There are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays this year. Here’s a quick look at this week’s events. We’ll update it each Friday through the month.
Boulder Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
Today-Sun: A performance of the holiday classic with the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, 4 p.m. today, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. $15-$50. Macky Auditorium, CU-Boulder, 303-449-1343, nutcrackerdreams
Candlelight Walk and Tree Lighting
Today: Performances by the Littleton Chorale, Arapahoe Brass, Leawood Elementary School Choir, Mission Hills Church Choir and Colorado Fire Tribe, 5:15 p.m. Free parking at Arapahoe Community College. Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main St., Littleton, 303-795-3863
Colorado Springs Philharmonic
Today-Sun: Presents “The Nutcracker,” featuring the San Diego Ballet and the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, 2:30 p.m. today and Sunday and 8 p.m. Saturday. $23-$45. Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., 719-520-7469,
Cowboy Christmas Tour
Today: Singer Michael Murphey spreads holiday cheer, 7:30 p.m. $18-$75. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., Greeley 970-356-5000,
Denver Christkindl Market
Today-Dec. 23: Handcrafted holiday gift items include traditional wooden figurines, candles, ornaments and more from Germany and other European countries, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. Free. Skyline Park, 16th Street Mall and Arapahoe Street, 303-534-6161,
Holiday Lighting
Today: Brown Palace Hotel hosts a grand illumination featuring 100,000 lights, 6-7 p.m. Festivities include cookie decorating, music, a gingerbread house display and Santa Claus and more. 321 17th St., 303-297-3111
Santa Claus Comes to Larimer Square
Today-Dec. 24: Santa sets up shop in a magical wonderland, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. today and Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Christmas Eve. Bull & Bear Courtyard, 303-685-8143,
Switch on the Holidays
Today: Downtown Boulder’s annual lighting ceremony includes caroling and a visit from Santa, 5 p.m. Pearl Street Mall, 13th and 14th streets, Boulder, 303-449-3774, boulderdowntown
Breakfast with Santa
Sat: The Brown Palace offers an elf-sized buffet, complimentary photo, music and more, Saturdays through Dec. 20. $10.95 children under age 5, $19.95 children ages 6-12, $29.95 adults. 321 17th St., 303-297-3111
Christmas with the King
Sat: George Gray and the Elvis Experience Band perform Elvis’ favorite gospel, Christmas and rock songs, 7:30 p.m. $12-$25. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., Greeley, 970-356-5000,
Christmas Madrigal Banquet
Sat-Dec. 22: A Renaissance-style celebration features a gourmet five-course meal, song, dance and more, 6-10 p.m. $99. 3820 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, 877-488-8787,
St. Nicks on the Bricks
Sat: Visit Santa Claus Saturdays through Dec. 20, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 1303 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-449-3774,
Community tree lighting
Sun: The Original Dickens Carolers perform holiday songs, 5:25 p.m. Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln, 970-962-2410
Garden of Lights
Mon-Dec. 31: The Gardens on Spring Creek brightens the holidays, 5-9 p.m. 2145 Centre Ave., Fort Collins, 970-416-2486
Handel’s “Messiah”
Mon-Tues: Performances by the Lutheran Chorale, Lakewood Symphony Orchestra with the Green Mountain High School Choir, Denver Christian High School Choir, Denver Lutheran High School Choir, 7:30 p.m. $14, $10 seniors and students. Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 Allison Parkway, Lakewood, 303-987-7845 or 303-366-1827,
Lagniappe
Mon: Historic Olde Town Arvada presents an evening of carolers, carriage rides, music, Santa and more, 5-8 p.m. 303-420-6100,
Holiday Sale
Tue-Wed: Stuff the Christmas stockings at Arapahoe Community College’s Clay and Jewelry club sale, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, 303-797-5700
Trail of Lights
Wed-Jan. 4: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield transforms into a winter wonderland, 5-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. $9, $7 senior, $6 children, free for children under age 3.8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, 720-865-3500,
Polar Express
-Dec. 28: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad bring the award-winning book to life on this magical journey to the “North Pole.” Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas. Reservations required. $18-$39. 888-872-4607 or 970-247-2733,
Symphony in Lights
-Dec. 31: the Shops of Northfield Stapleton hosts a choreographed light display to the music of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, 6-9 p.m. Interstate 70 and Quebec Street, 303-375-5475, northfield
Winter Wonderland of Lights
-Dec. 31: Boondocks Fun Center hosts an outdoor holiday-light display. $7, $5 children age 8 and under, free for children under age 2. 11425 Community Center Drive, Northglenn, 720-977-8000, boondocksfuncenter
Holiday Market
-Jan. 4: Commonwheel Artists Gallery hosts its annual sale, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Open house noon-4 p.m. Dec. 13. 102 Cañon Ave., Manitou Springs, 719-685-1008,
