This weekend, there are approximately 6,000 productions of "The Nutcracker" you could attend. Plus, some other things.
Thursday
Entertainment
“The Santaland Diaries.” David Sedaris’ stories of working as an elf at Macy’s in New York, adapted for the stage. The Jones Theatre, Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue. 7 p.m. $25-33.
“First Date.” As Casey and Aaron’s blind date plays out in real time, “restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, who sing and dance them through ice-breakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines.” Garner Galleria Theatre, 1101 13th St. 7:30 p.m. $35.
“The Body of An American.” Playwright Dan O’Brien and war photographer Paul Watson explore the ethical and personal consequences of Watson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph. Curious Theatre Co., 1080 Acoma St. 8 p.m. $24-34.
"Beau Jest." After disapproving of her last relationship, Sarah Goldman’s conservative Jewish parents are anxious to meet her new beau, Dr. David Steinberg. The only problem is that he is completely fictitious. MACC - Pluss Theatre, 350 S. Dahlia St. 7 p.m. $30-35.
"Tall Tales & The Truth" – An acoustic evening with Kip Moore, Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen. Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place. 7:30 p.m. $35-45.
Ekali. Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. 9 p.m. $17-20.
Pierce Fulton. Lost Lake, 3602 E. Colfax Ave. 8 p.m. $10-12.
Cat Clyde. Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St. 8 p.m. $10-12.
Wayfarer Mexico. Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway. 9 p.m. $10.
Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons. Cervantes Other Side, 2637 Welton St. 8 p.m. $10-15.
Winds of Plague. Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St. 6 p.m. $14-16.
Houston Person. Dazzle Jazz, 1512 Curtis St. 6 p.m. $20-35.
Christmas Concert at The Cube featuring The Colorado Wind Ensemble. The Cube Stapleton, 8371 Northfield Blvd. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free.
Hairclub. Syntax Physic Opera, 554 S. Broadway. 9 p.m. $7.
The Cody Sisters. Swallow Hill Music, 71 E. Yale Ave. 7:30 p.m. $10.
Star Wars Holiday Variety Show. Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. 7 p.m. $8-10.
Star Wars Trivia. Costumes encouraged. Fiction Beer Co., 7101 E. Colfax Ave. 7:30-10 p.m.
Art
Flyers for Democracy. Artist Cristian Franco, who creates fictional punk bands and develops the ephemera of the music scene surrounding the band, will lead a workshop (in Spanish with live translation) at Museum of Contemporary Art, 1485 Delgany St. 5-7 p.m. $5-10.
Ornament decorating. Purchase a full beer to get supplies. Grandma's House, 1710 S. Broadway. 5-10 p.m.
For families
“A Christmas Carol.” Stage Theatre, 1101 13th St. 6:30 p.m. $35-85.
“The Nutcracker.” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St. 7:30 p.m. $30-90.
Make "stained glass" trees using tissue paper and watercolors. Ideal for kids ages 3-8 with help from an adult. Virginia Village Branch Library, 1500 S. Dahlia St. 4-5 p.m.
Denver Christkindl Market. Music, Bier & Gluehwein, entertainment, gifts and crafts. Skyline Park, 16th and Arapahoe streets. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
For a cause
Big Kids Book Fair. Ratio Beerworks has partnered with the BookBar to set up a Big Kids Book Fair at the brewery in support of Reading Partners Colorado. Ratio Beerworks, 2920 Larimer St. 5-8 p.m.
Sports
Colorado Avalanche at Tampa Bay Lighting, 5:30 p.m.
Friday
Food & drink
Let's Party Like Gatsby. End-of-Prohibition party with dancing. 1920s and '30s attire encouraged. Black Shirt Brewing Co., 3719 Walnut St. 9 p.m.- midnight.
Ugly Sweater release party with ugly sweater contest at 7 p.m. Strange Craft Brewing Co., 1330 Zuni St., Unit M. Noon-9 p.m.
Brut La Grande tap and bottle special release. Bruz Beers, 1675 W. 67th Ave. 3-10 p.m.
Decorating gingerbread houses. Materials for one house plus dinner, hot cocoa, bottomless champagne and wine and charcuterie. Hashtag, 10155 E. 29th Drive. 4 p.m. $74 for one house, one child and one adult. Bring a second adult or child for $15.
Entertainment
Best bet: “The Body of An American.” Final weekend. Playwright Dan O’Brien and war photographer Paul Watson explore the ethical and personal consequences of Watson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph. Curious Theatre Co., 1080 Acoma St. 8 p.m. $34-44.
Best bet: Handel's Messiah. Two nights only. Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St. 7:30 p.m. $20-94.
“The Santaland Diaries.” David Sedaris’ stories of working as an elf at Macy’s in New York, adapted for the stage. The Jones Theatre, Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. $25-33.
“First Date.” As Casey and Aaron’s blind date plays out in real time, “restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, who sing and dance them through ice-breakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines.” Garner Galleria Theatre, 1101 13th St. 7:30 p.m. $35.
Moon Taxi. Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $25-30.
Dynohunter and Tnertle. Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $10-15.
Lupe Fiasco. Gothic Theatre, 3263 S. Broadway. 9 p.m. $30-35.
Brent Cowles & the Foxhole Family Band. Lost Lake, 3602 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $12.75-25.50.
Morgan Saint. Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St. 8:30 p.m. $10-12.
Throttlebomb. Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway. 9 p.m. $10.
Del McCoury Band. Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, 2637 Welton St. 9 p.m. $25-30.
Joey Porter's Shady Business. Cervantes Other Side, 2637 Welton St. 9 p.m. $20-25.
Paper Bird. Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. 9 p.m. $17.
Say Anything. Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St. 7 p.m. $23-28.
SIR. Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St. 8 p.m. $10-12.
Victor & Penny. Swallow Hill Music, 71 E. Yale Ave. 8 p.m. $15.
Ian Cooke's Album Release and Going Away Party. Syntax Physic Opera, 554 S. Broadway. 9 p.m. $15.
Will Swindler Quartet. Nocturne, 1330 27th St. 7 p.m. $15.
Katie Glassman & Snapshot. Dazzle Jazz, 1512 Curtis St. 8:30 p.m. $14-22.
Templo and Mindex. The Black Box, 314 E. 13th Ave. 9 p.m. $15-20.
We Still Like You: Denver #16. Tales of debauchery from Denver and beyond. Comedy RoomRoom, 2104 Larimer St. 7-9 p.m.
To All A Good Night! Christmas film series: "Tokyo Godfathers." Sie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. 9:30 p.m. $7-11.
Midnight Madness: "The Room." Esquire Theatre, 590 Downing St. Midnight. $9.50.
Midnight Madness: "In Bruges." Esquire Theatre, 590 Downing St. Midnight. $9.50.
Friday Night Bazaar Holiday. Live music and more than 60 local craft, fashion, and food vendors. 1717 E. 30th Ave. 4 p.m. $5-25.
Art
Best bet: Black Sheep Friday: Let’s Get Metaphysical. Create a sigil and practice chaos magick at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 1485 Delgany St. 7-9 p.m. Free-$5.
Cultural Reflections. Meet-and-greet with artists Angelica Isabel Hernandez, Archie Villeda, Chris Brashar, Heather Amador, Lorena Aranda, Miguel de Jezús and Valeriana Sloan. Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Drive. 6:30 p.m.
Opening reception: "Western Sky|Northern Lights" by Anna Dvorak. Michael Warren Contemporary, 760 Santa Fe Drive. 6-8 p.m.
Opening reception: "Anatomical" by Marie Conigliaro. Rosehouse, 14 S. Broadway. 7:30-9 p.m.
Members Show. Spark Gallery, 900 Santa Fe Drive. 5-9 p.m.
For families
Best bet: Christmas Movies at The Cube. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" followed immediately by "It's A Wonderful Life." The Cube Stapleton, 8371 Northfield Blvd. 5-9 p.m. Free.
“A Christmas Carol.” Stage Theatre, 1101 13th St. 7:30 p.m. $35-85.
“The Nutcracker.” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St. 7:30 p.m. $30-90.
Moscow Ballet’s "Great Russian Nutcracker." Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place. 7 p.m. $28-89.
Sound Of The Rockies presents "A Year Without A Santa Claus." Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. 7:30 p.m. $22-32.
Denver Christkindl Market. Music, Bier & Gluehwein, entertainment, gifts and crafts. Skyline Park, 16th and Arapahoe streets. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
For your brain
Potential for Silence, Sound and Action. Museum guide Nina Peterson leads a discussion of the musical innovations that occurred contemporaneously with the development of abstract expressionism. Following the talk, electronic musician Dream Hike (Dean Inman) will perform an improvised musical set inspired by the processes and characteristics of experimental music from the 1950s and ’60s. Clyfford Still Museum, 1250 Bannock St. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free.
For a cause
Hot Night Snow Ball. Cocktail hour, live music, performances, silent auction, hors d'eurves, dance classes, dance and live blues. Proceeds support Community-Minded Dance's educational programming. Family-friendly. McNichols Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave. 6 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $10-60.
Sports
Denver Nuggets at Orlando Magic, 5 p.m.
Saturday
Food & drink
Station 26 Fourth Birthday Bash. Live music from Chris Dismuke and special tappings, including the Fourth Birthday Beer, a port barrel-aged Belgian quad with plums. Station 26 Brewing Co., 7045 E. 38th Ave. 1-11 p.m. 21+ after 6 p.m.
OMF Turns 5. First 150 humans get a free fifth anniversary glass (with purchase of pour). Bottle releases of 2017 Laws Rye Barrel Aged Fixed Blade Barleywine, Saison Trystero Batch 2, Those Who Believe in Telekinesis, Raise My Hand winter solstice mixed-culture golden sour (Baere collab). Our Mutual Friend Brewery, 2810 Larimer St. Noon-midnight.
Ugly Sweater Party. Seasonal beer, holiday movies, photo fun, home baked cookies, Pico Arepa food truck and more. Bruz Beers, 1675 W. 67th Ave. 6-10 p.m.
Workshop: The World of Belgian Beers. Bruz Beers, 1675 W. 67th Ave. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $25.
Spangalang Cocktail Party. $30 "Cocktail Party Package" comes with a Spangalang rocks glass, a pour of each of the five cocktail themed beers and hors-devours. Or: purchase individual pours. Cocktail attire encouraged. Spangalang Brewery, 2736 Welton St. 7-10 p.m.
Pumpkin Sage red IPA release with food pairings. The Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project, 925 W. Eighth Ave. 3-11 p.m.
Barrel-aged Mr. Sandman release. River North Brewery, 6021 Washington St., Unit A. Noon-9 p.m.
DIPA Can Release. Diebolt Brewing Co., 3855 Mariposa St. Noon-10 p.m.
Decorating gingerbread houses. Materials for one house plus dinner, hot cocoa, bottomless champagne and wine and charcuterie. Hashtag, 10155 E. 29th Drive. 4 p.m. $74 for one house, one child and one adult. Bring a second adult or child for $15.
Cookie decorating class. One ticket includes a dozen sugar cookies, decorating supplies, hot cocoa and healthy finger foods for kids and wine, cocktails and appetizers for parents. Olive & Finch, 3390 E. First Ave. 3-4:30 p.m. 85 for one adult and one child and $10 for each additional child.
Entertainment
Best bet: “The Body of An American.” Final weekend. Playwright Dan O’Brien and war photographer Paul Watson explore the ethical and personal consequences of Watson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph. Curious Theatre Co., 1080 Acoma St. 8 p.m. $42-48.
Best bet: Handel's Messiah. Two nights only. Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St. 7:30 p.m. $20-94.
Best bet: Mike Watt. Lion's Lair, 2022 E. Colfax Ave. 8:30 p.m. $22.50.
“The Santaland Diaries.” David Sedaris’ stories of working as an elf at Macy’s in New York, adapted for the stage. The Jones Theatre, Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. $25-33.
“First Date.” As Casey and Aaron’s blind date plays out in real time, “restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, who sing and dance them through ice-breakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines.” Garner Galleria Theatre, 1101 13th St. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $35.
"Beau Jest." After disapproving of her last relationship, Sarah Goldman’s conservative Jewish parents are anxious to meet her new beau, Dr. David Steinberg. The only problem is that he is completely fictitious. MACC - Pluss Theatre, 350 S. Dahlia St. 7 p.m. $30-35.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis. Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St. 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. $44-100.
106.7 KBPI's Mistletoe Jam featuring Papa Roach. Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 N. Clarkson St. 8 p.m. $29.50.
Sikdope. Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $10.
Denver Black Sky V featuring Broken Hope. Gothic Theatre, 3263 S. Broadway. 5:30 p.m. $20-25.
Chet Porter. Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. 9 p.m. $12-15.
Brent Cowles & the Foxhole Family Band. Lost Lake, 3602 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $12.75-25.50.
Aaron Gillespie. Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St. 8:30 p.m. $13-15.
Nova Fest 5. Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway. 8 p.m. $10.
Del McCoury Band. Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, 2637 Welton St. 9 p.m. $25-30.
Joey Porter's Shady Business. Cervantes Other Side, 2637 Welton St. 9 p.m. $20-25.
Say Anything. Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St. 7 p.m. $23-28.
"Mortified" Live: 2017 Yearbook. Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. 8 p.m. $13-16.
Ian Cooke's Album Release and Going Away Party. Syntax Physic Opera, 554 S. Broadway. 9 p.m. $15.
Gabriel Mervine Quintent. Nocturne, 1330 27th St. 7 p.m. $15.
Chris Karns and Teeko. The Black Box, 314 E. 13th Ave. 9 p.m. $15-20.
Ratio Sessions: Radar State. The band will do a brief interview with Mostly Harmless Podcast and a short acoustic set before the show at Summit Music Hall. Ratio Beerworks, 2920 Larimer St. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free.
"No God, No Masters." Sketches, standup, music and puppets. Comedy RoomRoom, 2104 Larimer St. 7-9 p.m. Free.
Midnight Madness: "The Room." Esquire Theatre, 590 Downing St. Midnight. $9.50.
Midnight Madness: "In Bruges." Esquire Theatre, 590 Downing St. Midnight. $9.50.
Horror for The Holidays Double Feature Spooktacular. Two surprise spooky films, plus the world premiere of the new, monthly YouTube show, UNKL GRIMLY. Grandma's House, 1710 S. Broadway. 7 p.m.-midnight.
Mini Comic Con 2. Comics, games, cosplay, face painting and more. Sam Gary Branch Library, 2961 Roslyn St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Art
27th Annual Miniatures Exhibition. Work from a wide range of artists, from emerging to well-established, spanning multiple genres. Abend Gallery, 1412 Wazee St. 6-10 p.m.
For families
Best bet: SPELLS Summer In December In A Library Basement. Bring the kids. Bring the earplugs. Dress for the occasion. Music at 10:30 a.m. followed by crafts and snacks. Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library, 305 Milwaukee St. 10 a.m.-noon.
East5ide Unified|Unidos 80205 Community Celebration. Live music, mural-painting and a toy, clothes and shoe drive. Church in the City, 1580 North Gaylord St. 2:30-6:30 p.m. Free.
“A Christmas Carol.” Stage Theatre, 1101 13th St. 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $35-85.
“The Nutcracker.” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St. 1 p.m. $30-90.
Moscow Ballet’s "Great Russian Nutcracker." Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place. 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. $28-89.
"The Nutcracker." Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. 1 p.m. $10.
Sound Of The Rockies presents "A Year Without A Santa Claus." Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $22-32.
Denver Christkindl Market. Music, Bier & Gluehwein, entertainment, gifts and crafts. Skyline Park, 16th and Arapahoe streets. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
For a cause
Ugly Sweater Party & Toy Drive. Wear a sweater and bring in a toy and get a BOGO beer. Denver Beer Co., 1695 Platte St. 11 a.m.-midnight.
Party of the Pups, A Benefit for Dogs featuring Lost Shapes and Motherwell. Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. 3 p.m. $10.
Sing It To Me Santa featuring The Record Company. Concert for Take Note Colorado. Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave. 7:30 p.m. $25-30.
Winter Market Pop-Up and Coat Drive. Locally made gifts and a coat drive benefitting the Denver Rescue Mission. Donate a coat and get a free mimosa from The Nickel. Hotel Teatro, 1100 14th St. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
USMC Toys For Tots featuring Red Tide Rising. Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St. 7 p.m. $7-10. Unwrapped toy donations encouraged.
Sports
Colorado Avalanche at Florida Panthers, 5:30 p.m.
Sunday
Food & drink
Meet on Platte & Make it Nice. Seven course culinary reintroduction to Denver's Historical Platte Street, hosted by chefs Nelson Perkins and Tharon Weighill with special guest Ryan Walker, formerly of Eleven Madison Park, Nomad and Attica, with optional drinking parings by Kevin Burke. Colt & Gray, 1553 Platte St. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $100.
Decorating gingerbread houses. Materials for one house plus dinner, hot cocoa, bottomless champagne and wine and charcuterie. Hashtag, 10155 E. 29th Drive. 4 p.m. $74 for one house, one child and one adult. Bring a second adult or child for $15.
Entertainment
“The Santaland Diaries.” David Sedaris’ stories of working as an elf at Macy’s in New York, adapted for the stage. The Jones Theatre, Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. $25-33.
“First Date.” As Casey and Aaron’s blind date plays out in real time, “restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, who sing and dance them through ice-breakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines.” Garner Galleria Theatre, 1101 13th St. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $35.
"Beau Jest." After disapproving of her last relationship, Sarah Goldman’s conservative Jewish parents are anxious to meet her new beau, Dr. David Steinberg. The only problem is that he is completely fictitious. MACC - Pluss Theatre, 350 S. Dahlia St. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. $30-35.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis. Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St. 3 p.m. $44-100.
SYCDVK. Lost Lake, 3602 E. Colfax Ave. 8 p.m. $8-10.
The Dustbowl Revival. Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St. 8 p.m. $20.
Unsane. Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway. 8:30 p.m. $15.
FLO 107.1’s Ho, Ho, Holiday featuring Scarface. Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St. 7 p.m. $25-45.
Hundredth. Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St. 7 p.m. $13-15.
Hunter Dragon. Syntax Physic Opera, 554 S. Broadway. 9 p.m. $5 suggested donation.
Midnight Madness: "The Room." Esquire Theatre, 590 Downing St. Midnight. $9.50
Ophelia's Sunday Peepshow Holiday Spectacular. Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th St. 8 p.m. $17.
Art
Freak Mart. Prints, comics, zines, ceramics, clothing, tapes, patches, live music and more. RedLine Contemporary Art Center, 2350 Arapahoe St. Noon-10 p.m. Bring cash.
“Introduction to Modern Calligraphy” with Ink + Root and cocktails and charcuteries from The Nickel. Hotel Teatro, 1100 14th St. 2-4 p.m. $110.
Foul-Mouthed Cross-Stitch Sundays. Get crafty and do some cross-stitching. All materials provided with purchase. Grandma’s House, 1710 S. Broadway. Noon-9 p.m.
For families
SCFD Free Day - Celebrating the LGBTQ Community. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
“A Christmas Carol.” Stage Theatre, 1101 13th St. 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. $35-85.
"The Nutcracker." Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. 1 p.m. $10.
Denver Christkindl Market. Music, Bier & Gluehwein, entertainment, gifts and crafts. Skyline Park, 16th and Arapahoe streets. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Moving Horses. Make and decorate your own paper horse with joints that can be moved and positioned. This project is inspired by Eadweard Muybridge’s famous photographs of horses running. Ideal for ages 4 and up. Children's Library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway. 2-3 p.m.
Sports
Denver Nuggets at Indiana Pacers, 3 p.m.
Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets, 2:05 p.m.
Didn't find what you're looking for? Here's a link to Meetups near Denver. Or you might try MileHighOnTheCheap.com's calendar.
