Fasten your seat belts. It’s that time of year when days zip by in an ever-accelerating countdown to the holidays. But maybe, just maybe, there’s a way to slow things down just a bit. To appease both the tyranny of your to-do list and your longing to relax with friends and family.

When you move to Stepping Stone in north Douglas County, it will be pretty easy to strike that balance when you live just five minutes east of I-25. Here, there’s simply no need to fight the downtown crowds for great holiday events and shopping. Listed below are a few ideas on how to kick back and enjoy the season in the south metro Denver area…as well as get that shopping done.

Happy November!

Ye Olde Yuletide Bazaar -11/09

Stock up on holiday gifts, baked goodies, and home-crafted items at this bazaar hosted by the Mountain Pines Women’s Club. Funds from this event go back into the community for service projects, college scholarships, and GED programs. Parker Field House (Dransfeldt and Plaza Drive). Free admission and gift to first 250 shoppers. 9am-4pm.

Movie and a Martini at Wildlife Experience -11/15

Put your own shopping adventures into perspective with the heart-pounding exploits of Indiana Jones. And savor popcorn and martinis, too, at this special screening of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 pm and includes entrance to the fine art and interactive exhibit galleries.  Showtime is at 7:30. $20 Members, 
$25 non-members. Ticket includes two martinis, light appetizers, access to galleries, popcorn, and the film. To purchase Movie and a Martini tickets online, call 720.488.3344, or e-mail.

Lone Tree Movie Night – 11/16

Here’s one for the kids: a double feature, pizza, and fun with friends. And for the parents? A quiet dinner out. Childcare professionals will supervise children (potty-trained and ages 3-12), and show two movies with an intermission. November features TBD. Be sure to bring a pillow and a blanket. Lone Tree Recreation Center, 5-9pm. $15 district and $20 non-district. Register in advance online or by calling (303) 708-3518. For more info call (303) 708-3518 or visit the South Suburban Parks and Recreation website. [LINK]

Junior League Holiday Mart -11/22-24

Enjoy a unique and exclusive shopping experience with one-of-a-kind merchants while giving back 
to the Denver metro community. This year’s new location is the 
Denver Marriott Tech Center
at 4900 S Syracuse Street
Denver, CO. 
Tickets are $12 at the door, $10 in advance. 
Children 12 and under free. Friday, November 22nd: 11 am – 7 pm
Saturday, November 23rd: 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday, November 24th: 11 am – 4 pm. For more information, email holidaymart@jld.org

Mayor’s Holiday Lighting – 11/29

Bundle up the family and kick-off the season at the Mayor’s Holiday Lighting in O’Brien Park. Starting at 5pm, you can enjoy free carriage rides, an exciting medley of the “Nutcracker of Parker” by the Colorado School of Dance, and a special holiday performance from the Denver Municipal Band. Then, at 6pm, join the Mayor, Town Council, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and the Parker Chorale for a magical Town Sing-a-Long of Silent Night before the grand park lighting. Coffee, hot chocolate, popcorn, roasted nuts, and light-up toys available for purchase. Afterwards, take a carriage over to the Performing Arts, Culture and Events Center (PACE) to have your picture taken with Santa. (Visits with Santa will also be available at PACE every Saturday until Christmas.)

Please park in downtown Parker, as the O’Brien parking lot will be unavailable due to the event. For more information, email or call Julie Wassell at 303.841.0353.

FREE Holiday Carriage Rides in Parker 11/30 – 12/24

Keep that holiday feeling going! The Town of Parker is proud to host free holiday carriage rides every Saturday evening between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bring your family and friends and enjoy downtown Parker all decked out with holiday cheer. And be sure to take the carriage over to PACE to have your picture taken with Santa, every Saturday until Christmas, from 5-9pm. Carriages will pick up and drop off in the O’Brien Park parking lot. No tickets necessary, first-come, first-served. O’Brien Park,

1075 Victorian Dr., Parker, CO. For more information, please call 303.841.0353.