MUST SEE AND DO EVENTS

Ring out 2009 and get 2010 started in style with the city’s most enticing events

By Christine Loomis

Now through Dec. 24
Christkindl Market, Skyline Park
Denver’s version of the German holiday market, complete with vendors from Europe with handcrafted gifts from the Old World. In addition to selections such as wooden figurines, ornaments, candles and more, try traditional German food and authentic beer.

Now through Dec. 26
A Christmas Carol
The timeless tale with original songs and enchanting sets, at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Stage Theatre. 303.893.4100 or denvercenter.org

Now through Dec. 31
Wine Dinners at The Weber, Inn at Cherry Creek.
At December’s wine dinner, indulge in Gulf oysters and Hudson Valley foie gras paired with Mumm Napa Brut Prestige—and that’s just the start to an evening of divine wine and food pairings that will seduce all of your senses. 233 Clayton Street. 303.377.8577.

Now through Jan. 3
Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light
The annual fantasy display with over one million lights transforms the Botanic Gardens into an elegant holiday wonderland. Returning favorites: romantic spots to kiss the one you love and seasonal entertainment. New this year: Intricate ice sculptures set along the garden paths in a dazzling wintry display. The Shop at the Gardens will be open. 720.865.3500 or botanicgardens.org

Now through Jan. 15
Downtown Denver Holiday Lights
In addition to the City & County Building decked out with over 600,000 lights, Denver sparkles with a 20-foot snowflake sculpture at the corner of 16th and Broadway and 460,000 lights along

the one-mile 16th Street Mall. In Skyline Park, the blue and white lights of a 22-foot musical Christmas tree are choreographed to 25 different holiday songs, and the historic D&F Tower will be dressed in lights, wreaths and bows.  Larimer is the place to stroll under a holiday canopy of more than 300,000 white lights, while you duck in and out of the street’s cornucopia of restaurants and wine bars.

Jan. 9-24
National Western Stock Show
Among this year’s special events is a Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, filled with cultural pageantry and champion charros whose horsemanship, roping, and bull-riding skills are guaranteed to thrill. Elegant dressage horses return in An Evening of Dancing Horses, and Super Dogs are back with amazing tricks, aerial stunts and action-oriented canine antics. Plus, performers and equestrians from across the nation compete in riding, reining, roping and more. Call 888.551.5004 for tickets or visit nationalwestern.com for information.

Jan. 13-17
Cats
For five days only this Broadway superstar comes to Denver, filled with Andrew Lloyd Weber’s immortal classics. Buell Theatre. 303.893.9582 or denvercenter.org

Jan. 15-March 4
Mercurio
A major exhibition of new work by glass master Dale Chihuly, featuring his lustrous silvered Venetians and Piccolos. Opening reception: Jan. 15, 6 to 8 p.m. Pismo Fine Art Glass, 2770 East 2nd Avenue. 303.333.2879

Jan. 22-Feb. 27
When Tang Met Laika
Theater and science come together in a world premiere production about life after living in space. Playwright Rogelio Martinez explores the 1990s Cold War thaw, the International Space Station, and two driven people who find love in this amazing galaxy. Space Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. 303.893.4100 or denvercenter.org

Throughout February
Affairs of the Heart Valentine’s Tours
You don’t have to stay overnight to revel in history at the Brown Palace. On select days in February, hotel historian Debra Faulkner will conduct special tours highlighting romance at the Brown. From the dignified romance of couples like President Ike and Mamie Eisenhower, to the scandalous affairs of Isabelle “Sassy” Springer, The Brown Palace has seen it all. Reservations required. 303.297.3111 or brownpalace.com

Feb. 2-14
Legally Blonde
“One Elle of a show,” said Time about this adaptation of the hilarious movie-turned-smash-hit musical about sorority girl Elle Woods. Elle takes on Harvard, the courts, stereotypes and men and we’re compelled to cheer her on.  Buell Theatre. 303.893.4100 or denvercenter.org

BOX
Hotels for the Holidays & Beyond
Romance, gourmet delights and, yes, even golf await at three Colorado classic hotels this winter

The Brown Palace
Through March 31
Luxurious Love
Toast each other with evening cocktails then retreat to your room and a romantic rose-petal turndown. The next morning, stay in bed as breakfast for two is delivered. Starts at $249. 303.297.3111 or brownpalace.com

Royal Romance
For the ultimate in romance share an 80-minute candlelit couple’s massage in the Brown’s luxurious spa, then enjoy a bottle of champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and a rose-petal turndown to sweeten your evening. Breakfast comes to you the next morning. Starts at $479. 303.297.3111 or Brownpalace.com

Hotel Monaco
Throughout 2010
Ohh-Baby-Baby
Your elegantly whimsical room comes with champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries, roses and a movie to watch together. Enjoy complimentary coffee or tea each morning and a hosted evening wine reception, plus breakfast for two in Panzano or your room.  Starts at $219. 800.990.1303 or visit Monaco-denver.com

Body, Mind & Soul
Cozy down in your room together, slip on the socks that come with your gift basket, and try yoga with an in-room yoga basket. Then indulge together in a sensuous massage or facial at the spa.  As evening falls, imbibe at the hotel’s complimentary wine reception. Starts at $267. 800.990.1303 or Monaco-denver.com
The Broadmoor
Jan. 29-30
Salute to Escoffier
What’s better than gourmet food and romance? Includes accommodations for two nights, Friday reception, Saturday Grand Buffet, cooking demonstrations, wine seminars and the Broadmoor’s to-die-for Sunday brunch. Package starts at $449 per person. Consider adding a night for dinner at the Five Star, Five Diamond Penrose Room.  719.577.5775 or broadmoor.com

Through April 30
Spa & Golf Getaway
More than 300 days of sun and frequently mellow wintertime temperatures in the Front Range make for nearly year-round golf. If the weather gods are smiling, the Broadmoor’s famed fairways will be clear of snow and as enticing as ever, whichever month you visit. Includes a round of golf per person per day, locker, club storage and range balls. You’ll also each enjoy a 70-minute deep tissue massage.  Starts at $408 per person per night. 719.577.5775 or broadmoor.com

Christine Loomis is a staff editor and writer with
Colorado Golf Magazine