Many cities in Northern Colorado are celebrating the holidays with special events as follows:
Aurora: Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the city of Aurora’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Merry Makers Market on Tuesday, Dec. 3, on the Great Lawn of the Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway.
Enjoy a one-stop shopping event with Merry Makers Market from 4 to 8 p.m. inside Aurora Central Library, on the west side of the Great Lawn. This unique market features a large variety of products from local and regional small businesses, an excellent opportunity to find the perfect one-of-a-kind gift for your loved ones. After shopping, step outside to the Great Lawn and enjoy Aurora’s Holiday Tree Lighting from 5 to 7 p.m. This year’s event will include fun holiday-themed activities, sweet treats, performances from Aurora Heart Dancers and The Original Dickens Carolers, and special appearances from Anna and Elsa, as well as the one and only Santa Claus.
Attendees are invited to visit the Aurora History Museum, also located on the municipal campus, to enjoy the 25th annual Festival of Wreaths, a unique exhibit featuring wreaths decorated and donated by local businesses, organizations, and individuals.
Centennial: The City of Centennial warmly invites families and neighbors to kick off the holiday season with an afternoon packed with cheer at Jingle Jam! This free, family-friendly celebration will be held from 1–4 p.m. on Saturday, December 7 at Centennial Center Park (13050 E. Peakview Ave.)
Bundle up for a delightful afternoon, where the park will be brimming with holiday spirit! Local school choirs will fill the amphitheater with the sounds of the season, performing timeless holiday favorites that are sure to make hearts merry and bright. Dancers will round out the show with their magical moves. And don’t forget your cameras, there will be plenty of photo opportunities to capture joyful memories with Santa himself!
Highlands Ranch: There is nothing quite like an old-fashioned, community holiday celebration. Join us from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E Gateway Dr.
Horse-drawn hayrides and Santa visits are just a few of the many festive activities featured at this year’s celebration. All ages will enjoy entertainment, gifts and craft vendors, and fun games with prizes. A face painting booth and caricature artist will also be there. Attendees can also take self-guided tours of the 27,000-square-foot Mansion and participate in a scavenger hunt.
All activities are free. A coffee truck and a food truck will be on site with refreshments for purchase.
Entertainment includes performances by local elementary school choirs throughout the day, and a holiday story time with Douglas County Libraries at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.
Lakewood: Join Lakewood’s mayor and City Council to celebrate the holiday season during a lighting ceremony and festivities at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5. Lakewood Lights features free entertainment and family friendly activities.
Kick off the holidays with a festive lighting ceremony hosted at the Gazebo at 5:30 p.m. then gather with friends, family, and neighbors for a heartwarming evening of carols, cookies, and hot cocoa. The historic buildings of Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park will be glowing with lights and open to the public for this special occasion. Looking for a unique holiday gift? Shop the Museum Store during the event or craft an original ornament while you wait for a free visit with Santa Claus.
Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for a day filled with joy, laughter, and holiday magic. We can’t wait to see you there!