It can be tempting to pull up the covers and hibernate when temperatures are freezing and the sun calls it quits by midafternoon. But if you do, you’ll be missing so much.
North Douglas County keeps up a steady stream of fun family activities, even in winter months. Toss the holidays into the mix and suddenly you have a wealth of great reasons to get out of bed this December. (And you know the kids aren’t going to let you stay in bed anyway, especially once school is out for the holidays.)
May we present … your winter break survival kit.
Pajama Party with Santa at the Park Meadows Mall – 12/3, 12/10 and 12/17; 6pm-9pm
Start a new tradition: visit Santa in your jammies. Feel free to bring along some props — your child’s favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or book — and photographers will capture this special moment, sure to be remembered for years to come. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots and create a memorable moment for a deserving child in our community, too. With a $3 donation for Toys for Tots, you can receive a customized email letter from Santa on Christmas Eve. Park Meadows Mall, Santa Photo Area. All ages welcome, costs vary based on photo package.
Free Carriage Rides in Downtown Parker – Every Saturday in December, 5pm-9pm
Brisk air, holiday lights and a jingling, horse-drawn carriage. If that doesn’t give you a holiday feeling, what will? The Town of Parker is proud to host free holiday carriage rides every Saturday evening between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bring your family and friends to enjoy brightly decorated, downtown Parker during this magical time.
Carriages will pick up and drop off in the O’Brien Park parking lot. No tickets necessary, first-come, first-served. For more information, call 303.841.0353.
The Nutcracker of Parker – 12/19-12/22, 7pm with weekend 2pm matinees
Clara, the Nutcracker, and that troublemaking Mouse King return once more in this treasured Christmastime ballet. The Colorado School of Dance, Douglas County’s premier dance school, regales Parker families each year with Tchaikovsky’s classic work, featuring local talents along with professional dancers and professional backdrops and sets. Take a sneak peek at the performance here. At the Parker Arts, Culture and Events (PACE) Center. For more information, call 303.805.6800.
Downtown Parker Carriage Parade – 12/14, 10am-4pm
Celebrate the holidays at this parade of horse-drawn carriages, wagons, surreys, and stagecoaches, all dressed up for the occasion. Enjoy two holiday markets, a petting zoo and pony rides, holiday ice sculpting, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The holiday markets open at 10am, the parade will take place at noon, and pictures with Santa will be from 1pm-3:30pm. Parker Road and Main Street. Free; prices for activities and photos with Santa vary.
Wildlife Experience’s Holiday Film Festival – All month long
Gather the troops and settle into all your favorite Christmas classics … displayed on a 53-foot Extreme Screen.
Featuring films like Elf, The Polar Express, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, this event is geared toward families of all sizes and ages. Doors open at 3:30pm for activities including arts and crafts themed to each film, photo opportunities for your family, and more.
Wildlife Experience Premier Members may use their four free tickets and should reserve their seats as soon as possible. General public ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for kids (those under 3 are free).
