Holiday events are here. Let's get jolly.
Thursday
Food & drink
Vanda release party. Extremely small batch of super-tart strawberry/rhubarb cider. C Squared Ciders, 2875 Blake St., Unit C. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Comrade tap takeover at Park Burger, 211 S. Holly St. 3 p.m.
Entertainment
“The Santaland Diaries.” David Sedaris’ off-beat tales from his stint as a Macy’s elf in New York City. The Jones, Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Street. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
“A Christmas Carol.” Stage Theatre, Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Street. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35.
“An Act of God.” In a play the New York Times called “deliriously funny,” God takes on a human form and sets the record straight. Garner Galleria Theatre, 1101 13th St. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $47.
“Hand to God.” Sweet but troubled teen Jason is coping with his father’s recent death and is forced to join his mother’s Church-led puppet group. Curious Theater Company, 8 p.m. $24-34.
Shelter Live Tour : Porter Robinson & Madeon. Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 N. Clarkson St. 7 p.m. $34.50.
Greensky Bluegrass. Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave. 8 p.m. $29.95.
The Common Good. Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. 8:30 p.m. $8-10.
Wild Child. Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave. 8 p.m. $18-20.
Rowboat. Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E. Colfax Ave. 8 p.m. $8-10.
That Damn Sasquatch and Black River Revue. Cervantes Other Side, 2637 Welton St. 8 p.m. $5-10.
Phutureprimitive and Bluetech. Cervantes Masterpiece, 2637 Welton St. 9 p.m. $20-25.
Cloudspell album release. Syntax Physic Opera, 554 S. Broadway. 9 p.m. $5.
Encore screening of Nick Cave's "One More Time With Feeling." Mayan Theatre, 110 Broadway. 9 p.m. $15.
The Funnyside Session. Image Brew, 1100 W. 38th Ave. Videos, sketches and awesome comedy from Matt Cobos, Gabby Gutierrez-Reed, Ben Bryant, Matt Monroe and Adam Cayton-Holland. 8-10 p.m. $5.
Gabriel Mervine Quartet. Nocturne, 1330 27th St. 7 p.m. $5.
Highlands Comedy Show. Janae Burris headlining. Sushi Hai, 3600 W. 32nd Ave. 8-10 p.m. $8.54.
Garrison Keillor. Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place. 8 p.m. $35.
Venus Cruz. Dazzle Jazz, 930 Lincoln St. 7 p.m. $10-12.
A Krumpus Story. Buntport Theater, 717 Lipan St. 7:30 p.m. $14.
The Drunken Bee. Test your spelling skills with a drink in hand at The Rosedale, 1135 E. Evans Ave. 7-10 p.m.
Bluegrass Thursday featuring Grace Clark Trio. Stem Ciders, 2811 Walnut St., Unit 150. 7-9:30 p.m.
Art
2016 Inspired Art. Local artists created original work inspired by poems written by Denver youth. Proceeds benefit America SCORES Denver. Space Gallery, 400 Santa Fe Drive. 5:30-8:30 p.m.
For your brain
Conversation with John Jota Leaños. Award-winning animator will screen some of his short animated films, followed by a discussion. Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Drive. 6:30-9 p.m. $10.
Talkin Shop with Zac Maas. Creator of the Denver Phone-It-In Festival and co-creator of Uncalled Four will talk comedy at Mutiny Café, 2 S. Broadway. 7 p.m.
"First Degree" screening. Documentary about a prison college that works to keep inmates from returning. Sie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. 6-9 p.m. $30.
For a cause
Diapers & Drafts. Bring a pack of diapers and get a free beer. Diapers support Florence Crittenton Services of Colorado helping teen moms and their children. The Hornet, 76 Broadway. 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Sports
Colorado Avalanche vs. Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m.
Friday
Food & drink
Bubbles & Oysters, OH MY! Infinite Monkey Theorem, 931 W. Fifth Ave. No tickets required, RSVP requested. 5-10 p.m.
Triple Homicide release. 9 percent ABV traditional Belgian-style beer. Lost Highway Brewing Co., 520 E. Colfax Ave. 2-11 p.m.
Strange Claw and Lens Flare release. Cerebral Brewing, 1477 Monroe St. Noon-11 p.m.
Ugly Sweater release. Enjoy the beer and compete in an ugly sweater contest. Winner gets a growlette fill and a ticket to Denver Beer Festivus. Wit's End Brewing Co., 2505 W. Second Ave., Unit 13. 2-9 p.m.
Shadow Factory: Boysenberry tapping. Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales, 1290 S. Broadway. 6-11 p.m.
Entertainment
“The Santaland Diaries.” David Sedaris’ off-beat tales from his stint as a Macy’s elf in New York City. The Jones, Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Street. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
“A Christmas Carol.” Stage Theatre, Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Street. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35.
“An Act of God.” In a play the New York Times called “deliriously funny,” God takes on a human form and sets the record straight. Garner Galleria Theatre, 1101 13th St. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $47.
“Hand to God.” Sweet but troubled teen Jason is coping with his father’s recent death and is forced to join his mother’s Church-led puppet group. Curious Theater Company, 8 p.m. $24-34.
Greensky Bluegrass. Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave. 8 p.m. $29.95.
Mile Cooley (of Drive-By Truckers). Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. 9 p.m. $20.75-25.
Dragondeer. Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave. 8 p.m. $5-13.
Guilty Pleasures. Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway. 9 p.m. $5.
Tallgrass. Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $10-12.
EOTO. Gothic Theatre, 3263 S. Broadway. 9 p.m. $20-32.
Winter Rockfest 2016. Featuring Your Own medicine, Heart and Soul Radio, Johnny Got Rox, Hydraform. Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. 8 p.m. $12.
Children Of Bodom - I Worship Chaos Tour. Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St. 7 p.m. $27.50-30.
Moon Taxi w/ Joey Porter's Shady Business. Cervantes Masterpiece and Other Side, 2637 Welton St. 9 p.m. $20-25.
The Animation Show of Shows. Sixteen animated short films. Sie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $6-11.
A Krumpus Story. Buntport Theater, 717 Lipan St. 7:30 p.m. $14.
Holiday Flea. The folks at Denver Flea open their holiday market tonight at the Sports Castle, 1000 Broadway. The ticketed kick-0ff party includes bottomless drinks. 5-9 p.m. $30.
Midnight Madness: "Pan's Labyrinth." Esquire Theatre, 590 Downing St. Midnight. $9.
All-Beethoven weekend. Featuring Overture to "Coriolan," Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major and Symphony No. 7 in A major. Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St. 7:30 p.m. $34-94.
Free Academy First Friday. Students will be perform new works and a teaser for "Les Patineurs." Colorado Ballet Academy, 1075 Santa Fe Drive. 6:20-8 p.m.
Stoney's Lip Sync Battle. Prizes $100 to $1,000. Stoney's Bar and Grill, 1111 Lincoln St. 9 p.m.-midnight.
A Retelling Of "Star Wars" Episodes 4, 5, and 6 through dance. East High School, 1600 City Park Esplanade. 7 p.m. $20.
Mike Watt + The Secondmen. Lion's Lair, 2022 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $20.
Altas. 3 Kings Tavern, 60 S. Broadway, 10 p.m. $5.
Colorado Choir 40th Christmas Concert. Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave. 7:30 p.m. $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, military and students.
Art
First Friday Art Walk. The galleries and studios leave their doors open after-hours to welcome the curious with a wine, beer, special exhibits, demonstrations and music. Santa Fe Art District, along Santa Fe drive from Alameda to 12th Avenue.
First Friday at Green Spaces. See artwork, listen to music and poetry from the members. 2590 Walnut St. 5:30-9 p.m.
The 26th Annual Holiday Miniatures Show. Featuring more than 100 artists contributing anywhere from 400 to 600 original works of art. Abend Gallery, 2260 E. Colfax Ave. 6-9 p.m.
The Gathering Place art show. St. Mark's Coffeehouse, 2019 E. 17th Ave. 5-8 p.m.
Sarah Starling art show at Stem Ciders, 2811 Walnut St. Unit 150. 5-8 p.m.
For families
Parade of Lights. Marching bands, floats, Santa and more parade throughout downtown. Main staging area is around Civic Center Park. 8 p.m.
WinterFest on South Pearl Street. Wagon rides, a holiday market with gift and food vendors, local merchant open house, and appearances by Santa, live music, hot adult beverages, hot chocolate and cider for kids and a christmas tree lot. South Pearl Street between Buchtel Boulevard and Evans Avenue. 5-9 p.m.
Snow Globe Party. Drop off the kids for an evening making snowglobes, enjoying holiday goodies and watching “Frosty the Snowman.” Second Star to the Right, 4353 Tennyson St. 6-8 p.m. $20.
For a cause
Curry bowls and bikes. Proceeds from every bowl purchased will be donated to Trips for Kids Denver Metro, a nonprofit that introduces cycling to at-risk youth. Biju's Little Curry Shop, 4279 Tennyson St. 5-9 p.m.
Sports
Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets, 8:30 p.m.
Colorado football vs. Washington, Pac-12 Championship Game (on FOX), 7 p.m.
Saturday
Food & drink
Christmas tree farm and decorating contest. Pre-order a tree now, select one at the brewery and decorate an ornament. You alss get one Tis the Saison holiday bomber. Enter the #DBCholidaytree decorating contest to win a $50 taproom gift card. Denver Beer Co., 1695 Platte St. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $55.
Zephyr Turnin' Two. Anniversary party with food from Biju's Little Curry Shop, tappings, live music and giveaways. Zephyr Brewing Co., 421 26th St. 1 p.m.-midnight.
Entertainment
“The Nutcracker.” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St. 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. $30-90.
“The Santaland Diaries.” David Sedaris’ off-beat tales from his stint as a Macy’s elf in New York City. The Jones, Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Street. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
“A Christmas Carol.” Stage Theatre, Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Street. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35.
“An Act of God.” In a play the New York Times called “deliriously funny,” God takes on a human form and sets the record straight. Garner Galleria Theatre, 1101 13th St. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $47.
“Hand to God.” Sweet but troubled teen Jason is coping with his father’s recent death and is forced to join his mother’s Church-led puppet group. Curious Theater Company, 8 p.m. $24-34.
Hoppy Holidays feat. JJ Grey & Mofro and Kyle Hollingsworth Band. Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 N. Clarkson St. 5 p.m. $34.50.
Greensky Bluegrass. Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave. 8 p.m. $29.95.
Mile Cooley (of Drive-By Truckers). Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. 9 p.m. $20.75-25.
Dragonette. Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $20-25.
Decemburger Fest. Featuring the Shrine, The Well, Zig Zags, In The Company Of Serpents, Duel, Malahierba, Cloud Catcher, The Munsens, Love Gang. Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway. 4 p.m. $22.
The Vanilla Milkshakes album release. Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E. Colfax Ave. 6 p.m. $5-8.
Don Strasburg. (Not that Don Strasburg.) Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E. Colfax Ave. 10 p.m. $5-8.
PlagueHammer. Gothic Theatre, 3263 S. Broadway. 9 p.m. $10-15.
Uncalled Four. Stephen Agyei, Adam Cayton-Holland, Zach Reinert and Rachel Weeks will face off in this comedy gameshow, and the "winner" of "Denver's Worst Person" contest will be announced. Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. 8 p.m. $6-10.
Amplitude Presents: Dodge & Fuski. Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St. 8 p.m. $10-30.
Moon Taxi w/ Joey Porter's Shady Business. Cervantes Masterpiece and Other Side, 2637 Welton St. 9 p.m. $20-25.
Sixteen animated short films. Sie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. $6-11.
A Krumpus Story. Buntport Theater, 717 Lipan St. 7:30 p.m. $14.
Midnight Madness: "Pan's Labyrinth." Esquire Theatre, 590 Downing St. Midnight. $9.
All-Beethoven weekend. Featuring Overture to "Coriolan," Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major and Symphony No. 7 in A major. Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St. 7:30 p.m. $44-104.
A Retelling Of "Star Wars" Episodes 4, 5, and 6 through dance. East High School, 1600 City Park Esplanade. 7 p.m. $20.
Jim James. Parmount Theater, 1621 Glenarm Place. 8-10 p.m. $35.
Mike Watt + The Secondmen. Lion's Lair, 2022 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $20.
Colorado Choir 40th Christmas Concert. Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave. 7:30 p.m. $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, military and students.
Art
Free day at the Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway.
Planet X-mas Party. A continued celebration of "The Deep End" by Jonathan Saiz with treats, drinks, music and dancing. Leon, 1112 E. 17th Ave. 6-10 p.m.
For families
Parade of Lights. Marching bands, floats, Santa and more parade throughout downtown. Main staging area is around Civic Center Park. 8 p.m.
Holiday Flea. The folks at Denver Flea host their holiday market -- complete with craft vendors, drinks, music and more -- at the Sports Castle, 1000 Broadway. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $5.
WinterFest on South Pearl Street. Wagon rides, a holiday market with gift and food vendors, local merchant open house, and appearances by Santa, live music, hot adult beverages, hot chocolate and cider for kids and a christmas tree lot. South Pearl Street between Buchtel Boulevard and Evans Avenue. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
A Colorado Christmas. Help decorate the tree and enjoy holiday crafts, traditional games, music, storytelling and a visit from Santa. Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St. Noon-4 p.m. $5 for adults, $3 for ages 3-17, free for ages 2 and younger. Additional charges apply for wagon rides and refreshments.
Polar Express Party. Watch the movie, enjoy a holiday treat and do a Polar Express-themed activity. Second Star to the Right Children's Books, 4353 Tennyson St. 3-4 p.m. $5 per child.
Edible homestead workshop. Learn more about the Homestead Act and homesteading in Colorado while creating an edible homestead. Recommended ages 6-12. Parents are welcome to join at no additional cost. History Colorado, 1200 Broadway. 10:30 a.m.-noon. $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers.
LGBT Family Winter Fest. Winter crafts and activities, pictures with Santa, light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. GLBT Community Center for Colorado, 1301 E. Colfax Ave. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. RSVP to Juli at [email protected].
Holiday Mercado. Works of art, crafts and food. St. Dominic Parish, 2905 Federal Blvd. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Holiday Fair. Music, food, handmade gifts, Christmas trees and made-to-order wreaths. Activities for children of all ages, including horse-drawn carriage rides, cookie decorating, candle-making and more. The Denver Waldorf School, 2100 S Pennsylvania St. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
For your brain
Inside the Writer's Studio. Conversation between Jess Walter, author of "Beautiful Ruins" and "The Financial Lives of the Poets," and Dana Spiotta, author of "Stone Arabia" and "Eat the Document," followed by a Q&A and book signing. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway. 6-8 p.m. $10 for members, $15 for non-members, $5 for students and seniors.
For a cause
Whether the election and its aftermath have you feeling a powerful need to do good for others or you’re simply in the holiday spirit of giving, Denver has plenty of opportunities for you.
Sports
Colorado State basketball vs. Wichita State, 3 p.m.
Denver hockey vs. Colorado College, 7 p.m.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars (Star Wars night!) 7 p.m.
Denver Nuggets at Utah Jazz, 7 p.m.
Colorado basketball at Portland, 8 p.m.
Sunday
Food & drink
Acorn BBQ pop-up. The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Broncos party and chili cook off. Bring a crockpot of chili to share or go and taste for free, then vote for your favorite. Seedstrock Brewery, 3610 W. Colfax Ave. 11 a.m.
Entertainment
“The Santaland Diaries.” David Sedaris’ off-beat tales from his stint as a Macy’s elf in New York City. The Jones, Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Street. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
“A Christmas Carol.” Stage Theatre, Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Street. 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35.
“An Act of God.” In a play the New York Times called “deliriously funny,” God takes on a human form and sets the record straight. Garner Galleria Theatre, 1101 13th St. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. with an audio-described mantinee. Tickets start at $47.
“Hand to God.” Sweet but troubled teen Jason is coping with his father’s recent death and is forced to join his mother’s Church-led puppet group. Curious Theater Company, 2 p.m. $24-34.
Sara Watkins. Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. 8 p.m. $25-30.
A Light Among Many. Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E. Colfax Ave. 8 p.m. $8.
Fullscreen Live presents Drop the Mic. Featuring Ricky Dillon, The Gabbie Show, Jack Baran, Chachi Gonzales, Andrew Lowe. Gothic Theatre, 3263 S. Broadway. 5 p.m. $43-128.
Sixteen animated short films. Sie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. $6-11.
A Krumpus Story. Buntport Theater, 717 Lipan St. 7 p.m. $14.
All-Beethoven weekend. Featuring Overture to "Coriolan," Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major and Symphony No. 7 in A major. Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St. 1 p.m. $39-99.
Rockmare Before Christmas. Marquis Theatre, 2009 Larimer St. 5 p.m. $10-15.
For families
"The Nutcracker." Kids can meet the Sugar Plum Fairy after the performance. 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. $10.
Holiday Flea. The folks at Denver Flea host their holiday market -- complete with craft vendors, drinks, music and more -- at the Sports Castle, 1000 Broadway. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5.
Boogie Down. A family dance party from the people behind Warm Cookies of the Revolution, featuring local bands Land Lines and Bluebook. After the music: kids can learn to play music with Swallow Hill’s Instrument Petting Zoo while adults talk about justice and how to stay connected to the community. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $5 suggested donation.
Holiday Mercado. Works of art, crafts and food. St. Dominic Parish, 2905 Federal Blvd. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Santa at the brewery. High-resolution photo with Santa sent to your email within 24 hours and a free beer, plus cookies, hot chocolate and gifts from Santa. Cerebral Brewing, 1477 Monroe St. Noon-4 p.m. $20.
Rudolph Ramble 5K. Join the Rudolph Search & Rescue Team and look for clues along the course. City Park, 1700 York St. 10 a.m. $25-40. Kids' fun run is free.
For you brain
Jane Sobel Klonsky discusses and signs her new book, "Unconditional: Older Dogs, Deeper Love." City Stacks Books, 1743 Wazee St. 2-4 p.m.
For a cause
Whether the election and its aftermath have you feeling a powerful need to do good for others or you’re simply in the holiday spirit of giving, Denver has plenty of opportunities for you.
Beers and Cheers. Donate cash or wishlist item worth $10 to get a wristband for $1 off beers under 10% ABV. Proceeds go to SafeHouse helpi ng women, children, and youth overcome domestic violence. Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery, 1139 20th St. 4-7 p.m.
Sports
Denver Broncos at Jacksonville Jaguars, 11 a.m.
