Along with gifts and good food, the holiday season often brings family members and friends from across the country to one central location — crammed around a dining room table avoiding talk of politics. While quality time with all three of your rarely seen uncles is appreciated, it’s not easy entertaining a house full of guests. Take your relatives to any or all of these local hangouts to clear the house for a few hours and enjoy time together.
Address: 7330 W. 88th Ave., Unit E, Arvada
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, by appointment only Sunday, closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Contact: 720-476-4431,
The scoop: Tracy’s Place offers a “creative twist on a paint and wine studio.” Rather than just wine and painting, Tracy’s Place offers a variety of craft projects, including beaded art, string art, jewelry making and wire wrapping, alongside local craft beer, soda, tea or coffee. Walk-ins are welcome, and group rates are available when you make a reservation. Visit to view upcoming projects. You can even plan a special visit where the whole family works together on one large masterpiece designed for your home.
Address: 6595 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge
dzܰ:2 p.m.-midnight Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-midnight Sunday, closed Monday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
DzԳٲ:303-420-2523,
The scoop: This bowling alley, family-owned and operated for more than 50 years, is unlike most others, the locals boast. While your bowling balls hit the pins, the food hits the spot. The vast menu includes classic bowling alley grub, like pizzas, chili cheese fries and burgers, and also offers options such as dinner salads, smothered burritos and steak (on Thursdays). Large groups are welcome, and reservations aren’t necessary — call ahead or just show up. Wheat Ridge Lanes also offers a spacious full-service bar and a heated patio that seats up to 60 people.
Address: 502 14th St., Golden
dzܰ:10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and Monday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Tuesday, Wednesday and all major holidays
Contact: 303-227-2552,
The scoop: If you’re a native to the region, you might have forgotten the Coors factory is practically in your backyard. Use this holiday season to reacquaint yourself and introduce your family to one of the largest breweries in the world. The tour is free, and all ages are welcome, although guests younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. On this tour, you’ll entertain your guests, learn about beer and avoid the awkward silence that’s sure to follow any mention of Grandma Edna’s funeral.
Address: 987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Road, Golden
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, closed Monday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Contact: 303-526-0744,
The scoop: Take your history-buff relatives to visit Buffalo Bill’s grave on Lookout Mountain. From there, you and your guests can see both the mountains and the plains. Afterward, visit the museum and learn all about Buffalo Bill’s life, acting career, Pony Express experience and other adventures. The museum also offers several hands-on activities and exhibits for kids. Group rates are available when you make a reservation.
Address: 1560 Teller St., Lakewood
Showtimes: Dec. 1-31 (excluding Dec. 24), 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 6 p.m. Sunday
Contact: 303-232-0363,The scoop: When you typically think of holiday plays you might picture Christmas acts but not this one. “Resolutions” focuses on New Year’s Eve and three middle-aged couples who gather at a Vail cabin annually after Christmas. The play was written by Josh Hartwell and runs about 90 minutes. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased online, or in person at the theater’s box office.
Address: 801 S. Yarrow St., Lakewood
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, closed Sunday, Monday, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Contact: 303-987-7850,
The scoop: The Lakewood Heritage Center is a history park and museum that has an outdoor amphitheater, 13 historic buildings and 35,000 artifacts. Each building and artifact tells part of the story of Lakewood from 1889 to 1969. If the weather is warm enough, take a stroll through Belmar Park after exploring the historic park and museum.