AWAY IN A MANGER
Live nativity
6-9 p.m., 6900 E. Belleview Ave., Greenwood Village 303-949- 0161 oasisnetworkcolorado.org
Every posada procession has a donkey, and sheep and goats are plentiful. But a camel’s another story. O come let us adore him, with cocoa and caroling, every night this week on Belleview, just west of Interstate 25, between Quebec and Monaco. The $10 fee per carload benefits The Oasis Network, a nonprofit that provides support groups and respite programs for families of children with special needs or chronic illness.
END OF THE LINE
Simpich character dolls
2413 W. Colorado Ave., Old Colorado City
simpich.com
Bob and Jan Simpich created handmade Santas, carolers and other figures for 54 years. When they decided to retire, the couple opted to close rather than sell their designs to an outsider. The Simpiches gave employees and customers more than a year’s notice, and loyal fans swamped the store and phone lines to buy just one more elf or baby angel. It’s a bittersweet moment: One of the final limited-edition Santas – holding a caboose, titled “End of the Line” – sold on eBay Dec. 9 for $836.
OY TO THE WORLD
Matzo Ball
Dec. 24, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Polly Esther’s, 2301 Blake St., Denver
303-382-1976 matzoball.org
You don’t have to be Jewish or single to come to the 20th annual Matzo Ball in Denver and five other cities. Organizers at the Society of Young Jewish Professionals bet that munching free hors d’oeuvres, sipping specialty drinks, mingling and dancing will beat staying home eating Chinese takeout and watching “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Tickets are $25 online or at the door.
