Magical, Merry Holiday Entertainment!
Gearing up for a Happy Hannukah and a holly jolly Christmas? You can enjoy musicals and plays, classes and performances by comedians, musicians, and stellar casts — with various locations in Erie and nearby Boulder, Denver, Lafayette and Longmont.
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, December 14
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
FINAL PERFORMANCE at Boulder’s Dinner Theater – all others sold out!
Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman (played by BDT legend Wayne Kennedy), and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof’s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.
Boulder Dinner Theatre, 5501 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $75
Info: 303-449-6000, ext. 4
HARMONIES OF THE HOLIDAYS
Experience the magic of the season with “Harmonies of the Holidays.” The enchanting vocal quartet from Boulder Bach Festival will serenade you with folk melodies and cherished holiday songs spanning diverse cultures, traditions, and eras. Soprano Alice del Simone, a bilingual musical virtuoso with a background as intriguing as her voice, will take you on an extraordinary journey. Get ready to indulge your senses in a musical holiday event like no other.
“Across Time and Across Cultures” is a series of four presentations that combine the art of performance and the interactive nature of a workshop, all centered around music. A co-presentation of the Boulder Bach Festival and the Dairy Arts Center.
Dairy Arts Center, Gordon Gamm Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$20
Info: 303-440-7826
HOLLY, ALASKA!
In the tiny town of Holly, Alaska, a merry band of community theater players have been keeping the tradition of an annual holiday pageant alive for 119 years. Due to recent cutbacks, the town council has decided this year’s show can’t happen. In a last-ditch effort to save the pageant (and the town itself), the actors pull out all the stops in this heartwarming tale of love, connection, and holiday revelry of the goofiest kind.
Dairy Arts Center, Grace Gamm Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$38
Info: 303-440-7826
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT & MADISON CUNNINGHAM
Praised by the New York Times for his “genuine originality,” Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists, songwriters, and composers of his generation. The New York-born, Montreal-raised singer-songwriter has released 10 studio albums to date, three DVDs, and three live albums including the Grammy-nominated Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall. He has collaborated with artists such as Elton John, Burt Bacharach, Miley Cyrus, Joni Mitchell, Heart, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jessye Norman, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, and Sting, among many others. He has written two operas, numerous songs for movies and TV, and is currently working on his first musical for the West End and a Requiem. His latest GRAMMY® and JUNO nominated album of original songs, Unfollow the Rules, finds Wainwright at the peak of his powers, entering artistic maturity with passion, honesty, and a new-found fearlessness
Madison Cunningham is a 26-year-old GRAMMY award-winning artist and songwriter known for her “wonderfully tangled imagery and cutting self-awareness” (NPR). As a guitarist, Madison has pushed the boundaries of a conventional singer-songwriter as her “guitar work is both classic and wildly emotive, and her soaring vocals are pristine and inspired” (Consequence). Madison first picked up a guitar at age seven, and by age twelve was singing and performing alongside her five siblings in church.
MACKY AUDITORIUM, 1596 Pleasant St., Boulder
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $43
Thursday-Saturday, December 14-16
CHRISTMAS AND VINTAGE MARKET
Head to downtown Longmont to experience ta magical Christmas treat! With four floors of Christmas EVERYTHING, you’ll find décor, gifts, ornaments and more. This will be the weekend to catch vintage finds, as well, so hurry over and take a stroll through the inspo and echoes of Christmases present and past!
The Vintage Haus, 719 3rd Ave., Longmont
10 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Visit Website
LITTLE RED FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES
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, singing forest creatures, and characters from other tales joining in, Little Red discovers her own power as a vital doer in her community. Joyous, inspiring, and filled with laughs, 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. Head back to the forest for this limited return engagement or bring your children to their very first theatre experience and spark a lifetime of wonder! Tailored for Pre-K through 3rd Grade audiences but welcomes all ages.
Randy Weeks Conservatory Theater, 1101 13th St., Denver
Thurs., 12:00 p.m.; Fri., 10:00 a.m.; Sat., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m.
Tickets: $16-$30
Thursday-Sunday, December 14-17
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
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 to redemption. Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, the DCPA Theatre Company’s production is “a splendidly festive tradition” that illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.
“Blessedly exhilarating” – Westword
“A Christmas Carol is entertaining, heartwarming and the perfect way to ring in the holiday season! This is the version to see!” – OnStage Colorado
The Marvin & Judy Wolf Theater, DCPA, 14th St. & Curtis St., Denver
Thurs.-Sun., 7:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $42-$150
YIPPEE KI YAY: DIE HARD PARODY
Acclaimed retelling of classic film Die Hard from Richard Marsh-Fringe First-winner, London poetry slam champion, BBC Audio Drama Best Scripted Comedy Drama award-winner and New York cop (one of these is untrue). This joyfully funny show heads to the US following rave reviews for its premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe and 2023 UK tour. When gunmen seize an LA skyscraper, off-duty policeman John McClane is the hostages’ only hope.
This uplifting action romp (and unauthorized parody) pays affectionate tribute to the iconic 80s festive fan favorite. Essential viewing for Hans Gruber superfans and newcomers alike.
Garner Galleria Theater, DCPA Complex, 14th and Curtis St., Denver
Thurs.-Sun., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $55
Friday, December 15
AERIAL DANCE: WINTER WONDERLAND
Let it snow! Let it snow! “Come experience an unforgettable show of aerial dance choreographed to music that will get you excited for the holidays! Frequent Flyers’ Student Company, ages 8-18, showcases their beautiful aerial skills in choreography led by their teachers with creative input from the students. Get swept up in the heartwarming magic and the winter-chilling themes of a winter wonderland, while watching these dancers spin, drop, and soar through the air! From the aurora borealis to snow-covered slopes, let your imagination take flight and join us for an aerial sleigh ride in “Winter Wonderland”!
Dairy Arts Center, Gordon Gamm Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
Fri., 7:00 p.m.; Sat., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$22
Info: 303-440-7826
THE EDGE BAND
The Edge Band is one of the most renowned rock bands of Nepal. The Edge Band was founded in the year 1998 in Pokhara and officially entered in the Nepali music industry in the year 2000. The band was started along with the founder and vocalist Jeewan Gurung, and continues today with Rockey Tulachan, Som Gurung, Sanjeev Shrestha, and Basanta Sharma. The vocalists’ melodious voices and amazing style collect cheers from fans and well-wishers around the world. The Edge band has produced countless memorable songs such as Mero Ashu, Thaha Chaina, and Nachaheko Hoina Timilai among others helping to take the Nepali music industry to another level.
The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder
8:15 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $49
Friday-Saturday, December 15-16
HOLIDAY STAINED GLASS CLASS
Get out of the cold and warm up with a night of soldering and crafting a piece of stained glass that will last a lifetime. Bring a date, your BFF, mom, or go solo — this class is made for everyone!! You will be making small stained-glass piece perfect to be used as an ornament, sun-catcher, or a holiday gift! No experience is necessary Instructors will have different seasonal/holiday themed options of designs from which to choose to. Tools and materials are provided, so all you need to do is sign up and have fun!
Any participant’s age 15 and younger will need a parent or guardian also taking the class.
Colorado Glass Works, 1500 Pearl St., Superior
Fri., 6:30 p.m.; Sat., 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $90 per person
WINTER WONDERETTES
Step back in time with this smash seasonal celebration hit finds the four gals entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa turns up missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party! Featuring great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland,” the result is, of course, marvelous! This energetic and glittering holiday package is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. Winter Wonderettes will keep you smiling in this must-take musical trip down memory lane
Longmont Theater Company, 513 Main St., Longmont
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $32-$33
Friday-Sunday, December 15-17
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
This inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.
UNITIIVE THEATRE, 800 S. Hover St., Longmont
Fri., 7:000 p.m.; Sat., 2:00 & 6:30 p.m.; Sun., 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$28 (student discount)
NATHANIAL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS
It took Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats less than five years to become one of the most recognizable new forces in contemporary rock ’n’ roll. Since 2015, Rateliff has led his denim-clad, horn-flanked Night Sweats, supplying the zeal of a whiskey-chugging Pentecostal preacher to songs about this world’s shared woes.
They’ve had hits, sure, but their combustible mix of soul and rock quickly cemented them as the rare generational band who balanced ecstatic live shows with engrossing and rich records. They have revved up stadium crowds for The Rolling Stones while also appearing on Saturday Night Live and CMT Crossroads and at NPR’s Tiny Desk!
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $25
THE DIVIDE, WITH LACHLAN & ANGUS MORTON
It’s 100 miles to the next gas station, 100 miles from the last one. It’s 100 miles from anywhere, to anywhere.
The Tour Divide is as beautiful as it is rugged, as ambitious as it is empty. Beginning in Banff, Alberta, Canada and terminating in Antelope Wells, New Mexico, USA, it’s the closest thing that bikepacking has to a Tour de France-level route. Lachlan had dreamt of riding the route himself one day. During the almost two weeks on the trail, Lachlan felt more scared, more cold, more capable and more alive than he ever has in his life. We can’t wait to share this adventure with you. Join Lachlan and Angus Morton at the Boulder Theater in Boulder for a night of discussion, raffle, and more!
Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25
Phone: 303-786-7030
SCROOGE THE MUSICAL
Looking for heartwarming evening of holiday magic? Then why not visit Jesters for an abbreviated version of Scrooge! The Musical. This enchanting adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved novella, “A Christmas Carol,” will transport you to the supernatural journey of Ebenezer Scrooge. Guided by three spirits, Scrooge discovers the true meaning of Christmas as he confronts his past, present, and potential future. Set to a delightful musical score, this captivating production captures the essence of redemption, compassion, and the power of human connection. Bring your family and experience the warmth of holiday spirit as one man’s cold heart is thawed. Don’t miss this unforgettable performance, with or without dinner!
Jesters Theatre, 224 Main St., Longmont
Fri.-Sun., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $19-$50
Saturday, December 16
FAMILY ORNAMENT MAKING!
Create Christmas and winter holiday decorations with the young people in your life! We’ll be crafting, painting and creating keepsakes that will delight for years to come. This class is for children age 5 and up accompanied by an adult. Register online or by calling 303-651-8374.
Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont
9:30 & 11:00 a.m.; 1:00 & 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person
RING IN THE SEASON!
Why not join The Rocky Mountain Ringers for the annual Holiday Handbell Concert at St. Paul’s? Traditional and newly composed holiday music is planned as well as some “sing along” tunes to get you in the mood for the season! Free parking is now available directly across the street on Grant! Look for the giant parking banner, or listen online from the comfort of your own home.
The Rocky Mountain Ringers will send you a link on the day of the concert. You can watch the concert recording until December 31, if you can’t watch it live.
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1600 Grant St., Denver
3:00 p.m.
Admission: $1-$30
Streaming: $25
Info: 720-652-4833
STARS UNDER THE EARTH
Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Intensive Training Program Students share their incredible artistry in this engaging performance on a variety of aerial equipment: traveling rings, lyra, aerial fabric, and dance trapeze. These advanced students will wow you and your family in this unique one-night-only show.
Dairy Arts Center, Gordon Gamm Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
Fri., 7:00 p.m.; Sat. 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$22
Info: 303-440-7826
HOWLIN’ GOATZ WITH SIERRA MILES
Mountain-Grown original rock n’ roll featuring veteran artists Johnny Conrad of Swindl, East Clintwood and Spank Machine. Jake Coffin of Bonnie & The Clydes, Great American Taxi and Funkopolis, Scott Higgins from Hwy50, Swindl and Spank Machine, along with the beautiful Kim Franco of Cabaret Diosa. Howlin’ Goatz was born in a barn in the small town of Lyons, Colorado, seven years ago. The inspiration of Johnny Conrad pulled together musicians from the Boulder music scene to create a high-energy rock n’ roll dance experience. Check out Howlin’ Goatz new three-song EP with a special guest appearance by Bill McKay on Hammond B3.
“The Howlin’ Goatz have the soul of punk with catchy pop hooks…a strange combo but it works beautifully!” ~ Tom Callahan, Founder/CEO Indie Advance
The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $15
COMEDY IN THE BOE
In 2015 David Rodriguez burst onto the Colorado comedy scene by winning Denver Comedy Works’ prestigious New Faces Competition (previous winners include Adam Cayton-Holland and Josh Blue). In 2016, he proved it was no fluke by taking 1st place in the Stand-up Showdown at the Denver Improv, and then in 2017 he won the Comedy Works’ Funny Final Four. Early this year he opened a brand new comedy club in Fort Collins, The Comedy Fort! If he is not onstage there, chances are he is at home with his wife two kids, and a small dog trying desperately to nap.
BK Sharad is an up-and-coming comedian from the mean streets of Boulder, Colorado. You of course know him from his work as Jay Chandrasekhar’s body double in an as-of-yet unaired TV Pilot, but he is also making a name for himself in standup. He has been selected for countless festivals across the country. His positive outlook shines through his jokes about the world and his experiences in it as a former emo, hockey-playing, first generation, Indian millennial.
Filling out the bill are some very funny people with the names Tanya Sabrina, Emily Cornelius, George Delgado, and Britt Boyd.
As always, hosted by local fave, Zoe Rogers.
Dairy Arts Center, Boedecker Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15
Info: 303-440-7826
Sunday, December 17
DENVER CHRISTKINDLMARKET FAMILY DAY
Every Sunday at the Market is Family Fun Day! Fun for all ages is on the schedule with family-friendly entertainment including Denver7 Holiday Storytime, where your favorite anchors and reporters lead the reading of a holiday classic.
Also, Kinder Wunderland, presented by Denver7, features s’mores stations and fun outdoor games.
Denver Civic Center, 101 West 14th Ave., Denver
All Day
Info: 720-636-7220
BOULDER BACH FESTIVAL- BAROQUE CHRISTMAS
Fresh. Invigorated. Relevant. Powerful.
One of the most adored works of music celebrating Christmas is approached with a fresh spirit by a collective of soloists and a chamber choir of Colorado’s finest professional singers.
Boulder Bach Festival presents its CORE musical artists in a reimagined rendition of the Christmas portion from Handel’s Messiah. The performance begins with two Christmastime a cappella works performed by chamber choir, and continues with a delightful and imaginative violin concerto written by Antonio Vivaldi, played with ornamentation and embellishments by Zachary Carrettin. Keith Barnhart’s baroque guitar continuo playing adds rhythmic zest to the accompaniment.
BBF’s 16-piece professional choir is joined by baroque string orchestra with harpsichord and chamber organ. This is a rare opportunity to hear the work performed without conductor by an ultra-communicative ensemble. Vocal soloists include Mara Riley, Sarah Moyer, Claire McCahan, Daniel Hutchings, and Adam Ewing; the soloists perform in the chamber choir as well.
Two years ago, BBF presented Carrettin’s edition of this work with one-per-part instruments and voices, in an intimate “oratory” style. Retaining that approach overall, this time the riveting choruses will feature an expanded vocal ensemble, offering powerful verve and contrast to the arias.
Dairy Arts Center, Gordon Gamm Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$65
Info: 303-440-7826
HOW TO WATCH A MOVIE
Whether you are a lifelong cinephile or just beginning your journey into film appreciation, this course will deeply enrich your viewing experiences and change the way you watch “the movies” forever. While three of the sessions have been held, this weekend’s course begins the Science of Storytelling: Screenwriting, followed by five more sessions regarding the art of filmmaking and watching.
Filmmaker, podcaster, programmer, and historian, Jack Hanley guides you through an entertaining and interactive course on how to get more out of the cinematic experience. From the fascinating history of the medium, through an introduction of the fundamentals, and analysis of the filmic process, participants will become more literate in the language of cinema and deepen their appreciation of how films are constructed- from how they are directed and shot, to how they tell stories, comment on, and reflect our world, to how they develop characters and articulate their stories through the employment of sound and image.
At the conclusion of the course, all will watch, deconstruct, and discuss the groundbreaking, Academy Award-winning film, PARASITE, together as a class to employ your new skills. Today: THE ART OF THE CUT: Film Editing.
Dairy Arts Center, Boedecker Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
4:00 p.m.
Admission: $15-$20
Info: 303-440-7826
Wednesday, December 20
FACE VOCAL BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT
Face Vocal Band is an internationally acclaimed all-vocal rock band from Boulder, Colorado that has been captivating audiences for over two decades with their infectious energy punctuated by an endearing love of performance. Having performed over 1,500 shows at home in Colorado and around the globe, Face was named 2019 A Cappella Music Awards’ “Quintet of the Year.” Face was a featured guest at TotalVocal Festival at Carnegie Hall, competed on the hit NBC series “The Sing-Off,” headlined at Edinburgh, Scotland’s prestigious Festival Fringe, and has opened for legendary performers such as Jon Bon Jovi, Barenaked Ladies, TobyMac, Robin Thicke, The Wailers, 38 Special, Manhattan Transfer, and Culture Club & Boy George.
“Blending modern popular tunes with complex harmonies, brilliant beat-box rhythms and superb singing…Face takes their audience on a musical journey and it’s fantastic fun.” (FringeReview.co.uk)
Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45-$58
Phone: 303-786-7030
Thursday, December 21
PARLANDO: THIRD THURSDAYS!
Give a listen to some entertaining and free music in the Dairy Arts Center lobby every third Thursday of the month! Music is provided by Parlando School of Musical Arts. Come enjoy some live music and refreshments from the cafe! All are welcome!
MacMillan Family Lobby, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
6:30 p.m.
FREE
Thursday-Saturday, December 21-23
CHRISTMAS/MIDWINTER REVELS TOWER OF LONDON
Step back in time and embrace the spirit of an Olde English Christmas. Journey with us to the historic Tower of London where even the most modern teenagers can’t resist true magic when they are swept into a time warp. Tower residents and visitors draw them into holiday merriment with song, dance, and storytelling. Join us for this fusion of history, culture, and zany humor that bridges the gap between past and present. We will select a new Lord of Misrule from the audience – who will it be? With all the holiday hubbub, will there be an attempted escape from the Tower? As with all Revels performances, there will be a new and hilarious Mummers’ Play and plenty of audience sing-alongs to immerse everyone in the Revels experience. The show features a large community cast in period costumes with traditional songs and dances accompanied by professional instrumentalists. Join in our Revelry!
Dairy Arts Center, Gordon Gamm Theatre, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
Thurs./Fri., 7:00 p.m.; Sat., 1:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Admission: $24-$30
Info: 303-440-7826
WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Step into the heart of winter’s magic with Thomas Droge, a guide who intertwines the wisdom of ancient traditions with modern insight. Revel in an evening filled with the essence of tea, the joy of laughter, the expansion of the heart, and a celestial journey alongside the stars of the Big Dipper.
This timeless tradition invites us to embrace the quiet whispers of winter’s stillness and the nurturing warmth of community. Thomas has annually shared this enriching experience with those eager to broaden their perceptions and touch the infinite—all amidst the camaraderie of tea with both lifelong friends and newfound companions.
Event Highlights include a round of High Mountain Puh-er; Thomas describing the solstice’s significance and how it can enhance practices such as Meditation and QI Gong; an explanation of Single Word Meditation; also the rich Daoist tradition passed down by Zhong XIan Wu. All capped by a look at the Winter Solstice art installation crafted by Boulder-based artist, designer, and jewelry maker, Karen Okada.
Dairy Arts Center, Carsen Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
7:00 p.m.
Donation Based Tickets: $5-$100
Home for the Holidays in Erie, Colorado
Isn’t it time you discovered one of the fastest growing master-planned communities in Northern Colorado? Colliers Hill has so many exciting amenities to offer new home buyers! And for things to do — whether five minutes away in Erie, or 20 minutes away in Boulder, there are happenings each and every weekend. If you don’t live here yet, check out the stunning model homes from Richmond American Homes and Boulder Creek. Priced from the $600s.
