‘Tis the season — already?!
Through Dec. 23. Say what you will about the Christmas decorations already littering people’s yards, but there’s no denying our thirst for holiday comfort (and drinks). That’s why the pre-Thanksgiving debut of downtown Denver’s Christkindl Market this weekend makes sense: The old world-style market, which runs Nov. 16-Dec. 23 at Skyline Park on the 16th Street Mall, is all about familiarity. This year’s 18th annual version brings back the Glühwein (mulled spiced wine), Bavarian-style beer and hot cocoa, along with local, European-style holiday crafts. Snack on German pretzels, soup, smoked salmon and sausages while you check out live entertainment and cozy up in the Festival Hall. Lederhosen optional. Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 1515 Arapahoe St. Free admission.
Home(s) for the holidays
Friday and Saturday. South Denver’s tidyBelcaro and Bonnie Brae neighborhoods are known as much for their historic homes as the food and drink that surrounds them, which makes this weekend’sL’Esprit de Noël Holiday Home Tourboth a launchpad for a day on the town and a destination in itself. Organized by theCentral City Opera Guildas a fundraiser for its high-country arts nonprofit, the tour includes a half-dozen homes decked out for the season by areaflorists and table designers. Check out this 42nd annual walking tour 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 16-17 for$28online or$30at King Soopers grocery stores — and at the door of the first home,740 S. Jackson St. A$50 “supporter”ticket includes a $20 donation to the Central City Opera.
Back to the future
Sunday. As the definition of retro continually updates itself, this weekend’s third Denver Retro Con will be sure to include plenty of 1970s through ’90s baubles: lunch boxes, fashion and toys, yes, but also interactive elements like arcade games, retro hair and make-up makeovers, Lego sculptures (and a play area), an ’80s fashion show, costume contest, TV and movie trivia, and ’80s karaoke. To wrap it up, the Con is holding a Prince-Off, in which attendees can unleash their inner Purple One to win Retro Con cash (good at any booth). Denver writer and DJJason Heller will also pull double duty by spinning tunes and, at noon, talking about his book, “Strange Stars: David Bowie, Pop Music and the decade Sci-Fi Exploded.” 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 18 at theRamada Plaza Denver North, 10 E. 120th Ave. in Northglenn. $6-$8 per person; kids under 12 and cosplayers free. $12 for early-bird entry at 10 a.m.
Fresh voices in dance
Saturday and Sunday. As part of the 11th annualNeustadt JAAMM Festival, which began last month and closes Nov. 18, savvy Denver dance company Wonderbound is stepping out of its usual routine with Wonderlab. The collaboration with the Mizel Arts and Culture Center finds company membersMorgan Sicklick, Sarah Tallman and Ben Youngstone choreographing new ballets with live, original music from Denver’s Jesse Manley, Annie Aqua, Emily Rose Lewis, David Short and Dean Hirschfield. While it debuted on Thursday, there are still shows at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and 2 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Elaine Wolf Theater,350 S. Dahlia St. $30-$36.
