HANDBELLS TOLL FOR THEE
Rocky Mountain Ringers
7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Arvada Presbyterian Church, 5592 Independence St.; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1600 Grant St., Denver; rmringers.org.
You’ve never heard handbells like this. As intriguing to watch as they are to listen to, the Rocky Mountain Ringers create lush, complex harmonies from six octaves’ worth of traditional Whitechapel bells and high-tech hand chimes. This weekend they pair with the Arvada Center Chorale, playing music for bells, voices and ensemble. On Dec. 6 they play classical, traditional and contemporary Christmas music at St. Paul, described as “acoustically perfect” for handbells.
ONE-OF-A-KIND SHOPPING
Annual Holiday Artisan Fair
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Meininger Art Supply
499 Broadway, 303-698-3838
More than 15 artists from the Front Range will display paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photographs, calligraphic works, hand-painted hats and hoodies, magnets and altered books. While you’re there, drool with us over the writing instruments, from the Retro 51 Sudoku mechanical pencil (with a smooth lead and extra-huge eraser) to Yard-O-Led pens, handcrafted in England in solid silver.
ALL ABOARD FOR BELIEVING
The Polar Express
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, through Dec. 27
877-TRAIN-07 or 970-247-2733
durangotrain.com
Chris Van Allsburg’s story is brought to life in Durango, as the steam train takes a one-hour evening journey to the North Pole, where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting. Hot chocolate and cookies are served on the way. Children can wear their pajamas, and Santa boards the train to greet each child and present a sleigh bell to “all who truly believe.” Tickets are $24 for adults, $16 for children.
