What’s our favorite holiday, America? According to a 2015 Harris poll, Christmas wins, despite all our eye rolling about commercialization. But firmly in second place? Thanksgiving. (Interestingly, Valentine’s Day came in dead last at 1%.) So with our two fave holidays coming right up, these suggestions will help you make the most of the season. Conveniently, most activities are south of the city like Stepping Stone™, but we also tossed in one in City Park, since the light rail can get you downtown pronto. If you want to learn more about the Stepping Stone lifestyle, click here.
Mountain Pine Yuletide Bazaar-Nov. 12, 9am-4pm
Visualize getting all your holiday shopping done early. Without fighting over a single parking spot at the mall. Head on over to Parker’s very own Mountain Pine Yuletide Bazaar, where more than 100 local artisans, crafters, and bakers will offer unique holiday gifts you’ll be proud to give. This annual fundraising event for the Mountain Pine Woman’s Club helps provide scholarships and support for local, national, and international programs. Held in the Parker Fieldhouse at Dransfeldt and Plaza Drive. Learn more.
Warren Miller’s Here, There & Everywhere-Nov. 17, 7:30pm
Whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, or mere armchair enthusiast, you’ll find yourself gasping in awe at the daredevil moves and sheer beauty of Warren Miller’s annual snow sport films. For 67 years, ski-film pioneer Warren Miller and crew have traveled the globe—from storied slopes to hidden corners—to capture incredible athleticism in the snow. This year’s film, Here, There & Everywhere, continues the legacy. Held at Parker’s PACE Center. $20. Learn more at warrenmiller.com and reserve tickets here.
Thanksgiving Tea at Cherokee Ranch and Castle-Nov. 19, 1pm
Kick off the holiday season with someone you love at Cherokee Ranch & Castle’s Thanksgiving Tea. A perfect way to catch up with friends, out-of-town guests, or perhaps a special little girl in your life, this holiday tea features a festive menu and sweet treats, followed by an hour-long tour of the Castle. The 1920s castle, Sedalia’s unique tribute to 1450s Scotland, has intricate cut-stone walls, soaring wooden arches, and an expansive terrace with mountain views stretching from Pike’s Peak to Long’s Peak and beyond. This annual event fills up quickly, so make your reservations in advance. Tickets are $50 and available here.
Pumpkin Pie 5K & 10K-Nov. 19, 7:30am
Free up your tummy (and your conscience) for the feasting ahead with a calorie-burning Thanksgiving morning walk or run. Join 5,000 others at Denver’s City Park for a flat and fast course—and a sweet finish that includes a heaping helping of pumpkin pie. (Go ahead, you’ve earned it!) The goal of this race is a fun, fit morning that supports community charities, clubs, and organizations through its proceeds. Need child care? It’s available by reservation for up to 40 potty-trained kids ages 3-12. Learn more.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve-Nov. 20
One of the world’s biggest rock acts is coming to The Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs. A favorite of critics, fans, and PBS fundraisers, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” is a rock opera about a runaway who breaks into an abandoned vaudeville theater where spirits from the building’s past turn her life around. With more than 10 million albums and DVDs sold, this progressive rock group sells out venues year after year and is renowned as a must-attend, multi-generational holiday tradition. Choose from two shows. $1 to $2 of every ticket sold benefits select local charities. Learn more.
