December 4, 2025
Holiday Markets, Concerts and Santa Photo Ops!
The master-planned community of Looking Glass is fast forwarding to Christmas this weekend and next with holiday markets, concerts and Santa photo ops. There are also fun and frivolous theater performances nearby, too! Find your favorite things to do minutes from your front door in the new home community of Looking Glass in Parker.
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, December 4
PARKER CHRISTMAS DECORATING CONTEST!
‘Tis the season to spread some holiday cheer! The Parker Holidays Home Decorating Contest returns this December. The community is invited to celebrate with the Town of Parker by decorating your home for the holidays season. Unleash your creativity, bring some seasonal joy to your friends and neighbors, and enter to be named one of the best decorated homes in Parker!
Light Up the Town – Best lights or light show
Deck The Yard – Best yard display
Best Decorated Porch, Patio or Balcony – A great option for townhome and apartment residents.
All entries will also compete in the following:
Elected Choice Award – Mayor and Town Council Favorite
People’s Choice Award – Community Favorite as Voted on the Town’s Facebook Page
Entries will be accepted online until 5:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. Judging and voting will take place December 13 to 21. Once the entry deadline has closed, the Town will share a virtual map of all registered homes, so the community can plan a walk or drive around Parker to see the decorations and share in the celebration.
The top three homes in the three judged categories, plus the Elected Choice and People’s Choice awards will be announced on the Town’s Facebook page Tuesday, December 23, with each first-place winner receiving a commemorative yard sign.
Town of Parker, 20120 E. Mainstreet, Parker
SCROOGE’S DREAM: A RETELLING OF THE NUTCRACKER
Scrooge’s Dream, a dancer’s retelling of A Christmas Carol, is performed on stage, who bring to life the classic story of the miser’s heart being transformed for good. Join us at the PACE Center to remember the past, act in the present, and prepare for the future with dancers from The Dance Connection.
CLARA’S DREAM: A RETELLING OF THE NUTCRACKER
Clara’s Dream, a delightful twist on The Nutcracker, is an all-student dance performance. We’re excited to have all our dancers, from ages three to adults, take the stage to perform our unique version of the classic holiday favorite. Join us at the PACE Center as we come together to celebrate the joy and magic of the holiday season with The Dance Connection.
Thursday-Sunday, December 5-7
THAT CHRISTMAS-STEALING GRINCH
THE GRINCH broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements in New York City. Since then, more than 2.1 million theatregoers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which The New York Times praised as “100 times better than any bedtime story” and the Gannett papers hailed as “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features the hit songs “”You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch”” and “”Welcome Christmas” (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss) from the original animated series. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “”two sizes too small,”” decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations which help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, the music breathes new life into this timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas.
Temple Hoyne Buelle Theatre, DCPA Complex, 1101 13th St., Denver
Thurs./Fri., 7:00 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 3:00 p.m.; Sat., 11:00 a.m.; Sun., 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $41.30
DISNEY ON ICE: LET’S DANCE
Mickey and pals are rocking the DJ table at Disney on Ice and you’re on the guest list! Feel the electric atmosphere as they remix favorite Disney tunes into colorful worlds. Wish upon a star with Asha as she and Valentino save the Kingdom of Rosas from King Magnifico. Roar with delight as Simba, Timon and Pumbaa step into the spotlight. Groove to ocean beats with Ariel and friends, harmonize with Elsa, Anna, and Olaf, and sway to the rhythm of the waves with Moana and Maui. And the party really goes off the charts when guest DJ Stitch takes control. Get ready to turn up the fun at Disney on Ice presents Let’s Dance! *Note: Costumes not permitted for guests 14 years & older. Visit DisneyOnIce.com for more information.
Friday, December 5
ITALIAN WINE TASTING AT THE CASTLE
Italy is the world’s largest producer of wine in the world and this event will help you explore an array of wonderful Italian varietals! Charcuterie appetizers will accompany your tasting and afterwards you can sip a complimentary glass of your favorite wine as you admire centuries-old art and antiques. A cash bar will be available to purchase additional glasses of wine and you may also purchase your favorite bottles to take home. Reservations are required and non-refundable. Dress and business casual attire encouraged.
Timeline:
6:30 p.m. – Doors open for reserved seating
7:00-8:15 p.m. – Tasting with charcuterie
8:15-9:00 p.m. – Enjoy complimentary glass and cash bar for wine purchase.
TOMATO PLANT GIRL
Explore the complexities of adolescence and the beauty of finding one’s place in the world during Tomato Plant Girl, a heartfelt and quirky award-winning production. The play follows the journey of a young girl who, inspired by her love for gardening, plants a tomato plant in her backyard as a symbol of her personal growth. As she nurtures the plant, she discovers her ability to overcome challenges and transform her life, drawing parallels between the plant’s growth and her own self-discovery. The play blends humor and tenderness to explore the complexities of adolescence and the beauty of finding one’s place in the world.
Friday-Sunday, December 5-7
DENVER CHRISTKINDLMARKET
The Denver Christkindlmarket is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with more holiday magic than ever before! This year, organizers are decking the halls on Auraria Campus in Denver bringing fresh sparkle to the season with fun anniversary activities and glass ornament workshops. With twinkling lights, festive cheer, and delightful surprises around every corner, this year’s Market is set to be the most joyful celebration yet! Experience old German traditions with authentic cuisine, live music and entertainment (different every day!) holiday drinks, and an artisan marketplace. The Festival Hall takes reservations if you’d like to ensure designated seating at a desired time, and there are first-come, first-serve tables.
Auraria Campus, Tivoli Quad, 1000 Larimer St., Denver
Mon.-Thurs., 1:00-9:00 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., 11:00 am.-9:00 p.m.
Free and Open to the Public
THE NUTCRACKER BALLET-COLORADO
The Nutcracker returns to the stage for Colorado Ballet’s 65th season to delight audiences of all ages. This timeless tradition and audience favorite captures the festive spirit of the season, replete with mischievous dancing mice, sweet Sugar Plums, a symphony of swirling snowflakes, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.
Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1400 Curtis St., Denver
Sat./Sun., 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $11.20
Saturday, December 6
DOWNTOWN PARKER HOLIDAY MARKET
Celebrate the season with a full day of festive fun, local shopping, and holiday magic in the heart of Downtown Parker. There’s something for everyone to enjoy — from family-friendly activities like classic holiday carriage rides, to unique gift shopping and live entertainment all day long. With more than 100 vendors you’ll discover local makers, boutiques, and artisans offering gifts, décor, and treats for everyone on your list.
WINTER FRENZY HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW
Join 1500 other Aurora shoppers for a festive celebration at the Winter Frenzy Holiday and Craft Show. Enjoy a unique assortment of traditional and unexpected artistic, creative, handmade crafts in a setting that provides festive fun for all ages. Plus, meet Santa himself for photos and a special pre-Christmas experience. Don’t miss out on the magic—come celebrate the season with more than 180 exhibitors!
Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Free
KIDS’ MATINEE: LUMINOUS BEINGS
This special event celebrates the hard work, growth, and dedication of its students through a family-friendly showcase. At Luminous Beings, music education is rooted in the belief that everyone is inherently creative—and that learning to express that creativity through music is as much about the journey of practice, perseverance, discipline, and self-discovery as it is about sharing music through performance. Come enjoy delicious food from our kid-friendly menu, experience the joy of live music — punk to classical — and let these young musicians inspire your inner artist.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND WITH TEDDY SWIMS
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with an unforgettable night of music and magic! Alice in Winterland brings together powerhouse performer Teddy Swims, along with Neon Trees and American Authors, for a one-of-a-kind live concert experience at Bellco Theatre. Celebrate the season with incredible performances, electric energy, and all the good vibes that make winter shine.
Saturday-Sunday, December 6-7
A CLASSIC PARKER HOLIDAY
The Parker Chorale and Parker Symphony Orchestra return to the PACE Center mainstage with everyone’s favorite A Classic Parker Holiday. The annual holiday tradition continues as the Parker Chorale and Parker Symphony Orchestra join together for a performance that includes traditional carols, familiar songs, and a few surprises in this cherished seasonal celebration!
Sunday, December 7
FOREST MUG GLAZING
Join artist Esther Hawkins for a cozy, creative session where you’ll glaze your own charming woodland mug. In this hands-on workshop, Esther will guide you through professional glazing techniques and share the secret tricks potters use to achieve rich, layered finishes. All materials are provided, and your finished mug will be fired and ready for pick-up the following week.
NEXT WEEK: Thursday, December 11
BEAUSOLEIL AVEC MICHAEL DOUCET
Celebrate the season with the legendary Cajun-Creole sounds of BeauSoleil. Michael Doucet and the band can be credited with taking Cajun music from its regional roots in Louisiana to popularity worldwide. Join the Grammy winning band for a festive danceable program of bayou treasures and holiday classics, all offered with a sparkly Cajun spin.
Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $35-$45
Wednesday, December 17
THE UGLY SEASONAL SWEATER SOIREE
Ugly Seasonal Sweater Soiree is a hilarious and heartwarming holiday original musical comedy, featuring a live band and packed with festive fun. This brand-new production takes a playful look at the quirks of our favorite December traditions – because let’s face it, it’s not all fun and reindeer games! With treasured seasonal songs, holiday cheer, and plenty of festive fashion, it’s a night of music and merriment the whole family will love!
WINTER IN LOOKING GLASS
Christmas in Parker’s new home community of Looking Glass is the best time of year. With beautiful model homes from Dream Finders (and in January, Richmond American Homes!), it’s easy to find the best fit for your family. With so many things to do nearby, Looking Glass is a great location with highly rated schools and access to paths and parks and nearby recreation, entertainment and shopping. New homes with lots of choices – from the $600s.