Here are some of the best holiday shows you don’t want to miss this winter! The combination of old favorites and new classics are perfect for any winter trip. Bring the family and start (or carry on) the Denver holiday tradition of your dreams.
THE POLAR EXPRESS TM TRAIN RIDE
WHEN: Nov 11–Dec. 23, 2021 (on select days)
WHERE: Colorado Railroad Museum
The story of The Polar ExpressTM is theatrically re-created and combined with a magical train ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Children get to meet Santa and experience all the sights and sounds of this classic tale as if happening all around them. This year, a whole host of carefully crafted updates have been made in order to ensure the health and safety of guests, cast and crew, so put on your pajamas and your most fashionable mask and bring the family to enjoy sharing hot cocoa and cookies together as the “Hot, Hot, Hot—Chocolate” song and dance unfolds before your eyes.
CAMP CHRISTMAS
WHEN: Nov. 18, 2021-Jan. 2, 2022
WHERE: Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park
An over-the-top, outdoor/indoor extravaganza as big as the season it celebrates! Leave your worries behind and immerse yourself in Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ (DCPA’s) biggest holiday experience ever! Journey through artist Lonnie Hanzon’s fantastical wonderland of lights, dazzling decorations, music and memorabilia as you explore mesmerizing yuletide scenes spread across a six-acre landscape. Most importantly, Camp Christmas is an opportunity to rediscover (and reimagine!) the holiday spirit and connect with people you love.
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
WHEN: Nov. 19-Dec. 26, 2021
WHERE: Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ Wolf Theatre
Essential to the holiday season in Denver, “A Christmas Carol” is a joyous musical adaptation that traces money-hoarding Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption.
FILM ON THE ROCKS
WHEN: Nov. 26-Dec. 12, 2021
WHERE: Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind drive-in movie experience at the iconic Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre with a new lineup of films to celebrate the holidays such as “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” “Home Alone,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “Scrooged,” and more.
COLORADO BALLET PRESENTS ‘THE NUTCRACKER’
WHEN: Nov. 27-Dec. 24, 2021
WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House
The beloved holiday favorite returns in a dazzling production like no one’s ever seen, featuring all-new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet. A sellout every year, this magical tale of Clara, the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is going to be dreamier than ever.
WE BANJO 3: A WINTER WONDERFUL
WHEN: Dec. 1, 2021; 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lone Tree Arts Center
We Banjo 3 have fine-tuned their knack for seamlessly converging the shared and varied traditions of Americana, bluegrass, and Celtic music with pop-sensible songcraft to create a truly unique and gratifying signature sound. This is a special holiday performance.
WINTERLAND: A DISCOTHEQUE CABARET
WHEN: Dec. 2-19, 2021
WHERE: Wonderbound
With jaunty jingles and titillating tales, the return of Wonderbound’s take on the theatrical revue will be your antidote to the cold-weather blues.
LORIE LINE MUSIC PRESENTS CHRISTMAS WITH LORIE LINE
WHEN: Dec. 7, 2021; 7 p.m.
WHERE: Lone Tree Arts Center
The Lorie Line holiday show has become an institution for families and Christmas music lovers all over the country. So make plans now to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in an intimate setting with just Lorie Line (and Maddie Olsem, special featured vocalist) and her concert grand piano, which always takes center stage.
A KANTOREI CHRISTMAS 2021
WHEN: Dec. 9, 2021; 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lone Tree Arts Center
A Lone Tree Arts Center tradition, Kantorei returns for their annual holiday concert. Kantorei, or singers, formed in 1997 under the leadership of six friends who decided to form a choir capable of singing a broad range of a cappella choral music. Now in its 23rd full season of performing, the group has expanded into an auditioned ensemble of more than 50 volunteer singers under the direction of Artistic Director Joel M. Rinsema. Kantorei celebrates the season with a special performance of holiday favorites.
A COLORADO CHRISTMAS
WHEN: Dec. 10-12, 2021; Friday and Saturday: 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m.
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
The warm sounds of the holidays fill the Hall with festive seasonal favorites including “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” narrated live from the stage by beloved Denver vocalist Devin DeSantis. This family-friendly evening, conducted by Colorado Symphony Chorus Assistant Conductor Taylor Martin, features traditional Christmas carols, your favorite new winter tunes, and even some newly arranged surprises — all with a chance to sing along to your heart’s content! And you better not pout because Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to see who’s naughty and who’s nice in preparation for the big night!
‘GRANNY DANCES TO A HOLIDAY DRUM’
WHEN: Dec. 11, 12, 18 & 19 (matinee shows 2 p.m.); Dec. 11, 16, 17 & 18 (evening shows 7:30 p.m.)
WHERE: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
A Denver family tradition for 29 years, this incredible blend of dance, music, and spoken word lifts the spirit and fills the heart with joy, love, and peace! Even in challenging times, the magic of “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum,” presented by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, continues. Guided by the Three Angels of the Rainbow, Granny visits Africa, the Americas, Mexico, Asia, and the Caribbean to celebrate the joy of Holiday Times! From the African Harvest to Kwanzaa, from the Chinese New Year to Junkanoo a celebration of both diversity and oneness!
Corken + Company wishes you a blessed Holiday Season!
Hear more about holiday shows in Denver at: denver.org
