If you’re wondering what to do in Denver this week, you’ve picked a perfect time. The Mile High City is deep in holiday mode, and there’s something glowing, skating, or rocking on pretty much every corner.

Start with a big nostalgic hug tonight at the Paramount Theatre, where the Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas brings all those classic tunes to life at 7:30 p.m. The Denver Gazette notes tickets start around fifty dollars, and the show fills that historic room at 1621 Glenarm Place with sing‑along energy and Colorado pride. If you’re more into comedy than carols, Visit Denver points you to Comedy Works Downtown, where Denver favorite John Novosad, also known as Hippieman, is on stage tonight with his laid‑back, smart, and very local stand‑up.

For listeners chasing lights and holiday magic all week, Denver Arts and Venues lists Christmas in Color at Red Rocks running nightly through December 28, turning the iconic amphitheater into a drive‑through tunnel of synchronized lights set to music. Over at the Denver Zoo, the Zoo Lights display continues through early January, wrapping the paths and animal habitats in glowing animal sculptures and Instagram‑worthy colors. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science adds its own sparkle with Magical Winter Nights, a whimsical indoor holiday adventure open evenings through January 4.

The theater scene is packed. According to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, you can step into Dickens with A Christmas Carol at the Wolf Theatre, now running well past the holidays, or catch Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at the Garner Galleria Theatre if you like your winter nights with a bit of scary laughter instead of sugarplums. Colorado Ballet brings The Nutcracker to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House this weekend, a Denver tradition full of Tchaikovsky, swirling snowflakes, and kids in tiny party dresses posing on the grand staircase.

Looking toward the weekend, visitdenver.com highlights the Denver Christkindl Market at 1000 Larimer Street, open daily through December 23. Expect steamy mugs of glühwein, Bavarian pretzels, handmade ornaments, and live polka and folk performances that make downtown feel like a little slice of Europe. Denver Union Station adds to the festive spirit with Miracle at Union Station, a pop‑up holiday cocktail bar on the lower level featuring over‑the‑top decorations, themed drinks, and plenty of cozy nooks for date night.

If you prefer skating to sipping, you’ve got options. McGregor Skate at McGregor Square keeps a rink open in the shadow of Coors Field, with skyline views and nearby spots for a post‑skate drink. Meanwhile, Halcyon on Ice in Cherry Creek sets up a rooftop rink with music and cocktails, so you can glide under the city lights above the boutique‑lined streets.

Even weeknights have surprises. The Denver Gazette lists Drag Me Under the Mistletoe, a festive drag bingo night at Ambler on Wewatta Street, mixing holiday camp, charity fundraising, and plenty of sequins. And families might want to pencil in ICE‑IE: A Chilling Competition at The Shops at Northfield later this week, where local artists carve giant ice blocks into detailed sculptures while a live band plays and kids sip hot cocoa.

If you want one pure, heartwarming moment before the week is over, make time for the Denver TubaChristmas Concert at Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex later this weekend. Arts and Venues Denver describes hundreds of tuba and euphonium players gathering to belt out carols in rich, brassy harmony. It’s one of those only‑in‑Denver scenes that feels both goofy and deeply beautiful.

Wherever you land this week, from Union Station’s cocktails to Red Rocks lights or a quiet evening at the theater, Denver is ready to keep you busy, cozy, and entertained straight through the weekend.

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