‘Tis the Season of Holiday Happenings!
Christmas its coming and this weekend you can enjoy seasonal-themed musicals and events, classes and performances that will entertain your entire family! Check out these happenings near Erie in nearby Boulder, Lafayette and Longmont.
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, December 8
ART & SIP: POM-POM GARLAND
Grab a drink and get creative with these Thursday night art classes for adults at the Longmont Museum. Beer, wine, and concessions will be available for purchase in the Atrium Bar. These classes are designed to guide beginners as well as bring new skills to experienced artists and crafters. Make your own fuzzy and whimsical pom-pom garland to decorate your home for the holiday season. Instructor Ann Macca.
Longmont Museum & Cultural Center, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont
7:00 p.m.
General Admission: $40
Info: 303-651-8374
Thursday-Sunday, December 8-11
FOR THE KIDS: LITTLE RED
Theatre for Young Audiences is back! Enter the forest for an adventure with the lovable LITTLE RED. This charming, song-infused retelling of Little Red Riding Hood finds Little Red at the center of new adventures and new ways of seeing familiar characters. With a wandering wolf, a gardening grandma, a forest at risk, and characters from other tales joining in, Little Red discovers her own power as a vital doer in her community. Joyous and inspiring, the musical captures the warmth of Little Red and her family of smart, engaged females while also welcoming a new friendship between Red and Wolf.
Get your tickets to the fun! Bring your children to their first theatre experience and spark a lifetime of wonder.
Randy Weeks Conservatory Theater, 1101 13th St., Denver
Thurs./Fri., 10:00 a.m.; Fri., 12:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m.
Tickets: $16-$30
FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: NEXT GENERATION
From Frozen to Phantom to Wicked, this all-new fall-down funny, satirical roast of over 30 Broadway hits features outrageous costumes, silly spoofs of the songs you know by heart and madcap impressions by a stellar cast! Newer spoofs include Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen and Moulin Rouge. It’s never been more delicious poking fun at your favorite musicals and stars! A New York sensation for 35 years, a talented quintet of comic chameleons throws out pointed parodies at a dizzying pace. Whether you are a seasoned theatre-goer or new to it all, the Tony Award® winning Forbidden Broadwayis your one-stop ticket to non-stop laughs: a hip and fresh view of theatre’s tried and true that will leave you begging for more! The New York Times has made Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation a “Critics Pick” calling it “The Best Edition of Forbidden Broadway in recent memory!”
Forbidden Broadway is the recipient of a Special Tony Award®, an Obie Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award and the Drama Desk Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical, and a 2013 Drama Desk Award nomination for its edition of Forbidden Broadway: Alive and Kicking!
Garner Galleria Theater, DCPA Complex, 14th and Curtis St., Denver
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$52
Friday, December 9
FRIDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT
The Denver Dolls are a sassy, all-female trio inspired by beloved WWII Era Shows of the past. These darling Dolls root their musical style, beautiful look, and light-hearted performance in the tradition of the beloved female groups of the Thirties, Forties and Fifties (with just a smattering of music from today). Built from the ground up by passionate musicians with decades of professional experience, The Denver Dolls are a delight for audiences of all ages!
Longmont Museum & Cultural Center, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont
2:30 p.m.
General Admission: $8-$12
Info: 303-651-8374
Friday-Sunday, December 9-11
HANSEL AND GRETEL: THE OPERA
Based on the Brothers Grimm classic fairytale, Engelbert Humperdinck’s adaptation follows Hansel and Gretel on a journey of self-discovery during which they meet the Sandman, the Dew Fairy, and of course, the malevolent Witch. Children will cheer when Hansel and Gretel use their cunning, wits, and most importantly, their brave hearts to defeat evil and live happily ever after.
A great introduction to Opera through the well-known beloved story, the opera is sung in English and lasts one hour with a Q&A at the end.
Grace Gamm Theatre, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
Fri., 7:00 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Tickets:$25-$30
Info: 303-440-7826
ELF THE MUSICAL
ELF – the smash hit Christmas musical based on the beloved film is the funny and charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawled into Santa’s bag as a baby and was raised as an elf! Way too tall and not so great at his job, Buddy is the North Pole’s biggest misfit… and knows he’ll never belong. When Santa tells him the truth, Buddy heads to New York to find his birth father (who turns out to be quite high on the Naughty List). After causing some merry mayhem in Manhattan, Buddy finally discovers the gift of family and falls in love. And when Santa’s sleigh crashes in Central Park, it’s Buddy who finds a way to save Christmas forever!
The LoCol Theatre, 800 S. Hover St., Longmont
Fri., 7:00 p.m.; Sat., 2:00 p.m.; Sun., 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$25
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
The story, suddenly conceived and written in a few weeks, is one of the outstanding Christmas stories of modern literature. Essential to the holiday season in Denver, A Christmas Carol is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation for the whole family that traces money-hoarding curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey complete with various ghosts and spectral visions to redemption. God bless us one and all. Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, the DCPA Theatre Company’s “blessedly exhilarating!” (Westword) production illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations. Hurry! Tickets are limited.
DCPA, Wolf Theater, 1101 13th St, Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-77
Saturday, December 10
HOLIDAY LUNCH HOUR FETE
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Broomfield Plaza! Take the whole family and join the celebrants for some festive holiday cheer. You can visit with Santa Claus, enjoy live entertainment/music, sing along with the Christmas Carolers, peruse rows of holiday crafts and if the weather permits, take a holiday train ride!
Broomfield Plaza, 5015 W. 120th Ave., Broomfield
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
FREE
LONGMONT LIGHTS PARADE
Longmont Times Call
Enjoy the magic of our newly designed sparkling lights display in Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Avenue, and the Parade of Lights during the City’s annual holiday celebration, Longmont Lights! Enjoy the Jingle All the Way holiday parade on Main Street.
Along Coffman St., & Main St., Between Longs Peak & 3rd, Longmont
5:00 p.m.
FREE
HOLIDAY JAZZ AT THE TIMES
Cruise over to Longmont and catch the holiday edition of Jazz at The Times. Enjoy your favorite wintery jazz standards, plus a few festive holiday tunes you may have never heard!
The Times Collaborative, 338 Main St., Longmont
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $18
CHRISTMAS WITH THE BEATLES
Abbey Road recreates the magic, music, wit and charm of the Beatles, including the Fab Four’s cheeky personalities, familiar onstage banter between songs and costumes — from early-Beatle black suits to full Sgt. Pepper regalia.
Abbey Road’s Christmas with the Beatles comes to Nissi’s for a special night filled with Abbey Road’s mash-ups of Christmas classics and Beatles faves.
Nissi’s, 1455 Coal Creek Dr., Lafayette
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$35
TRACE BUNDY’S ACOUSTIC HOLIDAY
Internationally acclaimed guitar virtuoso Trace Bundy must be seen, not just heard. His music is poetry in motion, using harmonics, looping, multiple capos, and his unique banter and stage presence to deliver an unforgettable live concert experience. Listening to his intricate arrangements is one thing but seeing the fan-dubbed “Acoustic Ninja” play live confounds even the most accomplished music lovers as to how one person can do all that with just two hands and 10 fingers. His Acoustic Holiday performance will feature Yasmin Williams.
Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$35
Phone: 303-786-7030
Saturday-Sunday, December 10-11
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS
Matt Christine
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program celebrates the group’s recent anniversary of 35 years since the first Christmas album and includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting.
From Carol of the Bells and We Three Kings, to Stille Nacht and Deck the Halls, experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller.
Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St., Denver
Sat., 5:00 & 8:00 p.m.; Sun., 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $45-$100
Phone: 720-865-4220
Sunday, December 11
STORM LARGE: HOLIDAY ORDEAL
Intoxicating, fierce, a rock siren. What better way to experience the season than with Pink Martini’s punk goddess performing holiday rock and roll? Showcasing wicked charm and stunning vocals that leave you begging for more, Storm Large’s “Holiday Ordeal” delivers a night of music, laughs and gifts, with songs ranging from “2000 Miles,” “Hallelujah,” “Sock it to Me Santa” and the greatest holiday song never written for the holidays, “Somebody to Love.” For more than 80 years, the Artist Series has brought the globe’s finest jazz, classical, world music and dance performers to Boulder. Many of these performances sell out; order your tickets today to guarantee the best seats.
Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $23-$90
Next Week: Friday-Sunday, December 16-18
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER
The beloved TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us.
Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St., Denver
Fri./Sat., 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.; Sat., 3:00 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$80
Phone: 720-865-4220
Saturday, December 17
DAIRY COMEDY IN THE CARSEN
Headliner Al Jackson is an American television host, stand-up comedian, actor, and author. He co-hosts the nationally syndicated talk show Daily Blast Live, which was just renewed for a fifth season. Al regularly serves as a weekly contributor on the Bob & Tom Radio Show, which boasts 140+ affiliates nationally. Al’s hour-long comedy special “Baby Steps” was picked up by the global distributor Comedy Dynamics and his half-hour comedy special is on Comedy Central. Rounding out the bill are front range comics Lizzie Wolfson, Austin Black, and Salma Zaky, all of whom have made a lot of people laugh at lots of different shows.
Dairy Arts Center, Carsen Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15
HOLIDAY WARMTH BY ROCKY MOUNTAIN BRASSWORKS
As the holiday season approaches, one of the annual favorite concerts is performed by Rocky Mountain Brassworks. The group is proud to present an evening of music that can stir fond memories of your childhood, inspire you with a renewed sense of hope, hearten you with thoughts of hot chocolate and homemade cookies, and enrich your holiday celebrations with the stunning splendor of brass music. Indeed, this will be a thrilling evening of music that captures the Warmth of the Holidays.
Broomfield Auditorium, 3 Community Park Rd., Broomfield
4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$20
Saturday-Sunday, December 17-18
LAST CHANCE GIFT FEST
The Last Chance Gift Fest is an annual Holiday shopping Extravaganza. Find the perfect gift at this Colossal Sale, featuring a vast assortment of art, crafts, toys, home decor, delicious food, unique items and much more! This Free event features over 150 of Colorado’s finest vendors offering a tremendous selection of unique holiday gifts. There is also be free live music on both days and lots of fun for all ages. This is the biggest holiday craft fair in the State during the final holiday shopping weekend before Christmas. Don’t miss one of the last great shopping events of the year! Live Music starts at noon.
Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd., Longmont
Sat., 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Sun., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION
SEASON OF IMAGINATION
‘Tis the season for lots of things and one delightful even is the much-loved holiday extravaganza – The Nutcracker. The Centennial State Ballet, a group of pre-professional youth ballet dancers, trained in classical ballet, perform for the surrounding small cities to bring this spectacle of the imagination to the community, both in person and through live stream.
Centennial Ballet,
Sat., 2:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$28
Sunday, December 18
HANDEL’S MESSIAH SINGALONG!
Hear the Messiah story and join the chorus right from your seat! Calling all singers – professional, amateur, and only-in-the-car-when-nobody’s-listening! Celebrate the holiday season with this special shortened Messiah program focusing on the famous choruses and including performances by the vocal soloists and the orchestra in between. Sing out with gusto, with support from chorus members scattered throughout the audience and on stage. Halleluljah!
Westview Presbyterian, 1500 Hover St., Longmont
4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $6-$39
Wintry Wonderland of Colliers Hill
It’s a winter of wonder in the master-planned community of Colliers Hill, with plenty of holiday happenings — whether right in Erie, or 20 minutes away in Boulder. If you don’t live here yet, check out the stunning model homes from KB Home, Richmond American Homes – and now open, Boulder Creek. Priced from the $600s, this fast-growing new home community in Northern Colorado has lots of exciting amenities to offer new home buyers, too!
