Critic’s pick
Funny favorites at Comedy Works South, Improv
TODAY-SUNDAY. It’s nice to hole up in a warm, cozy room after a long week of snow and ice — with some adult drinks, of course — and Denver’s comedy clubs are here to oblige. This weekend features a double shot of Front Range favorites: Road warrior and TV regular Kathleen Madigan may just own the title of Comedy Works’ favorite comic, as often (and as successfully) as she performs there. “I’m looking forward to a pint of Guinness at Nallen’s pub,” Madigan said of the LoDo watering hole. She plays Comedy Works South today and Saturday ($35; 5345 Landmark Place, 720-274- 6800 or ). Across town, former MTV VJ and “Last Comic Standing” host Bill Bellamy, pictured, brings his “Ladies Night Out” tour to the Improv at Northfield Stapleton for five shows. ($22; 8246 E. 49th Ave., No. 1400, 303-307-1777 or improvdenver ). Be sure to check out our “Why So Serious?” Q&As with both comics on . John Wenzel
Family Fun
A sweet way to get into the holiday spirit
through saturday. The holidays are extra-sweet at the Candy Cane Festival at Hammond’s Candies. The candy factory hosts the party for two days this year, beginning today with a miniature version of the annual festival — think of it as a sneak preview. Visit on Saturday for the full experience: cookie decorating, caroling, storytelling, trolley rides and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance, of course, and guests can go on a short tour of the factory. Noon to 5 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Hammond’s Candies, 5735 Washington St.; 888-226-3999. Admission is free.
Smooth moves from “Toy Story 3” favorites
through sunday. Buzz, Woody and the whole gang take to the ice in Disney on Ice’s “Toy Story 3” at the Pepsi Center. The musical show focuses on the plot of the 2010 movie, including new characters like Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear and Barbie’s boy toy Ken. Expect other scenes, too, like Buzz Lightyear’s showdown with Emperor Zurg and a party at Woody’s Roundup. 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. today; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (The 7 p.m. Sunday performance is in Spanish.) Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Circle; 303-405-1100. Tickets are $15-$72, available at or by calling 866-461-6556.
A sparkling time at the Denver Zoo
through jan. 1. Go on a sparkling safari at the Denver Zoo’s ZooLights, beginning tonight. This year’s display features more than 150 animated animal light sculptures, plus live entertainment throughout the zoo. Get a photo with Santa, watch ice carvers create sculptures, grab a snack or take a break in one of the warming huts along the way. Bring along a nonperishable food item and receive $1 off admission: The zoo’s aiming to collect 7,500 pounds of food to donate — the same weight as Dolly, one of its elephants. Plus, a five-day Kwanzaa celebration begins Dec. 26, including storytelling and drum performances. 5-9 p.m. daily through Jan. 1. Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St.; 303-376-4800. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors ages 65 and older, $5 for kids ages 3 to 11. Zoo members receive $2 off admission.
Hop a train with Santa at the railroad museum
saturday-sunday. Santa gets steamed up — in a good way — when the “Santa Claus Special” departs from the Colorado Railroad Museum. The old-fashioned steam train leaves from the museum’s depot every 30 minutes, carrying the passengers in historic cars decorated for the holidays. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; the event also runs Dec. 17. Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden; 303-279-4591. Admission: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors over 60, $5 for children ages 2 to 16.
Christmas Market opens in Georgetown
saturday and sunday. Have a high-country holiday at the 51st annual Georgetown Christmas Market. A European-style outdoor market beckons to gift-givers while carolers in Victorian costume make their rounds. Watch for St. Nicholas, too, and a traditional Santa Lucia procession of kids wearing robes, and stars on their heads. Snag some roasted chestnuts and hop on a horse-drawn wagon ride through the town — and grown-ups, keep an eye out for glögg and wassail at the local pubs. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Sixth Street, Georgetown. Admission is free.
Holiday music
Thank you, Mr. Ambler — and happy holidays
Today through Sunday. Bass clarinetist Don Ambler may have retired from the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, but he never stopped playing. Or encouraging others to play. For 30-plus years he has been the force behind the Colorado Clarinet Choir, which assembles annually to spread a little holiday charm before a few CSO concerts. This year, the 45-member ensemble of amateurs and pros will perform in the lobby of Boettcher Concert Hall just before the orchestra’s “Colorado Christmas” program. Anyone with a ticket to the CSO’s events gets the bonus of some great clarinet playing inspired by the dedicated Ambler. 6 p.m. today, 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $30. More concert info at 303-623-7876 or at . Ray Mark Rinaldi
Film
An animated evening with Don Hertzfeldt
Saturday. One of the most lauded — and indie — animators alive comes to town for a one-night celebration of stick-figure attitude and other expressions of cartoon wisdom at the Denver FilmCenter/Colfax.
“An Evening With Don Hertzfeldt”
features the premiere of the Austin, Texas-based filmmaker’s latest hand-drawn wonder, “It’s Such a Beautiful Day,” the final chapter in a trilogy featuring a guy named Bill. The entire trilogy, including “Everything Will Be Okay” and “I’m So Proud of You,” will screen in 35mm. Plus the 35-year-old Oscar nominee will take part in an on-stage Q&A. Saturday, 7 p.m and 9:30 p.m. Denver FilmCenter/Colfax, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. $12-$15. . 303-820-3456. Lisa Kennedy
