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.
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