Denver's holiday entertainment showcases world-class performances at the city's premier venues. The Colorado Ballet presents The Nutcracker with new sets and costumes at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, while the Colorado Symphony performs holiday concerts including 'A Colorado Christmas' and 'Holiday Brass' at Boettcher Concert Hall. From professional ballet to festive orchestral music, Denver delivers spectacular seasonal shows.
A Christmas Carol
Location: Denver
Dates: November 21 – December 28, 2025
Cost: $$
This musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel is staged at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, offering a vibrant rendition perfect for families. The production features a talented cast, opulent costumes, and detailed set designs that immerse audiences in Victorian England as they witness Ebenezer Scrooge's heartwarming journey of redemption.
Venue: Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Address: 1101 13th St, Denver, CO 80204
Phone: 303-893-4100
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A joyous and opulent musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel, perfect for the entire family.
- Denver Center Theatre Company's cherished holiday tradition, renowned for its festive atmosphere and heartwarming story.
- Experience the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's redemption through a vibrant musical adaptation.
Sound of the Rockies
Location: Cherry Hills Village
Dates: Rehearsals are held Thursdays from 7pm-10pm.
Cost: $$
The Sound of the Rockies, Colorado's premier men's a cappella group, performs at Bethany Lutheran Church, showcasing their award-winning barbershop harmonies. Audiences can enjoy a variety of musical styles, from gospel to Broadway, performed by over 100 talented singers, with opportunities to book quartets for private events.
Venue: Bethany Lutheran Church
Address: 4500 E Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Enjoy captivating music from Colorado's premier men's a cappella group.
- Book the ensemble or quartets for private events and special occasions.
- Experience world-class barbershop and a cappella performances.
Media:
Holiday Brass
Location: Denver
Cost: $$$
The Colorado Symphony presents 'Holiday Brass' at Boettcher Concert Hall, featuring a dynamic program of festive holiday music played by a talented brass ensemble. This concert promises to fill the hall with rich, celebratory sounds that are perfect for the holiday season.
Venue: Boettcher Concert Hall
Address: 1000 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 623-7876
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience the rich sounds of brass instruments performing festive holiday music.
- Enjoy a captivating musical program designed to fill you with holiday cheer.
A Classic Parker Holiday
Location: Parker
Dates: December 6 - 7, 2025
Cost: $29-$34
The PACE Center hosts 'A Classic Parker Holiday', an annual celebration featuring live orchestral and choral performances by the Parker Symphony Orchestra and Parker Chorale. This cherished event includes traditional carols and familiar songs, offering delightful surprises throughout the performance.
Venue: PACE Center
Address: 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker, CO 80138
Phone: 303.805.6800
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A beloved holiday tradition featuring the Parker Symphony Orchestra and Parker Chorale.
- A cherished seasonal celebration with traditional carols, familiar songs, and delightful surprises.
- Experience a cherished annual holiday tradition featuring traditional carols and familiar songs.
The Nutcracker
Location: Northglenn
Dates: December 11th – 14th, 2025 (Parson's Theatre); December 20th – 21st, 2025 (Pinnacle Event Center)
Cost: $$
Presented by the Colorado Conservatory of Dance at Parson's Theatre, this full-length production of 'The Nutcracker' brings Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life with stunning choreography and talented dancers. Audiences will follow Clara's journey through the Land of Sweets, complete with beautiful sets and costumes that capture the magic of the holiday season.
Venue: Parson's Theatre
Address: 1 East Memorial Parkway, Northglenn, CO 80233
Phone: (303) 466-5685
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Colorado Conservatory of Dance presents its full-length production of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker.
- A timeless ballet filled with magic, dreams, and holiday enchantment for the whole family.
- Enjoy a festive performance that celebrates the joy of imagination and the spirit of the season.
The Nutcracker by Colorado Ballet
Location: Denver
Dates: November 29–December 28, 2025
Cost: $$
The Colorado Ballet presents its 65th anniversary season of 'The Nutcracker' at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, featuring a cast of professional dancers and students from the Colorado Ballet Academy. This enchanting performance highlights the beloved story with stunning costumes and intricate set designs that breathe life into the classic holiday tale.
Highlights:
- Colorado Ballet's 65th anniversary season presentation of the timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker.
- A beloved tradition featuring mischievous mice, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and a symphony of snowflakes.
- Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky's beloved score performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.
2025 Holiday Festival
Location: Boulder
Dates: December 5-7, 2025
Cost: $$
The CU Boulder College of Music presents the annual '2025 Holiday Festival' at Macky Auditorium, featuring performances by student ensembles, soloists, and faculty. This concert showcases beloved holiday favorites and introduces new musical pieces, providing a festive atmosphere for attendees.
Venue: Macky Auditorium
Address: 1595 Pleasant Street, Boulder, CO 80309
Phone: 303-492-8008
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Enjoy a performance by student ensembles, soloists, and world-class faculty from the CU Boulder College of Music.
- Experience a winter concert featuring beloved holiday favorites and new musical pieces.
- Be immersed in the comfort and joy of twinkling lights and seasonal greenery.
Hip Hop Nutcracker
Location: Denver
Dates: November 21-22, 2025
Cost: Tickets start at approximately $122 - $171, average around $166-$278
A contemporary holiday dance spectacle that blends Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker score with hip-hop dance and culture, featuring a DJ, violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow. The story is set on New Year's Eve with a modern twist, including a mouse-ear-wearing gang and a nightclub Land of the Sweets.
Venue: Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre
Address: Buell Theatre, 14th St & Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80204
Highlights:
- Hip-hop reinterpretation of The Nutcracker
- Featuring hip hop pioneer MC Kurtis Blow
- Dynamic digital graffiti and visuals
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Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas starring Rick Schuler
Location: Colorado Springs
Dates: December 13, 2025
Cost: Tickets typically range from $30 to $60
A holiday concert celebrating the music and legacy of John Denver, featuring Rick Schuler performing classic John Denver songs and Christmas favorites.
Venue: Pikes Peak Center
Address: 190 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: (719) 520-7469
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Tribute to John Denver's music
- Holiday-themed concert
- Performed by Rick Schuler
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Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road Tour
Location: Denver
Dates: December 14, 2025
Cost: Tickets generally range from $40 to $75
A cappella group Straight No Chaser performs their annual holiday tour featuring classic and contemporary Christmas songs with their signature vocal harmonies and humor.
Venue: Paramount Theatre
Address: 1621 Glenarm Pl, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 893-4100
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A cappella holiday classics
- Energetic and humorous performance
- Annual holiday tradition
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Heroes and Holidays by Denver Concert Band
Location: Lone Tree
Dates: December 7, 2025
Cost: Tickets typically $15-$25
The Denver Concert Band presents 'Heroes and Holidays,' a concert celebrating the holiday season with patriotic and festive music honoring heroes.
Venue: Lone Tree Arts Center
Address: 10075 Commons St, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Phone: (303) 347-5999
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Holiday and patriotic music
- Performed by Denver Concert Band
- Family-friendly concert
Media:
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Location: Denver
Dates: December 3-7, 2025
Cost: $$
A Broadway-style musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss' beloved holiday classic, featuring iconic songs like 'You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch' and 'Welcome Christmas.' This family-friendly production brings the heartwarming tale of the Grinch's transformation to life with spectacular staging and vibrant performances.
Venue: Buell Theatre, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Address: 14th St & Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80204
Phone: 303-893-4100
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Broadway-style production of Dr. Seuss classic
- Features iconic holiday songs including 'You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch'
- Perfect for families with children of all ages
Handel's Messiah by Colorado Symphony
Location: Denver
Dates: December 19-21, 2025
Cost: $$$
The Colorado Symphony Orchestra presents the timeless masterpiece 'Handel's Messiah' with full orchestra, Symphony Chorus, and talented soloists. This holiday tradition features the iconic 'Hallelujah' chorus and celebrates the Christmas season with one of classical music's greatest works.
Venue: Boettcher Concert Hall
Address: 1000 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-623-7876
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Full orchestra and chorus performing Handel's masterpiece
- Features the iconic 'Hallelujah' chorus
- Multiple performances including matinee options
Elf in Concert
Location: Denver
Dates: December 22-23, 2025
Cost: $$
The Colorado Symphony presents a magical screening of the holiday favorite 'Elf' with the orchestra performing the score live. Experience Will Ferrell's comedy classic in a whole new way as the symphony brings the music to life while the film plays on the big screen.
Venue: Boettcher Concert Hall
Address: 1000 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-623-7876
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Live orchestra performs the score as the movie plays
- Holiday comedy classic 'Elf' on the big screen
- Unique combination of film and live music
All-Choral Holiday Concert at Red Rocks
Location: Morrison
Dates: December 9, 2025
Cost: $$
Experience the acoustics of Red Rocks Amphitheatre with a spectacular all-choral holiday concert featuring chamber and concert choirs performing traditional and contemporary holiday music. This unique venue adds natural majesty to the powerful voices celebrating the season.
Venue: Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Address: 18300 W Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO 80465
Phone: 720-865-2494
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Choral performances at iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre
- Multiple choirs performing holiday classics
- Unforgettable combination of music and natural beauty
A Christmas Carol Burlesque Revue
Location: Denver
Dates: December 12-21, 2025 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays)
Cost: $$
The Clocktower Cabaret presents a unique adult-oriented burlesque and comedy adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol.' This creative twist on the Dickens classic combines theatrical performance with burlesque entertainment, offering a festive yet risqué holiday experience.
Venue: Clocktower Cabaret
Address: 1601 Arapahoe Street, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-293-0075
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Unique burlesque adaptation of Christmas Carol
- Adult-oriented comedy and theatrical performance
- Intimate cabaret setting on 16th Street Mall
Farndale Christmas Carol
Location: Aurora
Dates: December 20, 2025
Cost: $$
Aurora Fox Theatre presents the comedic 'Farndale Christmas Carol,' a hilarious theatrical production that puts a funny twist on the Dickens classic. This comedy production is perfect for those who enjoy theatrical humor and lighthearted holiday entertainment.
Venue: Aurora Fox Arts Center
Address: 9900 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010
Phone: 303-739-1970
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Comedic theatrical twist on A Christmas Carol
- Lighthearted holiday entertainment
- Community theater with professional quality
Holiday Roast Comedy Show
Location: Denver
Dates: December 4, 2025
Cost: $$
Comedy Works presents a special Holiday Roast featuring comics dressed as fictional characters roasting each other in holiday-themed humor. This mature-audience comedy show combines stand-up comedy with roast-style entertainment for a unique holiday laughs experience.
Venue: Comedy Works - Larimer Square
Address: 1226 15th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-595-3637
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Holiday-themed comedy roast with multiple comedians
- Mature audience humor and stand-up performances
- Unique blend of roast comedy and holiday spirit
Media:
The Polar Express Family Movie Event
Location: Lone Tree
Dates: December 23, 2025
Cost: $
Lone Tree Arts Center hosts a family movie event featuring 'The Polar Express' with themed activities before the screening. This special holiday film presentation includes hot chocolate, crafts, and photo opportunities, creating a complete holiday movie experience.
Venue: Lone Tree Arts Center
Address: 10075 Commons Street, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Phone: 303-347-5999
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Screening of The Polar Express holiday classic
- Pre-movie activities including hot chocolate and crafts
- Family-friendly holiday movie experience
Media:
A Christmas Story Screening
Location: Denver
Dates: Starting December 2, 2025
Cost: $
Harkins Theatres presents special screenings of the holiday classic 'A Christmas Story,' allowing audiences to experience Ralphie's quest for a Red Ryder BB gun on the big screen. This beloved film screening is a holiday tradition for many families.
Venue: Harkins Theatres
Address: 2000 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80222
Phone: 480-627-7777
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Classic holiday film on the big screen
- Family-friendly comedy for all ages
- Multiple showing times available
RISE Comedy Holiday Shows
Location: Denver
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: $$
RISE Comedy Denver's improv theater hosts holiday-themed improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy shows five nights a week throughout December. This dedicated comedy venue offers festive laughs with talented performers bringing holiday humor to the stage.
Venue: RISE Comedy
Address: 3460 West 32nd Avenue, Denver, CO 80211
Phone: 720-306-5210
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Holiday-themed improv and stand-up comedy
- Shows five nights a week throughout December
- Dedicated improv theater with talented performers
Media:
Ballet Ariel: Little Women & The Nutcracker Suite
Location: Denver
Dates: December 12-28, 2025
Cost: $$
Ballet Ariel presents a unique double bill featuring 'Little Women' and 'The Nutcracker Suite,' offering two beloved stories in one performance. This professional ballet company brings classical dance and holiday magic to Denver audiences.
Highlights:
- Double bill: Little Women and Nutcracker Suite
- Professional ballet company performances
- Multiple performances at various venues
Denver Ballet Theatre at Parker Arts
Location: Parker
Dates: December 11-16, 2025
Cost: $$
Denver Ballet Theatre presents a full-length production of The Nutcracker at the PACE Center in Parker. This professional company brings Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet to life with talented dancers, beautiful costumes, and spectacular choreography.
Venue: PACE Center
Address: 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker, CO 80138
Phone: 303-805-6800
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Full-length Nutcracker ballet production
- Professional company with talented dancers
- Multiple performances throughout the week
Dual Star Academy: The Nutcracker Experience
Location: Denver
Dates: December 13, 2025, 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Cost: $
Dual Star Academy of Dance presents The Nutcracker Experience, a family-friendly performance designed for young children and families. This accessible production introduces young audiences to classical ballet in an engaging, age-appropriate format.
Highlights:
- Family-friendly Nutcracker for young children
- Morning performance perfect for families
- Accessible introduction to classical ballet
Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in Denver.