January 2, 2011, nightly from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Trail of Lights at Chatfield

December 3 – January 2, 2011, Wednesday through Sundays, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Wind your way through the breathtaking landscape of either the Botanic Gardens or Chatfield to enjoy the more than one million colorful lights, ice sculptures, warm drinks and tasty treats in a remarkable holiday setting.  Each venue has its own unique features so why not enjoy both.  Go online to botanicgardens.org for ticket pricing and additional information.  These are wonderful places to spend time with friends and family during the holidays.

Zoo Lights

December 10 – January 2, 5 – 9 p.m.

Trek through a jungle of holiday lights featuring more than 150 animated animal sculptures that swing through the trees, run across lawns and hide in the bushes.  Kids and adults will be in awe of the millions of beautiful lights that appear throughout the 38 acres of the Denver Zoo.  Bring a non-perishable food donation and receive $1.00 off Zoo Lights admission.  Check online for member and non-member admission fees at denverzoo.org.

Christmas and Cartoons

Friday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Lone Tree Symphony is featuring a special holiday celebration at Cornerstone Church at the corner of Lincoln and Lone Tree Parkway.  Holiday music for adults and children will be featured, as well as a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus after the concert.  They will be giving out gifts for the children.  A $5.00 donation is suggested.  Support the local Lone Tree Symphony, www.lonetreesymphony.org.

The International Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker

Friday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 4 at  2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The Newman Center Gates Concert Hall at the University of Denver presents this classic holiday favorite and beautifully choreographed presentation.  Enjoy these young ballet dancers as they present The Nutcracker.  General admission for the event is $21.  For more information call 720-283-6323.

Santa Breakfast at the Wildlife Experience

December 4, 11, 18 and 24 fro 9 – 11 a.m.

Grab the kids for breakfast and a visit with Santa.  Kids will enjoy a yummy breakfast of French toast and sausage while parents indulge in eggs, bacon, and hash browns.  All tables will have a delicious fruit plate, orange juice, coffee and tea, and for the adults bloody marys and mimosas are available for an additional charge.  Kids will have a chance to make festive crafts, including reindeer dust to sprinkle on the lawn so the reindeer can help guide Santa to their home!  Make sure to bring your camera so you can get a photo while your kids give their lists to Santa in person this year.  Cost is adults, $18, seniors, $16 and children $12.  Members receive a $2 discount.  Make your reservation now for this very popular holiday event.  Go online to www.thewildlifeexperience.org.

Santa in the Pines

The Village at Castle Pine

Saturday, December 4 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Join in the fun at the corner of Santa Fe and Happy Canyon Road to visit with Santa, make cookies and enjoy a carriage ride.  This is relaxing and fun outing with great holiday entertainment for the entire family.

Cherokee Ranch and Castle Holiday Events

 is featuring several holiday events during the season.  Please be sure to make reservations for any of these truly delightful programs.  Call the reservation hotline at 303-688-4600.

• Christmas Jazz

  Presented by Lynn Baker, Lamont School of Music & The Lynn Baker Quintet
  Saturday, December 4 at 6 p.m.

This is a musical holiday adventure—making the Castle come alive with jazz-inspired holiday tunes!  Cost is $95.00 and includes castle tour, canapés, wine tasting, supper buffet, cash bar, performance, dessert & coffee reception with the artists.

• 19th & 20th Century Carols by CSO Brass Quintet

  Presented by Colorado Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music
  Sunday, December 5 p.m.

Come enjoy the festive holiday sounds of the Colorado Symphony Brass Quintet at Cherokee Castle in a very memorable way this holiday season.  The Quintet will showcase a variety of early 19th & 20th century carols, as well as several popular holiday classics.  The CSO Brass Quintet is featured in several concerts throughout the state and returns to the Castle, annually performing music for all tastes since 2006.  Reservations are $95.00 and include a castle tour, canapés, wine tasting, supper buffet, cash bar, performance, dessert & coffee reception with the artists.

• Classical Holiday Music with the CSO String Quartet at Cherokee Ranch and Castle

  Presented by Colorado Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music
  Sunday, December 12 at 5 p.m.

Bring your holiday spirit for a casual and relaxing evening as this engaging group performs a combo of holiday fare and favorite classical selections.  Make this evening a part of your Holiday plans!  Make your reservations now at 303-688-4600. $95.00 includes castle tour, canapés, wine tasting, supper buffet, cash bar, performance, dessert & coffee reception with the artists.

• “Holiday Dinner with Charles Dickens”
  A Characterization presented by David Skipper
  Friday, December 17, 6:30 p.m.

David Skipper portrays Charles Dickens in 1844, a year after the publication of A Christmas Carol.  Learn how Dickens came to write this classic holiday story of humanism and redemption.  This presentation will include excerpts from Dickens’ beloved novel.  Mr. Dickens also loves to engage his guests in holiday parlor games so bring your festive yuletide imagination and be ready to play.  Cost for this event is $60.00 which includes castle tour, supper buffet, cash bar, performance, dessert & coffee reception with Mr. Skipper.

Family Film Night featuring The Polar Express
Tuesday, December 7

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a family outing at the Extreme Screen Theater at The Wildlife Experience.  The Polar Express is a magical holiday tale tells of a young boy who still wants to believe in Santa even though his friends have “grown out of it.”  Concessions will be open for purchases, and tickets are $8 for members and $10 for non-members.  Reservations are needed so purchase tickets in advance online at www.wildlifeexperience.org or call 720-488-3344.

Movie and a Martini featuring Christmas Vacation           

Thursday, December 9, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., a 21 and over event

Once again it’s time to watch the laughable and perennial favorite, Christmas Vacation.  Doors to the museum open at 5:30 p.m., allowing ample time to explore the galleries and exhibits, martinis will be served at 6:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 7:30 p.m.  Ticket prices are $20 for members and $25 for non-members.  Tickets are now available online, www.wildlifeexperience.org or call 720-488-3344.

Reflections — Christmas at the Ranch 2010

Friday through Sunday, December 10 – 12

A compilation of the best Christmas music, dance and drama in an unforgettable program awaits families and friends.  This is a wonderful holiday event that has been celebrated for 15 years.  Evening performances are $9 and family matinee is $7. Performance times vary so please check www.cherryhills.com.  You can select reserved seats online at www.cherryhills.com, TicketsWest, local King Soopers and by phone at 866-464-2626.

Winter Wonderlights at the Wildlife Experience

December 10 – 24, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

A fun and magical journey waits at the North Pole. Families can enjoy a variety of holiday favorites including an all-outdoor trail of lights, snowy villas where children can visit with Santa Claus, and even live reindeer.  Children can learn about their favorite winter animals, such as the arctic fox, polar bears, orca whales and more.  After enjoying the festivities, escape the winter chill and relax in the Extreme Screen Theater with a showing of the original animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas complete with popcorn and other favorite holiday treats.  The cost is adults $9, seniors $8, children 3-12 $6 and children under 2 are free. Members receive a $2.00 discount.

Check out www.thewildlifeexperience.org.

Holly Jolly Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 11 from 8 – 10 a.m. at The Ridge at Castle Pines North

Kids and parents will love meeting and having breakfast with Santa.  Spend a wonderful Saturday morning at the beautiful Ridge Restaurant.  Call Wendy Wells for information and reservations at 303-688-4575

A Christmas Carol

Sunday, December 19, 3 – 4 p.m.

Lone Tree Recreation Center

Pop over to the Lone Tree Recreation Center for a traditional favorite, A Christmas Carol. Old Scrooge is back and with help from the audience this is sure to be a delight for families.  Join Pam and the Playmakers as they present this play with a twist.  Cost is $1 for ages 2 and above. Call 303-708-3513 for more information.

Ring in the New Year and raise money for two worthwhile causes

Friday, December 31, 2010, 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

This New Year’s celebration at the Douglas County Fairgrounds is not only going to be fun but will raise money for Project Sanctuary and Reece’s Roundup.  Tickets are now available at the Automaster and Castle Rock Radio. Ticket price includes food, champagne toast, dancing, and noise makers.  A cash bar will also be available. Local favorite TC and the Domestic Engineers will provide the entertainment.  Please help us to help others and have fun too! Cost is $40 single; $75 couple.  Call 303-660-6150 for more information.