Winter is on the way, and while some may dread the short days and cold weather, there’s more than one silver lining: Scores of fun events are in the offing, sure to brighten the season.
Here are a few of the lesser-known events we’ve discovered:
Camp Christmas, Nov. 18-Jan. 2, Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park: Spread over six acres, Camp Christmas offers artist Lonnie Hanzon’s “fantastical wonderland of lights, dazzling decorations, music, and memorabilia,” according to the event website. Visit Santa, enjoy seasonal cocktails and hot cocoa, and commemorate it all with a holiday photo.
Winter Tales, Nov. 27-Dec.19, 10255 East 2th Ave., Aurora: Factory Five Five offers an “interactive theatre experience for children” with four short plays that bring classic holiday books to life. Children will participate in an activity before the shows, and the books will be available for purchase.
Ugly Sweater Brew Run, Dec. 4, 3225 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood: Pull out those ugly sweaters, throw on a pair of running shoes and head to Landlocked Ales, which is hosting a 5k “ish” run along the Bear Creek Greenbelt, followed by craft brews, beer games and—was there any doubt?—the Ugliest Sweater Contest.
Princess Wonderland Party, Dec. 19, Cherokee Ranch, Sedalia: Gather the favorite princesses in your life and head to the castle at Cherokee Ranch, where they will enjoy an afternoon of singing, dancing, and storytelling –and meet their Frozen friends, Queen Anna and Queen Elsa. Refreshments included.
Pop-Up Ice Karting, Jan. 7-23, location unannounced: Modeled after Mario Kart’s “Sherbet Land,” Pop-Up Ice Karting allows participants to enjoy a custom-built ice track, with lots of obstacles, as well as curling, ice luges and hockey shooting. And when the going gets tough, the tough can head to the winter-themed bar for some alcohol-fueled R&R.
Ice Skating at Four Mile Historic Park, throughout December, Four Mile Historic Park. 715 S. Forest St.: Located on 12 acres, four miles from downtown Denver, Four Mile Historic Park is home to the oldest standing structure in the city, the last stop pioneers made before reaching Denver. This season, the site offers an ice rink, with skates available for rent, that will surely fee- just like stepping back in time—er, except for the ice, which is “a state of the art synthetic,” notes the website.