2015 Hometown Holidays by Colorado Community Media

A special supplement of

2015 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS November 26, 2015

Festive Foods

Holiday Events

Christmas Trees

Shop Local

Helping Others

Holiday Lights

Ugly Sweaters

A special supplement of Colorado Community Media 9137 Ridgeline Blvd., Ste. 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 303-566-4100 | ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

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2015 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS November 26, 2015

GET FE STIVE WITH FOODS Tips and tricks for

your holiday menu

HOW TO SPATCHCOCK A TURKEY

By Alex Dewind It’s holiday season: Time to dust off old cookbooks and dig out that crumpled piece of paper with Grandma’s classic stuffing recipe. Traditional tastes good. But this year, try adding a twist to the signature dishes for something new and equally as delicious. “My favorites are the family recipes,” said Eric Robbins, chef and owner of Uncorked Kitchen in Centennial. “But I like to tweak them – change it up.” Robbins and his wife, Katie, opened Uncorked Kitchen, at 8171 Chester St. near Park Meadows, about a month ago. The kitchen is an “interactive dining experience” with different events, such as private parties, cooking classes, date nights and wine pairings. And it has upcoming classes for those who need festive inspiration.

Photo by Alex DeWind

The classic, oven-roasted turkey is a staple for holiday meals. To maximize crispy skin, try a spatchcocked turkey. “It’s ﬂattened, so everything cooks at the same speed. And it takes signiﬁcantly less time,” said Eric Robbins, owner and chef of Uncorked Kitchen near Park Meadows.

“It helps people learn new recipes,” assistant manager Lindsay Joyce said, “or troubleshoot any difficulties they’re having.” Uncorked is hosting Classic Thanksgiving (with a twist) on Nov. 18, Thanksgiving Day Sides on Nov. 24 and Thanksgiving Pie Prep Party on Nov. 25. Continued on page 7

2015 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS November 26, 2015

THINGS TO DO for the

The following are some of the holiday events taking place around the area starting after Thanksgiving. Find more events each week in this newspaper.

ARVADA Lagniappe/Olde Town Tree Lighting Tuesday, Dec. 1, Olde Town Square, 5:30-8 p.m., 303-420-6100. Eco Holiday Crafts Dec. 3, 10, 17, 5 p.m., Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., join Carolyn Adam for this resourceful fun. Sign up early. Ages 6 yrs.-adult, $5/class, or $13 for all three. Santa Breakfast at the Community Recreation Center Dec. 5, bring the entire family for breakfast with Santa. Afterward, enjoy entertainment and visit with Santa. Bring your own camera! An adult must accompany children. Ages 3 to 103 must pay. Children two and under are free, but still need to register. No tickets sold at the door. Register by Dec. 2, by calling 303-425-9583. Breakfast served from 9-9:30 am. Sponsored by the Craft Carousel Gift Shop.

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Holiday Tea at the McIlvoy House Saturday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 7307 Grandview Ave. $25 per person. Limited seating, 303-431-1261 Echter’s Wreath Making Class Dec. 5, Echter’s Garden Center, 5150 Garrison St. Times vary, $25 for materials, registration required, 303-424-7979 Colorado Gives Day Dec. 8, initiative to increase philanthropy by online giving. Check arvadachamber.org for local businesses supporting this day. Holly Follies Dec. 9, get in the holiday spirit with dazzling dance and music. The Rockyettes entertain with their fancy footwork and seasonal costumes, while the Notable Choir fills the air with holiday cheer. Delectable desserts follow the performance. Register by Dec. 4, 303-425-9583. Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” Through Dec. 23, Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. 720-898-7200 29th Annual Fine Art Market Show and Sale Dec. 3-20, Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. Free, open daily, 720-898-7200 Paint & Sip Classes Dec. 11, Light Rail Gallery, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 7714 Grandview Avenue, 303-456-2624 Historical Society Open House Dec. 12, McIlvoy House, 7307 Grandview Ave. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 303-431-1261

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3rd Annual Ladies and Gents Holiday Tea Dec. 12, Arvada West High School, 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Tickets are $20 pre-sale; $25 at the door, 11595 Allendale Drive, 303-982-1303 Saturdays with Santa! Dec. 5, 12, 19, Noon to 3 p.m. Olde Town Square. Your chance to visit with the main man in RED! Bring your cameras! Continued on page 9

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2015 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS November 26, 2015

FESTIVE FOODS Continued from page 4

Favorite recipes and preparations

Not enough time? Cater!

Robbins picks his recipes from various cookbooks and past experiences. When preparing a turkey, he’s confident that spatchcocking is best.

If you’re in a crunch this holiday season and don’t have the leisure to spend hours in the kitchen, Whole Foods offers a catering menu.

“You take out the backbone and flatten it into one layer,” he said. “It maximizes the crispy skin.” And it’s efficient, requiring less cooking time and using less space in the oven. Robbins’ favorite holiday dish is strata, a casserole of eggs, bread and cheese. The American dish has different variants but one thing is for certain – it’s a comfort food. Its rich, creamy flavors are perfect for a chilly morning.

Whole Foods has its menus online at www. wholefoodsmarket.com/holidays. There’s everything from classic mashed potatoes to vegan broccoli-cauliflower soup.

You can find other seasonal recipes in foodie magazines sold at supermarkets. Bon Appetite has step-by-step instructions for gourmet meals and simple dishes. It even has a holiday gift guide.

It even has an “unexpected Thanksgiving menu” that includes Szechuan Cornish hens, green beans with mint, coconut crackers and other dishes.

Savuer, Food & Wine, and Real Simple are other food-inspired publications. Joyce, from Uncorked Kitchen, attended Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, for baking and pastries. Her magazine collection is her holiday cookbook. Don’t skimp on desserts this holiday season. Use seasonal ingredients, like fresh pumpkin, or mix it up with a bourbon pecan pie. “I use bourbon-infused vanilla,” said Linsday Joyce, assistant manager of Uncorked Kitchen near Park Meadows. Photo by Alex DeWind

“The entire purpose of it is convenience,” said Nick Hardy, store leader of the University Park Center location. “And anything with turkey is always a favorite.”

“I love all the great ingredients you can find in them,” she said. “There’s always something new.” She’s most excited to bake her bourbon-infused vanilla-pecan pie.

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It’s the market’s busiest time of year, Hardy said. His favorite dish is a crown rib roast with an herb-infused, circular-shaped rack of ribs handcut by a butcher. It can be plated with vegetables, stuffing or spices. The decorative piece of meat feeds a crowd. Holiday season is around the corner, which means wining and dining galore. This year, try something new in the kitchen and, most importantly, have fun with it.

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2015 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS November 26, 2015

FOREST SERVICE PROVIDES THE GREEN Christmas trees can be cut at parks all along the Front Range By Clarke Reader Nothing puts Colorado in Christmas like a tree from the state’s majestic Rocky Mountains. The U.S. Forest Service oversees five areas where Front Range residents can go to have some family fun, experience a Colorado winter and share in a holiday tradition – Red Feather Lakes, Fraser/Winter Park, Buffalo Creek, South Park/ Fairplay and Rampart Range Road. “In some of these places, we’ve been cutting Christmas trees for 30 years,” said Reghan Cloudman, public affairs specialist with Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests and Pawnee National Grasslands. “Sometimes, we have people who have photos of themselves coming to cut a tree as a kid. It’s definitely a tradition for a lot of families.” This year’s Christmas tree-cutting dates will be Dec. 5 through 13, and tree hunters must purchase a permit. A permit costs $10 and may be purchased with cash, check or credit card at office locations. There is a maximum of five tree permits per person.

Tree-cutting areas are normally open during the day throughout the week and weekend. They close in the early afternoons for cleanup. According to Jane Leche, public affairs specialist with the forest service’s customer service, volunteers, veterans and youth services, tree hunters should come prepared for sudden weather changes. Four-wheel drive cars also are advised, if not required, in some parks. Chainsaws are not allowed. “People should just plan to make it a day,” said Barbara Timock, public relations officer with Pike and San Isabel national forests and Cimarron and Comanche national grasslands. “People can bring hot chocolate, their dog on a leash and not plan on rushing it. We want everyone to have a fun, safe experience.”

Christmas tree-cutting permits are generally available from most U.S. Forest Service offices throughout the Rocky Mountain region. The tags must be attached to the tree at the cutting location and must be left on the tree until it arrives at its final destination.

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THINGS TO DO for the

Continued from page 5

CASTLE ROCK Holiday Fair and Artisan Show From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28, visitors to the Douglas County Fairgrounds Event Center, 500 Fairgrounds Road, Castle Rock, will have a chance to do some holiday shopping, plus get a free picture with Santa and win prizes. There will be fine art, handmade goods, kids crafts, toys, jewelry and more. More than 140 vendors are expected. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Call 720-724-2007.

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The Elf House Experience From 4 to 7 p.m. every Saturday from Nov. 28 through Jan. 2, at Festival Park in Castle Rock, there will be an exhibit featuring “Selfies with Santa” and “The Elves Dressing Room.” Take a photo with Santa or get dressed up like an elf. Admission is free. These are among the Season of the Star events held downtown and at Festival Park each Saturday. Find more events at visitcastlerock.org/events. Breakfast with Santa The Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd, hosts this free event from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Dec. 4. Call 303-688-4495. Polar Express Families are invited to come down and experience the Polar Express, Castle Rock style, from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 19. Attendees will enjoy a short train ride from the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Road, Castle Rock, to Festival Park, which will be transformed into a North Pole celebration with Santa, Santa’s workshop, food and holiday vendors and live entertainment. This is another free Season of the Star event. Call 720-724-2007.

CENTENNIAL Arts and Crafts Fair South Suburban Parks and Recreation’s annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at Goodson Recreation Center, 6315 S. University Blvd., Centennial. Unique, handmade items will be available for holiday shopping.

ENGLEWOOD Breakfast with Santa Join Santa for breakfast from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Dec. 12 at the Malley Senior Recration Center, 3380 S. Lincoln St. Cost for the all-you-can eat meal is $6.50 for adults and children 11 and over, and $5.50 for children up to age 10.

FEDERAL HEIGHTS Holiday Lighting Event See city hall light up, and enjoy some refreshments. Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Federal Heights City Hall, 2380 W. 90th Ave. Call 303-428-3526. Santa Gives Away Candy Santa arrives in Federal Heights and takes a ride on a fire truck through the main residential neighborhoods in the City tossing candy to children who are outside to greet him! Dec. 19, from 8 a.m. to noon.

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Continued on page 15

2015 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS November 26, 2015

LOCAL BUSINESSES encourage residents to

SHOP LOCAL By Crystal Anderson With the holiday season around the corner, shoppers are looking for that perfect — and unique — gift and experience. That’s where small businesses come in. As an alternative to the Black Friday megashopping frenzy the day after Thanksgiving, small businesses throughout the nation will be celebrating Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28. The movement encourages shoppers to move away from large retail stores and corporations and to shop local at businesses in neighborhoods and city centers. It’s a way to give back to those who support the local economy with job creation, revenue and distinctiveness, business owners say.

Above: Wilde Belle owners Lindsay Waldron and Karrah Bunjes stand in their boutique a year after opening in Lakewood’s Belmar Shopping Center. Background: Along with their theme, Wilde Belle owners create boot accessories to glam up and ﬁt their country chic shoppers. Photos by Crystal Anderson

“Shopping local helps keep the economy strong,” said Lindsay Waldron, co-owner of Wild Belle boutique in Lakewood’s Belmar area. “It’s about keeping money in Colorado and supporting people who are living the American dream.” Owning and operating a small business has benefits and challenges. For some, like Wild Belle owners Waldron and Karrah Bunjes, the benefits allow them

to live out their passions and dreams in a welcoming and friendly environment while promoting their employees and getting to know their clientele. For others, such as Arvada’s French bakery, La Patisserie Francaise, the complexity of having to adapt, yet be consistent to beat out the competition, is ever-present. “Ultimately, it will help out,” Sadie Russo, owner and baker of La Patisserie Francaise, said of the larger competitors. “But for the moment, they’re competition and they carry about 90 percent of what we do.” Smaller businesses give flair to a community, help further its economy and create its identity. “Your money spent locally is not going towards some CEO’s second house,” Russo said. “It goes directly to our families and my employees’ families … Supporting a small business keeps a large city feeling like a small community.” Owners like Thornton’s Donald Schlener of Schlener Jewlery, welcome the challenge of small-business entrepreneurship. “The customers coming in want to see the owners of the business and have that firsthand experience with them,” he said. “That’s the biggest benefit. We’re here, and after 39 years the customers know where to come.”

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Arvada Chorale caroling at 5:30, Chili Cookoff at breadwinner’s, horse drawn carriage rides $5 Lagniappe is an old tradition of merchants giving their customers a small gift with their purchase to thank them for their business.

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2015 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS November 26, 2015

HELPING OTHERS A TRUE HOLIDAY GIFT Organizations provide meals, presents to those in need

By Tom Munds

Each year, publications and television display traditional Christmas holiday pictures of friends and families gathering around a tree to open gifts or seated around a table to enjoy a meal. But not everyone has that kind of holiday. To help enliven the season for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances, local organizations annually step up with programs in which you can participate.

Inter-Faith Community Services Inter-Faith Community Services last year helped 550 families and 100 homebound seniors in Arapahoe and northern Douglas counties through its holiday adoption program. “Our program has an individual, company or family adopt one of our families or one of our seniors,” Inter-Faith project director Todd McPherson said. “We provide the clothing sizes and wish list

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of family members or seniors who will receive the gifts, with all items on the list under about $20. In addition, the gifts can also include nonperishable food items or supermarket gift cards.” Businesses often participate, too. First Data Corp. in the Denver Tech Center, for instance, each year adopts 25 families in addition to conducting food and gift drives for the InterFaith program.

The Salvation Army The Salvation Army also has several programs designed to make the holidays merrier for those in need. “We have an annual Christmas dinner that is open to anyone who wants to come,” information officer Tahreem Pasha-Glenn said. “Last year, we served meals to more than 1,200 people.” The dinner is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 24 at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St. Denver. The Salvation Army has a number of other proj-

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ects, including the opportunity to select a child’s name off an Angel Tree and buy gifts for him or her, as well as a program for donors to adopt a family. “We have drop-off points for donations of toys or non-perishable food, plus there will be volunteers ringing bells at the familiar donations kettles,” Pasha-Glenn said. “This year, we also have a mobile kettle, a way to make donations online at the website at www.imsalvationarmy.org.”

Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop Another local organization, the Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop, has worked since 1959 to provide toys for children of needy families. “We accept new or gently used toys for children 12 and under,” project director Shirley Nixon said. “Last year, we gave toys to more than 2,400 children. We are hoping to reach that many children or more this year.” The Santa Claus shop is looking for a new home, so donations need to be taken to one of the dropoff locations listed on the website at www.arapahoesantashop.org.

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2015 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS November 26, 2015

Operation Christmas Child Operation Christmas Child may be the largest effort to provide gifts to children around the world. Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian organization based in Boone, North Carolina, annually enlists people to fill a shoebox-size container with items for children. Suggested items included stuffed animals, balls, non-liquid hygiene items and school supplies. Last year, more than a half million volunteers helped gather and ship about 11 million gift boxes to children in 150 countries around the world. Julie Ochoa, project director for the south metro area, said in a press release that Operation Christmas Child is a project in which anyone can participate to bring joy to a child facing difficult circumstances.

Children in the Philippines smile after they received their Operation Christmas Child gift boxes. Operation Christmas Child is a program to enlist donors to ﬁll the shoebox-size containers with gifts so they can be transported and distributed to children in about 150 countries. Photo by Paul Sherar

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THINGS TO DO for the

Celebrate the Holidays at The Briarwood Enjoy • Lunch • Dinner • Holiday Afternoon Tea Every Saturday • Weekend Brunch Sat and Sunday • The Dickens Carolers

What the Dickens? Carolers

Continued from page 9

GOLDEN Golden’s Small Business Saturday and Elf Contest Support Golden’s local retailers while enjoying the small-town charm of historic Golden. Look for the 25 elves placed in Golden shops throughout town, take a selfie picture with the elf and post it on Visit Golden’s Facebook or Instagram pages to enter the contest. Stores open at 8 a.m. Nov. 28 in historic downtown Golden. To find shops offering special deals on Small Business Saturday or to learn more about the Elf Contest, visit www. goldenelfie.com. Holiday Art Market at Foothills Art Center Shop for Colorado-made fine arts and crafts. More than 100 local artists will have ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, paintings, woodworking, photography, holiday items and more for sale. Nov. 14-Dec. 31, open Tuesday-Sunday, at the Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St., Golden, www.foothillsartcenter.org, 303-279-3922. Candlelight Walk Gather at the Foothills Art Center, 15th and Arapahoe streets, at 6 p.m. The walk will be followed by a lighting ceremony along Clear Creek and a fireworks display. Free to attend, but people may purchase candles or glow sticks for $1 each at the Golden Visitor Center, 1010 Washington Ave. Dec. 4, at the Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St., Golden. Olde Golden Christmas Parades Free event. Following the parade, The Golden Hayride will be available to ride around historic downtown. Cost is $5 per person and kids 5 and under are free. For information on the hayrides, call 303-277-9222 or visit www. goldenhayride.com. 11 a.m. Dec. 5, 12, 19, in downtown Golden. Jefferson Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert The orchestra performs its annual hoiday concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Green Center on the School of Mines campus. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $20 for seniors. Discounts for students and children available. Tickets can be purchased online, 303-278-423, www.jeffersonsymphonyorchestra. org.

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The Polar Express Train Ride Select dates Nov. 12-Dec. 23, with performances at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. At the Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Ave in Golden. Tickets range from $35 to $100. Children under 2 may ride for free on an adult ticketholder’s lap. Visit www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org to purchase tickets, or call 303-279-4591 for more information.

HIGHLANDS RANCH Hometown Holiday The annual celebration of the season presented by the Highlands Ranch Community Association is from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 at Town Center South. There will be caroling, food, Santa and more. Tree lighting is at 5 p.m. Admission is free. Call 303-791-2500. Holiday Teddy Bear Tea The Highlands Ranch Community Association presents a Teddy Bear Tea party from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 5 at Eastridge Recreation Center, 9568 S. University Blvd. After tea, enjoy a fun-filled musical kids’ show. Tickets are $11 in advance and $15 day of event. Call 303-791-2500. Continued on page 18

2015 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS November 26, 2015

GLOWING LIGHTS brighten holiday nights

By Sonya Ellingboe With darkness arriving before 5 p.m., holiday lights take on extra warmth and appeal.

•

In addition to the fun of loading the family in the car and cruising neighborhoods, several large, public light shows shine across the metro area—each with a different personality. Bundle up in scarves and mittens and enjoy: •

“A Hudson Christmas” at Hudson Gardens and Event Center, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on select evenings Nov. 27 to Jan. 2. The 30-acre garden has 250,000 twinkling lights on its trees and shrubs, free wagon rides, visits with Santa and a spot to find hot drinks and snacks. Tickets: $11, $8 children ages 4-11, $9 members and military, $11 adults. Family Fun pack on Mondays: two adults and four children for $30. Tickets are available beginning Nov. 23: Altitude tickets.com or at the Hudson Gardens Welcome Center from 10 a.m. to 3 pm. daily. Information: hudsongardens.org.

•

Holiday’s Evening at the Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton, takes us back to an earlier day, with luminarias lighting the paths, occasional bonfires, carolers, the scent of warm cider and cinnamon cookies as well as the shapes of farm animals that must be “people-watching.” Hayrides traverse the fields in the crisp night air. Tickets are available Nov. 28 at the Bemis Library, 6014 S. Datura St., and the Littleton Museum: $10 adult, $4 ages 2-16; Friends of the Littleton Library/Museum members: $7/$3. Cash or check. Information: 303-795-3950. “Blossoms of Light” draws visitors to the Denver Botanic Garden’s York Street location from Nov. 27 to Jan. 2, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Warm drinks and treats will be available as families walk through a wonderland — maybe even equipped with glow glasses. (The conservatory will be closed.) Ticket prices will go up at peak times: $11-$13 adults; $8/$10 members; $6/$8 children, 2 and under free. Information: denverbotanicgardens. org.

•

“Trail of Lights” wanders trails through the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon, Littleton, from Nov. 27 through Jan. 2. Open 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets: $11/$9/$8/$6 Sundays through Thursdays. Saturday and Sunday nights are Santa’s Hayride Nights, when tickets cost $14/$12/$11/$9. Information: denverbotanic gardens.org.

•

“Zoolights” will double in size this year at the Denver Zoo, according to the website. Frisky neon animals frolic alongside the furry ones as families wander through the zoo. Hot drinks and snacks are available. Carolers also will sing holiday melodies. The Denver Zoo is at 2300 Steele St. (City Park), Denver. Ticket prices vary: $13/$11, $9/$7, $11/$9 seniors.

•

Another bright lights celebration takes place New Year’s Eve on Denver’s 16th Street Mall, when fireworks are shot from the tops of buildings at 9 p.m. and again at midnight. Free.

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THINGS TO DO

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Continued from page 15 Breakfast with Santa Enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast — along with sausage, juice and coffee — with crafts and letters to Santa from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 at Eastridge Recreation Center, 9568 S. University Blvd. Tickets are $11 in advance, $15 day of event, if not sold out. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Every person needs a ticket regardless of age. Call 303-791-2500.

Hometown Holidays in the Historic Westminster Art District 73rd & 72nd between Lowell & Bradburn Nov. 28 – Small Business Saturday Dec. 3 – Hometown Christmas Celebration Choir starts at 6:30 p.m. beside Fire Station #1 (73rd & Osceola). Linda Cherrington flips the switch to light the tallest lit tree in the state and Santa arrives on the historic fire truck!

Hanukkah Happening The annual celebration will be from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 at Northridge Recreation Center, 8801 S. Broadway. It will include networking, entertainment for all ages, singing, games, balloons, face painting, music, prizes, food and more. Email Beth at chailandsranch@gmail.com to request an invitation and for more information.

LAKEWOOD

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Lakewood Arts Council arts and craft show Nov. 3 through Dec. 24. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. At the LAC Gallery, 6731 W. Colfax Ave. A collection of arts and crafts by local artists for all shoppers’ needs. Works available include china painting, fiber, baskets, pottery, glass, wood, lotions/soaps, ornaments, cards, jewelry and paintings. For more information, call 303-980-0624 or visit www.lakewoodartscouncil.org. ArtReach Festival of Trees Select dates Nov. 25 through Dec. 13. Event times vary based on date. At the 40 West Arts district, 6300 W. Colfax. Return of the festival after a 10-year hiatus, the festival exhibits some of the most beautifully designed Christmas trees anywhere in the Front Range. For more information, visit www. artreachdenver.org. Lakewood Lights Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. At the Lakewood Heritage Center, 801 S. Yarrow St. Free. Official lighting ceremony begins at 5:45 p.m. and the Dec. 4 lighting will feature Green Mountain High School’s Shadows of the Mountains Choir. The evening includes free museum tours, tractor-pulled hay-wagon rides, and photos with Santa. There will also be hot cocoa and holiday cookies in the White Way Grill, holiday ornamentmaking in the Country School, and gift shopping in the 20th Century Emporium. For more information, call 303-987-7850 or email HCA@ Lakewood.org. Timothy P. & the Rocky Mountain Stocking Stuffers Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 through 6. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. At the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway. Tickets range from $20 to $35. Timothy P. Irvin returns for his annual performances with his Stuffers, Colorado’s finest Western, bluegrass and folk musicians, playing entertaining arrangements of original music and holiday favorites. For tickets and information, call 303-987-7845 or visit www.Lakewood.org/tickets.

Continued on page 23

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2015 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS November 26, 2015

UGLY SWEATERS bring holiday cheer

By Christy Steadman The approaching holidays mean people are pulling out boxes of holiday decorations, strings of lights, giftwrap — and the ugly holiday sweater. “Twenty years ago, you hated when Mom put an ugly sweater on you,” said Pat Lech, store manager of the Savers thrift store in Highlands Ranch. “But now everybody’s gotten into it. It’s become a big deal.” So big of a deal, in fact, that a specific day has been set aside for everyone to wear an ugly sweater. According to www.nationaluglychristmassweaterday. org, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is celebrated on the third Friday of December every year—Dec. 18 this year. More commonly, though, people seek out ugly sweaters to wear to a holiday cocktail or dinner party, office party, pub crawl and The Ugly Sweater Run, a 5K that tours North America. Denver hosts it on Dec. 19 starting at 11 a.m. at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City. People used to be able to buy ugly sweaters at second-hand or thrift stores, but they’re almost impossible to find these days, said Eric Hochuli, education coordinator at the Foothills Art Center in Golden. So, instead, some people choose to make one. It gives a person the freedom to make something “so gaudy,” Hochuli said. But “when you wear it, everybody will love it

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for how outlandish it is.” The Foothills Art Center is hosting its third holiday sweater open studio from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Cost is $5. People bring in a sweater to decorate, and the center provides the materials, supplies and guidance. “It’s fun art without restraints,” Hochuli said. Plus, creating the ugly sweaters in a group setting provides inspiration and encouragement. Lauren Giebler, co-owner of The Stitching Factory in Golden, agrees. Creating an ugly sweater “is a really great way to be introduced to sewing,” she said. The sweater is already made, so people only need to sew on some trim, an appliqué, buttons or other sorts of decoration. “We specialize in sewing,” Giebler said. But “if you can imagine it, we can definitely help you make it.” For those who prefer to purchase an ugly sweater, Lech recommends to start shopping early—even as early as right after the Thanksgiving holiday. Savers focuses on used donations, Lech said, and often people will redonate an ugly sweater after a specific annual party. Year-round, the store will hold holiday items and put them out to sell near the beginning of December. But it’s amazing how fast the ugly sweaters sell. “You’ll see junior high kids through 70-year-olds looking for an ugly sweater,” Lech said. “Everyone wants to find the ugliest sweater.”

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2015 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS November 26, 2015

THINGS TO DO for the

Continued from page 18

LITTLETON Candlelight Walk The annual Candlelight Walk will illuminate downtown Littleton the evening after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, with Santa and his sleigh heading down Main Street at 6 p.m. Hot cider, holiday music and reindeer add a festive, holiday flair. Donations of non-perishable food for Inter-Faith Community Services are accepted during the evening as well as toys for the Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop. Main Street closes to vehicle traffic at 4 p.m. Elf Crawl After some holiday shopping in downtown Littleton on Small Business Saturday, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in the Elf Crawl the night of Nov. 28. For $25, participants in the crawl will get tickets for drinks from numerous local establishments from 7 to 10 p.m., and a donation will be made to Inter-Faith Community Services. Participants, who must be at least 21 years old, also get an elf hat and are encouraged to wear costumes. Check-in is at Jakes Brew Bar, 2540 W. Main St. PJs with Santa Enjoy an evening of holiday cheer with dinner, dessert and storytelling at Arapahoe Community College in Littleton during the annual PJs with Santa event. The event starts at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. There will be fun and games for children, as well as a special appearance by Santa Claus. Admission is $3 for kids and $4 for adults. Purchase tickets in advance at the Student Life Office (Room M2820). For more information, contact Student Life at student. activities@arapahoe.edu or at 303-797-5668. Holiday’s Evening The Friends of the Library and Museum and the Littleton Museum present Holiday’s Evening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. Luminarias and bonfires set the scene and light the way to wagon rides, refreshments, and music reminiscent of times gone by. Costumed interpreters will bring the past alive in the historic buildings and farmyard. The museum is located at 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for children and can be purchased at the museum or nearby Bemis Library. Call 303-795-3950.

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Holiday Kickoff Sing along to carols and enjoy cookies and cocoa starting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at this free event at the Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree. At about 6:50, the lighting of the 12-foot holiday tree will take place. Call 303-909-7939. Santa Breakfast Party Dec. 5th from 8:30-9:30am in the Park Meadows Dining Hall. Tickets are $10 online or $15 at the door for kids. Proceeds will benefit the Gabby Krause Foundation/Bags of Fun.

NORTHGLENN Noel Northglenn Northglenn Recreation Center is turned into a North Pole with Santa Claus and festive activities. Dec. 4, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Northglenn Recreation Center, 11801 Community Center Drive. Call 303-450-8935. Continued on page 26

2015 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS November 26, 2015

CATCH A HOLIDAY SHOW Families celebrate the holidays in multiple ways with gifts, food, outdoor sports, travel and a visit to a local theater, music hall or gallery to enjoy a wide menu of arts. A small sampler here:

•

Nutcrackers among us •

•

Colorado Ballet is presenting its very traditional 55th annual production of “The Nutcracker” at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver. The audience will see 30 company dancers, 15 studio company dancers and some of more than 80 academy students spaced through the run of the production. This involves a full orchestra playing the beloved Tchaikovsky music, more than 300 elegant costumes, 100 pounds of artificial snow in each performance and 50 pounds of dry ice to make fog — and myriad large set pieces. Performances: Nov. 28 through Dec. 27, afternoons and evenings. Tickets: $30 to $155, coloradoballet.org or call 303-837-8888. Ballet Ariel presents its production of “The Nutcracker” with seven performances at Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood from Dec. 12-21. Ballet Ariel, founded by Ilena Norton, is in its 17th season. It features 12 professional dancers plus students, all beautifully costumed. Performances are at 2 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20, 21; 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 19. Tickets cost $35/$30/$25, Lakewood.org, 303-987-7845.

•

Classical Ballet of Colorado’s production of “The Nutcracker” is presented by Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree. Five performances: 7 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 6; 2 p.m. Dec. 5, 6. Tickets: lonetreeartscenter.org, 720-509-1000.

•

Littleton Youth Ballet will present “The Nutcracker” at the Theater at Colorado Heights University, (formerly Loretto Heights), 3001 S. Federal Blvd., Denver. Performances: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 5; 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Dec. 6. Tickets $18 to $26 advance: 303-794-6694. Littletonyouthballet.org. (Littleton Dance Academy has bought a building at 1169 W. Littleton Blvd. as a new home.)

•

Colorado School of Dance in Parker will present “Nutcracker of Parker” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 17, 18 and 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 19, 20. At the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Parkerarts.org, 303-805-6800.

• Dec. 11-13 — Voices West: “Carols by Candlelight” at 7 p.m. Dec. 11, 12 at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 1401 Dry Creek Road, Centennial; 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 10001 W. 58th Ave., Arvada. Tickets: voiceswest.org.

Dana Benton as Clara in the Colorado Ballet production of “The Nutcracker.” Courtesy photo

•

Children’s Theater — “The Story of the Nutcracker” is presented by Miners Alley Theatre, 2400 Washington Ave., Golden, through Dec. 19. Adapted by Rory Pierce from E.T.A. Hoffman’s book. (Pierce led children’s theater for 20 years at Heritage Square Music Hall and is founding the Miners Alley Childrens Theatre.) Performances at 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets: $10, minersalley.com, 303-935-3044.

Theater •

Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” plays through Dec. 23 at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 1 p.m. Wednesdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets: arvadacenter. org, 720-898-7200.

•

“A Christmas Carol” plays through Dec. 27 at the Denver Center Theatre Company’s Stage Theatre at Speer Boulevard. and Arapahoe Street., Denver. Tickets: 303-893-4100, denvercenter.org.

•

“A Tuna Christmas” plays through Dec. 20 at Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Ave., Golden. Meet the residents of Tuna, Texas through Christian Mast and Seth Maisel. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: 303-935-3044, minersalley.com.

•

“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” plays through Dec. 27 at Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton Street, Aurora. Performances: 7:30 Fridays, Saturdays, Thursdays Dec. 17, 22; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; 6:30 Sunday, Dec. 27. Tickets: vintage theatre.org, 303-856-7830.

•

“Ring-a-Ding Christmas (A Crooner Holiday Revue)” plays in a World Premiere through Dec. 19 at Firehouse Theater Company, John Hand Theater, 7653 E. First Place, Denver. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: 303-562-3232, firehousetheatercompany.com

Music everywhere •

Dec. 4 — Littleton Symphony presents “A Littleton Symphony Family Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Tickets: $18/$15, littletonsymphony.org, Gorsett Violin Shop, 8100 S. Quebec, Centennial.

•

Dec. 4, 5 — Timothy P and the Rocky Mountain Stocking Stuffers at Lakewood Cultural center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood. Original music and holiday favorites. Tickets: Lakewood.org, 303-987-7845.

•

Dec. 5 — Denver Brass: “Holiday Brass Fest at the Denver Center For Performing Arts Galleria. 1 p.m. Free.“I’ll be Home For Christmas,” at 7:30 p.m. Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden, Cherry Hills Village. Free, donation welcome. December 19 (2 and 7:30 p.m.), 20 (2 p.m.), with the Legacy Quartet at the Newman Center; tickets: denverbrass.org.

•

Dec. 5 — Colorado Wind Ensemble: “Sound the Bells” with soprano Michelle Thompson at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Tickets: coloradowindensemble.org.

Dec. 11 — “Holiday Fireworks” with the Arapahoe Philharmonic will be at 7:30 p.m. at Mission Hills Church, 620 Southpark Drive, Littleton. Tickets: Arapahoe-phil.org, 303-794-3564.

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2015 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS November 26, 2015

THINGS TO DO for the

Continued from page 23

PARKER Mayor’s Holiday Lighting The Mayor’s Holiday Lighting gets the season in full swing the evening after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, at O’Brien Park, 10795 Victorian Drive, Parker. Festive holiday entertainment starts at 5 p.m., with Mayor Mike Waid and town council on hand, before the big lighting at 6 p.m. Coffee, hot chocolate and roasted nuts are available for purchase. Call 303-805-3253. Christmas Carriage Parade At noon, Saturday, Dec. 12 in downtown Parker, the annual equestrian parade begins. The parade, free for spectators, is made up of dozens of horsedrawn carriages, wagons, surreys and stagecoaches from across Colorado, all dressed up for the occasion. Spectators can also come early and stay after the parade to enjoy holiday ice sculpting and a petting zoo and pony rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Home for the Holidays Winter Market will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and pictures with Santa are $5, cash only from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturdays with Santa in Olde TOwn Square

Lagniappe!

Join us for lagniappe on Tuesday, december 1st from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Olde Town Square The Arvada Chorale will perform at 5:30 p.m. The Mayor will light the tree at 6:00 p.m. Children can visit with Santa in the library and also enjoy carriage rides and FREE hot chocolate throughout the evening.

Head to Olde Town arvada for your chance to visit Santa between noon and 3 p.m. on the following Saturdays:

• • • •

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28 5 12 19

For more information: 720‑898‑3380 or www.visitarvada.org A professional photographer will not be available – please bring your cameras!

THORNTON Winterfest Watch holiday lights light up, ice skate and participate in a tree-decorating contest. Dec. 11, from 6:30-9 p.m.; Dec. 12, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Dec. 13, 5-9 p.m. at the Carpenter Park Fields, 108th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.

WESTMINSTER

Make the season bright!

Santa’s Shop Craft Fair Low-price items will be for sale, so even kids can shop for all the special people on their list. Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon at City Park Recreation Center, 10455 Sheridan Boulevard. Holiday Lighting Ceremony Watch City Hall illuminate with music, hayrides, a bon fire and a visit from Santa. Dec. 5, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. City Hall, 4800 W. 92nd Ave.

NOVEMBER 27 – JANUARY 2

Winter Solstice and Ice Lantern event Come find out all about the winter solstice around a campfire and learn how to make your own ice lanterns to light up this special day. Bring your own mug to sip on some hot chocolate! Register at the City of Westminster Activity Registration webpage, www.ci.westminster.co.us/OnlineServices/ ParksRecreation.aspx. Ages 8-11. Cost is $3 per person. Class is limited to 10 spaces. Dec. 19, 4-5 p.m. At the Standley Lake Regional Park, 100th Avenue and Simms Street.

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WHEAT RIDGE Wheat Ridge 2015 holiday celebration Saturday, Dec. 5 from 3 to 7 p.m. At Stevens Elementary, West 38th Place. Free. A collaboration between the City of Wheat Ridge and Ridge at 38 for the official tree lighting, this community-focused event features Santa, storefront decorating, crafts for the kids, free hot cocoa and cookies, free horse drawn carriage rides, food vendors, live holiday performances, carolers, candy cane necklace souvenirs and holiday festivities. For more information, call 720-259-1030 or visit www.ridgeat38.com.

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